More regional news in brief.
Human remains may date from the Famine
The State Pathologist, Dr Marie Cassidy, was yesterday called in to investigate what may be a mass burial site dating from the time of the Famine in Borrisokane, Co Tipperary, writes James Hayden.
The discovery was made during drainage works by North Tipperary County Council at the rear of a row of houses at Tower Hill on Monday afternoon.The discovery fuelled speculation that the bodies could date from the Troubles and that they could be those of Black and Tans or British soldiers.
Gardaí cordoned off the area following the discovery and would only confirm that "one semi-intact skeleton had been discovered together with a lot of other bones". Locals believe the remains date from the Famine era. A workhouse in Borrisokane opened in 1853 near where the remains were discovered and catered for up to 1,200 people at one time.
Limerick gay pride festival aims to celebrate diversity
"I Love Limerick" is the theme of the annual gay pride festival in the city next week, writes Kathryn Hayes.
Pride chairman Paddy Doyle said the festival was a chance to celebrate diversity.
"Gay culture has really contributed to the life of Limerick through art, music, dance and pure energy," he said. Rainbow Support Services, a voluntary group that offers counselling and support, is one of the organisers of the festival.
"We're hoping that if the straight community gets involved they will see that, yes, we have a laugh with our wigs and bright colours but that we are normal people not to be afraid of, a good bunch of people from all different walks of life. It's about integration and awareness raising," explained Vanessa Buswell, the group's co-ordinator.
The group has offered workshops on homophobia to schools in the area, but so far just one school in Co Limerick has taken up the offer.
Man refused bail to fly to Lanzarote
A man accused of having a high-powered revolver and over 300 rounds of ammunition was refused bail at Limerick District Court yesterday.
Mark Wyse (23), Moylish Crescent, Ballynanty, Limerick, was accused of having the gun at his home last Thursday.
Seeking bail, solicitor John Devane said Mr Wyse had intended to travel to Lanzarote next week for a family wedding.
He said he would obey any bail conditions and would surrender his passport on return to Ireland.
Det Garda Thelma Watters opposed the bail application due to the seriousness of the charges. She said the defendant had made "certain admission" during interviews and faced up to 14 years in jail.
Helmeted pair raid post office armed with hammer and pistol
Two raiders wearing helmets made off with a sum of cash following a robbery at a post office at Cloneen, near Fethard, Co Tipperary, yesterday morning. The raiders entered the shop and post office at approximately 9.10am and demanded cash.
Both men wore motorcycle helmets and brandished a hammer and what is believed to have been a small handgun. After ransacking the shop and grabbing a small quantity of cash from the till both men made their getaway on a motorcycle.
The post office and shop is quite busy on days that children's allowance is paid out and it is thought that the raiders may have known this fact before targeting the premises.