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. 617, The Irish Mail on Sunday, PO Box 5332, Cardiff Lane, Dublin 2. Entries must be received by Thursday. The winner will be drawn from a hat. The winner of Cryptic/Quick Crossword No.616 is Kevin McGoran, Youghal, Co. Cork.

CRYPTIC CLUES Across

8 Fair assessment about key catholic stuff (6) 9 In home, let tenant have something to eat (8) 10 Next to the road, in passing (2,3,3) 11 Burden with some riding equipment (6) 12 Block vain performance by student (5) 13 Left a mixture of gases at home (4) 14 Dog can be heard at the summit (4) 16 Encourage chief to be an intellectual (7) 18 Meant to work with silver and another colour (7) 20 Ask hoarsely for a file (4) 21 Fake elaboration has to collapse (4) 22 Pass out, showing lack of conviction (5) 25 Informal talk about the French holiday cabin (6) 27 Place that’s repeatedly important for property (8) 28 Frank is not involved in comedy (8) 29 Exercise pole used in race (6)

Down

1 Gorge, having that old tin for a start (6) 2 Cleric abhors chip badly cooked (10) 3 School’s first bully left a frown (5) 4 He imitates ape with whip (7) 5 County padre sent to get part of the furnishings (9) 6 Fellow confused, due to prolonged quarrel (4) 7 Begin with breaking law and get committed (8) 14 Pure action carried out as a safeguard (10) 15 Returns to get a convertible in secret (9) 17 Mineral, terribly hip and in great form (8) 19 A tiler wasted a year – that’s not imagined (7) 23 Improvise a sort of pasta (6) 24 Opportunity for school head to manage (5) 26 Used by intelligent baker to make one (4)