News from around the 32 counties of Ireland

(Source: 4NI.co.uk)

Donegal

Donegal's newest country music sensation, 10-year-old Simon Donegan, has just returned from a triumphant performance in Nashville. Simon, who has been described as "Ireland's next Daniel O'Donnell" was invited to perform for millions of listeners across the US on the Midnight Jamboree radio show. Despite only starting to sing within the last two years, Simon, who goes by the professional name Simon Peters, has already built up a glittering career.

(Source: Donegal Democrat)

Down

County Down teenager Eoin Monaghan is to become one of the youngest contestants to reach the final of TV quiz Countdown. The 14-year-old, who attends Abbey Grammar School, made it to the final of the Channel 4 show after beating off stiff competition in earlier rounds. Eoin was the second seed on the cult TV show which is hosted by Jeff Stelling. Mr Stelling labelled Eoin a "boy wonder" after his performances on the show.

(Source: BBC News Northern Ireland)

Dublin

Gardai have taken out a major distribution network for crack cocaine and heroin and arrested 45 people after officers went undercover in Dublin. Operation Marshall — a covert operation lasting six months — targeted on-street supply and distribution right across Dublin's inner city, but primarily the south-inner city. Gardai infiltrated the gangs across the supply line building files of evidence. Last Wednesday and Thursday officers went after their targets with the arrest of 45 people.

(Source: Belfast Telegraph)

Fermanagh

Three men from Northern Ireland have been jailed for IRA membership. Gerard McGarrigle, 46, from Mount Carmel Heights in Strabane was sentenced to five years in prison. Desmond Donnelly, 58, from Drumall, Lisnarick, Fermanagh and Jim Murphy, 63, from Floraville in Enniskillen, were given three years and nine months. They were arrested in February after Irish police received a tip-off that dissident republicans were about to carry out a tiger kidnapping. They had denied membership of an illegal organization but were convicted last month.

​
Nster.com