The Alzheimer Society of Ireland and its carers were yesterday poignantly thanked for the help they gave finance minister Michael Noonan’s wife Florence, who died from the disease last Thursday, 14 years after the illness had gripped her life at the age of 54.

President Mary McAleese revealed she was on the verge of tears as she attended her last engagement as Head of State today.

SPORTING legends spanning many codes were in Killarney yesterday for the funeral Mass of popular businessman and sportsman Denis Coffey who died suddenly at the weekend.

UP to eight Government departments will be examined as part of an inquiry into the Magdalene Laundries, according to a group representing survivors who met Justice Minister Alan Shatter yesterday.

PRESIDENT Mary McAleese and her husband, Senator Martin McAleese, led the mourners at Brian Lenihan’s removal last night.