A round-up of other Irish news stories in brief
Young inventor shortlisted for Dyson prize with oxygen device
A young inventor has been shortlisted for a prestigious international prize for an oxygen-delivery system. James D’Arcy is the only Irish entry to make it to the finals of the James Dyson Design awards with a device called Flo2w.
The invention holds an oxygen tube to a patient’s head with an adjustable headpiece that can be clipped on and off.
Mr D’Arcy (23), from Minane Bridge, Cork, has already beaten more than 500 entries from 21 countries across the world to make the final 18.
Inquiry into dumped tyres in northeast
Environment officials in the northeast are investigating reports of more illegal tyre-dumping in the Cavan-Monaghan area. Following last week’s illicit dumping of more than 500 tyre-casings at an isolated farm in Co Monaghan, it was reported yesterday that a further dumping of tyres had taken place at a disused quarry at Drung, near Cootehill, Co Cavan.
Locals claimed a huge consignment of worn tyres was discovered and they had alerted Cavan County Council.
Cowen lights up in Croke Park
Taoiseach Brian Cowen attempted to smoke a cigarette in a non-smoking area of Croke Park last Sunday, a Government spokesman confirmed last night, writes Stephen Collins. Earlier, a caller to RTÉ Radio’s Liveline had complained that the Taoiseach was seen smoking a cigarette in the stadium after the All Ireland semi-final between Dublin and Cork and had to be asked to put it out.
The spokesman said that about an hour after the match, Mr Cowen went to an open-air part of the stadium and started to smoke. “Somebody pointed out that he should not be smoking in that part of the ground and he put it out immediately,” said the spokesman.