English summaries of the comprehension
texts
Ideally, you should try and translate the texts using the dictionary
at the back of Trialacha Tuigbheála but if you are finding
it difficult, read these summaries to get a rough idea of the texts.
1 Pól Mac Suibhne – anonn is anall
- Paul Sweeney - to and fro
Paul Sweeney is from Newry but moved to Glasgow when he
was eleven years old. His father is a head teacher and his mother a classroom
assistant.
Paul likes Glasgow but remembers Newry with great fondness. He keeps in
touch with his family friends in Newry by visiting his grandmother every
August. He finds that the month flies in.
He wants to be an architect and is studying Art, Maths and Physics. When
he has finished his studies at university he wants to open up an office
in Newry.
He will apparently settle down in Ireland, marry a wife, build a house
a few miles out of Newry and fill it with eight children!
2 Cearthaí ar Mháire lá an agallaimh
- Mary is nervous on her interview day
Mary gets up at 8.00. She is trying to stay calm but is
quaking and pale. When she sees herself in the mirror, coming down the
stairs, she asks her self to get a grip. She reassures herself she is
the right person for the job. She knows about computers and has spent
a year abroad. She has a great chance if she could only stay calm.
This puts the smile back on her face and she feels better.
She put the t.v. on but wasn’t really interested in that morning’s
news. She had jotted down a few notes from the night before on questions
she might be asked. Having lost her appetite, she eats a light breakfast.
She left herself plenty of time and that relaxed her.
She was only a twenty-minute walk from the factory but, even so, she had
ordered a taxi – nice and early just in case. She did not want to
run in her new suit and the new shoes she had just bought the afternoon
previous. They seemed to fit her but she was reluctant to walk too far
in them.
3 Seán Ó Baoill dochtúir -
John Boyle, G.P.
John Boyle from Gortahork (in the Donegal Gaeltacht) is
working in Nigeria. He graduated with a degree in Medicine ten years ago.
He was working in the Children’s Hospital in Belfast, a city he liked
only that his contract finished after two years. His aunt, a secretary
in a newspaper office in Derry (City), told him of an advert for a job
in Letterkenny ( a town in County Donegal). He faxed off for information,
applied and was offered the vacancy.
He worked three years in Letterkenny. He declined free lodgings in the
hospital preferring to stay at home having been away eight years and wanting
to see the old place and his parents. He was also needed to play goalkeeper
for Cloghaneely Gaelic Football team. He used to be a talented footballer
but at college he had to concentrate on his studies.
He saw a documentary about Africa on television. There was an appeal for
anyone qualified as a nurse or doctor to spend some time in Nigeria. He
wrote off to an office in Dublin and spent a year working with Red Cross
as a director of a field hospital.
This is his fourth year. Despite the heat he managed to settle down. He
got on with the work and met some nice people. He will be sorry to leave,
but such is life. Despite not knowing what lies before him, he wants to
go back to Donegal (Tyrconnell) and stay there as home is calling him.
Too old for football, he will take up fishing.
4 Úna Nic Mhaoláin – scoláire
ollscoile - Úna McMullan - a university student
Úna, from Belfast, is a studying Chemistry in Dublin
on a three-year course. She finds her first year at university a great
change in her life. All she had to do at home was make her bed.
In Dublin she is in a block of the Halls of Residence with nineteen others.
She has to shop, cook, wash, iron and do all other household chores for
herself. If she does not, no-one else will. She is getting used to it
all now, in spite of her difficulties at first.
The Halls have advantages and disadvantages. Plus points are: cheap rent,
central heating, hot water; she can walk to lectures in the morning unlike
students in the city.
On the other hand, she must admit the rooms are not too big, there are
long queues for cooking, it can get noisy at night sometimes. If she wants
to go into the city, taxi fares are costly and she can only visit Dublin
by night if a few friends share the fare.
She had her schooling through Irish and does not want to lose her Irish.
