ANTRIM

Bosses of Ireland's “toxic bank” have been accused of “holding a gun to the head of Antrim motorists”
after they blocked a monopoly-smashing deal that would have seen Asda flood the local market with
cheaper fuel.

A filling station was always seen as an integral part in the high street giant's decision to open its biggest Northern Ireland store at Junction One, and the company entered into talks with the businessman running a neighboring outlet “five or six years ago.”

Paul Simpson revealed last week that he had entered into a “gentleman's agreement” with Asda,
supporting them as the protracted application limped slowly through an interminable planning process.

[Source: Antrim Guardian]

ARMAGH


A distraught Crossmaglen resident has spoken to The Examiner of his fears and frustrations at what he
claims is an on-going campaign of anti-social behavior at the hands of residents living nearby.

Mr. Noel Kelly of Lismore, Crossmaglen was the victim of a criminal damage incident Friday morning,
November 2, when his car was rammed by another vehicle into a newly-built wall Mr. Kelly says he had
erected, at his own expense, to protect his property from the antics of a local couple on the estate.

The man claims he and his partner have been subjected to months of abuse and disruption from
the couple in question, who, he reports, are “well known to local police.” Mr. Kelly maintains that
a catalogue of incidents involving these people has taken an indelible toll on his life and that of his
partner, who is a nurse in Newry’s Daisyhill Hospital.

[Source: Examiner Newspaper]

CARLOW

There are fears that one of the most dangerous roads in Carlow could soon turn deadly.

Residents living at Ballybar, Tinryland say they are convinced a fatal accident will happen on their
doorsteps sooner rather than later. The long stretch of road, which ends with a bend, has already seen
up to 20 accidents in the last few years.

Locals say that there has been at least six accidents this year alone, one of those involved a young
woman who narrowly avoided death when a wooden pole ploughed through her windscreen.

Shockingly, on two separate occasions, local man Liam Byrne says he was just “seconds away from
death.”

[Source: Carlow Nationalist]

CAVAN


Mullahoran attacker Eddie O'Reilly could have played his last game for the Dreadnoughts, The Anglo-Celt can reveal.

The popular 33-year-old former county player picked up his third Cavan S.F.C. medal last month and
admitted last week that he "probably won't" return next season.

O'Reilly is based in Dublin and after 15 years on the Mullahoran senior team, he suggested that he may
not commit for another season with the champions.

"I think that will be it for me now, I've had a great innings," said O'Reilly.

[Source: The Anglo Celt]

CLARE

The victory of Barack Obama on Tuesday, November 6, was welcomed in the Banner County last week.

The county’s mayor, Ennis man Pat Daly, said it was the right result for Ireland. “I think it is because he
promised to come back to Ireland again during his next term and hopefully he’ll use Shannon Airport
and come to Clare.”

He felt a Romney victory may have been bad for this country and noted that Obama is close to the
Clintons, who have very strong ties to Ireland.

“If Romney had won, it might have posed threats to the advantage given by our corporate tax. There
was a possibility of that.”

[Source: Clare Champion]

CORK

A bold Corkman has become an Internet star after starring in a video, but he may not want to show his
mammy!

A U.C.C. physics student bared all and sprinted through Carrigaline in his birthday suit, in a video that
went online last Monday.

The video appears to be something of homage to the film “Old School,” in which Will Ferrell’s character
streaks through a town, only to have his wife and her friends pull up alongside him in a car.

In this video, the student runs through Carrigaline for over two minutes, while his friends film his jaunt
from a car, while shouting encouragement.

It is not known if the man performed his “fun run” as a bet, as he did not respond to efforts to contact
him. Details of the events in the video remain scant, much like his attire.

[Source: Cork Independent]

DERRY


It was a far cry from the world of Dickens for local actor Andrew Simpson, who last week found himself
stranded on the other side of the world in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

Whilst “Nick Nickleby,” in which Andrew plays the starring role, was being screened on B.B.C. One,
Andrew found himself in Staten Island helping with the hurricane clean-up operation.

“We came to New York to run the marathon for Action Cancer,” said Andrew, just minutes before he
was about to make a dash to the airport on Wednesday evening to get a flight home.

“We decided that while we were here we would stay and help the flood victims in Staten Island. We’re
hoping to get a flight home, but we’re not sure we can because we’ve been told that another storm
could be coming.”

[Source: Derry Journal]

DONEGAL

Each year for the last 25 years, Donegal singing star Daniel O’Donnell has successfully placed an album in
the U.K. charts and has set a unique record along the way.

