The jury is due to begin its deliberations in the trial of a man accused of murdering his best friend in Co Kildare last year.

Fears are growing for the safety of two people who have separately been reported missing in the Midlands in recent days.

They look lovely and last so long — well looked after dairy show cows come up shining year after year, with top winners from 2010 taking the red rosettes again last Sunday at Tullamore Show.

Their achievements at Bandon Show last Sunday hold out promise of another good year for top national exhibitors Seamus Lehane and Ricky Barrett.

A Co Laois builder on trial along with his younger brother for murder, has denied under cross-examination that he fabricated his evidence that he was “purely defending” himself when he struck his neighbour.

The Electric Picnic arts and music festival has today announced the lineup for its comedy stage.

The main witness in the trial of two brothers accused of murdering a Co Offaly farmer has told the Central Criminal Court today that they “turned on” the deceased after they “invited” him onto their land to get his heifer.

TWO Irish writers are among the 146 nominated for the world’s richest annual literary prize.

Gardaí have released the woman arrested yesterday in connection with the murder of Co Laois man Pat Burke earlier this month.

OWNER Desmond Gibson from Co Down and breeder Thomas Power from Dungarvan, Co Waterford, produced Tinahely Show’s 2006 Red Mills Non-thoroughbred Two-year-old All Ireland colts/gelding champion, by Puissance out of Artic Gem (by Artic View).

KIDS may be more likely to send a text message than a letter to their friends but teachers believe handwriting is still an essential skill.