FROM adoption as a toddler to elevation to the office of Tánaiste at the age most people retire, Joan Burton’s life has been shaped by a remarkable ability to overcome the odds.

A cat who was stranded among the pigeons — and some ducks and swans too — was reunited with her owner yesterday after six months away from home.

CRIES of sorrow were heard during the funeral Mass of fatal hit-and-run victim Conor Hickey in Cabra, Co Dublin yesterday.

A FARM of land due up for auction on September 29 next has a long and very interesting history.

CLARE manager Micheal McDermott has named three championship debutants for Sunday afternoon’s Munster SFC quarter-final against Waterford in Fraher Field, Dungarvan.

Laois manager Niall Rigney has handed a Championship debut to Patrick Carroll after naming his side to face Carlow in this Saturday's GAA Leinster Senior Hurling Championship opener at O'Moore Park, Portlaoise.

Today's O'Byrne Cup semi-final between the senior footballers of Dublin and Carlow has been postponed due to an unplayable pitch.

LOUISE CAFFREY (Letters, December 29) says it is impossible to eliminate abortions.

A QUINTET of All-Ireland winning stars, Donal Óg Cusack, Wayne Sherlock, Brian Murphy, Tom Kenny and Timmy McCarthy return to the Cork team for Sunday's crucial Allianz NHL clash with Wexford at Wexford Park.

Cork 3-8 Kerry 1-11

Monaleen 2-9 Ballylanders 2-3

COLÁISTE NA SCEILGE, the most successful side in recent times of the (Munster Colleges SFC) Corn Uí Mhuiri, have been given a possible stay of execution in this year’s event.

OFFALY'S Joe Errity yesterday announced his retirement from inter- county hurling.

Our Lady’s 3-12 Douglas CS 3-7