A ‘mega rare’ sighting of a seal usually found on Arctic sea ice has stunned wildlife observers after being spotted in Ireland for only the second time on record, writes Linda McGrory.

The death toll from the earthquake that hit central Italy has risen to 247, Italy's civil protection agency announced last night.

Stressed out Irish mammies and daddies can spare a thought for one Donegal mum who has FOUR children sitting the State exams writes Linda McGrory.

A-list celebrities are well accustomed to being lavished with free gifts but watch Snow Patrol star Johnny McDaid’s valiant efforts to pay for a ring for his actress fiancée Courteney Cox in a shop in his hometown.