COOKING in Ireland didn’t begin with Myrtle Allen but when it comes to evaluating the very best of modern Irish cuisine, it is near impossible not to establish some link back to the pioneering spirit of this East Cork farmer’s wife who transformed herself into a Michelin star chef.

DRESDEN CALL, trained in Tralee by Johnny Kelliher for the Dublin-based Lixnaw native Josephine McCarthy, captured his second All-Age Cup when lifting the Kingdom Cup and the €3,500 purse at Ballybeggan Park yesterday.

Water supplies across the country have stabilised after more than a week of crisis in supplies from burst pipes and leaks.

WATER supply is continuing to improve around the country, according to the National Severe Weather Co-ordination Committee.

Water restrictions are being eased in most areas across the country around this afternoon to facilitate New Year's Eve celebrations.

Environment Minister John Gormley said it will take some time for water services to return to normal across the country.

Further water restrictions were imposed across the country overnight as local councils struggled to cope with continued water shortages.

ENGINEERS are working around the clock to repair leaks in 25,000km of water mains around the country as “severe” water shortages continue nationwide and homeowners come to terms with thousands of euro worth of damage.

WATER supplies in many parts of the country will still to be restricted today as local authorities continue to repair leaks caused by this week’s sudden thaw.

Homes across the country face another night of restricted water supplies as local authorities struggle to cope with burst mains and leaking pipes.

Overnight water restrictions are to be imposed in most areas across the country as authorities struggle to repair leaks and meet demand.

Homes and businesses in almost every county have been hit by water shortages after thousands of pipes burst.

Edited by Máire Nic Gearailt

OTTO KUNZE and his wife Hilde run a restaurant with rooms in Dunworley, near Butlerstown in west Cork.