Teenage patriot Kevin Barry’s last poignant message to his mother, written the day before his execution, is among several rare items associated with the War of Independence figure which are to be auctioned next week.

A man who robbed a Brazilian escort in a Dublin hotel room and put a knife to her throat has been sentenced to three years in prison, with the final 18 months suspended.

The operators of the Clyde Court Hotel that hosted All-Ireland hurling winners Clare are themselves celebrating after reporting substantially increased revenues and profits for the year.