Fortunately a girl from Conamara (in County Galway) is staying in the
Halls and Úna is also a member of the Gaelic Society. She attends
an Irish class. They are reading An Druma Mór (‘The Big Drum’,
a novel) by Seosamh Mac Grianna – her favourite Gaelic author and
someone who adapted Irish for modern living.
5 Báite i bhfiacha - Up to the
eyes in debt
Joseph, cold and hungry, goes in to a little café.
He was not so much affected by hunger as by cold. He was delighted when
the waitress handed a mug of hot, steaming coffee. He would visit the
café once a week, the people there, both staff and customers, knew
him and he them. He was about to take his first sip.
He liked the little café for a number of reasons: fairly comfortable,
not too dear and the serving staff were pleasant. He wanted the morning
paper but an old woman had it. She came in every morning, ordered a light
breakfast and took the paper. Fond of crosswords, but slow to fill them
in, there were few mornings she didn’t manage to finish it. She would
not put the paper down until the last clue was filled in. That was all
she wanted the paper for.
Joseph, seeing her on clue number two, knew he was in for a long wait.
He was not too worried about the headlines, he had enough on his mind,
He looked at the date on the calendar. A month to pay back his debts.
Six thousand pounds, Why did I listen to the foolish advice I was given?
Too late now, the damage was done.
6 Am luí i dteach Chlann Scott - Bedtime
in Scott’s house
Half past ten at night and Trevor Scott was finishing off
the dishes. The day’s work would soon be over and he could sit (down)
a while.
His wife Wilma was in the kitchen with him, reading the newspaper. Twenty
minutes would do her. She had no interest in sport or politics. She liked
reading about court cases and film stars. Trevor liked doing the crossword
before going to bed. This daily ritual kept his mind sharp and helped
him sleep.
Their youngest child Martin was in bed but the twins were watching the
t.v. Wilma thought it was high time they were heading off to bed.
‘Children, you should be in bed; at thirteen I would not be allowed
to sit up. Father and I made an exception for the football. Up to bed
now, brush your teeth and lights out.
We cannot complain, we got sitting up and our team won 3-1. They happily
turn in for the night.
7 Clive Westwood: cúlra innealtóra -
Clive Westwood: - an engineer’s background
Clive Westwood, from Birmingham, lives in Liverpool. He
wanted to study architecture in London but was not accepted. His grades
were not high enough for London. He should not have let exam results annoy
him like they did. He thought it was the end of him, his moral was low.
He was accepted to the course in Liverpool. Thinking back upon it, he
would advise us not to attach so much importance to exams, it is not worth
it and people are much more important than exam results.
He went to study engineering in Liverpool and, believe it or not, he is
still there. Hard to believe that was twenty years ago, It was difficult
at the start, leaving his family, feeling homesick and he was shy and
found it difficult to mix.
He persisted and got to know people. He joined the rowing club and the
members of that club helped him more than anything else. They were kind
and decent. They managed to win the Universities Championship. This required
hard work and effort – up at six, four mornings a week, rowing flat
out for an hour. He didn’t mind the early start or the training but
freezing hands were sometimes a problem. He would do it all over again.
8 Gan sos, gan staonadh - Flat out
Brenda was so relived to put the heavy bags down she had
carried those long one hundred yards from the bus stop. She searched her
pocket for the key and managed to open the door at second attempt. Straight
in to the kitchen and put the kettle on.
‘Dear bless us, you would not notice how time passes, three hours
shopping!
Even though she was exhausted, she was in a good mood having got all she
went out for.
She had the house to herself – husband at work and the children at
school. She could now sit down and try her honey biscuits and Italian
coffee. Much as she loved her husband and children she like to spend a
while with noone to annoy her. Perhaps her family did not understand that
they were making constant demands on her but they were.
It is not that she didn’t want to help. She would often ask her self
what would they do without her but no sooner did she say that but she
would ask what would she do without them? She did not want to go over
old ground. She would like to sit now with a coffee and browse through
the magazine she had brought home.
