Antrim

Red-faced Council chiefs have strenuously rejected the notion that sex is for sale at Antrim Civic Centre after pulling a racy rogue ad from the Borough's official website.


The Council site, for years the epitome of quiet, bureaucratic sobriety, offered services of a very different nature earlier this week when a trader offering the solution to 'erectile dysfunction' used the home page to tout its wares.

The Canadian company claimed to be offering savings of '80-90%' for online drugs - but even the promise of bargain basement prices was not enough to tempt the Council to turn a blind eye to the pharmaceutical pick-me-up.

Within hours of the advertisement appearing the Antrim branch of the online pharmacy was officially shut down - and the colourful advert replaced by a warning to surfers.
(Source:Antrim Guardian)

Armagh

The family of a man believed to have been murdered by the IRA almost 30 years ago face a month-long wait for confirmation his remains have been found.

Forensic investigators are continuing to dig at isolated bogland in Co Monaghan where partial human remains thought to be that of Charlie Armstrong were uncovered in a shallow grave.

The 57-year-old father-of-five, who vanished on his way to Mass from his home in Crossmaglen, south Armagh in 1981, was one of the so-called Disappeared, who were abducted, murdered and secretly buried by republicans during the Troubles.
(Source:UK Press Association)

Carlow

Minutes after being stung by a wasp, a Myshall man dropped dead in his garden on Sunday afternoon.

The community of Myshall has been left stunned by the tragic death of former hurling great John Butler, and the unimaginable circumstances surrounding his death.

The four-time u21 hurling championship winner died after being stung by a wasp, while weeding in his garden with his wife Imelda.

John’s allergy to wasp stings was well-known as it had happened several years ago but despite having anti-histamines in the house, there was simply no time to administer the drugs and the sting took horrific affect within minutes.
(Source:Carlow Nationalist)

Cavan

The community of Loughduff turned out in force at the weekend to celebrate the rededication of St Joseph's Church.

After being closed for many months, the 100-year-old church was re-opened following a complete overhaul and the results were finally unveiled at the mass of rededication on Saturday night.

Bishop Colm O'Reilly celebrated the mass with Canon Owen Devaney, Parish Priest of Mullahoran and con-celebrants Frs. Bernard O' Reilly, Jim Brady, Eamon Lynch, Brian Brady, Tomsie Smith and Kevin Fay. On the night, Bishop Colm O'Reilly spoke of the strong community ties in the parish of Mullahoran and quoted from Canon Edward Boylan's famous book on the parish.
(Source:Anglo Celt)

Clare

With  the appointment of Colm McCarthy to chair a new review group on State assets, concerns have been raised that Shannon Airport could be sold, to plug the gaping holes in Ireland’s finances.

Any move to dispose of Shannon would be sure to face opposition in the Mid-West, with fears that the airport being run for the benefit of private interests, rather than the region, could have serious knock-on consequences.

Last Thursday, Finance Minister Brian Lenihan announced Mr McCarthy’s appointment and an interim list was published of 28 commercial State bodies to be reviewed.

As well as the Dublin Airport Authority (which also has control of Cork and Shannon), some of the other bodies included are Irish Rail, Bord na Móna, An Post, RTÉ and Coillte.

The group is due to report at the end of the year and Mr McCarthy said that at that stage, it would explain its recommendations.
(Source:Clare Champion)

Cork

The injuries suffered by a 26-year-old truck driver when he was assaulted while trying to break up a fight were likely to have contributed to his death from a brain injury just over two weeks later, an inquest at Cork City Coroner’s Court heard.

Denis Nolan Jnr from Richard Rice Place in Glanworth, Co Cork, complained of headaches and pains in his neck after he was knocked unconscious in an assault in Glanworth village in the early hours of October 27th 2008.

Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster said Mr Nolan suffered dissections of arteries in his neck which led to bleeding into the base of his brain.
(Source:Irish Examiner)

Derry

A Derry man who received a death threat from RAAD has claimed to the 'Journal' that the PSNI asked him to provide the time and location of a meeting they advised him to have with the vigilante group.
The man said he told police he may as well "paint a target" on his head if he went through with it.

