A roundup of today's other regional news in brief
GP critical after being found on grounded boat at Lough Derg
A Co Limerick doctor in his 60s remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital after he was found unconscious and slumped over the wheel of his boat which had run aground at Lough Derg late on Sunday night.
The Croom-based GP, named locally as Dr Michael Anketell, is understood to have suffered a medical episode before his boat ran aground. It is not thought that he was incapacitated as a result of the grounding.
The alarm was raised shortly after 11pm on Sunday when a man on board another boat spotted the vessel grounded at Tinkers Point on the southern tip of Illaunmore, the largest island on the lake in the river Shannon.
The Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat was alerted and sent to the scene at 11.14pm. It is believed the 17-ft boat may have run aground up to two hours before it was spotted.
Solicitor struck off for forgery
A solicitor who forged another solicitor’s name on a fictitious contract to get a bank loan was struck off by the president of the High Court yesterday.
Daniel J Coleman, formerly practising as Coleman and Co Solicitors, Ballinrobe, Mayo, also failed to comply with an undertaking relating to holding the title deeds for another property which led to a €320,000 loss for a credit union. He has been ordered to pay restitution to the credit union in that sum.
The High Court heard yesterday an explanation over the fictitious contract was made on his behalf in which the “Celtic Tiger” was blamed for lowering standards.
Limerick tunnel opens today
The new €660 million Limerick tunnel will open to traffic today, two months ahead of schedule, writes Kathryn Hayes.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen will cut the ribbon at lunchtime.
Built under the Shannon, it is expected to take 18,000 vehicles out of Limerick city daily, with 40,000 motorists expected to use it.
A blessing of the tunnel will take place at lunchtime today by Fr Tony Mullins, Limerick diocesan administrator, and the Rt Rev Trevor Williams from Adare, Co Limerick.
Mr Cowen with Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey will unveil a plaque, before the tunnel opens at about 4pm.