Business leaders in Waterford have hit back at criticism over the Government's plan to invest €5m in the region's airport.

Jamie Barron admits inter-county players’ career paths are dictated by their hurling aspirations. The in-form Waterford midfielder makes no secret of the fact hurlers are choosing occupations to complement what they hope to achieve in county colours.

Over 2,000 farmers gathered at Newford suckler demonstration farm in Athenry, Co Galway this week for an open day.

Newford Farm, the 100-cow suckler-to-beef demonstration herd launched in 2015 and located in Athenry, Co Galway, will host a national open day on Wednesday, May 25.

Members of the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) are taking part in a 48-hour demonstration, which began yesterday, at 14 plants around the country.

A group of Cork’s hardiest business leaders toughed-out the rain and the cold to sleep rough in Cork City Gaol last night to raise up to €400,000 for homeless charity Focus Ireland.

The humanist ceremony that marked the death of Irish farming giant Paddy O’Keeffe took place in a North Cork mart and, in the words of his friend, Dawn Meats chairman Dan Brown, “that he chose this unconventional setting for his service is true Paddy”.

“IS there a profit? You decide”, is the presentation by John Horgan and James Fleming of Teagasc at next Wednesday’s beef production and marketing event in Corrin Mart, Fermoy, starting at 7pm.

IRELAND and Britain agree that each country in the EU had the right to set their own rates of corporation tax, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore, made clear yesterday.

DAWN MEATS is to close a processing plant in Midleton, Co Cork, possibly by the end of January.

SIPTU representatives and Dawn Meats management are due to meet at the Labour Relations Commission today to discuss possible jobs losses at the company's Midleton plant.