"I haven't slept since all of this happened," the man said.' "I haven't stopped drinking. "When the police told me about the threat they talked to me about setting up a meeting with a community leader so I could speak to RAAD. They asked me for the time and location of the meeting.

"It's terrible to have been asked to do this. Someone a bit weaker may have gone through with it. If I had, I would be dead now. I want nothing to do with it all. I haven't done anything wrong and just want to be left alone."
(Source:Derry Journal)

Donegal

The government is to appear in the High Court tomorrow as a result of an action taken by Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty over their failure to hold the Donegal South-West by-election.

Senator Doherty has made a last minute appeal to the government to withdraw from the case and allow the people to go to the polls at the earliest opportunity

The Donegal Democrat has learned that while there are moves to have the election postponed until the Spring of 2011, informed sources have indicated that while the government will agree to expedite the matter at the hearing, they intend to fight this challenge.
(Source:Donegal Democrat)

Down

Two men have been rescued from a fire at a flat in Newcastle, County Down.

It broke out on the Burrendale Park Road early on Tuesday.

In Londonderry, two unoccupied houses on Woodside Road were extensively damaged in an arson attack. The fires at the semi-detached properties were reported at about 2200 BST on Monday.

It took firefighters about an hour to bring the blaze under control. Both houses had been left vacant for some time.
Firefighters believe the blaze was started deliberately.
(Source:BBC News)

Dublin

A woman who initially claimed some €410,000 damages for loss of earnings arising from a whiplash injury when a Dublin Bus collided with the rear of her car has had her case dismissed after a High Court judge found it was "highly probable" she gave misleading evidence as to the extent of her injuries and about her capacity to work.

Dublin Bus had produced video evidence to the court of Mary Farrell, Tolka Valley Green, Finglas South, Dublin, engaging in physical activities, such as mowing the grass for some 40 minutes, emptying the grass box over a wall and repeatedly raising her arm above horizontal, which the company claimed were entirely inconsistent with her claims about the extent of her injuries.

Mr Justice John Quirke ruled Ms Farrell, who had worked with Jury?s hotel as a housekeeper/cleaner, had given no credible explanation for her failure to provide any documentary or other evidence to support her claim for loss of earnings or to contest Dublin Bus?s allegation her claims were ?false and misleading?

There was also no credible explanation for the undisputed fact Ms Farrell had abandoned claims for very large sums of money when advised she was being investigated, he said.
(Source:Irish Times)

Fermanagh

A border construction project is proving to be a blazing success for a Co Fermanagh firm that has just been appointed as the main contractor for a €3.7 million two-storey fire station in Monaghan Town.

To be located at Annahagh, it will also include an access road to serve the six-bay fire station, ancillary spaces and offices. It has also emerged that a separate maintenance building and training tower have also been approved in the plans.

Associated site works and landscaping will also be provided with the main construction work now agreed for McGurran Construction of Derrygonnelly.
(Source:4ni.co.uk)

Galway

Playwright and poet, Patricia Burke Brogan vows she will chain herself to the Magdalen statue in Forster Street rather than see it removed.

Fears that the statue, a memorial to the women who suffered in the Magdalen Laundry, will be removed to make way for a bus corridor has raised alarm and concern.

Ms Burke Brogan, herself a former nun who spent a short time in the Galway Magdalen Laundry and who wrote about her experiences in a play called Eclipsed – which was later made into a film – said she was horrified.

“I thought I was living a nightmare when I heard it was going to be moved. That statue represents the pain of the women and that pain is in the very earth on which the statue was erected on the site of the old gateway.

“It would be much better that they would knock the bank across the road, the Anglo Irish that has given us all the trouble, if they want to widen the road.
(Source:Galway News)

Kerry

British Ambassador to Ireland Julian King stressed the strong commercial links between the two countries, and in particular the potential of more British tourists to provide economic growth in Ireland.

However, pressed continuously about the possibility a visit by the queen to Killarney and to Muckross House which itself had hosted a visit by Queen Victoria in 1861, Mr King gave very little away.

