THE Department of Education has rejected claims that compensation payments to victims of institutional child abuse have been hit by budget cutbacks.

THE father of a child with a rare medical condition has described his heartbreak at having to withdraw his son from the local primary school because there are no special needs supports for him.

Cork 1-7 Galway 0-6

THE god-like status of victorious Cork hurling captain Seán Óg Ó hAilpín could be put into perspective next year if the Rebels win three-in-a-row.

THE Christian Brothers have been awarded legal costs estimated at up to €1m despite losing a High Court challenge to the Child Abuse Commission.

The Government has appointed barrister Sean Ryan as the new chair of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse.

AN intriguing little managerial battle will be waged on the sidelines of Portlaoise tomorrow.