Coffee is poured, biscuits are on the plate, shoes are off and she is
about to sit on the sofa when she hears footsteps on the path and the
doorbell rings. Who is this stranger?
9 Ag obair ó dhubh go dubh - Domhnach
is dálach
Working day and night - every day in the week
Thomas Doherty gets up when the radio announces it is nine o’clock.
Thomas had been awakened earlier by his wife, Sorcha. He was tired - although
not lazy. He would work hard during the week, getting up most mornings
at half six. His employer often said in front of the other workers that
there wasn’t a worker in the factory as devoted as Tom.
‘Few can compare to you. I have never seen, nor will I see, your
equal.’
Tom says to his colleagues that he could not function without the wonderful
help he gets from them. He is proud to be a part of this team. No one
individual deserves praise as unity is strength.
Even so, it was Saturday and Tom didn’t mind getting up a little
late than usual. He was exhausted as he and his colleagues had to get
a large order ready yesterday so that the lorries would catch the boat.
The factory had to be cleaned from top to bottom. It was left cleaner
than the day it was built.
This weekend would not be as peaceful as usual. Sorcha had organised a
family shopping trip to Derry and that they would stay in a hotel in Inishowen
(County Donegal). The day had now arrived and although they had booked
the hotel, they had nothing packed yet. They would have to leave ‘Ginger’,
the family pet in Tom’s mother’s as pets were not allowed in
the hotel.
10 Thugamar féin an samhradh linn! -
Summer at Last!
Úna was in a fine mood when she woke up. She was
going off to Australia – two months of sun, sand and fun.
Everything was in hand and organised. Her friend Sally was not so well
organised although she always got there in the end. That lifestyle may
have suited Sally but certainly not Úna.
Úna would get up, take a bath, listen to a nice CD and disconnect
the phone. She would have a leisurely breakfast – the table set from
the night before: cereal, bowl, spoon, Kenyan coffee and croissant –
with a little white napkin to catch the crumbs.
This would bring her to half past eight and she would double check (yet
again!) for passport, visa, credit card, handbag, cases, coats, travel
pills – and the latest Maeve Binchy novel, as she was fond of reading.
Taxi would soon come and airport was half an hour away.
Úna did not want to leave the house empty. Problem solved. Her
cousin would come and stay. Úna would take no rent but gave her
cousin two conditions: no parties and she would have to be out before
September when Úna would be starting back to the school in which
she worked. Úna left the key in her mother’s house.
11 Codladh corrach Mhicheáil Uí Ghallchóir
- Michael Gallagher’s uneasy sleep
It is three in the morning and Michael couldn’t sleep.
He goes down stairs, heats some milk and falls asleep ten minutes later.
His mother has to waken him: ‘Get up John O’Brien will be here
anytime now.
Michael bounds out of bed and throws on his clothes, John O’Brien’s
car pulls up to the house. Michael knew he would get nothing to eat but
didn’t care as the exam results were waiting in the college. He would
have to make do without breakfast. He detested waiting these two long
months for the results – an eternity. Out he comes, with no shoes
on, and into the car.
‘Now, then, boyo, let’s go in for the bad news’ John says
casually. John was a laid back personality and nothing, however bad, would
annoy him.
The minutes later, they are running up past the secretary’s office
and up to the main hall – the stop running when they see teachers.
A long table in the middle of the hall. Micheál walks slowly up
to the table. The principal hands him a brown envelope. Micheál’s
heart is pounding and his hands tremble.
‘Don’t worry, Gallagher’, beams the principal from ear
to ear, ‘you have done very well.’
12 Cormac Ó Cnáimhsí, ar a sháimhín
só? - Cormac Bonnar, - peace at last?
Cormac is at home, happy and contented. House to himself
– wife at Yoga class and sons out at football. Heaven! Mug of tea
in his hand, paper on his knee, a game of football on t.v., his team leading
3-1, two minutes to go. Wouldn’t it be fantastic if this peace could
last.
This was not to be for Cormac. Phone rings, Cormac recognizes his daughter
Peggy.
