The firm that operates the Milano chain of restaurants in Ireland increased its profits 29% to €6m last year.

A Limerick quantity surveyor left blind and paralysed after a brutal assault, has taken the first steps from his wheelchair following stem cell treatment in China.

Ryan Day and Stephen Maguire will lock horns in the first of this year’s semi-finals at the Honghe Industrial China Open.

Irish human rights groups have joined in on the concern being expressed around the world following the announcement that the 2008 Olympic Games will be hosted by Bejing.