Antrim

Antrim Hospital is fighting for its very survival and, according to a secret internal trust paper, the outlook may be grim. The hospital, which opened only 18 years ago, may now be facing the wrecking ball to make way for a new super facility in Ballymena.

“The location of Antrim Area Hospital is not the most centrally located position to serve the whole of the Trust area and a new location would better meet the needs of the area in a more equitable way."
(Source: Antrim Guardian)

Armagh

The father of Recep Cetin, the Turkish man accused of killing two Co. Down women on holiday last August, has been charged with their murder.

Marion Graham and Kathy Dinsmore were brutally murdered 60 miles from their holiday apartment in Kusadasi sending shockwaves throughout Newry and Mourne. The lawyer for the Graham and Dinsmore families traveled to Newry to update them on the new development in the case.

Eyup Cetin will remain in custody until a hearing on June 20th.
(Source: Examiner Newspaper)

Carlow

A foreign national was charged with cultivation of drugs, unlawful possession and possession of drugs for sale or supply following the discovery of over a quarter of a million dollars worth of cannabis plants in Old Leighlin.

Marcin Stesanski was arrested and charged after the seizure of over 300 cannabis plants, with an estimated street value of over $300,000, were found in various stages of growth at his home.

Mr. Stesanski was brought before a special sitting of Carlow District Court where bail was set. The defendant was remanded in custody to Cloverhill Prison.
(Source: Carlow Nationalist)

Cavan

The actions of firemen in Kingcourt have been hailed as "exceptional" in preventing loss of life or injury in the dramatic wake of an armed bank robbery on the Bank of Ireland branch in the town earlier in May. The traumatic events have also resulted in renewed calls for a patrol car to be put back in the east Cavan town immediately.

The robbers were in the bank for less than two minutes and pointed what were believed to be handguns at the staff as they demanded the cash. As they raced out of the bank with a substantial haul, they threw a device into a white van and it immediately went up in flames, spreading to three other vehicles.
(Source: Anglo Celt)

Clare

A “significant” drop in staffing levels in local authorities in Clare means “it is becoming increasingly difficult to provide and maintain a service” according to Councilor Richard Nagle. He is now calling on Government to consider removing the embargo on employment of public sector staff, particularly with regard to outdoor staff in the road and water services sectors.

The number of people working for Clare County Council has dropped by more than 13% in the last five years.

“With the embargo in place it has not been possible to replace any of the staff who have retired,” said Nagle. “Combined with that is a decrease in funding for maintenance, so the amount of money available for [maintaining] of roads has decreased. As roads deteriorate there are more repairs required.”
(Source: Clare Champion)

Cork

Public health doctors in the HSE South are urging parents to ensure their children are protected against measles following a recent outbreak of the disease in West Cork.

The outbreak is predominantly affecting teenagers and, in the last four weeks, 25 measles cases have been reported. The majority of notified cases have been in the 12-18 years age group with the oldest case reported being 18 years of age. No deaths have occurred and none of the teenagers were vaccinated.
(Source: Cork Independent)

Derry

British soldiers acted lawfully when they shot dead an IRA man in Derry nearly 40 years ago, a report has found.

The Historical Enquiries Team (HET) looked into the death of Seamus Bradley (19) who was shot four times in the Creggan area of the city during Operation Motorman in July 1972.

According to the report, if the soldiers were telling the truth about the shooting, they had operated within army rules and the law. Despite this revelation, the British government has not offered an official comment on the situation.
(Source: Derry Journal)

Donegal

A young Donegal man, who emerged as one of the top talents in the recent Opportunity Knocks competition in Donegal Town, recently won the national online singer/songwriter competition.

Deane Conaghan from Mountcharles attracted high praise from all the judges when he competed in the successful Central Hotel’s recent competition and was tipped as “one to watch.” In addition to the honor of being awarded Ireland’s best songwriter, Conaghan will also receive over $12,000 in prize money.
(Source: Donegal Democrat)

Down

A 22-year-old Northern Ireland woman has been questioned after a bag containing an axe and a sword was seized at Belfast International Airport.

The haul of weapons was uncovered after officers stopped and searched the baggage of a passenger arriving in Belfast from London, and who had traveled there from the USA.
(Source: Belfast Telegraph)

Dublin

A man has driven himself to a prison for help after he was injured in a gun attack in Dublin.

