Two whistleblowers have criticised an independent report commissioned by the Higher Education Authority into concerns they had raised about financial expenses and other HR issues at the University of Limerick.

No further action is being taken in relation to University of Limerick’s use of severance packages for former staff.

The University of Limerick (UL) spent €133,300 on two reports, which it has refused to publish, in relation to matters raised in its dealing with whistleblower controversies.

The University of Limerick faces possible sanctions for misleading the Department of Education and others over severance payments to former staff who were then rehired.

The Thorn report makes 36 findings on issues at UL, but it will take another review in a few years to see if they’ve been tackled, writes Education Correspondent Niall Murray.

Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB) says it has co-operated fully with inquiries to date around procurement and other issues that are now subject to a ministerial-appointed investigation.

Two years ago Scott Fardy was at the pinnacle of rugby; one of 30 players starting the World Cup final in Twickenham.

An audit of nearly €2m worth of severance payments has led the University of Limerick’s new president to call for an extraordinary meeting of its highest decision-making body.

The president of the University of Limerick has said there is “no evidence of anything illegal” in any of the allegations against the university.

University of Limerick (UL) president Des Fitzgerald says he will not hesitate to take action if a number of ongoing probes uncover any breaches of conduct rules by staff or directors.

The University of Limerick (UL) could be forced to repay part of the €450,000 paid in severance to two former managers who were rehired as consultants, TDs have been told.

University of Limerick continued to make consultancy payments to a retired financial controller after he turned 60 and was also receiving a pension, the Dáil Public Accounts Committee has been told.

The use of severance payments is to be included in the independent review of governance, human resources, and financial issues at University of Limerick (UL) ordered by Education Minister Richard Bruton.

Looking for a holiday read? Eoghan O’Sullivan rounds up some of the best music-related books around at the moment.

A pair of iconic southern hemisphere rugby personalities have tipped Ireland to make a huge impact in the upcoming World Cup.

Former New Zealand lock Brad Thorn is retiring at the end of the season following a glittering 21-year career in which won the biggest prizes in rugby league and union.

European Champions Cup

Two years ago, during my annual check of the bunker, I earmarked the giants of the oche as the men to lead us when armageddon eventually arrives.

Leicester put indifferent domestic form behind them as they made a strong start to their European Rugby Champions Cup Group Three campaign by sinking Ulster at Welford Road.

Leicester have signed New Zealand World Cup winner Brad Thorn.

Most gardaí would probably run a mile from a courthouse while off-duty.

Shaman

Age is but a number according to Munster, Ireland and Lions second row forward Donncha O’Callaghan, who is determined to set a new benchmark for longevity at the top of the Irish game.

If reports from New Zealand this week are accurate, then 38-year-old Brad Thorn will be following up his three-month stint with Leinster earlier this year with a swansong of a season back on home soil with the Highlanders.

By Rory Keane, Auckland

By Rory Keane, Auckland

It is possible New Zealand legend Brad Thorn could be back in Leinster colours next season.

Perpignan in 2003.

New Zealander Brad Thorn could create rugby history in tomorrow’s Heineken Cup final between Leinster and Ulster at Twickenham.

If Leinster dominate these key areas in France, they will deserve the plaudits

Portsmouth boss Michael Appleton remained downbeat about his side’s chances of npower Championship survival after they relegated Doncaster with a 4-3 win at the Keepmoat Stadium on Saturday.

Brian O’Driscoll has dropped the strongest hint yet that he will still be around when the Irish team embarks on its next Rugby World Cup campaign, in England, in 2015.

Munster boss Tony McGahan may have conceded first place in the RaboDirect Pro12 table to Leinster, but that does not mean there is nothing at stake for his team in tonight’s inter-provincial clash at Thomond Park.

Leinster props Jamie Hagan and Nathan White are both expected to be fit for Saturday’s meeting with rivals Munster after the pair picked up knocks in last weekend’s defeat to the Ospreys.

Munster may be fretting over the well-being of their first-choice locks this week but both of Leinster’s veteran second rows reported in yesterday fit and ready to go for Saturday’s trip to Thomond Park after their weekend outing against the Ospreys.

This was supposed to be about the return of Brian O’Driscoll and Leo Cullen from injury.

Leinster 22 Ospreys 23

Rewind a few weeks and there wasn’t a whole lot to sell tonight’s game.

Brendan Macken was the star of the show at Anglesea Road yesterday with a hat-trick as Leinster A, on World Cup-winning All Black Brad Thorn’s debut, comfortably dispatched Connacht A.

All Black World Cup winner Brad Thorn will make his first appearance in Leinster colours in today’s ‘A’ interprovincial clash with Connacht at Old Belvedere (3pm).

New Zealand World Cup winner Brad Thorn admitted he is eager to get involved with Leinster as they continue their quest for Heineken Cup and RaboDirect PRO12 glory.

Leinster have finally ended the longer-than-expected process of bringing Brad Thorn to Dublin by signing the Kiwi World Cup winner on a three-month contract that shores up a gaping hole in their second-row.

Reigning European champions Leinster have announced the signing of New Zealand World Cup winner Brad Thorn on a three-month contract.

News emerging from the Leinster camp suggests it is only a matter of time before All Black legend Brad Thorn arrives at the province.