Connacht, who bridged a 28 year gap when capturing the title at Rosses Point last year, begin their defence of the Interprovincial Championship this morning with a difficult match against Munster at Royal Co Down.

Gardaí in Wexford have launched an investigation into the misappropriation of funds at a post office in Gorey.

DCU and Louth have qualified for the O'Byrne Cup final this afternoon, scoring notable away victories over Meath and Kildare.

Ireland beat Poland 5-3 in Donegal last night to take a two-bout lead into the second leg of the senior international series on Friday evening.

A DISTRICT Court judge has hit out at unbalanced smoking fines, whereby smoking a cannabis cigarette can get you a maximum fine of €100, while smoking a Sweet Afton cigarette can incur a maximum fine of €3,000.

FINE GAEL yesterday highlighted what may be the most overcrowded school in the country.

The draws have been made for the 2007 RE/MAX Towns and Metropolitan Cup competitions.

IRISH EXAMINER owner Thomas Crosbie Holdings (TCH) has bought The Echo Group of newspapers in Wexford.

Neans McSweeney, South-East Correspondent

FOURTEEN pupils have been turned away from their local 1,600-student secondary school because the Department of Education says there is no room for them next September.

The draws for the McMullan and Duff Cups have been made.

This weekend's junior rugby fixtures in Leinster