News from Ireland - news from around the 32 counties

What's going on in news around Ireland

KERRY

Kerry Group, the phenomenally successful home-grown company is always a winner, and could even be ranked among the winners of the decade.

But the firm secured another successful P.R. coup this year when it announced that it would house its Global Technology and Innovation Centre in County Kildare, with the creation of 900 jobs.

It couldn’t have asked for better publicity as Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore, Jobs Minister Richard Bruton and Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney appeared with Kerry Chief Stan McCarthy at a press conference unveiling the project, and the massive jobs boost.
[Source: Irish Independent]

KILDARE

Kildare hurling was in crisis last week after senior county manager Willie Sunderland and his entire backroom team stepped down.

Sunderland, who took charge in 2011 and guided the team to a Division 2B title earlier this year, announced his decision to resign in the dressing room following training on Friday night, December 21.

"I don't feel too good about it," Sunderland told the Sunday Independent. "I feel really sad and very sorry for the 25-30 players that are putting in a serious effort for me and for Kildare.

"But there have been cracks in the whole link with the county board for the past few months and they have widened to an extent that I feel I'm just not in control of the team anymore.”
[Source: Irish Independent]

KILKENNY

Four Kilkenny students were awarded an All-Ireland Scholarship toward their third level education last month.

The awards ceremony took place at University of Limerick where former U.S. President Bill Clinton and sponsor J.P. McManus presented the awards. A total of 125 students from both the north and south of Ireland were presented with a third level scholarship certificate.

This is the fifth year for the scholarships. Sponsored by J.P. McManus, the scheme is set to provide financial assistance to many high achieving students who completed their Leaving Certificate or A Levels in 2012.

The winning students were Luke Kelly, Castlecomer Community School; Kyryll Chulak, C.B.S. Kilkenny; Rebecca Lucey, Presentation Secondary School; Miodrag Ignjatovic, St. Kieran’s College.
[Source: Kilkenny People]

LAOIS

The Abbey Court estate in Portlaoise will soon be completed, with the county council giving a commitment to have all works finished off early in 2013.

In a letter received by Portlaoise Town Council from Carmel McNicholl of the planning and economic development department, it was confirmed that works were due to commence in the estate on December 3. The works are being carried out by a contractor appointed by the bond company, but will be supervised by Laois County Council technical staff. It is expected that the works will take approximately six weeks.

“I’m pleased at long last,” said Clr. Jerry Lodge. “These things are dragged out by all parties involved.”
[Source: Leinster Express]

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Nster.com