In Short

Today's other regional news stories in brief

Jet skier drowned swimming to shore

A helicopter winchman told an inquest yesterday in Castlebar, Co Mayo, into the death of a jet skier that flares or a waterproof strobe light would make it easier to find casualties lost in water, writes Tom Shiel.

Davitt Ward, a crewman on a Coast Guard rescue helicopter, was giving evidence at an inquest into the death of Patrick O'Haire (21), Gortmore, Tourmakeady, Co Mayo, who drowned on Lough Mask on May 9th last when the engine of his jet-ski failed and he tried to swim to shore.

The engine of a second jet-ski, operated by Mr O'Haire's companion, Shane Mulroe, also failed but Mr Mulroe managed to get ashore and raise the alarm. The coroner John O'Dwyer returned a verdict of accidental death in accordance.

Body found in car thought to be of missing Dublin schoolteacher

Emergency services believe the body recovered from a car in the south Connemara harbour of Rossaveal is that of south Dublin schoolteacher Rosanne Kenny, writes Lorna Siggins , Western Correspondent.

Ms Kenny (42) had been missing since New Year's Eve, when she was last seen leaving holiday accommodation in Renvyle, Co Galway.

Garda divers returned to Rossaveal at the weekend and were working close to the junction between two piers when a car was identified and registration confirmed.

Relatives of Ms Kenny were informed and travelled to Galway yesterday to assist with identification. Gardaí said that no foul play was suspected.

Two brothers on assault charges

Two brothers were remanded on bail at Portarlington District Court yesterday, on charges of assault on a man who died 10 months later.

Jason Byrne (30) and Daniel Byrne (36), Borness, Mountmellick, Co Laois, were charged with the assault of Edward Dempsey on December 18th, 2006.

Mr Dempsey, Moneyquid, Killeigh, Co Offaly, formerly of Strahard, Mountmellick, died nearly 10 months later.

The incident occurred near Mr Dempsey's home in what was thought to be a long-running dispute over land and farm-management issues.

© 2008 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times