There were a million extra potential visitors that could be attracted, he said.


Mr King was speaking to reporters in the Edwardian boardroom of the State-owned Muckross House, on his first official visit to Co Kerry during a relaxed press meeting in which he insisted on being called “Julian”.

Mr King had accepted an invitation from the chairman of the board of trustees, Marcus Treacy, also a director of Killarney Golf and Fishing Club, to lunch and to visit Muckross House on a day Killarney was bathed in sunshine
Last night, before meeting tourism representatives, he accepted an invitation to become honorary ambassador for Kerry tourism.
(Source:Irish Times)

Kildare

Callous burglars have caused upset and anger after breaking into an Athy school, causing thousands of euro worth of damage and desecrating a special area.

Scoil Mhichil Naofa was targeted by burglars on 20 July between 1.40am and 2.40am. A plasma-screen television was taken and a special student area ransacked. “It was a violation really. It’s the second serious burglary in two weeks,” school Principal Mary English told the Kildare Nationalist.

“The caretaker contacted me in the small hours of the morning,” said Mrs English. “I was really upset because of the nature of it this time. That corner of the school was very significant.”

“It was devoted to the history of the Mercy Sisters in education in Athy. It held lots of little historical artefacts with which the children were fascinated. It had a plasma screen TV on which we had a continuous programme playing of the children telling the history of the school. There was a whole little focus of a nice aura around that space.”
(Source:Kildare Nationalist)

Kilkenny

Garda reinforcements were drafted in from other areas of the county on Saturday night to bring a forest rave under control.

Over one hundred people gathered at a remote part of woodlands at Reevanagh, Castlewarren on Saturday evening. Loud electronic music was heard blaring in the locality for a number of hours and at 9pm gardai from Kilkenny Garda Station attended the scene where they discovered a rave in full swing.

Revellers were searched under The Misuse of Drugs Act and a number of people were found to be in possession of drugs. One man was also arrested on suspicion of having drugs in his possession for sale or supply to others and a quantity of drugs were seized at the scene.
(Source:Kilkenny People)

Laois

Armed raiders thought they have had got away with an estimated €130,000 of jewellery and diamonds but they hadn't reckoned on the intervention of the owner, Gerry Browne.

Speaking to the Leinster Express, the jeweller recounted how he thwarted the armed thief as he tried to get away with a bag-full of jewellery and diamonds, having tied up two female staff.

"They were tied up at their hands and feet and were told to lie on the ground. One of our girls is pregnant," he said.
(Source:Leinster Express)

Leitrim

Thousands of homes across the country are still being built -- as a new report warns that 120,000 existing houses are unlikely ever to be sold.

New figures show developers started work on almost 11,000 homes in the last 15 months -- at a time when the property market has collapsed, more than 600 'ghost estates' lie empty and there is a glut of 300,000 unwanted properties.

A report into the property bubble says that of the 300,000 homes lying empty, as many as 120,000 homes are unlikely to be sold in the future. And most of these are in counties Roscommon, Cavan, Leitrim and Sligo.
(Source:The Independent)

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)

Meath

Transport Minister Noel Dempsey has strongly denied that the Navan to Dublin rail link has been postponed in the review of the national capital investment programme.

He said the planning process was in train and that, when that was complete, "the money would be there" to start work on the rail link.

However, with no firm commitment given in the Government's capital investment programme published on Monday, doubts on the rail link's future have been voiced by local public representatives, who have also pointed out any delay in the provision of the rail line would also impact on future plans for the new regional hospital, to be located in Navan.

Deputy Shane McEntee said the minister had given no indication of how the €587 million cost of the rail line would be funded, given that it is not in current capital spending plans as set out in the Government's review.
(Source:Mayo News)

Offaly

A protest against the "inadequate and humiliating conditions" at the dole office in Portarlington took place yon Tuesday to highlight the problems faced by more than 3,000 forced to sign on at the tiny office.

