Merrion at risk of swim ban forever
Country singer tells of his faith
Dublin beach
MERRION Strand could be hit with a permanent swimming ban.
The South Dublin beach did not meet the EU’S minimum bathing water standards for four years in a row up to 2018.
If the beach fails to meet the targets for a fifth consecutive year, it will get a “permanent bathing prohibition”.
That would make it the first Irish beach ever to be issued with this.
The council added that Merrion Strand is at a “high risk” of failing to meet standards again, according to The Irish Times.
The Environmental Protection Agency will not release the results of its 2019 bathing water quality tests until April or May.
DANIEL O’donnell told how he loves a good Mass but admits it’s a shame the Catholic Church has lost the trust of the people.
The 58-year-old Donegal crooner said he’s a man of faith but likes to keep his religion to himself.
Daniel told the Irish Mirror: “It’s a different time and I can’t answer for other people, from my own point of view, I still go to Mass whenever I can and I get a lot out of it but it’s a difficult time.
“A lot has happened in the Church that has really had a huge effect on people, it’s unbelievable I suppose some of the stuff that has been exposed.
“From my point of view I try to keep it for myself, I like the fact I can go to a good Mass.”
In the wake of the scandals plaguing the Catholic Church the veteran singer believes there are still many good priests in Ireland.
He added: “There’s a lot of good people, period in the world, but we always hear about the bad things, not to justify anything that’s been done.
“But I know a lot of good people and a lot of good priests. It’s such a shame that a certain amount had the trust of people and they lost that trust.”
REVAMPED
On a lighter note the singer revealed people no longer try to sneak a peek at his revamped house, since the Room To Improve episode aired.
He said: “We now have a beautiful home, all in all it was a good experience, the end result is out of this world, we can’t believe it’s ours.
“People snooped enough on the TV so they don’t come now to see it, they respect our privacy.”
The singer, who recently released his album Halfway To Paradise, said he loves mentoring new country stars.
He added: “I would always tell young singers just be yourself, no matter how much you admire another singer, you’re never going to be as good as them or better, but if you’re yourself you’ll be fantastic.”