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.

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

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

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

A goalkeeper who was shot in the head during a match only realised he'd been hit by a bullet after finishing the match.

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.

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.

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

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.

Ireland is to introduce a new registration and training regime for sprayer operators to comply with EU pesticide regulations.

The High Court has heard the proposed takeover bid for the Sunday Business Post is lower than hoped for but sufficient to ensure the newspaper's survival.

Ryanair chief Michael O'Leary does not expect that the airline will have to sell any of its near 30% stake in Aer Lingus when Britain's Competition Commission rules on its findings next month.

Irish airline Ryanair confirmed today it would be buying around £10bn-worth of new planes in a move that will create more than 3,000 jobs.

An environmental lobby is to appeal the granting of 34 aquaculture licences in a Kerry harbour designated as a special area of conservation.

The High Court will be asked to approve a survival plan for the Sunday Business Post newspaper today.

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.

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.

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