The shooting happened on Sarsfield Road, Ballyfermot, at about 11:10pm last Tuesday. The victim, a 32-year-old, was hit in the side of his body as he sat in a car outside Finnegan's pub. He drove himself to nearby Cloverhill Prison, where he called for help.

The car involved in the shooting has been seized for forensic examination.
(Source: Irish Independent)

Fermanagh

Bomb disposal officers removed a suspect package from an airport early last week.

The item was found on a small plane at St. Angelo - a small airport outside Enniskillen. The PSNI said the package was taken away by army technical officers for further examination.

There has been no official confirmation from the PSNI regarding what the package contained, but a spokeswoman this morning said it was not an explosive device.

The airport, which is close to a number of residential houses and a busy sawmill business, is mainly used by recreational fliers and private jets. The security alert saw the main Enniskillen to Kesh road closed for a period.
(Source: Irish Times)

Galway

After months of protest, the Occupy Galway camp was dismantled last week by the gardaí (police) and members of the Galway City Council.

The camp, which had been there for 215 days, was set up to signify a solidarity with the other “Occupy” protests throughout the US and Europe. However, the council said it was erected without consent, claiming that the camp was illegal and that the occupiers had refused to leave it in a voluntary manner.

The council has said that the camp needed to be cleared ahead of the Volvo Ocean Race which is due to take place in Galway in July.
(Source: Irish Times)

Kerry

Kerry County Council has admitted works it was carrying out in closing a rubbish hole at a large landfill site north of Tralee is responsible for a huge and sudden increase in the fly population in the area of Stacks Mountains, but it is denying it is responsible for the plague of flies in Tralee, 18kms from the landfill.

Tralee councillor Cathal Foley said businesses were unable to contain the assault by the flies and had lost a considerable amount of money as a result of having to throw out food.

He is seeking a detailed report from the council on the fly infestation caused by the works at the landfill site.

(Source: The Kerryman)

Kildare

A father and son escaped injury when a shot was fired at the front door of their home last week.
The normally quiet village of Suncroft was shattered by the sudden blast of gunfire at around 9.30pm on May 8.

The shot was aimed at the front door of a house in the Church View Estate, opposite the local parish church.

According to Sgt John Flaherty of Kildare Garda Station, the door of the property was damaged but the occupants of the house were uninjured in the attack. Investigations are currently ongoing.
(Source: Kildare Nationalist)

Kilkenny

Kilkenny man Garrett Byrne, chef and owner of Campagne estaurant, has been crowned Best Chef in Ireland at the Irish Restaurant Awards.

The awards ceremony was held on Monday night at Dublin’s Burlington Hotel. To cap off a perfect evening for Mr. Byrne, Campagne was also named Best Restaurant in Leinster.

“I was very surprised to get it, I really wasn’t expecting it,” said Mr. Byrne. “It hasn’t totally sunk in yet, but we’re absolutely thrilled.”

(Source: Kilkenny People)

Laois

A Portarlington man was ordered to work alongside the litter warden for seven days to find out what it’s like to have to clean up after his dumping when he appeared at Portlaoise District Court last week.

He appeared on two counts of disposing of waste in a manner likely to cause environmental harm at Corrig Glen, Station Road, Portarlington and at Kilcappagh Bog, Cloneygowan.

After her ruling, Judge Catherine Staines adjourned the case until June 15th, when she “wants a letter from Laois Co Council saying that he has completed seven days cleaning up rubbish. If he does that satisfactorily, he won’t go to jail.”
(Source: Laois Nationalist)

Leitrim

Gardai (police) in Carrick-on-Shannon are warning licensed premises to be aware that beer kegs are being stolen shortly after they are delivered at premises in the county.

They are urging people in the trade to be mindful of delivery times and to immediately move beer kegs into a secure place.

The people carrying out these thefts would need transport of a certain size to remove the kegs and people are asked to be aware of any suspicious activity and to report any concerns to their local Garda Station
(Source: Leitrim Observer)

Limerick

A forty-year-old man, who is charged in connection with an aggravated burglary in Pallasgreen last month, has been released from custody after he was granted bail by the High Court.

