The continuing fears about the effects of a possible outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease is powerfully reflected in all the regional papers and precautions being taken by all sections of the community are covered from every angle. On the basis that these matters are adequately covered elsewhere this column moves on to other matters exercising the regional communities.
However, it is only fair to mention a photograph on the front page of the Echo and South Leinster Advertiser showing a prize bull, valued at £3,500, being taken away from the Walsh farm in Kilmuckridge, which was shot and disposed of, appearing under the headline, "Slaughter of the Innocents".
The Kilkenny People, however, takes a sidelong look on the bright side and reminds us that in its absence our devotion to sport is emphasised by how much it is missed when it is curtailed, as at present.
On a lighter note, the Leitrim Observer tells us of many fine and graceful trees in its area, notably on of the Lough Rynn Estate near Mohill. "This oak, known as The Three Sisters Oak, is over 76 metres around (its leafy circumference) and is one of the 5,000 champion trees recorded by the Tree Register of Ireland." Leitrim can also boast, according to the paper, of a "Black Poplar" which is "the biggest in Ireland".
The proposed closing of rural Garda stations is of serious concern to a number of regional papers. "Recommendations from a steering committee, set up to to restructure the Garda, could spell the closure of Garda stations in Longford," according to the Longford News.
The Roscommon Champion expresses similar concerns. The paper reports: "Senator John Connor has expressed his gravest concern at a report leaked to a Sunday newspaper suggesting that a Government commissioned report was to recommend that at least another 100 rural Garda stations should be closed down." The Wexford People also weighs in on the same topic. It reports that, while the review was in its early stages, Wexford was one of the counties under the spotlight.
Street violence is a problem nation-wide according to the regional papers. The Kilkenny People reports that a Dublin visitor was assaulted in St Kieran's Street and was rushed to St Luke's Hospital for treatment". A local man was arrested. The Connacht Tribune reports: "Two men were involved in what the judge described as a `totally unprovoked assault on an innocent bystander' ". The two were each sentenced to four months in jail.
The Waterford News and Star has several reports of violent behaviour. One headline proclaims: "Part of a man's ear bitten off". Another headline on the same page: "Builder told he had a lovely head for a bullet" and another proclaimed "Alcoholic assaulted garda as he tried to escape". Kerry's Eye has a front-page report about a row in a chip shop in Ardfert after which a crowd tried to overturn a car. Judge Harvey Kenny said he would be sending out a wrong signal if he didn't send the two defendants to jail. "Similar rows happen in every Ardfert in Ireland," the judge said. "Are we to sit back and do nothing? You cannot walk down the street without seeing rows and fights. They must go to jail." The Western People reports that a man attacked on a Ballina street was "the world's fastest puncher. The injured party, Mr Pat Armstrong, is a former martial arts world champion who holds the world record for the fastest number of punches in a second." His two attackers, already serving custodial sentences, were sentenced to a further three months, according to the paper.
The Drogheda Independent reports: "Teenage girls in Drogheda have cited alcohol as a major factor in teenage pregnancies and they say they won't use contraception because they feel confidentially with their doctor will not be respected." The paper reports: "The staggering rate of alcohol and substance abuse among young people is being tackled locally by students from Our Lady's College, Greenhills. The team of girls ran a workshop for over 50 teenagers from Drogheda." The paper goes on to state: "Listening to their friends, they put suicide at the top of their concerns about mental health."
The Meath Chronicle reports on a programme aimed at improving driving skills among the young. Involved in the programme is the former rally driver Rosemary Smith who is conducting the "innovative driving school for second-level students at Fairyhouse at the Think Awareness Driving School".
The Leinster Express is worried about the fate of Abbeyleix Heritage House. "A critical meeting to decide the fate of the house is due to take place next week," according to the paper. "If something is not put in place, Heritage House will close down for good," according to a spokesman.