News from around the 32 counties of Ireland

Police in Northern Ireland are keeping a wary eye for signs of trouble during the Orange marching season, which is in full swing and will reach its traditional climax on July 12.

Although tensions are generally lower than in previous parading seasons, recent rioting around the Short Strand area of east Belfast has served as a reminder that trouble can flare unexpectedly.

In Co Tyrone, police condemned dissident republicans who left a pipebomb near a play park in Strabane. The device, described as viable, was found last Thursday after police received a telephone warning that a device thrown at the town's police station last Wednesday had failed to explode.
(Source: Belfast Telegraph)

Waterford

For the second time in his political career Labour’s Cllr Pat Hayes donned the mayoral robes as he became Waterford’s first citizen. He last had the honor in 1999/2000.

Speaking in City Hall last Monday Mayor Hayes, who was first elected to Waterford City Council in 1991, said it was an honor to find himself in the role for a second time after his nomination was accepted by all but two councilors, Cllr Davy Walsh and Cllr Dick Roche.

He credited Cllr Mary Roche with being an "outstanding mayor" who put all her energy into the role despite having a young family to care for at the same time.

"Cllr Roche has raised the bar, the problem is it’s so high I can’t see it. I want to acknowledge her ground breaking work in economic development and I hope she continues with that work," he said, adding that he hoped to progress the work she has started.

Mayor Hayes was proposed by Cllr Jack Walsh who said he had confidence in his colleagues ability to fulfil the role in a manner that will reflect well on the City and its people.
(Source: Waterford News $ Star)

Westmeath

The community of Moate is reeling from the shock of the news that Moate native Clive O'Dowd has died in Thailand.

Clive, who was in his 30s, passed away last Monday in Thailand. It is understood he was holidaying in Thailand and had been living in New Zealand.

He is survived by his parents Noel and Marie, who live on Station Road, Moate. Clive is also survived by his siblings Keith and Hazel.

His brother Keith paid tribute to his brother on his Facebook page, saying: "Goodnight Clive my lovely brother. RIP. We will never forget you, God is with you now."
(Source: Westmeath Independent)

Wexford

A seven-year-old boy has died after being hit by a jeep as he chased his dog across a road.
The child, who was named locally as Tom Connors, was struck on the Main Street in Clonroche, Co Wexford, last week, on the first day of his summer holidays.

His death was one of three on the roads last week.

The child was from Canon Murphy Park, Clonroche, Co Wexford, and a member of a settled Traveling family. The accident occurred on the road opposite the housing estate where the child lived with his family.

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Nster.com