Not even the Rolling Stones, U2 or Sting has managed to achieve this rate of consistent success over
such a time span.

Daniel started his recording career in 1984 and has produced at least one album, and occasionally two
per year, and owing to his loyal following, he has placed on the UK charts every year since 1987.

His newest release, “Songs from the Movies (and More)” is currently riding high in the UK at number 28,
ahead of artists like Adele, Lana del Rey and The Script.

[Source: Donegal Democrat]

DOWN

The funeral of Corporal Channing Day, who was killed last month in Afghanistan, has taken place in
Comber, County Down.

Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson was among the mourners. Mr. Robinson had earlier
attended the remembrance service for the 1987 Enniskillen bombing.

Corporal Day was killed alongside Corporal David O'Connor, of 40 Commando, during a fire fight in
Afghanistan's Helmand Province last month.

[Source: Belfast Telegraph]

DUBLIN


Some of the capital's most iconic buildings – such as the Iveagh Markets in the Liberties and Boland's
Mill – are in danger of collapsing due to neglect.

The former Hume Street Hospital, just off St. Stephen's Green, is also under threat, says an An Taisce
Buildings At-Risk report.

Numbers 14-17 Moore Street, where the 1916 leaders surrendered, is on the list, as is Aldborough
House on Portland Row in Dublin 1, which is "one of the city's principal Georgian landmarks.”

In all, more than 200 historic buildings dotted across the city require urgent attention before so much
damage is done it becomes impossible to save them.

[Source: Evening Herald]

FERMANAGH

Perhaps one of Enniskillen’s busiest musicians, Matty James, is gearing up for his Belfast debut,
supporting ex-Motley Crue vocalist, John Corabi.

In celebration of his Belfast debut, on November 17, Matty has also released his first solo single, “State
Of Mind” for free on his website, mattyjamesofficial.com.

A founding member of local band Filthy Angels, the musician calls his Belfast show a “great
opportunity.”

“This is a great opportunity as John Corabi is a legend and I am a huge fan of his work and his voice,” he
said.

[Source: Fermanagh Herald]

GALWAY

Savage cuts to rural communities across County Galway will result in massive migration over the next
two decades, leaving country areas with just a skeleton population.

It will result in massive pub closures while half of the current number of hurling and football clubs across
Co. Galway will cease to exist.

The grim prediction has been made by a former government minister who says that the closures of rural
banks and post offices, the closure of rural Garda (police) stations and the withdrawal of grants for rural
schemes will have a devastating effect over the coming years.

[Source: Galway Bay FM]

KERRY


Kerry football hero Darragh O Se has been approached by Fianna Fail to contest the next general
election in the new five-seat Kerry constituency.

Senior party figures are also understood to have approached Independent T.D. Tom Fleming in a bid to
lure him back to the fold.

Mr. Fleming left the party before the last general election in February 2011 and ran as an Independent
after failing to secure a nomination.

Six-time All-Ireland winner O Se, who works as an auctioneer, is the latest high-profile figure to have
been approached by the party.

[Source: Irish Independent]

KILDARE

A jury has heard phone conversations took place between a 50-year-old Kildare man and his
ex-partner before he called to her home and stabbed her to death.

Michael McDonald of Barnhill, Castledermot, denies murdering Breda Cummins (31) at Michael
Dooley Terrace in Athy, on May 13, 2010. However, he admits her manslaughter. The couple
had broken up several weeks before he killed her in her bed. He is also accused of stabbing
the hand of her new partner John Lawlor, who has been giving evidence at the Central Criminal
Court.
[Source: Kildare Nationalist]

KILKENNY

Two weeks ago, the announcement of $7 million in Failte Ireland funding towards the city’s “Medieval
Mile” initiative served to refocus attention on the different ideas that Kilkenny’s local authorities have
been considering with a view to strengthening our tourism offering.

Already confirmed and now progressing to the next stage of its development is the Great Garden, which
will run along the bank of the River Nore through the heart of the city. The design tender for the garden
is set to be the subject of international competition in the coming weeks.

The upgrade of the public realm will include High and Parliament Streets, and involves new materials,
footpath widening, and eventually, a one-way system. St. Mary’s Church and graveyard is being
refurbished and developed into a museum, with links to the National Museum of Ireland.

[Source: Kilkenny People]

LAOIS


Laois G.A.A. chairman Brian Allen has said that the county hope to have a new senior hurling manager
appointed “in the next few weeks” as the process of replacing Teddy McCarthy continues.

