A round-up of today’s regional news in brief Sligo Rose gets apology after being forced out Garda Charlene Anderson yesterday demanded and received an
apology from Rose of Tralee organisers for a mix-up that forced her out of the contest after winning the Sligo area title. The 28-year-old, who donated her €1,000 prize to a cancer charity, was replaced by another woman five days later for being too old. Her birthday fell two days before the area contest in her native town. Although she told the judges she had celebrated the event and had a small-print rule on age checked, she said she was assured there was no problem. Garda Anderson, the only female motorcycle member with Donegal Traffic Corps, was persuaded to enter the contest to raise funds for Sligo Hospital Oncology Unit Trust (Shout). She said her only interest in competing was to raise funds for the trust, a charity close to her heart after a relative was recently diagnosed with cancer. Rose national organiser Steve Cromley said: “I have no problem apologising to Charlene. We certainly should have spotted the oversight by the judges.” Garda Anderson has been replaced by “reserve” Rose Sinead McGill (25), who is leaving the €1,000 with Shout. Victim’s father urges solidarity
The father of an innocent young businessman murdered in Limerick last month is encouraging people to “stand up and be counted” at an upcoming public rally against gangland violence, writes Kathryn Hayes.