GALWAY BRUNO HEADED FOR PHOENIX BARK
Aras an Uachtarain will echo to the sound of heavy paws from next month as president-elect Michael D Higgins is to give a home to a Bernese Mountain Dog, the Galway Advertiser reports.
The presidential pooch, named Bruno, was a 12-month-old homeless puppy has been secured for the Higgins family by Galway Bay fm radio broadcaster and dog breeder Valerie Hughes. The dog was owned by a Northern Irish couple who emigrated to South Africa and who were unable to bring Bruno with them.
Hughes is an internationally known breeder of Bernese Mountain Dogs. Prior to the election, she spoke with Higgins who said that he would be very keen to have such a beautiful animal as his presidential pet in the event of him winning.
Hughes said that the new president had insisted that the Aras pet would be a dog who was abandoned or in need of a home.
"Bruno's story is a sign of the times. His owners were a young couple who found themselves forced to emigrate in search of work
"They are heartbroken, but they had the good sense to hand the dog in to the Bernese Mountain Dog club, so that he would find a good home. Just how good a home, they couldn't possible have imagined," she said.
Hughes has won awards at Crufts -- the world's largest dog show, which is held every March in Birmingham, England -- for her pedigree Bernese Mountain Dogs.
She revealed that one of these pedigree puppies will also be joining Bruno at some stage in the New Year.
"When I told Michael D. about the dog, his eyes lit up and he was bowled over by the pictures," she said.
DUBLIN CUTS MAY TAKE AWAY SNA
The 2012 budget to be announced next month will be one of the harshest ever in the history of the State. But for one Northside teenager it could decide whether or not he can remain in school.
Nicholas Dillon, 14, from Glasnevin, suffers from Asperger's Syndrome, or high-functioning autism, and has relied on a special needs assistant to help him through school since the age of seven. However, speaking to Northside People, his mother Sandra Dillon said her family fear Nicholas could lose his SNA under budget cutbacks and end up in full-time psychiatric care as he will not be able to cope with school.
"When he started primary school Nicholas kept being put outside the door because teachers didn't understand him," she said.
"They thought he was just being bold or clumsy, but problems with coordination and communication are just part of his condition. His concept of language is very different; it's very literal and he has extreme anxiety which increases with age."
After years of constant battling with the HSE to access the necessary supports and services, Nicholas was eventually assigned a shared SNA. His mother is certain that all his progress dates from then.
"That's when things started to make a lot more sense for Nicholas," she explained. "His English and Maths started to improve. He learnt to communicate better. The school has been brilliant and the principal Kieran O'Hare is so supportive.
"His SNA is fantastic and I know he would not be in school without her," Dillon added.
KILDARE PRIEST THREATENED, ROBBED
An elderly priest and his housekeeper were threatened by armed raiders late on Sunday night. Gardai said reported that at 9.30 p.m. that evening, Nov. 10, three males kicked in the door of the house where the Rev. Alfie Murphy, who is in his early 80s, lives on the outskirts of Derrinturn.
His housekeeper Julie Lalor, who is in her 60s, was also present at the time.
The three men, who were all wearing balaclavas and dark clothing, threatened the pair, although neither were physically injured.
It is understood they were armed with screwdrivers, knives and a shotgun.
The raiders took cash and the priest's car was stolen although it was recovered a short time later in Windmill, Carbury, approximately half a mile from the house.
The Gardai's Regional Support Unit from Leixlip was deployed and a search took place in the area. Technical examinations were taking place on the house as the Leinster Leader was going to press Monday evening. When contacted Fr Murphy did not wish to say too much. He confirmed that a break-in had occurred, that he was dealing with the gardai on the matter but that "not a lot was taken."
