CRYPTIC/QUICK CROSSWORD

Here’s your chance to win a Collins Concise English Dictionary. Complete the crossword using

either the cryptic or the quick clues and send it to us with your name and address. Send your solution to: Cryptic/Quick Crossword No. 585, The Irish Mail on Sunday, PO Box 5332, Cardiff Lane, Dublin 2. Entries must be received by Thursday, January 4. The winner will be drawn from a hat. The winner of Cryptic/Quick Crossword No.584 is Dave Meehan, Blackrock, Co. Dublin.

CRYPTIC CLUES AcrOss

8 Give an account about fortified wine (6) 9 Former spouse learnt to work outside (8) 10 Have no confidence in motorway – it’s developing corrosion (8) 11 In a terrible state to rent out (6) 12 Arson irreparably damaged some navigation equipment (5) 13 Injury leads to gossip at hospital (4) 14 Student finds atmosphere at home (4) 16 Decoration not registered for old conveyance (7) 18 Dossier contains some material that’s easily destroyed (7) 20 Hold together in a tricky situation (4) 21 American road can be a bit of a nuisance (4) 22 Sort out kingfisher, initially, and another bird (5) 25 Term is used as a mark of respect (6) 27 Blotto, drunk, having first roasted one bean (8) 28 Treat us terribly, with a soak (8) 29 Instruction not to wear so much (6)

dOWn

1 Sheep in more trouble (6) 2 Group originally against gear that’s been smuggled (10) 3 Support an arrogant way to walk (5) 4 Basic line taken in London (7) 5 To make a celestial map begin with tea (4,5) 6 Summons humour to circumvent resistance (4) 7 Stuff that is in no way abstract (8) 14 Brilliant accommodation to keep sailors safe (10) 15 Solo passage in heavy metal hiatus (4,5) 17 Train did crash on an island (8) 19 Singer breaks up brawl with hesitation (7) 23 Artist to smash into regular provisions (6) 24 Cook head of garlic next to stream (5) 26 Reportedly instructed to be well disciplined (4)