Double success at fleadh

TWO County Wicklow musicians impressed the adjudicators at the 64th Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Clare recently.

James Mahon from Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Éireann (CCÉ) Bray was second in the ‘Newly Composed Tune (any age group)’ category of the competition, while Denis Nolan from the CCÉ Anne Devlin branch in Aughrim took home third place in the ‘Mouth Organ (over 18). This year’s fleadh, which was held in Ennis, was celebrated by an estimated 400,000 people over the nine days and was also visited by President Michael D Higgins. This year almost 6,000 competitors played, sang or danced for All Ireland titles in 180 competitions. Scoil Éigse, the official CCÉ summer school, also ran during the week for Irish and international students. THE number of motor insurance claims relating to uninsured or untraced drivers has increased by 28 per cent in Wicklow according to new figures released by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI).

This compares with the national average of 17 per cent. In the period from January 1 to the end of July 2016 there were 1,644 of claims of this type around the country, 32 of which were in Co Wicklow. While above the national average, Wicklow has the same percentage increase as neighbouring county Wexford and while there was no change in Kildare which recorded a total of 64 claims.

Speaking about these statistics, David Fitzgerald, Chief Executive of the MIBI said: ‘Every year the MIBI manages thousands of claims against uninsured or untraced drivers. That is role this organisation was set up to fulfil since we were established by the Government and the insurance industry in the 1950s.

‘An increase of 17 per cent represents a significant jump in the number of claims being lodged. While no sums are yet attached to these claims, unfortunately more claims generally means higher levels of payments coming from the MIBI and ultimately, that will impact on motor insurance premiums.’