Christopher Stokes of St Anthony’s Park, Knocknaheeny in Cork city is accused of entering Sunville House, Pallasgreen shortly before 10pm on April 16th.

It is alleged the defendant - an unemployed married father-of-three - was one of four men who entered the house armed with a sawn-off shotgun, a baseball bat and a sledge hammer.

During the incident, two family members - including a teenage girl - were allegedly tied up during the incident while almost €10,000 worth sterling and dollars was allegedly stolen by the culprits.
(Source: Limerick Leader)

Longford

Longford Town Council has been allocated €208, 670 for a range of efficiency works for the swimming pool in Longford town.

In a statement, the Department of Transport said the money had been granted following an initial application by the Council under the local authority swimming pool scheme in which Longford was unsuccessful.

It is believed the money will go towards the installation of a wood pellet burner, more efficient lighting, and other energy usage and water consumption measures. At a recent sitting of Longford Town Council, Town Clerk Dan Rooney said the installation of a similar wood pellet heating system had saved other local authorities thousands in their heating bills.

(Source: Longford Leader)

Louth

Louth resident Colman Clerkin was among the 39 brave fundraisers who plummeted from 10,000 feet to raise money to help battle a rare genetic condition.

Clerkin suffers from Friedreichs Ataxia, a rare genetic disorder that affects balance and co-ordination.

“I was one of the many jumpers from Ireland that took part in the charity jump,” said Clerkin, who along with the rest of the jumpers, helped to raise over $20,000.
(Source: Dundalk Democrat)

Mayo

A Ballina woman appeared in local district court on the charge of failing a roadside breath test whilst driving her three young children.

Donna Murray (34), of Gortogher, Cloghans, Ballina, has contested charges against her of drink-driving and dangerous driving dating back to November 11, 2011.

According to reports, Murray was swerving on the roads and was promptly pulled over. The officer noticed three children, aged 3, 7, and 8 in the rear seat, and administered a breath test.

The Judge in the case has postponed doling out a verdict until May 22nd.

Meath

A Meath aviation broker known as “The Boxer” who was jailed for conspiring to import $9 million in drugs has been ordered to hand over precious stones and over €200,000 to the State.

John Kinsella (42), a former Irish super heavyweight boxing champion, was sentenced to 12 years in 2009 after pleading guilty to conspiring with others to import cocaine and heroin from Belgium between September 22 and 26, 2006.

Judge Tony Hunt ordered that Kinsella, of Carnewood, Johnstown, Navan Co. Meath forfeit precious stones being held by police to the State.

He also ordered that 75% of the value of funds and assets contained in a schedule of Kinsella’s assets be forfeited.
(Source: Meath Chronicle)

Monaghan

Retailers and businesses in Clones have become the first town in Ireland to accept three currencies as payment - euros, old Irish punts and Sterling.

The idea came from Tony Morgan, who saw reports on the Spanish fishing village of Mugardos where 60 local stores had reintroduced the peseta.

Clones Chamber of Commerce confirmed that, as of last Saturday, some 42 businesses in the town are now accepting old Irish notes and coins - in addition to euros and sterling.

Morgan is grateful for the solidarity of other businesses getting involved because "if I had suggested in the town to bring back the punt on my own they would have sent some boys out with a straitjacket for me.”
(Source: Irish Independent)

Offaly

The lack of funding for footpaths in Edenderry was lamented at the May meeting of the Town Council earlier this month.

“It’s a sad day for Edenderry,” said Cllr Fergus McDonnell. Area Engineer Damien Grennan had said there was no money for new footpaths.

“We will continue to repair and maintain existing footpaths, but there is no money for anything else. There are no grants to apply for either,” he added.

“The only works that will be done will be repairs where there is a safety issue,” clarified Mr Grennan.
(Source: Offaly Express)

Roscommon

A new start-up company, fronted by three young entrepreneurs from the Ballyfarnon and Arigna area, will be hoping to secure investment this week for an innovative device that promises to improve and encourage safer driving among younger drivers.

Brothers James (27) and Chris (22) McNamara from Ballyfarnon, and Chloe McGuckin (22) from Arigna are behind the new startup, CleverMiles, which is hoping to bring its innovative safe driving device to market by the year end.

