A protected witness in the Peter Butterly murder trial told the Special Criminal Court today that he was told he would be removed from the Witness Protection Programme if he refused to give evidence.

Pope John Paul today skipped his traditional appearance at his window overlooking St Peter’s Square the day after Easter following a Holy Week during which he was unable to speak.

Kieren Fallon’s new career failed to start with a victory after his first mount at the Curragh this afternoon, One Fell Swoop, finished ninth on the opening day of the Irish Flat season.