A young mother of four who died after accidentally overdosing on painkillers had changed a handwritten prescription from her GP to secure a larger quantity of one of her regular medications.

A new mechanical treatment for stroke victims developed in Galway allows doctors to push a thread into a patient’s brain and, using a basket, remove a brain clot.

THE second stage of the European Tour’s qualifying school takes place this week in Spain with 252 players competing. Matches will be played at three venues for a place at next week’s six round final stage, where the top 30 players (plus ties) will win a place on the 2006 European Tour.

Two thousand people are expected to descend on the hill of Tara today to celebrate the summer solstice.