News from around the 32 counties of Ireland

Down

Ireland's biggest traditional music festival could be heading north of the border for the first time. Organisers of the Fleadh Cheoil — currently celebrating its 60th anniversary — have revealed that the week-long event may be making its way to Derry to coincide with its stint as UK city of culture in 2013. And with the North West economy set to receive an income boost to the tune of €30m (£24.6m), local officials have given the idea a warm welcome.

(Source: Belfast Telegraph)

Dublin

Singer Alexandra Burke splashed the cash in Dublin last week when she jetted into town to perform at the Summer Blowout festival at Dandelion.The Herald can reveal how the 2008 X Factor winner and a group of dancers splurged on a shopping spree at exclusive Clarendon Street store Coco boutique just hours before she was due to take to the stage at the St Stephen's Green club on Wednesday.

(Source: The Evening Hearld)

Fermanagh

Retired RUC officer James McBryde could have been forgiven for giving up on ever having his poems and short stories published in his own book. But ever is a long time and instead, James, who is just weeks short of his 99th birthday, is reciting 60-year-old verses from a shiny new copy of his collection entitled Off the Beaten Track from his residence in Drumragh Nursing Home in Omagh With the help of Omagh Open Door Poetry Group, James is preparing to officially launch his book next week, and clearly relishes the opportunity to recall the many vivid memories of serving in the RUC throughout the rural landscape of Fermanagh.

(Source: Fermanagh Today)

Galway

Galway County Council has given the go ahead to convert 12 acres of land near Gort to use for paintballing. Planners have granted planning permission to convert the Coillte forest at Carrowgarriff for paintballing use, portable cabins, a changing area, and carpark.This is despite concerns from locals in the area about the impact of such a development.

(Source: GalwayBay Fm)

Kildare

Rose of Tralee Charmaine Kenny felt the tug of the long arm of the law when she paid an official visit to Athy Garda Station last week. In one of her last official duties as her reign draws to a close Charmaine was welcomed on behalf of the gardaí, the civilian staff and the clerical officers, as well as children of those who work at the station by Sergeant James Bergin. Sergeant Bergin told the Kildare Nationalist about the honour it was to have Charamine at the station as a guest.

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Nster.com