News in Brief
€1m cannabis seizure by gardai
A cross-border investigation has led to the seizure of cannabis herb worth an estimated €1m.
Garda sources believe the drugs were destined for sale in Co Louth — they were found in a van which was searched in the Knockaleva area of Collon, Co Louth, last Thursday.
Two follow-up searches were carried out in Ardee, Co Louth, and in Slane, Co Meath.
A 25-year-old man was charged with possession of the drugs for the purpose of selling or supplying to others. He appeared at a special sitting of Carrickmacross district court last Friday evening where he was remanded in custody.
Almost 17,000 visit Skellig Michael
There will be no extension to the restricted visitor season for Skellig Michael next year, the Office of Public Works has confirmed.
The protected Co Kerry island was given unprecedented global exposure as a location for two recent Star Wars movies.
A number of licensed boatmen who transport visitors to the island said they were frustrated they couldn’t capitalise on the increased interest in the monastic isle, as there has been no change to the four-and-a-half month visitor season. Some 16,755 people visited this year.
MMA event cancelled over safety fears
A mixed martial arts event due to be held in Meath last night was cancelled after Sports Minister Shane Ross expressed concern about “an unacceptable level of risk and injury” to competitors.
The event was due to take place at Claremont Stadium in Navan. However, its board met after hearing the minister’s concerns and opted against staging the event.
Organisers said they had taken steps to provide medical supervision and doctors had checked fighters in advance.
Mr Ross said adherence to the high safety standards adopted by the leaders of the MMA community was vital until a governing body for the sport is recognised.
No winner of €5.38m Lotto jackpot
The numbers in last night’s Lotto jackpot draw for €5,387,888 were; 6, 9, 13, 14, 27 and 45. The bonus number was 33. There was no winner.
Lotto Plus One numbers were; 2, 3, 17, 22, 24 and 43, bonus 39. Lotto Plus Two numbers were; 19, 26, 33, 34, 38 and 40, bonus 8. The raffle number was 0288.
Fiddle Case headline Sollan festival
Feile na Sollan festival will run from Thursday until Sunday in Sallins, Co Kildare.
A ‘must’ for Irish language and cultural enthusiasts, it will host Irish traditional music and cultural activities crammed into a weekend that celebrates all aspects of Irish culture — language, music, dance and song.
The highlight of the festival will be a Saturday evening gig with the Fiddle Case, from Clare, who have performed all over Ireland and Europe. Local musician Jenny Dillon and her band will be opening the show. This concert will be upstairs in the Bridgewater.
Tickets and details on www.sallinstradfest.com or 0871834406.
Publican leaves €4.6m in will
Michael Dwyer, a publican formerly of Clonee Court, Clonee, Co Meath, who died on July 14, 2018, has left €4,672,173 in his will. Other wills: John Dunleavy, civil engineer, Mount Prospect Avenue, Clontarf, Dublin, died 9/1/18, left €3,703,654; Carmel Comerford, pharmacist, Priory Grave, Stillorgan, Dublin, died 18/3/17, left €2,324,616; Derek Scholefield, careers officer, Asgard, Howth, Dublin, died 21/11/17, left €1,899,163; Robert Stewart, farmer, Ramelton, Co Donegal, died 25/1/16, left €1,796,962; David Prentice, solicitor, Knapton Road, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin, died 3/2/18, left €1,711,541; Peter O’Donnell, quantity surveyor, The Haven, Mobhi Road, Glasnevin, Dublin, died 3/3/18, left €1,597,572; Philomena Buck, beautician, Butterstown, Clane, Co Kildare, died 4/2/18, left €1,572,241; Michael English, electrician, Eyeries, Beara, Co Cork, died 26/3/18, left €1,481,297; Joan Sheil, Embassy Lawn, Clonskeagh, Dublin, died 15/9/17, left €1,216,073; and Thomas Hawkins, commodities broker of Point Road, Crosshaven, Co Cork, died 3/12/107, left €1,111,271. The value of estates may include property, including the family home, and should not be regarded as cash amounts.