A 17-fold increase in the number of house repossession applications in Clare, rising from seven to 120, over the last 12 months has been described as "startling" by a local deputy.

Toyota Ireland has said it will "vigorously defend" a legal action launched against it by 15 car dealerships or garages over alleged, anti-competitive behaviour.

Philip Lavery, one of Ireland’s most exciting young riders, will be in the line-up for this weekend’s FBD Insurance Rás after all.

RAYMOND CLARKE (Dan Morrissey/Carrick Wheelers) will wear the race leader’s yellow jersey when Rás Mumhan leaves Killorglin today on the first of the three road stages.

THE Murphy & Gunn/Newlyn Group team will show the full extent of their powers when they line up for the Credit Union Rás Mumhan in Kerry this weekend, with the top two from last year, John Dempsey and Conor Murphy, in the line-up.

JOHN DEMPSEY (Dan Morrissey Carrick Wheelers) pounced six miles from the finish to claim the overall title as the Killorglin Credit Union Rás Mumhan drew to an exciting close yesterday after four days and 270 gruelling miles around the roads and mountains of Kerry.

FORMER Fianna Fáil TD Denis Foley was among 182 tax dodgers named and shamed yesterday.