Dolly the cloned sheep and the groundbreaking possibilities offered by human embryonic stem cells were what propelled a Corkman into an area of science that yesterday saw him presented with a hall of fame award at his alma mater.

One of Cork’s best known schools is to undergo a €6.5m redevelopment.

THE Department of Education will spend €70 million less in 2012 than this year on school and college buildings and maintenance, with the emphasis on growing areas, pushing projects at many schools down the priority list.

SECONDARY school student David Wolfe couldn’t believe his luck when he was chosen to take to the skies over Cork yesterday.