News from around the 32 counties of Ireland

Mayo

An Achill man struck Dáil Eireann once again on the day of the Budget. Joe McNamara (41) who is originally from Achill, drove his cherry picker down Kildare St in Dublin early last Tuesday and hoisted his placard-covered crane up at least 50 feet over the Dail Eireann gates. The crane he drove through the capital had slogans glued to its side that read “Winner - Dermot Ahern €310,000 payoff: 4 million pension - The losers: Minimum wage; the sick and elderly; the students; welfare.”
(Source: The Mayo News)

Meath

The Kells Pink Ribbon Walk committee handed over a cheque for €75,000 to Action Breast Cancer at a presentation ceremony in the Headfort Arms Hotel recently. The money was raised by over 600 runners and walkers who took part in the second annual Kells Pink Ribbon Walk at Drewstown House on 11th September, 2010. “We are so proud of the achievement of the Kells Pink Ribbon Walkers who raised this fantastic amount of money in very challenging economic times,” according to Penny McGowan, Pink Ribbon Walk committee chairperson.
(Source: The Meath Chronicle)

Monaghan

The army barracks in Monaghan, which closed last year, is to be turned into a state-of-the art education campus under plans to be unveiled this week. The barracks, on the outskirts of the town, closed in January 2009, after more than 32 years of Army service in the Border county. It was the first of four barracks to close in a cost-saving measure announced in the budget. Lifford, Letterkenny and Longford also closed, amid protests from soldiers’ families and the local communities.
(Source: Monaghan Times)

Offaly

The cold weather has even had an effect on crime in Tullamore last week. Gardai recorded last week as the quietest week of the year crimewise. With just two arrests for public order and burglary and five for shoplifting over the weekend, it seems the icy weather has kept would be offenders indoors. In direct contrast Gardai had recorded the busiest week of the year crimewise the week before.
(Source: Offaly Express)

Roscommon

There may be appeals to shop local this Christmas, but when it comes to looking for a spouse Roscommon people are looking outside of the county for a partner, according to the statistics for 2007 from the Central Statistics Office people in Roscommon are less likely to marry someone from the same county.
(Source: The Roscommon Hearld)

Sligo

Focus Ireland has launched a new hard-hitting campaign which aims to help boost the charity's drive to raise funds vital to ensure its services in Sligo can cope with the growing demand for support from people who are homeless and others at risk of losing their homes. The campaign also aims to help galvanise support for more urgent action to combat and prevent homelessness in Ireland. The new public awareness and fundraising campaign features outdoor billboard and radio ads.
(Source: The Sligo Weekender)

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