STORIES OF THE WEEK: Talks continue regarding the reopening of Tara Mines and Bective to be finishing point for Rás Tailteann

Our most read articles of this week are listed below starting with number one:

Troubles survivor Barney O'Dowd passes away aged 100

One of the oldest survivors of the Troubles, Barney O'Dowd, who was shot five times in an attack that claimed the lives of his brother and two sons, has passed away at the age of 100.

A native of Ballydougan, Co Down, Barney and his late wife Kathleen left their home and business behind following the horrific attack to settle outside Navan and rear their children in the peace of the Meath countryside.

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Ashbourne catering company served closure order last month

An Ashbourne based catering company was shut down by the Food Safety Authority last month.

Royal Caterers, Ashbourne Business Centre, Ballybin Road, Ashbourne had their closure order imposed on 22nd March and lifted on 3rd April.

The FSA found dirt and food debris on walls, floors, doors and equipment in the facility, which meant the company failed to maintain the food premises in a hygienic condition.

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Death of Ashbourne Station Officer Ciaran Finn

News of the passing of Ciaran Finn, Station Officer with Ashbourne Fire Service, has been greeted with widespread sadness in the local community and across the county.

Ciaran of Tudor Close, Ashbourne, passed away peacefully at his home yesterday (Thursday), after an illness.

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Bective to welcome concluding stage of Ras Tailteann

Calling all cycling enthusiasts. This May you can cheer on and support some of the finest cyclists from around the world, as the winner of this year’s Rás Tailteann will be determined right in Co Meath.

Bective, midway between Trim and Navan, will be the finishing point for the 69th edition of the Rás Tailteann, which will take place from Wednesday 22nd May to Sunday 26th May.

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'We will soon see if the commitments on the reopening of the mine at this time are real or another broken promise'

The Tara Mines Group of Unions (GoU) has welcomed the decision by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) to recommence talks on 15th April concerning the return to full operation of the mine, following the breakdown of discussions with management at a local level.

SIPTU Sector Organiser, John Regan, said: “It is long overdue for the mine to reopen fully.

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