The second of two Co Laois brothers on trial for murder has told the jury in his case that he never struck the man they are accused of killing.

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.

One of two Co Laois brothers accused of murdering a farmer has told the jury in his trial that he was “purely defending” himself when he hit out at the dead man, after he had forced himself onto his land to get back a heifer.

Two brothers on trial for murdering a neighbouring farmer after his heifer strayed on to their land, have been described as “madmen” by the main witness in the trial.

TRANSPORT Minister Noel Dempsey was at the centre of a weekend scare after succumbing to a back injury on a golf course in Kenmare.

Two brothers who used a toy gun to hijack a lorry and then gave the driver €30 from the proceeds of a robbery on a shop have been jailed for a combined total of 11 years.

HAVING been in charge of the country for most of the month of August, while other members of Government were on holidays, Education Minister Noel Dempsey is taking a well-deserved golfing break in Kerry.

TWO years ago, when the qualifier competition was introduced to the Bank of Ireland SFC, Westmeath won the admiration of followers nationwide with a string of impressive performances, which all but earned them an All-Ireland semi-final appearance.