The Week that was
Monday
■ THOUSANDS of patients who were investigated for a range of illnesses, including cancer, face an agonising wait over Christmas to find out if they have been wrongly given the all-clear. A major review of 46,000 X-rays, ultrasound scans and CT scans has been under way for months at University Hospital Kerry.
Tuesday
■ THE mother of Clodagh Hawe, who was killed by her husband alongside their three young sons, has told how she knew “something terrible had happened” when she arrived at their home to find the curtains drawn. Harrowing evidence was heard at the inquests into the deaths of Alan Hawe (40), his wife Clodagh (39) and their sons Liam (13), Niall (11) and Ryan (6), pictured above.
Wednesday
■ GARDAÍ believe a panicked burglar strangled pensioner Rosie Hanrahan because she saw his face. They also suspect the thief or thieves had the house, where the elderly widow lived alone, under surveillance in the days before her murder.
Thursday
■ ALMOST 100,000 households face being hit with a new water charge from 2019. Homeowners found to be using an “excessive” amount will face a bill in just over 18 months, and one in 14 households can expect to pay.
Friday
■ WATER refunds and pay hikes are driving a Christmas boom that will see people splash the cash at a rate not seen since 2007. Tills across the country are ringing as this year’s jobs and wage growth – and unexpected boosts from Irish Water refunds and tracker mortgage redress cheques – have put more cash into families’ wallets.