to 2371: In a paddy

The unclued lights and those clued without thematic definition (2, 11, 26, 33 and 42) are Irish forenames. Nuala Considine’s crossword compiling career spanned over 70 years. Doc was privileged to meet her five years ago when Saga magazine invited five British compilers to a photoshoot to accompany an article about the hundredth anniversary of the British crossword.
 
First prize Carole Smallhorn, Moreton-in-Marsh, Glos
Runners-up Philip Berridge, Gosberton, Lincs; Jim Birkett, Heysham, Lancs