Members of the public who donate to homeless charities this Christmas are asked to refrain from handing in soiled duvets and underwear or blankets which have previously been used by dogs and are covered in hair.

A Cork hairdresser who is providing free hair cuts for Holy Communion children who come from vulnerable or needy backgrounds has encouraged salons across the country to follow his lead.

The resignation of a senior figure from Cork’s Penny Dinners charity has ended a 150-year Quaker link to the soup kitchen.