Irish News Digest

The body of a young Mayo man was removed from Galway docks yesterday after he fell into the water in the early hours of yesterday…

The body of a young Mayo man was removed from Galway docks yesterday after he fell into the water in the early hours of yesterday morning. Two companions who were with the man when the accident happened were being treated yesterday in hospital in Galway.

The men were on their way home when they were reported to have climbed on board a barge in the docks area at around 3 a.m.

One man fell into the water, and the two others tried to rescue him, before getting into difficulties. They were rescued by Galway Fire Brigade, and the search continued with Galway lifeboat and gardaí for the third man.

Burst drain closes McDonald's outlet

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A McDonald's outlet in Grafton Street, Dublin, was closed last night due to drainage problems, writes Sorcha Crowley.

The management of the outlet, which is in one of the busiest streets in Ireland, posted a notice on the window explaining the situation: "Due to a burst drain we have been forced to close. We apologise for any inconvenience". No indication was given as to when it would be reopened.

24-hour vigil to save trees on Eyre Square

A 24-hour vigil began in Eyre Square, Galway, last night in protest at plans to remove up to 90 mature trees from the city centre.

The vigil by Galway Environmental Alliance began with the lighting of a candle at midnight, and it will be extinguished when the protest ends at midnight tonight. .A protest march will also take place at 2 p.m. today over plans by Galway City Council to remove the trees as part of a redevelopment project.

Collection for famine victims in Africa

A special collection will take place at all Masses in the 200 parishes of the Archdiocese of Dublin this coming weekend (Saturday, February 1st and Sunday 2nd ) to provide emergency aid for the 23 million people currently facing chronic food shortages in Africa. All monies from this collection will be given to Trócaire as quickly as possible to support their relief operations in the Horn of Africa and Southern Africa.

New owner for Gay's Harley Davidson

The businessman and owner of the Vicar Street music venue in Dublin, Mr Harry Crosbie, has become the proud owner of Gay Byrne's Harley Davidson motorcyce which the broadcaster auctioned for charity.

Mr Crosbie had been in a bidding war with a food company for the bike which was presented to Gay Byrne by U2 during his last ever Late Late Show.

His successful bid of €30,000 will go to the Children's Medical and Research Foundation at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin.

Bidders receive a signed letter from the broadcaster and a photograph of himself, Bono and Larry Mullen with the motorcycle.