News from around the 32 counties of Ireland

Along with young people from over thirty countries, the group will take part in Sail Training International's Sail Training programme, which will take them on their race journey on August 1st from Kristiansand in Norway to Hartlepool in the UK.

Becoming a crew member on one of the ships is not only a fantastic adventure, but is also seen as hugely positive in the personal development of those taking part. Being part of the crew will take plenty of discipline and hard work, but lifelong friendships will be forged and there is plenty of fun to be had on board.

Waterford City Council has sponsored half of the voyage costs for each trainee for 2010. Mayor of Waterford, Cllr. Mary Roche who is a staunch supporter of the sail training programme for young people said, "We recognise the sail training programme and the development of young people as among the most important aspects of The Tall Ships Races. Supporting Irish sail trainees in 2010 marks our commitment to sail training and indeed, the return of the Tall Ships Races to Waterford in 2011."
(Source:Waterford Today)

Westmeath

A 61-year-old woman has been sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of murdering her husband at their Westmeath home 23 years ago.

Vera McGrath had pleaded not guilty to murdering 43-year-old Bernard McGrath in Lower Coole between March 10th and April 18th, 1987. She admitted hitting him once during the killing and being involved in the burial, digging up, burning, chopping and reburial of his body.

On Friday, the Central Criminal Court jury found her former son-in-law Colin Pinder (47) of Liverpool guilty of Mr McGrath’s manslaughter but cleared him of murder. The jury deliberated for another five hours, on the 27th day of the trial, before reaching a majority verdict of 10 to one.
(Source:Irish Times)

Wexford

The south-east region could soon see a second airport in the region if proposed plans by Wexford council go ahead.

Plans for the development of the international airport in County Wexford are to be brought before Wexford's councillors and TDs in the coming weeks.

Paschal Taggart, former Chair of Bord na gCon is heading the consortium behind the plans, which have arrived as somewhat of a shock for the region.

Mr Taggat's consortium had previously forwarded plans for a new Dublin South airport before the announcement they would consider developing in North Wexford if suitable land in South Wicklow was not located.
(Source:Build.ie)

Wicklow

Gardaí are continuing to examine a wooded area in Co Wicklow where a human skull was discovered.
The skull, believed to be that of a man, was found at Ballyfolan, near Manor Kilbride outside Blessington.

​
Nster.com