The company has developed a 'black box' which plugs into the cars of young drivers to monitor if they are driving safely.
(Source: Roscommon Herald)

Sligo

A man who broke a rear window in a hostel for homeless men in Ballytivnan was found by Gardai asleep on a couch in the premises, Judge Kevin Kilrane heard at Sligo Court.

Danny Murray, of Benbulben Terrace, admitted criminal damage and tresspass offences on February 16th.

Defending solicitor, Mr. Mark Mullaney, explained that Murray was not homeless but, because of a medical difficulty with his partner, had to leave his house and did not have a place to sleep. He had €200 to pay for damage and was sorry for what he did.

The Judge adjourned the case to June 7th for the preparation of a Probation Services report and said he would decide on that date if he would activate the four month sentence.
(Source: Sligo Champion)

Tipperary

Two people were rescued on Lough Derg last week after their cruise boat lost power and ran aground in gale force conditions.

The alarm was raised at about 3 pm when onlookers on the shore reported seeing a person waving frantically from a boat close to Terryglass in Co Tipperary.

The Irish Coast Guard marine rescue co-ordination centre at Valentia Island, Co Kerry, issued a radio alert to other vessels on the lake requesting anyone in the area to go to the vessel’s assistance.

The Lough Derg lifeboat was sent to the scene but was stood down following confirmation that the occupants had been taken to safety to Terryglass.

It is understood the company which operates the distressed cruiser sent a second vessel to the scene to assist.

The lake was said to be “enraged” yesterday, with winds gusting force eight.
(Source: Irish Times)

Tyrone

A wave of suspected malicious fires in the Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough has prompted a town councilor to call for urgent action to be taken.

In the past month alone there have been five house fires which are believed to have been maliciously started, the most serious of which tragically claimed the lives of a Dungannon mother and daughter.

“That exemplified the horrific consequences of arson but still there are people who seem to feel they have the right to place other people and property in peril for their own selfish ends,” said Councilor Maurice Morrow. “The sinister aspect of these incidents cannot be overlooked.”
(Source: Tyrone Courier)

Waterford

Labour TD for Waterford, Ciara Conway, is backing comments made by Darina Allen who has been telling a group of British and Irish Politicians that growth in Food Tourism will create jobs, and Waterford is well-poised to reap the benefits.

"Darina Allen has been singing the praises of Waterford’s food industry at a speech to the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly (BIPA) which has been meeting in Dublin this week," said Ciara Conway.

"There’s a real opportunity for Ireland in the food tourism industry, and in Waterford in particular with ‘agritainment’ so we need to work together to capitalize on this."
(Source: Waterford Today)

Westmeath

An Athlone man whose bus business closed down last year is calling on the Taoiseach to apologise for telling him: "you could do with a day's work, I'd say."

Enda Kenny made this comment on Monday afternoon in response to heckling from Gordon Hudson, who is the head of the Athlone campaign against household and septic tank charges.

“The cheek of the Taoiseach, to make a statement like that to somebody that has worked all their life in this country," said Mr Hudson. "He came across as very, very arrogant. For the role he plays, as leader of the country, that kind of attitude is seriously wrong."

Kenny was diplomatic in reply, saying: "I empathise with everybody who does want to work but can't find employment.”
(Source: Westmeath Independent)

Wexford

Wexford Circuit Criminal Court has heard that a driver, who mowed down a young student, killing her, had taken 25 alcoholic drinks on the night he hit her with his car and kept driving.

Paddy Cash appeared before the Court on last Thursday having pled guilty to dangerous driving and causing the death of Kelly Gregan (20) on October 24th, 2010. Having heard a summary of the evidence from Gda. Eamonn O’Shiel, as well as a tearful statement from Kelly’s mother Pauline Gregan, Judge Thomas Teehan said that words were inadequate to describe the tragedy.

Judge Teehan sentenced Cash to jail for a period of seven years, and banned him from driving for 20 years.
(Source: Wexford Echo)

Wicklow

Gardai (police) are investigating the cause of a fire which broke out in one of the sheltered housing units on the grounds of Newcastle Hospital.

Fire units from Greystones and Wicklow were alerted to the blaze at around 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 9th. The flames were more or less confined to the living room of the housing unit and didn't spread to any other buildings. No one was injured during the incident.

The area was sealed off so a Garda Forensic Team could carry out an intensive investigation of the site.
(Source: Wicklow People)