‘Come quick, Daddy. Our Ciarán has not come home yet, to tell
the truth I am a bit worried. I wouldn’t call only James is at work
and I cannot leave the other children. Too cold and the baby has a cold
and doctor asked me to keep her indoors.’
‘Don’t worry, Peggy, I’ll go over to Kelly’s house.
I bet that is where he is. He goes there after school. Once those boys
start their computer games they think of little else. I am almost certain
that is where he is I saw Ciarán going in with Brian Kelly on my
way home. I’ll give him a lift in the car.’
‘Thanks, Daddy. One other small request could you stop at the garage
and get milk, bread and biscuits?’
13 Turas go Learpholl 1 - Trip to Liverpool,
1
Peter wants to give his son Conall, 13, a birthday present.
He has thought, for some months now, he would like to go to a soccer match
in England. His workmate Ken gave him information as regards tickets,
travel etc.
Peter was told bus was almost full but a few places were left in he and
Conall wanted them for Liverpool v Newcastle 24th March. Boat from Belfast
to Liverpool, six-hour journey. Staying in a three-star hotel on the edge
of the city centre.
The group had received special permission to visit Anfield: view the dressing
rooms, playing pitch, trophy room. An hour-long video would be shown,
followed by lunch in the Directors’ Restaurant and a guest appearance
by the ream captain.
£180 for a grown up and 140 for a child. Finally, Peter raises the
matter with his wife. ‘Darling, I have a suggestion for Conall’s
birthday.’
‘What is it, Peter I am all ears.
He tells her the whole story but it is hard to tell from her face if she
if for or against.
14 Turas go Learpholl 2: ‘Ní shiúlfaidh
tú choíche leat féin’ - Trip to Liverpool,
2: ‘You’ll never walk alone’
Máire was not expecting this. Peter wanted a quick
answer but realised he would have to be patient. He would understand if
she was against the idea.
‘I am not too sure. It is not a question of money – although
it is a lot for a weekend. I would worry about people drinking on the
coach or using foul language.
‘I totally agree but do not worry. I raised this point with Ken.
We need not worry, it is a family trip. Half the passengers will be children.
Conall can sit beside Ken’s son, William. The committee are strict
about no alcohol and behaviour on the family trips. Anyone breaking these
rules will be expelled from the club.
‘I am glad to hear that and I praise the committee for it. But we
will have to do something for the other children afterwards. They will
be jealous of their older brother.
‘Leave that to me, Mary. If we are allowed to go to Liverpool, we
will all go to Croke Park, Dublin, in September.
‘Alright, then but promise me you’ll keep a tight grip of him
in the stadium.
‘I will, but there is another small snag he’ll have to take
a half day off school.
‘Seeing as we’ve started we may as well finish.’
15 Pádraig Ó Siail: ar lorg oibre -
Patrick Shields: - looking for work
I am Patrick Shileds from Belfast, currently unemployed.
I cannot find a job. It is difficult to get work these days without a
trade or qualifications. I am going back to studying, I believe a qualification
in computers will help me.
I worked four years in a factory but it went out of business. I had a
lot of friends there. Work was interesting and money good. Disappointed
when it closed. as I was getting used to computing, especially e-mail
and the internet.
Left school at 16 with no qualifications. Worked in a restaurant for few
years – long hours, low wages and no free time at weekends. It was
slavery. Went to London then – as two years as a waiter was more
than enough for me. Worked on building sites for 10 years.
While I have no formal qualifications I want to return to education as
I understand its importance. The skills I learned in the factory have
given me confidence that I can handle new technology. I read an advert
about a computer course for adults. I wrote to personnel, got an application
and applied. I have been offered an interview and have three days to prepare.
I hope I do well and get on the course. My friend advised me not to be
nervous, to take my time and listen carefully to the questions asked.
If accepted this will be a great opportunity as I am certain I will get
a get job.
16 Caillte sa tsneachta - Lost in the snow
Susan, from Eniskillen (a town in County Fermanagh) left
her parents’ house on Sunday afternoon to go to Belfast where she
lives and works. A journey of one and a half hours.
