A couple who claimed they were chased in a road rage incident by someone whose driving they had earlier criticised have been praised for their “moral courage”, writes Noel Baker.

Defending champions Clonmel got their Munster Junior League campaign off to a winning start with a victory over one of their main challengers, Bandon.

SATURDAY

Good evening. Here’s a briefing on some of the stories and issues highlighted on irishexaminer.com today.

While their school hopes the success helps their case for a new science room, the parents of the country’s top young scientists are looking forward to seeing their bright young kids a little bit more.

While competitors continue work on their projects, organisers of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition are preparing entertainment for next month’s event.

Who could blame him? After spending three hours up close and personal with this year’s first 18-strong bunch of Rose of Tralee contestants, show host Dáithí Ó Sé was in desperate need of cooling down.

Rose of Tralee host Dáithí Ó Sé has given gamblers intent on risking their hard-earned cash by trying to predict this year’s winner the best inside tip they will get: Don’t ask him.

KBC Bank Ireland has announced that 28 projects have received €80,000 in funding as part of its Bright Ideas initiative which aims to support groups and individuals who are making a difference in their communities.

Colm Herron owner of the Hillgrove Hotel with Norah Casey on the new series of ‘The Takeover’, beginning on RTÉ Two on Thursday.

Budding film-makers and actors are taking inspiration from the life of a courageous teenager who promoted an anti-suicide message among his peers.

Brian McFadden wants to reunite with Westlife.

WHEN Aidan Power stands in front of the cameras — all smiles and bullet-speed delivery — at the O2 Arena to present The Hit, it looks as if he hasn’t a care in the world.

The third series of popular period drama Downton Abbey begins tonight on UTV and Wednesday on TV3.

Fearful households may be killing job creation with caution by scrimping to save rather than spend in the cash-starved economy, according to a director of the body representing the retail sector.

She had waited 22 years for her partner to tackle the issue, so last night Dublin woman Martina Connolly used the Ireland and Czech Republic encounter — and the day that was in it — to win a very special and long overdue match.

THE search is on again to find Ireland’s best young scientist.

Irish people are planning to cut back spending on clothes more than anything else in the coming year, new research shows.

CHILDREN celebrating their First Communion are likely to receive more money than their counterparts last year, while the day will end up costing parents more, despite the recession.

MORE than four out of five people surveyed said they are actively saving with men putting away €2,000 more a year than women. According to research from EBS, 14% of people surveyed said they used to save but can no longer afford to.

MORE than four out of five people are now saving but an increasing number of people are dipping into the money they have stashed away.

CONSUMERS are saving at record rates with close to €81 billion set aside on deposit for a rainy day, as three million savers put away an average of €3,999 every year.

PEOPLE are saving almost €1,000 less than they were two years ago with some saying they are finding it difficult to put money away.

Galway 2-13 New York 0-12

TV PERSONALITY Anna Nolan told how bullying over an individual’s sexual orientation can lead to suicidal thoughts.

New York 0-4 Galway 1-18

THERE are public fears that more people will end up homeless as a result of the recession, according to an opinion poll.

A SIGNIFICANT number of people are now accessing their savings on a regular basis in a bid to cover lost earnings.

HANDS up everyone who is looking forward to Pat Kenny hosting another Late Late Show this autumn.

The Seoige sister act of Gráinne and Síle have come together to anchor their own daily TV show.

TOPLESS model Claire Tully has been told by a leading breast cancer organisation it does not want her doing charity gigs on its behalf.

Anti-drug activists today launched an online map of services for drug-users and their families in Dublin in an attempt to highlight that help is at hand.

More than €7.5m was raised by the Irish public during the RTE People in Need Telethon, it was announced today.

THE lingerie model has gone from the undergrowth back to the underwear having been the first to get the chop in the Celebrities Go Wild reality TV show.

HUNDREDS of bottles of alcohol and other goods were seized by airport police at regional airports over Christmas, figures show.

Key financial terms remain a mystery to many consumers according to new research. Figures show that 31% feel that banks or financial institutions should provide information and brochures that are easy to understand.