PLANNING permission has been given for a €40 million private hospital on the outskirts of Ennis after councillors overwhelmingly voted through a rezoning to accommodate the proposal.

UP to 40 beds have been omitted in a revised plan for a private hospital on the outskirts of Clare’s county town.

PLANS have been lodged for a €50 million 140 bed private hospital in Ennis, Co Clare, that will provide 400 new jobs when operational.

Famous faces from the world of football were joined by ordinary fans today to say farewell to Motherwell captain Phil O’Donnell, who died after collapsing during a match.

Steve Staunton is hoping to recruit Kevin McDonald and Alan Kelly to the Irish backroom staff when he takes over as manager in the coming days.

THE FAI have been accused of acting too hastily in getting rid of Brian Kerr due to the lack of viable successors for the post of Republic of Ireland manager.

The Football Association of Ireland have been accused of acting too hastily in getting rid of Brian Kerr due to the lack of viable successors for the post of Republic of Ireland manager.

THE Republic of Ireland squad held most of their training session behind closed doors in Tel Aviv yesterday, and by the time the media were granted access to the Blumfield Stadium, first impressions were decidedly mixed.

FAI OFFICIALS are ready to meet with Mick McCarthy this week to discuss the departure of Ireland’s team manager after six years in the job.

Scottish First Minister Jack McConnell is predicting victory for the joint Ireland-Scotland bid to stage the European Championships in 2008.