Mice raised without bacteria in the gut showed distinctly autistic patterns of behaviour, choosing to interact with objects more than other mice, scientists at University College Cork (UCC) have found.

The world's largest airplane made a rare visit to Shannon Airport yesterday with over 100 plane spotters from all over the country arriving to catch a glimpse.

Britain was in a heightened state of alert last night following a suspected terrorist attack in which a young man was hacked to death in broad daylight on the streets of London.

Three men have been arrested and charged after a quick-thinking grandmother locked up thieves as they tried to break into her property.

Sixteen of the country's best-known bathing spots have lost their coveted blue flag status this year after the introduction of more stringent standards for testing water quality by the EU.

Gardaí have confirmed they are carrying out an investigation into the mistreatment of children at two creches in Dublin.

Justice Minister Alan Shatter has said he failed to give a breath test at a Garda checkpoint several years ago because he is asthmatic.

A man who mugged an 83-year-old lady in Cork city centre thought he could outrun his pursuer — but found to his cost the chaser was training for a marathon.

It has all the ingredients of a classic ghost movie.

A successor to the Croke Park II deal - formally called the Haddington Road Agreement has been published - containing the recommendations of the Labour Relations Commission.

Anything the dogs can do it seems cats are always determined to do better.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said he personally supports proposed legislation allowing abortion in limited circumstances, which he said is "consistent with the pro-life position".

British police arrested two more people yesterday in a hunt for accomplices of two British men of Nigerian descent accused of hacking a soldier to death on a London street in revenge for wars in Muslim countries.

This is how the ideal female celebrity would look, according to a survey carried out in Britain.

It is believed the Minister for Finance Michael Noonan told the IMF that he will look to Contingent Convertible Capital (CoCo) Notes if the banks need additional capital buffers following the stress tests.

RABODIRECT PRO12 FINAL: Leinster v UlsterThe perception prior to Brian O'Driscoll's recent decision to add an extra year onto his stellar career was that a place on a victorious Lions tour was the only box left to tick after 14 long years, but it was never that simple.

Tomás Ó Sé believes the structure of the Munster championship doesn't have the players' interests at heart.

Byzantium, partly filmed in Ireland, is Neil Jordan's second film in the genre he has loved since Bram Stoker's home first spooked him as a child, says Marc O'Sullivan

A new exhibition in Cork showcases artists from Berlin, says Tina Darb O'Sullivan

The latest addition to our stellar team of rugby writers reflects on the ups and downs of a magnificent playing career — and reveals the reasons why he's chosen to move to Paris to kick-start his coaching career.

Mice raised without bacteria in the gut showed distinctly autistic patterns of behaviour, choosing to interact with objects more than other mice, scientists at University College Cork (UCC) have found.

It's a story familiar to GAA people all over the country. A stormy annual general meeting, members walking out, transfer applications handed in afterwards.

THERE are three reasons why a managed exit by Ireland from the eurozone is the most urgent economic priority. But first consider this reality.

WATCH them riding on, the three musketeers, Alan Shatter, James Reilly and Phil Hogan!

The latest addition to our stellar team of rugby writers reflects on the ups and downs of a magnificent playing career — and reveals the reasons why he's chosen to move to Paris to kick-start his coaching career.

The sleek white Lauren L yacht has become Cork's latest tourist attraction, and you have to admit, it definitely adds a touch of glamour to the place.

Paddy Power are today refunding all win and each way singles to customers who backed Ireland's Ryan Dolan for last night's Eurovision.

A man was killed and two others were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds today following a "serious incident" understood to involve a serving British soldier.

Leaflets criticising the TD who chairs the Dáil committee hearing opinion on legislating for the X case, and likening abortion to the Holocaust, are being sent to homes in Cork.