The queue at the office stretched well down Main St early in the morning as the unemployed from surrounding areas had to sign on and give personal details in cramped conditions. Sinn Féin organised the protest in response to what has been described as completely inadequate conditions. Hundreds of people have also signed a petition calling for better facilities.
(Source:Offaly Express)

Roscommon

Harpers and Traditional Musicians are expected in large numbers to the picturesque Village of Keadue on the shores of Lough Meelagh for the 32nd O'Carolan Harp and Traditional Music Festival over the August Bank Holiday Weekend, starting on July 30th.

The official opening of the Festival, which is held under the auspices of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, takes place on Sunday, August 1st. and will be performed by Mr. Seamus McCormack, President of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann.

This years Festival sees one of the biggest and most exciting line-ups ever, with a variety of music sessions and other traditional entertainment on offer to the thousands of visitors who are expected to attend.

The spotlight will once again be focussed on the harp events, as the Festival has now become a focal point for harpists the world over.

The Senior Harp Competition will be held on Monday, August 2nd. and the winner will take home a prize of €650 and a crystal trophy.

The Harp Competitions are sponsored by local Arigna Fuels Ltd. This is in addition to the various harp schools, recitals and workshops that will be held over the Festival period.
(Source:Roscommon Champion)

Sligo

A Taiwanese lighting company is to establish a manufacturing base in Ballymote, Co Sligo, creating an initial 10 to 15 jobs in the town.

G-LED Lighting manufactures long-life lighting for commercial and industrial businesses aimed at reducing their power consumption, CO2 emissions and electricity costs.

Speaking last night, David Lee, chief executive of G-LED Lighting Europe, said: “We have a lot of friends in Ireland and we think it could be a good place to open up the European market for us.”

Asked if the number of jobs would grow, Mr Lee said: “We will try it here on a phased basis. The first phase will create 10 to 15 jobs by November.
(Source:Sligo Champion)

Tipperary

The next time you walk by the Source Arts Centre in Thurles, have a quick look at the ground. You'll find a stone plaque which informs you that a time capsule lies beneath it and instructions to future Thurles citizens not to unearth it until 2060.

The time capsule was buried as a part of the "Tomorrow" workshop and installation. Young people between 11 and 17 years old participated in the week long workshop, where they attempted to predict the future of Thurles over the next 50 years. The workshop concluded on Saturday evening with the unveiling of their installation, which illustrates their expectations for Thurles 2060, and with the burial of a time capsule.

The time capsule holds number of items. The workshop participants and employees of the Source wrote messages and letters to the people of 2060, as well as submitting newspapers, toys, pictures and a book illustrating the 800 things that everyone should know. Attendees at the launch of the installation were invited to submit their own messages for the future, along with these items.
(Source:Tipperary Star)

Tyrone

Dublin may have a new-look team this season but the Metropolitans meet an old foe in the shape of Tyrone.

Although there are a lot of fresh faces in Pat Gilroy's side, the likes of Alan Brogan, David Henry and Barry Cahill will have unhappy memories of defeats at the hands of the Ulster side at the same stage in 2005 and 2008.

Thankfully, from Gilroy's point of view, recent additions will not carry the same baggage.

The Dubs have had a strange summer. They relinquished the Leinster Championship crown for the first time since 2004, but the Qualifier system has given them the chance to regroup. Tipperary, Armagh and then Louth have been dismissed, with every performance showing slight improvements from the one before.

The problem for the Dubs now is that they need a vast improvement against a Tyrone team that has put together back-to-back Ulster titles for the first time under manager Mickey Harte.
(Source:RTE.ie)

Waterford

A trio from Waterford is joining 17 other young explorers from all over Ireland and setting sail this week for an unforgettable experience as part of the Tall Ships Races 2010.

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.

Workmen clearing the wooded area, which is on private land, made the discovery.

Supt Eamonn Keogh, who is based at Baltinglass Garda station, said State Pathologist Marie Cassidy attended the scene yesterday and determined that the skull probably belonged to a man.

He said the best estimate was that the skull belonged to a male, aged between 18 and 50. He said the skull had probably been at the scene for between one and 20 years.

He said the skull had been removed from the scene for technical examination and there was unlikely to be any definite identification until later this evening or tomorrow.
(Source:Irish Independent)