D Wednesday, January 20, 2010 News 11 tourists. In an increasingly samey world, Irelands got some precious, unique traits worth preserving. Cork, named among the guides Top Ten Cities in the world to visit, and Clare, Cavan, Monaghan, Galway and Dublin rate well with the writers. Romance of old Ireland is dying off ROMANTIC Ireland is dead and gone... well, its dying and going, ac- cording to Lonely Planet. The travel guide claims our island is fast becoming just another European country, with our traditional values swiftly receding into the corners. The latest version of the renowned guidebook, published today, says that, while new Ireland has plenty to offer, old Ireland might not be around long enough to appreciate it. Traditional Ireland is quickly dis- appearing... Contemporary Ireland is not altogether different from any oth- er European country, and you have to travel further to the margins of the country the islands and the isolated rural communities to find an older version of society, the book claims. But Lonely Planet travel editor Tom Hall said: The Ireland guide also identifies the warmth of Irish people and their welcome as being a real as- set, and an important drawcard to BY Ross McDonagh Shock loss: Mr Bromage flies off after saying goodbye to his partner and his nine-year- old son, George, below right Pictures: Retna Pilot dies on first day of charity trip A MICROLIGHT pilot on a charity flight to Australia has died on the first day after crashing into the English Channel. Martin Bromage left an airfield in Gloucestershire, UK, on the first leg of his 17,700km trip to Sydney. But the alarm was raised after satellite contact was lost and the father-of-two failed to make a scheduled stop at Le Touquet, France, at 3pm. Police confirmed a body had been found 32km off the French coast after a Sea King helicopter joined French coastguards in a search operation. The businessman was an experienced pilot but thick fog descended during his crossing. Dover Coastguard revealed the 49-year- old made a series of desperate calls to a French airfield seconds before he lost radio contact. Close friend and pilot Mark Ryan paid tribute to the popular and bubbly pilot who planned his trip to raise 175,000 for injured army troops. Where are our tourism stars? TOURISM Ireland is looking for individuals or families to star in a series of short online movies to help promote Ireland overseas. Lucky contenders will produce a travelogue showcasing their favourite places. Initial casting will take place at the end of January. Send an e-mail to ireland@anotheravenue.com for a chance to take part, including your full name, contact and locality details and a photo, or freephone 1800 848 909. BROTHERS v1 index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html