‘Take your time, daughter, don’t drive fast, to many people
are killed on the roads by speed – and alcohol.’
‘Alright, father, I’ll heed that advice. Bye, Mammy phone you
the night after next.’
Susan goes up road at a reasonable speed. Wintertime and it soon gets
dark. She usually plays music when driving alone and this time she listened
to a Clannad CD. Funny noise come from the car. The petrol gauge is at
empty. Susan is mad at herself as she clean forgot to get any after lunch.
Pulls into side of motorway. She has a free membership of the Automobile
Association – that and a weekend in Dublin were part of the deal
for the car she bought in Ballycastle. Unfortunately her mobile phone
battery was dead. She gets frightened. Snow is falling.
‘I’ll perish with the cold if I do not get petrol soon.’
A gritting lorry passes by and Susan flagged down the lorry with her handkerchief.
She explained the situation to the driver and his colleague.
‘Lock you car and jump aboard with us, madam. There is a garage a
mile up the road; fill this can with petrol and we’ll drive you back
to the car. In the meantime we will phone the police and tell them you
will come back to the car in half an hour or so.’
17 Tomás - an leanbh iomlatach - Thomas
- the mischievous child
A Saturday morning in the middle of the summer. Cathy pulls
kitchen blinds to block out strong sun. Thomas, the baby, is in his highchair
eating his breakfast. Cathy’s husband Robert had gone down to the
supermarket to do the week’s shopping. Robert used to write the list
out on Friday night. It was hung on the wall and Cathy would read over
it just before going to bed. She would occasionally add an item or two
but, to give Robert his dues, he seldom left anything out.
Robert would come in he back door, leave the credit card receipt in the
jug and fill the kettle before taking the messages out of the bags. Carol
and Henry would be up at this stage and they would help their father –
Carol filling the fridge, Henry stacking the shelves. Robert would put
the plastic bags out of the way, just in case, for although Thomas was
only a year he was crawling around for the last month and putting everything
into his mouth or on his head. Just yesterday at lunchtime Cathy, luckily,
snatched a bottle of bleach from him.
‘Put that bleach down, go out to the hall and play with teddy.’
Cathy told Robert the whole story when he came home from the garage. ‘Isn’t
he a real tearaway? I caught him halfway up the stairs. I didn’t
shout in case he might fall. He doesn’t understand danger. I have
the cure for that, I bought two child gates in the children’s shop.
I’ll put them up now before dinner - better to be too early than
too late.
18 Ursula Briggs – bainisteoir - Ursula
Briggs - manager
Ursula Briggs is from Leeds. her father is from Dún
Laoghaire, outside Dublin, and her mother, Síle Gallagher, from
Gaoth Dobhair. Her mother, a native speaker of Irish, has always spoken
Irish to her.
She has been a manager in an assurance company for seven years. She was
asked to move from London to Dublin, a move she made gladly. Lodged for
the first ten months with her aunt, but has just bought a flat in the
centre of Dublin. It will take her a while to settle in but, as they say,
‘Rome wasn’t built in a day.’
Auntie’s house was great for company, meals and comfort but the traffic
was heavy driving in to Dublin. I got fed up with it and I also reckoned
that a flat would not be a bad investment. I also have my independence
in the flat although I can visit auntie at any time. I have no more need
for a car as I can walk to work. Having been brought up in a city I have
to say that I like the bustle and buzz of city life. I could only live
in a city.
My father left Dún Laoghaire (south of Dublin) at 18. He got a
job on his first afternoon as a builder and has it since. He met my mother
at a St Patrick’s Night dance. Mother was a student at a teacher
training college. She got a temporary and the a permanent job.
My parents were married son after. They were not married in Leeds, of
course, but came back to Ireland to get married in County Donegal. They
travelled round Ireland for a month and then came back to Leeds and bought
a house. I miss my family.
