News from around the 32 counties of Ireland

Limerick

Kieran Ryan, 26, of Craeval Park, Moyross and Eddie Ryan, 27, of College Avenue, Moyross pleaded guilty to suspicious possession of a high-powered pistol and 15 rounds of ammunition at Carrigmartin near Ballyneety on May 26 last.

The weapon and ammunition were seized when gardai stopped and searched a car following a surveillence operation in the area.

Limerick Circuit Court was told a member of the Emergency Response Unit sustained serious facial injuries as the men were being arrested.
(Source:Limerick Leader)

Longford

Four men working on the roof of the Cathedral became have-a-go heroes when they apprehended a mugger and kept him secure until the Gardai arrived on the scene last week.

The drama began with an elderly local woman walking along St Mel's Road when a man came from behind her and pushed her to the ground.

He then snatched her handbag and attempted to make his escape. However Niall Headen from Abbeyleix, who was working on the temporary roof of St Mel's Cathedral had a bird's eye view of what was happening, and was determined not to let the man get away.
(Source:Longford Leader)

Louth

A prominent republican facing tax evasion charges had his case moved back until December  as he continues a long-running battle to stop his trial.

Thomas “Slab” Murphy appeared in Dublin’s Special Criminal Court over nine charges which were first brought against him nearly three years ago.

The alleged former IRA chief of staff is taking legal action against the State in the High Court because he was sent for trial to the special three-judge, non-jury court.

The court usually deals with terrorism-related offences, but the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) can decide if an ordinary court is not adequate to deal with a case.

Tony McGillicuddy, for Mr Murphy, told the court his team needs time to prepare relevant applications after receiving the state’s defence in relation to the constitution challenge.

Mr Justice Paul Butler, presiding, set a date of December 21st for the next mention of the case.

Mr Murphy, of Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, Co Louth, also had the conditions of his bail altered with the agreement of the DPP.
(Source:Irish Times)

Mayo

Armed with hooks, saws and machetes and a couple of gallons of ‘round-up’, volunteers from all over Europe and Ireland have travelled to Achill Island to try to eradicate the Gunnera plant which grown wild over large tracts of land.

A project to control the Gunnera or ‘wild rhubarb’ as it is known on the island began with volunteers working with the local community in an effort to get rid of the alien invasive plant. The project which will last for two weeks follows on from the success of a pilot initiative by Mayo County Council and the National Botanic Gardens to control Gunnera on Clare Island.

The volunteers are being led by Andy Booth of Conservation Services which provides volunteers for environmental services projects throughout Ireland. Speaking to The Mayo News he admitted that trying to eradicate the Gunnera from Achill is a daunting task.
(Source:Mayo News)

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Nster.com