"While they were watching Mrs Browns Boys Christmas Special they heard their autistic child laugh for the first time."

Labour has reacted to the resignation of one of its town councillors by saying it's unfortunate that public representatives elected under the Labour Party banner will not be with them to say goodbye to the troika on December 15th.

The home teams were to the fore this afternoon as the 2009 GAA Ulster Senior Hurling Championship got underway with Armagh, Fermanagh and Donegal securing quarter-final berths for next weekend.