‘Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan “press on” has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.’

The Maze Prison escapee Brendan ‘Bik’ McFarlane is set to face trial in connection with the kidnapping of a supermarket boss in 1983 after a Supreme Court judgement went against him today.

Teagasc is to close ten of its centres and its dairy farm at Ballinamore, County Leitrim.