A former garda superintendent has apologised for sending a 2011 circular which stated that an internal garda inquiry into allegations of criminality and systemic failures in a local district had vindicated the professionalism of gardaí in the district.

GARDAÍ and clergy who helped protect paedophile priests in the diocese of Dublin are to be targeted in a top-level criminal investigation.

Sue Smith has yet to decide whether to send Ross Comm on a retrieval mission in Monday’s Powers Whiskey Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse.

Jockey Dominic Elsworth could barely conceal his delight on hearing the news Ross Comm had sneaked into the John Smith’s Grand National.

JUSTICE Minister Michael McDowell said he is favour of introducing a 1,200-strong reserve police force to assist the gardaí.