19 Moill ar phlean straitéise Bhord Sláinte
agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Lagáin
- The strategic plan for the Lagan Health and Social Services Board
is delayed.
The Lagan Health and Social Services Board issued a statement
in regard to health provision in Belfast and the wider area. It was hoped
to publish the strategic plan in full but this was not possible, a few
minor problems to sort out yet before the official document can be published.
The Secretary of the Board addressed Press conference in Europa Hotel
Belfast. Plan should de out within a fortnight.
‘Regret the published version cannot be presented to you. Let it
be remembered this it is a five-year plan which has taken two years to
research. If this short delay is put in this time-scale, we hope to be
forgiven. In the meantime, on behalf of the Board, I mention some of the
main findings of the steering committee:
• a pressing need for more resources to run service in a professional
manner. Funding has been raised in keeping with inflation
but figures not enough due to rise in pensioners. Board urges Government
to reconsider and increase budget.
• Grate scarcity of nurses. A new campaign will be launched to entice
young people into the nursing profession. Practical steps:
increase in wages and holidays. Retired qualified nurses will be brought
back to the wards. These people have valuable experience,
bonuses of £3000 will be offered, according to qualifications.
• More doctors will be appointed from the beginning of the tax year.
The hours trainee doctors work will also be cut back to
fifty hours per week.
• The Board realises waiting lists are too long. Currently patients
wait, on average, 14 months for operations such as heart by-pass
or hip replacement; we intend to cut the waiting lists as much as possible
down to 6 months in most cases/
Secretary did not wait for questions due to a pressing
engagement with the finance committee. As a parting shot he said press
could ask questions at the official launch.
20 Móréacht ar muir: Tugtar tarrtháil
ar La Belle France III díreach in am!
- Great heroics at sea: La Belle France III is rescued just in
time.
A boat’s crew in danger of drowning were rescued last
night from the North Channel. Three men, two women and a child were on
board La Belle France III when its side was pieced by a submerged rock.
The Portrush rescue vessel answered the SOS at 101.05 last night, all
were taken off the vessel by 11.30 – just in time as our local reporter
said the boat sank a quarter of an hour later.
Captain Hector Wilson of Portrush (County Antrim) was proud of his five
colleagues: ‘These young Coastguard sailors put their lives at risk
on rough seas. They do so willingly and they are never heard to complain.
I praise them highly. Mr Wilson continued saying Portrush Rescue Station
had got a new, seaworthy vessel a few years ago and only for that he was
sure those poor people would have been lost last night.
‘In the old boat we would never have reached La Belle France III
in time. The radar helped us locate the crew in a short space of time.
Speed and accuracy are the two most important things in this business.
On behalf of the Portrush Coastguard I wish to thank all in the community
who gave us donations. What price can be put on human life?
All aboard La Belle France III were French except for a Spanish lady.
All the passengers were taken to the Coleraine Hospital. The adults were
released this morning but the child will be kept in another night or two
but it is hope he will be released before the weekend. Siomon Lambert,
the captain, thanked all those who took part in the rescue.
‘This is the most frightening ordeal I ever faced,’ he said
tearfully. I thought we were gone, Waves as high as a house and a force
nine gale. Captain Wilson and his crew cannot be praised highly enough.
They are the bravest and kindest people I have ever encountered. A word
too for the doctors and nurses. Many thanks and may God preserve you all.
When asked if he would go back to sea Mr Lambert said he might, some day.
Even so, it was likely that they would fly home.21 Bronnadh speisialta
ón Uachtarán ar an ealaíontóir chlúiteach
Len Crosshaw
21 (full translation)
President makes a special presentation to the renowned artist
Len Crosshaw
A sumptuous banquet was held last night in the National
Gallery in Dublin in honour of the renowned artist Len Crosshaw. This,
of course, was by no means the first mark of esteem paid to him as many
exhibitions of his versatile and talented work have been shown world wide
over the last twenty years in galleries the length and breadth of Ireland,
and wider afield in places such as London, New York, Italy, France, Spain.
