A murder investigation was under way last night after a former garda was shot dead at his home outside Bailieborough, Co Cavan.

Cavan gardaí have renewed their appeal to the public for assistance in tracing missing man Gerard Daly.

Gardai are appealing to the public for assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 42-year-old Gerard Daly from Bailieboro, Co. Cavan.

The Court of Criminal Appeal has reduced, from 10 to six years, the prison sentence imposed on man jailed for his part in a cocaine mixing operation worth more than €1.1m.

A 78-year-old priest who sexually abused several girls over a 25-year period has been given a four-year sentence by Judge Patrick McCartan who suspended all but 18 months that he must serve.