In Short

Today's other stories in brief

Today's other stories in brief

President at fire victims' schools

President Mary McAleese yesterday visited the Co Tyrone schools attended by three of the young victims of the Omagh house fire in November 2007.

She first met children at St Conor’s Primary School Omagh, where Seán McElhill (7) and his sister Bellina (4) had been pupils.

Later, she visited Sacred Heart College, where the eldest child, Caroline (13), had been a student.

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The three were among the seven family members who died of smoke inhalation in the fire at the McElhill home in Lammy Crescent, with their father Arthur (39), mother Lorraine McGovern (30), and siblings Clodagh (18 months) and James (9 months).

Arrest on 2006 gangland murder

Gardaí investigating the gangland murder of 26-year-old Paul Reay in 2006 have arrested a man for questioning.

The suspect, who is in his early 40s, was arrested yesterday morning in Drogheda, Co Louth.

He is being detained at Drogheda Garda station under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act and can be held for up to 72 hours without charge.

He is the third person arrested for questioning about the drug-related gun murder. Two men in their 20s were arrested in the weeks after the killing.

Mr Reay, Tredagh View, Marley’s Lane, Drogheda, was shot dead on November 23rd, 2006, as he left home for a court appearance linked to a major drugs haul.

Firms urged to donate items

An online organisation which acts as a link between companies and voluntary groups is organising a “Skip the Dump” campaign, writes James Edwards.

The aim of the campaign is to encourage companies in the process of spring cleaning to donate their unwanted items to voluntary groups, as opposed to dumping them.

The type of items generally needed by charities and community associations are office furniture, computers and software.

The organisation, which was set up in April 2008, is staffed by volunteers and has a growing base across Ireland. Its website address is www.irelanddonates.com