Allen revealed that Seamas “Cheddar” Plunkett and Paul Cuddy, who are working in conjunction with
the county executive in identifying and appointing a new manager, have moved on to “phase two” of
their process, which will see them approach potential candidates to gauge their level of interest.

It is almost a month and a half since the initial meeting Plunkett and Cuddy called with the players,
which drew just eight attendees, as they have taken their time to meet with players since then and take
on board as many views as possible.

[Source: Leinster Express]

LEITRIM

The protest against the bus service cuts to Dromod and Rooskey is hitting the road to bring the
message “We want our service back” to the government.

On Friday, November 2, 16 locals traveled to Ballaghaderreen to protest at the site of the sod-turning
of a new bypass by Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar. Larry O’Connor from the Rooskey Bus Action
Group said they brought placards reading “Bypass = No bus.” He said they wanted to make the Minister
feel “awkward,” but he said he felt the people of Ballaghaderreen should know that the arrival of a
bypass could mean an end to public transport through the town.

Minister Varadkar met with Larry O’Connor and Eddie Frayne from the action group and, according to
Mr. O’Connor, the minister admitted that the “government issues the mandate to Bus Eireann.” It was
made clear to Leo Varadkar and Deputy Frank Feighan that “we want our service back and we will not
give up until we get it.”

[Source: Leitrim Observer]

LIMERICK


Limerick’s first dedicated area for so-called street art is already proving to be a hit with street artists
from across the city and further afield.

More than 300 feet of timber hoarding at the junction of Athlunkard and Island Roads has been officially
unveiled by the local authority as an “authorized area” for such activity.

Over the past week, several artists using tags such as limerockers, KD and -tvkasz- have already availed
of the hoarding to show off their street art.

[Source: Limerick Leader]

LONGFORD


More than a week on from Hurricane Sandy – one of the biggest and most destructive storms in
U.S. mainland history – a County Longford woman has spoken of her horror at effectively being left
homeless.

Norah Egan is attempting to come to terms with the carnage brought about by what is believed to be
the most disastrous U.S. natural disaster in living memory.

“I have no power, no water or anything,” she candidly explained when contacted by the Leader on
Friday, November 2.

Norah’s home, situated in the plush outer city surroundings of Long Beach, had been her place of
residence for the past five years.

Now, it stands in three feet of water with almost all of its inner appliances and fittings destroyed. Of
more concern to the Kenagh native is the fact she has been left without some of her most cherished
possessions.

[Source: Longford Leader]

LOUTH

A Dundalk man is set to take center-stage at this year’s 2012 Business & Finance Awards.

Dr. T. Pearse Lyons, founder and president of Alltech, is the 2012 Business and Finance “Business Person
of The Year” as chosen by the Top 500 C.E.O.’s.

He will be honored at an awards ceremony at the December 18 at the Convention Centre, Dublin.

[Source: Dundalk Democrat]

MAYO


Described as “the people’s priest” by local T.D. Michelle Mulherin, the untimely death of Father
Muredach Tuffy has left the parish of Ballina, and its environs, in deep shock and mourning. As news
broke Tuesday, October 30, of the 39-year-old’s suicide, a ripple of disbelief filtered through the
community at the “sudden loss of so young and popular a priest.”

“Father Muredach was intricately involved in the life of Ballina in church and community, with young
and old. He was the people’s priest, kind and personable, faithful in his duties and amenable to his
parishioners. He will forever be associated with the story of the Newman Institute in Ballina and the
lives of the many he touched, inspired and uplifted on his own journey through this life. In his time with
us he has achieved a lot. One always had the sense that he was a safe pair of hands and a role model in the work of the parish. He will be most sadly missed,” Deputy Mulherin said last Monday. She expressed her sincere condolences to his family, colleagues and friends.

[Source: The Mayo News]

MEATH

The banning of five-axel trucks from driving through Slane has been suggested in a consultant's report
on the impact of heavy traffic on the village, presented to Meath County Council.

The first phase of a study into possible traffic management alternatives – principally proposals to ban
HGVs – on the N2 through the village was carried out by consultants Aecom on behalf of Meath County
Council, following the Bord Pleanála decision to refuse permission for a bypass of Slane in March this
year.

[Source: Meath Chronicle]

MONAGHAN

Nine people have been arrested across Cavan and Monaghan in a Garda (police) operation clamping
down on ecstasy and other drugs in the area.

Gardaí say a considerable amount of cash and controlled drugs were also seized.

Three women and six men, aged from their mid-20s to their 40s, are being questioned at various Garda
stations across the two counties under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.

