The Easter Rising must not be hijacked by any organisation for its own selfish purposes, a Catholic bishop told a 1916 commemoration ceremony today.

TIPPERARY County Board have called for the abandonment of the rule agreed at Congress which restricts the playing activity of 16-year-old players.

Political Editor Harry McGee wonders how much of the €1.25 million spent by TDs and senators on foreign travel in the two years to August 2004 was a necessary expense.

POLITICIANS on a junket to Australia, paid for by the taxpayer, were up the creek yesterday after details emerged their parliamentary business down under included a visit to a famous vineyard.

AT a casual glance, it appeared to be the usual list from the revenue commissioners, naming and shaming the publicans, parish priests and assorted others who are conscientious objectors to paying their tax.

TDS GOT an average of €65,700 in expenses last year with senators receiving an average of €44,500.

THE GAA needs to do much more to promote their games, according to the Munster Council PRO Fr Séamus Gardiner last night.

LIMERICK footballers may have been absent from Croke Park for 30 years, but they are the only county of the four contesting the Division One and Two Allianz National Football League finals in Croke Park tomorrow to have won an All-Ireland.

NINE candidates are in the running for the two prestigious positions of GAA trustees at this weekend’s Congress.

THE GAA is not in a financial position to complete the redevelopment of Croke Park in the short term, even in the event of receiving planning permission to retain the Hill 16 end as a terrace.

PRESIDENT Mary McAleese spent her Christmas in hospital in Austria after breaking her ankle in a skiing accident earlier this week.

The Seanad is due to elect a new Cathaoirleach when it convenes at noon today.

Fianna Fail Senator Mary O’Rourke has been appointed as leader of the Seanad.