News from around the 32 Irish counties

WATERFORD
St Bridget's Family and Community Center and Waterford Institute of Technology are some Waterford organizations to receive Government Dormant Accounts Funding welcomed by Waterford's Minister Martin Cullen TD.  Waterford organizations will receive €180,000 under the end-of-year round of this Fund, which aims to revitalize communities throughout the country through planning, investment and development (RAPID).
(Source: Waterford Today)

WESTMEATH
Mullingar has got a serious "thumbs up" from one of its best known natives last week, Ryanair boss, Michael O'Leary. But, he says, the town has suffered from a lack of political influence. In a wide-ranging interview with a local paper just days before Christmas, Mr. O'Leary touched on his career ambitions, his life in Mullingar - and on where he sees Ryanair going. And he has tipped local TD Willie Penrose as a possible minister in the next Government. A native of Mullingar, Mr. O'Leary says he is very proud of the town.
(Source: The Westmeath Examiner)

WEXFORD
Worshippers attending the Christmas Day service at St. Mary's Church of Ireland church in Enniscorthy had some very distinguished, unexpected visitors in their midst on Friday last. Church warden Ken Leech opened the church door to a gentleman wearing a dark coat and the trademark glasses of Ireland's best-known rock singer. The stranger was accompanied by his wife, two children and his father-in-law who all took their place without fuss in a pew among the congregation of 94. Word was relayed to Archdeacon Chris Long that Bono and family were in the church, all unannounced, but the Rector did not quite believe it until he spotted him during his sermon. Yes, it really was Paul Hewson (also known as Bono), Ali Hewson, along with their children and Ali's father who has a house in the Scarawalsh area.
(Source: The Wexford People)

WICKLOW
Even Christmas Day didn't provide any respite for the crews of the Wicklow's Mountain Rescue Teams as they responded to no less than four call outs. The first call for the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue and the Dublin/Wicklow Mountain Rescue teams arrived bright and early at 4.15 a.m. on Christmas morning after recovery services were unable to come to the assistance of a couple who had been stranded at the remote Featherbeds area of the Dublin/Wicklow Mountains. Icy conditions meant the high mountain roads were hazardous.
(Source: The Wicklow People)

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