In Short

A round-up of today's other stories in brief

A round-up of today's other stories in brief

Inquiry into ambulance delay in Kerry

An inquiry is under way by the HSE, Southern Area, into why there was a 19-minute delay in responding to an emergency call in Kerry last Sunday evening, writes Anne Lucey.

It is the second internal inquiry in a month undertaken by the HSE into Kerry's ambulance service.

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Last Sunday a patient who had an epilepsy seizure called for an ambulance. The call went through the 999 service operator, who made several unsuccessful attempts to contact the ambulance centre at Kerry General Hospital.

The call was redirected to the ambulance centre at Cork University Hospital.

Eventually contact was made and an ambulance dispatched 19 minutes after the initial call. The patient was taken to Kerry General Hospital and discharged later that evening. His condition was not serious.

Man questioned about Sligo crime

Gardaí investigating the death of a Sligo shopkeeper, who died from hypothermia after he was tied up and gagged during a robbery seven years ago, have arrested a 23-year-old man in Cork for questioning about the crime.

Detectives from Sligo arrested the man at a house in Carrigaline early yesterday and brought him to Togher Garda station for questioning about the death of Eddie Fitzmaurice (83) in May 1998.

Warrant issued for Wicklow man

A warrant was issued for farmer Harry Crooks from Ballycooleen, Avoca, Co Wicklow, after he failed to appear at Arklow court yesterday to face cruelty to animal charges.

Mr Crooks had failed to have his cattle tested and to make arrangements to have them sold. A veterinary surgeon from Wicklow County Council told the court of visiting Mr Crooks 26 times since February 2004. She had had serious concern about feeding arrangements for the cattle and care given to the animals.

Judge Donnchadh Ó Buachalla said it was appalling that the defendant was not present in court. He issued a bench warrant for Mr Crooks.

Further remand in Clare murder case

A Co Clare man charged with the murder of Kilrush woman Ann Walsh (23) was yesterday further remanded in custody. At Ennis District Court on Friday, Cooraclare man Raymond Donovan (23) was charged with the murder of Ms Walsh in Kilrush on August 24th last.

Mr Donovan appeared on the charge at Lisdoonvarna District Court yesterday and was further remanded to reappear before Ennis District Court on November 25th. Judge Joseph Mangan also extended time for the serving of the Book of Evidence on Mr Donovan.

Record table quiz envisaged

An attempt to enter the Guinness Book of Records for the biggest table quiz will take place in Athlone tonight to benefit Aids orphans in the Third World.

The staff of Athlone Institute of Technology hope to attract 1,200 people to beat a record set in Galway two years ago.

"It is a big undertaking, but it's looking good. All money raised will go towards the Zambian Aids Orphans Fund in Chingola, Zambia," said organiser Tony Dunne.