Having even one night of disrupted shut-eye could age us, research shows. A sleep expert tells Margaret Jennings why those 40 winks are important to your health.

The age-old national pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick got Vatican approval yesterday when Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Charles J Brown completed the climb and afterwards declared himself delighted by the experience.

BREEGE McSHANE is all set to take Sex and the City star Sarah Jessica Parker’s prized handbag to the glitzy surroundings it is used to.

THE family of a six-year-old girl who died in a house fire allegedly caused by an electrical fault settled their action against Sligo Borough Council in the High Court yesterday for a total of €115,000. The award was secured without admission of liability.

GARDAÍ have gone north of the border and conducted “door-to-door” inquiries as part of the investigation into the savage murder of south Armagh man Paul Quinn in Monaghan last October.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern has assured the family of murder victim Paul Quinn that the Irish Government does not believe their son was a criminal.

A GALWAY community is facing transport chaos as more than 30 places on a school bus have been lost for the coming term.

PROMINENT social activist Sr Stanislaus Kennedy has pledged to use a €100,000 humanitarian award to further her work with immigrants and young people.

THE Irish swimmer who stole the show at the Opening Ceremony with an impromptu rendering of “The Fields of Athenry” yesterday illustrated her capacity to thrill and delight by leading the parade of champions on a memorable day of competition in the National Aquatic Centre.