A friend, John Nichol, an avid birdwatcher whose present patch is the Old Head of Kinsale, had some unique sightings this week.

The heron that was regular feature in our garden since we raised it from a lost fledgling to adulthood has been absent for three weeks, presumed dead.

The Taoiseach has called for the immediate release of a married 36-year-old Antrim man being held captive by Islamic militants in Algeria, as news of a successful escape bid by some of the hostages begins to come through.

Garryowen 45 Ballymena 7

FEARS grew yesterday that US troops captured in Iraq could face torture and sexual abuse.