Author Archives: Aaron McAllorum

[smooth=id:137]

[CLICK the ARROWS to BROWSE]

(Yes, it’s pretty dull)

With almost three quarters of the votes cast in the Donegal South West by-election counted, tallies show Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has a significant lead.

Significant, there’s a word.

The likely winner should be known from unofficial tallies by lunchtime with a final official result due in the late afternoon or evening. Counting is taking place in the Finn Valley Athletics Club in Stranorlar.

Initial results, with 72 per cent of boxes opened, show the Sinn Féin candidate on 39.8 per cent, Fianna Fáil candidate Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill on 21.5 per cent and Fine Gael’s Barry O’Neill on 18.8 per cent.

Meanwhile, on waste ground near Stranorlar A.C., a flock of starlings squabble over a dropped crisp.

Doherty Ahead In Donegal Count (Irish Times)

(Photocall Ireland)


PRESIDENT MARY McAleese has called on citizens to maintain a positive outlook through present difficulties and “rise to the challenge” that the country is facing.

Speaking at the Irish Book Awards last night, Mrs McAleese said she understood the distress many people are experiencing but asked people to keep supporting me one another and remain optimistic.

President Addresses Citizens Urged To Rise To The Challenge (Irish Times)

(Photocall Ireland)


Except not really:

There was a moment of humour when Mr O’Halloran reached Lot 40, an abstract painting called Big Forest Borneo (above) by Barrie Cooke, and said “the illustration in the catalogue is upside down; I’m sure you all noticed that”.

The nervous laughter in the room suggested that few had. But maybe they had because the painting was the only lot in the auction which failed to sell.

Hammer Falls on Bank of Ireland Art Collection (Irish Times)