Nearly half of all off-licences targeted in a sting operation by gardaí in Cork City sold alcohol to minors.

A recorded conversation between gardaí in the investigation of the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier included a reference to a statement having to get “chopped up”, the jury in journalist Ian Bailey’s civil action against the State heard yesterday.

A major crackdown on illegal gorse and scrub fires is planned after damage to thousands of acres of land in Co Cork last year.

A LIKELY record number of nominations has been lodged for a garda-organised event to honour youth achievement.