News from around the 32 counties of Ireland

Antrim

Antrim has been named the first Fairtrade Borough in Northern Ireland for reaching a high standard of support for farmers in developing countries. Dozens of retailers and caterers threw themselves into the bid, going over and above the basic requirements to help farmers and workers across the globe get a fair return. Paul Holly, assistant director of operational services with Antrim Borough Council, said: “We are delighted to have received this award, especially as we are the first in Northern Ireland to have done so.
(Source: Belfast Telegraph)

Armagh

Almost 40 jobs are being created thanks to a new multi-million pound technology centre in Co Armagh. MITIE, a leading FTSE 250 outsourcing company with 56,000 employees, is building the centre in Lurgan to support its security systems across the UK and beyond. When completed in March 2011, the facility will be the most advanced non-military installation in the UK providing remote monitoring of CCTV and alarm systems, vehicle tracking, lone worker support, helpdesks and screening and vetting services.
(Source: Belfast Telegraph)

Carlow

Carlow volunteers went above and beyond the call of duty last week for the fourth annual national day of volunteering. Men, women and children across the county put on their ‘Good Samaritan’ hats and took part in the huge variety of helpful activities. The window of Shaw’s Department Store on Tullow Street came alive for a few hours as people took part in ‘the big knit’. Over 100 little hats were knitted for Innocent Smoothie bottles, with 25c going to Age Action Ireland from each hat.
(Source: The Carlow Nationalist)

Cavan

A 21-year-old beauty from west Cavan has made it to the last five out of 25,000 applicants to be the Face of Ireland 2010. Flying the Cavan flag in the Face of Ireland modeling competition is Fiona Mawn from Correvan, Blacklion. She's hoping to succeed the reigning Face of Ireland - another Cavan girl, Heather McArdle from Cootehill.
(Source: The Angle Celt)

Clare

Kilkee lost its coveted Blue Flag status for a week in August. The removal of the Blue Flag, which is an international environmental award made to beaches and marinas that demonstrate good environmental standards and good sanitary and safety facilities, followed a test which was carried out on August 9 by An Taisce. Blue Flag status was subsequently restored a week later.
(Source: The Clare Champion)

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Nster.com