THE first time I covered a sexual assault case I remember sitting in the court room and being stunned by the evidence — when I realised that I had experienced the same abuse that was being outlined by the victim.

Children with special needs face further cuts to resource teaching as the Government forces schools to cater for more pupils without increased staffing levels.

Cork manager Jimmy Barry-Murphy says his team have "worked very hard" on fitness since losing their relegation play-off with Clare.

The West Cork region is "bleeding to death" due to Government cuts, protesters claimed yesterday.

The GPA could yet act on the behalf of the Carlow and Laois football panels as they have confirmed neither they nor the players were consulted about Friday week's All-Ireland round one qualifier.

Designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have been found guilty of massive tax evasion in Italy.

A major security operation is being planned to prevent protests disrupting the election of the new lord mayor of Cork on Friday night.

The Seanad is in need of reform, but the bill launched last week demonstrates that reform is attainable.

A serial sex offender has been sentenced to life in prison for the rape and murder of an Irish woman that outraged Australia's second-largest city.

A double murder investigation involving more than 50 gardaí got under way in Killorglin, Co Kerry, after autopsies confirmed a Lithuanian woman and her young daughter had died violently.

Six European Union states have asked Poland to explain why it is not paying billions of euro that foreign construction firms say they are owed for work carried out under an EU-backed road-building programme.

In the 1980s I was a big fan of Europe. The EU Commission came across as a strident advocate of competition, open markets and progressive economics.

Developer Laurence O'Mahony, and his wife, Christine Connolly, have been told that the Trustee in Bankruptcy in Britain, where he declared himself bankrupt, will not oppose a claim by National Asset Loan Management to re-possess the couple's €6 million Ballsbridge home.

Following the overturning of a receiver at Foley's Bar, the holding company and owners are to sue a range of financial firms and individuals for trespass, negligence, and breach of contract.

The Pensions Board annual report highlighted concerns about the ability of defined pension schemes to meet their funding obligations.

Nearly 20% of Ireland's wealthy people have seen the value of their assets halved as a result of their over-reliance on property.

A subsidiary of Bank of Ireland has been ordered to pay €30,000 compensation to a senior manager who was discriminated against on grounds of gender.

Royalty Pharma has urged the board of Irish biotech firm Elan to engage it in takeover talks immediately.

Shannon-based aircraft leasing firm GE Capital Aviation Services have bought 10 new Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners for an estimated $3bn (€2.24bn) at list price.

The Commercial Court will deal next month with an action by Aer Lingus aimed at preventing Ryanair issuing another takeover bid for the national carrier in August.

An exhibition of Big House photos reveals some intimate moments in the lives of both the families and staff, says Tommy Barker

A double murder investigation involving more than 50 gardaí got under way in Killorglin, Co Kerry, after autopsies confirmed a Lithuanian woman and her young daughter had died violently.

Pop star Katy Perry has revealed that Russell Brand told her he was divorcing her in a text message.

A former criminal associate of James "Whitey" Bulger told jurors at the accused mob boss's trial that he agreed to testify against his old friend after learning that his former gang pals had begun co-operating with law enforcement.

Shannon-based aircraft leasing firm GE Capital Aviation Services have bought 10 new Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners for an estimated $3bn (€2.24bn) at list price.

Nearly 20% of Ireland's wealthy people have seen the value of their assets halved as a result of their over-reliance on property.

The GPA could yet act on the behalf of the Carlow and Laois football panels as they have confirmed neither they nor the players were consulted about Friday week's All-Ireland round one qualifier.

Rob Kearney might not have felt like putting his best foot forward today as the Lions continued to prepare for Saturday's all-important first Test against Australia but he is experienced enough to know that after this midweek defeat by the Brumbies, it is essential for the main mission of the tour.

Soul singer Charles Bradley found fame late in life, but is haunted by his past, writes Ed Power

SPECTATORS of the live dance-art show, Witches, will have to wake early or stay up late to watch it.