News from around the 32 counties of Ireland

(Source: The Sligo Champion)

 

TIPPERARY

Kevin Rudd, the Australian Prime Minister, in a recent speech stated that his Irish ancestors were from Ballingarry parish, about which he had much to say. They were Owen Cashin and Johanna Maher, both from Gragaugh. Should the Prime Minister make an official visit to Ireland during his tenure in office, the local historical Ballingarry 1848 Committee have invited him to visit Ballingarry, the parish of his ancestors, and to visit Famine Warhouse 1848 with its strong Australian connection.

(Source: The Tipperary Star)

 

TYRONE

The British government has expressed its "deep regret" at the death of an Aughnacloy man shot at an army checkpoint over 20 years ago. Aidan McAnespie, 24, who had no criminal record, was shot by a soldier as he walked through a border checkpoint at Aughnacloy in 1988. Secretary of State Shaun Woodward acknowledged the "pain and suffering" of Mr. McAnespie's parents. Una McCabe, a niece of Aidan's, said the statement had given her family a form of 'closure'.

(Source: The Tyrone Times)

 

WATERFORD

Funding cuts are threatening to close the renowned St. Brigid’s Family Center in the city thereby scrapping essential counseling and support services for hundreds of people.

Director of the facility, Dick Hickey, has warned St. Brigid’s, along with the Sacred Heart Centre on the Old Tramore Road, will shut down if a recommendation by An Bord Snip Nua to abolish the Family Support Agency goes ahead.

(Source: Waterford News & Star)

 

WESTMEATH

The death has taken place of one of Athlone's most popular and well-regarded native sons.

Frank Young of Carrickobrien, Athlone, passed away on Monday last. A native of the town, Frank was a son of the late William and Winifred Young, Retreat House, Athlone. A retired farmer, Frank was a noted figure in agricultural circles and possessed a deep passion for GAA and in particular, hurling. A compassionate and humanitarian man, he was the driving force behind the Athlone Families Together group formed in Athlone following the controversial deportations of two Nigerian families. Frank, who had a Masters in Agricultural Science, had a long and successful career with Teagasc as an Agricultural Advisor in the South Roscommon area and was always keen to promote the agricultural industry to the younger generation.

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Nster.com