Mr Crosshaw is widely and internationally acclaimed by world art critics
as one of the outstanding portrait artists of the twentieth century.
The President of Ireland hosted the auspicious occasion and more than
eighty guests were in attendance, both artists and personal friends of
Len – including his wife Regina and his young grandson Nobbie. Among
the assembled was poet Séamus Heaney who recited a poem he had
penned in praise of Len. The celebrated chef Michael Dean oversaw dinner.
In her postprandial address the President presented Len Crosshaw with
a gold statue of a brush and pallet in addition to a trip to Epernay in
France, where he will spend a week touring the Champagne district –
which happens to be the artist’s preferred beverage. He will lodge
in a chateau as the special guest of the proprietor of the champagne producers
Mercier.
The President informed those in attendance that it was not merely Mr Crosshaw’s
outstanding artistic ability which won him this award, for it appears
that he has spent quiet a substantial part of his life engaged in community
and hospital work holding art workshops for people of all ages, backgrounds
and abilities. The President revealed that she had received letters from
students, doctors, nurses and community groups throughout the North and
that she was personally impressed by the frequency with which words such
as ‘respect’, ‘generosity’, ‘patience’,
‘optimism’, ‘humanity’ and ‘brightness’
were associated with Len.
The artist hails from Lancashire but has been living in Ireland for the
last thirty years. County Down is his favourite Irish county and although
he rarely attempts landscapes, he presented the President with a painting
of the Mourne Mountains as a token of gratitude for the wonderful evening
he had. Len said that he felt extremely fortunate to have bestowed with
an innate talent for art. He could not claim to fully comprehend this
gift nor indeed explain in any degree of detail but he did, nevertheless,
feel duty-bound to share this gift with others. “I do not perceive
art as a means of accruing wealth or as a profession, I prefer to view
it as life itself. I could not live without art – that music and
humour.”
The proceedings were filmed and some of the highlights of what was a most
memorable night will be included in a documentary of Len’s life and
work which will be broadcast on RTÉ at nine o’clock next Sunday
evening. Readers are advised not to miss this epic programme. Len’s
latest exhibition, ‘The Faces of Ireland’, will go on view in
the National Portraits Gallery. The exhibition will be on show for three
weeks. Twelve of these portraits will be included in next year’s
calendar and the entire proceeds will go to various charities. May his
hand never weaken nor his sight fail him!
22 Slad ar shiopa seodóra i lár na cathrach
- A raid on a city centre jeweller’s shop
A jeweller’s shop was robbed late last night/early
this morning. Electric wires were cut, curtains drawn and our reporter
tells us a lot of rings, watches and other valuables were taken.
Charles Gallagher, the proprietor, said £20,000 of goods were stolen
plus the damage to the building. It is not sure who was behind the raid
but a white car was seen driving up and down the street the day before
yesterday. It was thought they were tourists who had lost their way but
the photographs may have been used in planning the raid.
When they had got all that was to be had from the main room the robbers
went out to the back but, fortunately, they did not go too far and the
safe was untouched. It seems it was not noticed in the darkness!
People living in the area say they heard a car blowing its horn at one
in the morning. It was thought that it was a taxi. The noise continued
and the neighbours knew something was amiss. Two men were seen running
from the shop, each carrying a bag. A large clock was taken form the shop
but it was let fall on the street. It was smashed to pieces, much to Mr
Gallagher’s distress as it was a 200-year old Austrian clock, the
only one of its kind in Ireland. ‘I pray these rogues will soon be
caught’ said an emotional Mr Gallagher.
When the two who were involved in the theft were disturbed a wolf whistle
was heard and the name ‘Jimbo’ was shouted out. They made their
getaway in a white car. The car was found, burnt out, a few mile out of
town. one of the bags was found, a few hundred yards away, on the road.
It will be taken to the barracks for examination.
The police want anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious to contact
them right away at the local station. It is hope to apprehend this gang
before they strike again. A sum of money will be given to anyone who helps
the police bring these thieves to justice. |