Businessman Don Tidey has paid tribute to a fallen soldier who made the “supreme sacrifice” while assisting in his rescue from a gang of Provisional IRA kidnappers almost 30 years ago.

First Division leaders Longford Town staged a remarkable comeback to snatch victory from the penalty spot against nine-man Mervue in the third minute of injury-time at Fahy’s Field last night, having equalised in the final minute.

The Bowerbird gigs at Triskel Christchurch feature both veterans and hot new talents of the genre, writes Nicki ffrench Davis

A CAR dealer charged with evading tax on luxury cars told gardaí he never induced a tax official to falsely process VRT applications for his benefit.

MARTIN McGUINNESS has been branded a liar by the son of an Irish army soldier killed by the IRA.

A GARY SHEEHAN goal two minutes from time ensured Na Piarsaigh retain their senior status for another season, following a cracking Evening Echo SFC relegation final at Cloughduv last night.

Maze prison escapee Brendan “Bik” McFarlane was today awarded €15,000 over his prosecution for the kidnap of supermarket boss Don Tidey.

THE top three are in action in the Airtricity League Premier Division tonight, with leaders Shamrock Rovers looking to maintain their five-point advantage over both St Patrick’s Athletic and Bohemians.

A BLUNDER by Longford keeper Stephen Conlon proved costly as Longford Town fell to their sixth defeat of the season.

THE heart was ripped out of an entire village by the death of a young garda who was killed after a car ploughed into his patrol vehicle, his state funeral heard yesterday.

The heart was ripped out of an entire village by the death of a young garda who was killed after a car ploughed into his patrol, his State funeral heard today.

ARMY representatives are calling for 40-year mandatory sentences for the murder of defence force members as concern mounts over the growth in armed political splinter groups and gangs.

Na Piarsaigh 2-12 Dohenys 0-12 (after extra-time)

The Special Criminal Court ruled today that an alleged admission by former IRA leader Brendan "Bik" McFarlane that he was at the wood where kidnapped supermarket executive Don Tidey was held captive for 23 days almost 25 years ago cannot be admitted in evidence.

LIMERICK 37 and basement club Athlone Town played out a drab goalless draw at Jackman Park last night.

The former head of Garda intelligence told a court today that he would have arrested former IRA leader Brendan 'Bik' Mc Farlanefor the kidnap of supermarket executive Don Tidey if had come face to face with him.

Maze prison escapee Brendan McFarlane told gardaí that he was "prepared for the big one" when he was questioned about the kidnapping of former supermarket executive Don Tidey, the Special Criminal Court heard today.

Maze prison escapee Brendan McFarlane was arrested just hours before the Northern Ireland Secretary of State Mo Mowlam was due to sign his final papers releasing him from parole, the Special Criminal Court heard today.

A retired Garda ballistics expert told the Don Tidey kidnap trial today that he concluded that gunfire from two automatic weapons had been fired in the direction of a recruit garda and soldier who were killed when the supermarket executive was rescued almost twenty five years ago.

Prosecution witnesses will begin giving evidence today in the trial of a former IRA chief allegedly involved in the kidnapping of a supermarket boss 25 years ago.

Maze prison escapee Brendan 'Bik' McFarlane went on trial at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin today for the 1983 kidnapping of supermarket boss Don Tidey during which a trainee garda and soldier were killed.

THE Supreme Court has cleared the way for the trial of Maze Prison escapee Brendan “Bik” McFarlane on charges connected with the 1983 kidnapping of supermarket boss Don Tidey.

Maze prison escapee Brendan 'Bik' McFarlane has lodged an appeal to the Supreme Court in a bid to prevent his trial going ahead on charges connected with the 1983 kidnapping of supermarket boss Don Tidey.

Maze prison escaper Brendan 'Bik' McFarlane is to appeal to the Supreme Court in a bid to prevent his trial going ahead on charges connected with the 1983 kidnapping of supermarket boss Don Tidey.

The Special Criminal Court today adjourned the trial of Maze prison escaper Brendan 'Bik' McFarlane on charges connected with the 1983 kidnap of supermarket boss Don Tidey after hearing that he is taking a fresh legal challenge to halt the trial.

The Special Criminal Court today fixed a date in October for the trial of Maze prison escaper Brendan "Bik" McFarlane on charges connected with the 1983 kidnap of supermarket boss Don Tidey.

In keeping with what has gone on in recent years, Seandun go into this Cork County SFC game against Muskerry at Páirc Uí Rinn, 8pm, with little or no preparation.

Bishopstown 0-13 Na Piarsaigh 1-10

Na Piarsaigh 1-6 Dohenys 1-4