[Source: Irish Examiner]

OFFALY


Tullamore broker McGowan Insurances’ life insurance website, LION.ie, has been named in the Best
Financial Services Website category at the Web Awards 2012.

The Irish Web Awards are held annually to recognize people who do great things on the web. The
awards are judged transparently and are open to anyone in Ireland.

[Source: Offaly Express]

ROSCOMMON

Former Tipperary manager John Evans looks set to become the new Roscommon senior football
manager. This follows weeks of speculation in the wake of Des Newton’s departure two months ago.

Evans’ name came before a special meeting of the Roscommon County Board last Thursday. It is
expected to be ratified without any last minute hitches.

[Source: Roscommon Herald]

SLIGO

One of Sligo's oldest buildings has been extensively refurbished.

The Presbyterian Hall, Charles Street, dates back to 1883.

In its 129-year history it was used as a school house and as the original home of the Gaelscoil, and
hosted numerous church and community activities.

These included the local Feiseanna, Feis Ceoil and Feis Shligigh.

The hall was also the venue for Irish Blood Transfusion Clinics for many years.

"It just gradually became run down, damp and badly in need of repair," Presbyterian Minister Rev. Alan
Mitchell said.

[Source: Sligo Champion]

TIPPERARY

Bangkok-based businessman John Kealy, from Nenagh, is sponsoring a worldwide human rights
campaign. John, who owns The Dubliner pub, restaurant and hotel in the popular tourist city, said he
despises human trafficking and wants it stopped.

Two weekends ago over 100 people from 20 different countries – including Ireland – left Bangkok on a
15-day, 230 mile marathon walk from Bangkok to the border of Myanmar to create a global awareness
of the horrors of human trafficking.

U.S. Ambassador to Thailand, Kristie Kenney, led the Freedom To Walk supporters by joining the walkers
on their first day.

“People who have been trafficked or about to be trafficked, are depending on us to speak out and do
something about their plight and prevent it from happening to others,” said Kealy.

[Source: Tipperary Star]

TYRONE

Irish man Paul Anthony Fox will be deported from Australia when he is released from custody,
after having pleaded guilty to stabbing a friend in the heart last April.

Fox (24) stabbed Robert Emmet Corrigan, from Galbally, County Tyrone on Easter Sunday
morning.

The South Australian Supreme Court heard Mr. Corrigan would have died but for medical
intervention after being rushed to hospital. He now lives with constant pain.

"I find it difficult to trust people now because this was a friend who stabbed me," Mr. Corrigan
said in a victim impact statement read out in court.
[Source: Irish Times]

WATERFORD


Sinn Féin’s David Cullinane has described the comments Wexford Senator Michael D’Arcy that
Waterford Regional Hospital is the worst performing hospital in the country as disgraceful and
inaccurate.

Senator D’Arcy made the comments in the Seanad, as Senator Cullinane, the leader of the house
Senator Maurice Cummins, and South Tipperary based Labour Senator Denis Landy all called for the
retention of services at W.R.H

[Source: Waterford News & Star]

WESTMEATH

Ericsson has announced 100 job losses at its Athlone site.

The telecommunications giant said, in a short statement that, as part of the Athlone operation was
involved in the development of legacy products,” the loss of an unspecified number of jobs was
inevitable.

It's understood the job numbers concerned are between 100 and 110.

The company insisted its presence in Athlone was secure and that the local site would continue to be a
strategic research-and-development centre for Ericsson.

[Source: Westmeath Independent]

WEXFORD


The future of music gigs in the Show Grounds during the Strawberry Festival looks to be in jeopardy
after this year’s promoters M.S.L. Concerts called a meeting of creditors, with a view to appointing a
liquidator to the company.

M.S.L., which is owned and run by Wexford natives Rob Murphy and Pierce White, was the company
behind the 2011 and 2012 Show Grounds gigs, but this year’s three-day event was effectively washed-
out by heavy rain, which resulted in small crowds attending the events.

[Source: Wexford Echo]

WICKLOW


A 77-year-old man who stole groceries valued at $45 had his case adjourned to allow for the preparation
of a probation report at a recent sitting of Gorey District Court.

John Stevenson, Remboth, Coolfancy, Coolboy, County Wicklow, was charged with theft from Dunnes
Stores in Gorey on November 18, 2011. He pleaded guilty to the charge and Inspector Pat McDonald
said Stevenson was stopped by security after taking groceries valued at $45 without paying.

The court Stevenson had previous convictions for similar incidents.

Acting for Stevenson, solicitor Ed King said 77-year-old Stevenson had four grown-up children and a
number of grandchildren.

[Source: Wicklow People]