MAY 2013
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John Furlong's wife killed in car crash in Ireland
VANCOUVER - The wife of former Vancouver Olympic CEO, John Furlong, has been killed in a car accident in Ireland.
In a statement, Furlong confirms his wife, Deborah Sharp Furlong, was killed while vacationing in the southeast part of Ireland on April 11.
Furlong says he is broken hearted over the death of his beloved wife and their extended families are beyond words over the loss. The couple were married last year.
"While our extended families are beyond words over this loss, we would like to thank our friends and well-wishers for their heartfelt concern and condolences as our families face this sudden and painful tragedy," Furlong said in a short statement.
Police in Ireland say the 48-year-old was seriously injured when the car she was driving collided head-on with a 4x4 vehicle near Gorey, Ireland. She was taken by air ambulance to Tallaght Hospital in Dublin, where she was pronounced dead.
Police say the driver of the second vehicle, a man in his forties, was only slightly hurt.
Deborah Sharp Furlong had two children from a previous marriage, and was married twice before she wed Furlong, who is also twice divorced. For a
DEBORAH SHARP FURLONG
number of years she went by the name Deborah Sharp-Nelles.
She worked most recently as the associate producer of 11 episodes of CBC's Arctic Air series. She also worked on a number of television series, including Cold Squad, Search and Rescue and Stargate SG-1.
The past year has been difficult for Furlong, who spent more than a decade building the successful Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.
In September a freelance journalist, Laura Robinson, published a story in The Georgia Straight alleging he had physically abused aboriginal students when he was a volunteer teacher in northern B.C. during the 1970s. None of the allegations has been proved in court.
In January, after Furlong launched a lawsuit against Robinson and Straight publisher Daniel McLeod and editor Charlie Smith, she issued more statements alleging sexual and domestic abuse.
It caused Furlong's extended family, including his two former wives, five children and 11 grandchildren, to publicly rally to his defence.
The family statement issued read, "Serious, unsubstantiated allegations regarding abuse inside our family have been published. These shocking allegations are without merit and portray a character whom none of us recognizes."
400,000 expected for All Ireland Fleadh in Derry
DERRY - The Derry City Comhaltas branch are the proud hosts of Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann 2013 and organisers expect 400,000 visitors to converge on the city from August 12-18.
The committee is working to set up a temporary campsite to alleviate a shortfall in hotel accommodation.
Fleadh co-ordinator Gearoid O hEara said, "We are looking at the soccer pitches at Templemore Sports Complex, Prehen Playing Fields as well as the rubgy club at Judges Row.
For more details, visit online: www. fleadhcheoil. ie.
riwTTI
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