News from around the 32 Irish counties

ANTRIM
Police were last week testing suspected component bomb parts found abandoned in a van in south Armagh as speculation grew they have foiled a dissident plot to bring a massive amount of explosives into Northern Ireland.  An unidentified “granular” substance found packed into barrels and drums is being examined by forensic experts following a long-running security alert south of Newry. It is believed the components could potentially have been used to make a 1,000lb bomb or a number of smaller devices.
(Source: The Belfast Telegraph)  

 
CARLOW
Three staff at Ong’s Chinese takeaway in Leighlinbridge was forced to brave cooler weather conditions than most of us this Christmas after they were ordered into a walk-in freezer by an armed raider on Monday night last.  The robbery at the popular Leighlinbridge eatery occurred at around 10pm when the lone raider entered the premises through the back door. The man, who is described as being in his early 20s, is of slim build and was wearing a balaclava-type head piece, black hoodie and black jeans. He was also in possession of what gardaí believed was a firearm. After demanding money from the staff, he ordered the three male members of staff into the freezer.
(Source: The Carlow Nationalist)

CAVAN
Killinkere has once again been plunged into grief following the sudden death of 24-year-old Tommie Michael Clarke of Granafarna, Grousehall, Bailieborough. Tommie was taken to Cavan General Hospital after being found on Main Street, Virginia at about 1.30am on December 27. The results of a post mortem have not yet been released, but gardaí in Virginia, who went to the scene on Main Street after receiving a phone call to alert them, said it was being treated as "a sudden death". Tommie, who was a popular member of Killinkere GAA Club, leaves behind his heartbroken parents Philip and Kathleen, brothers James and Pat, sister Ann Marie and other family members including two grandmothers.
(Source: The Anglo Celt)

CLARE
A 77-year-old man was airlifted to hospital late last Thursday night following a search which was launched after he had been reported missing. The man was feeding livestock on his farm at Ballymacloon near the village of Quin about 13 kilometers from Ennis. The man was found lying in a drain from which he was apparently unable to free himself. A neighbor reported the man missing. Gardaí (police), assisted by members of Clare Civil Defense and locals, went to the scene and began a search for the missing farmer. The crew of the rescue aircraft located the missing man within half an hour using its high-tech forward looking infra-red (FLIR) equipment which can be used to see in total darkness.
(Source: The Irish Times)

DERRY
Derry City’s new chairman, Philip O'Doherty, has issued an upbeat New Year's message to fans of the "Candy Stripes," insisting that great progress has been made off the pitch since the Board of Directors took office just a few weeks ago. He also expressed his disappointment at the decision of a number of local players who have decided to move on to join other clubs.
Mr. O'Doherty confirmed that Derry City's new kit sponsors for next season would be the international brand, Hummel, who sponsored Cork City last season and he also had good news in relation to a new major sponsor of the Brandywell club.
(Source: The Derry Journal)

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