News from around the 32 Irish counties

LIMERICK
Nobody knows what 2010 will bring but who could possibly have imagined, this time last year, what lay in store in 2009? A year ago fashion stylist Celia Holman Lee told the Limerick Leader that her New Year's Resolution was to take things a little easier and enjoy some time for herself.  As we look ahead to 2010, Ms Holman Lee's New Year's resolution has changed as dramatically as the economy did in 2009.  "All that is gone out the window now with the way things have gone," she admitted, "so I'd say I'll be working as hard as I've ever worked rather than actually thinking of retiring."
(Source: The Limerick Leader)

LOUTH
Nearly 200 people attended the emergency department of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital since December 24th with a series of injuries, many as a result of falls due to the freezing conditions. A HSE spokesperson confirmed that approx 180 presentations were made at the emergency department at the hospital following 'falls and slips' according to the press office. Meanwhile, Mayor of Drogheda Michael O'Dowd admitted many residents became ' prisoners in their own homes' over the Christmas period as the lack of gritting left conditions on footpaths too dangerous for use.
(Source: The Drogheda Independent)

MAYO
A consultation process has begun in Westport on the number of Masses celebrated weekly in St Mary’s Church, Drummin Church and Lecanvey Church. Each week about 26 Masses are celebrated across the three churches but with the reduction in priest numbers in recent times this number, which does not take account of funeral, wedding and school Masses, is likely to reduce quite dramatically early in 2010. Archbishop Michael Neary has pointed out on numerous occasions; the number of priests available to work in parishes across the diocese has declined dramatically in recent years.
(Source: Mayo News)

MEATH
A last-minute shopping surge two weeks ago provided a much-needed boost for Meath businesses who reported a relatively busy festive season, but a reduced spend by shoppers. In Navan, traders were upbeat despite the fact that many experienced a fall-off in business this year - but many said the spending reduction wasn't as bad as they had feared.
(Source: The Meath Chronicle)

OFFALY
The number of bus services in Offaly is likely to be significantly reduced in the new year after the Labor Court largely backed a series cost-cutting measures proposed by Bus Éireann.  Following a hearing last month, the Labor Court recommended some changes to the company's proposed measures but ultimately backed its plan to cut routes and take 150 vehicles out of service. It's understood that Bus Éireann is proposing cuts to four of its routes serving towns in Offaly.
(Source: The Offaly Independent)

SLIGO
The funeral took place last Wednesday of John Ryan, Upper Rosses, Rosses Point, one of Sligo's best known and respected businessmen who died peacefully at Sligo General Hospital on Sunday last. John entered the auctioneering business in 1968 in accommodation above the shop, one of only a small number of auctioneers in Sligo at the time. In conjunction with Edmund Farrell senior who was in charge of Irish Permanent in Dublin, Mr. Ryan introduced the Irish Permanent to Sligo for the first time. Another of his business interests was the White House Hostel on Markievicz Road and he was also a former Director of the Southern Hotel in the early 1980's. The late Mr. Ryan also had a keen involvement in music and was founder member of the Sligo Choral Festival.
(Source: The Sligo Champion)

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