A 37-year-old writer whose publishing deal saved him from unemployment last night scooped a €15,000 literary prize.

The centralisation of driving licence production was branded an attack on rural Ireland yesterday, as the Road Safety Authority defended the new system as the cheapest for consumers.

Racism, homophobia and other “poisonous prejudices” are among the biggest problems that Irish society has to tackle, President Michael D Higgins said yesterday.

THE managing director of fast food chain, Supermac’s said yesterday that he was happy with the group’s performance last year in spite of a 15% drop in pre-tax profits.

An elderly women has died in a house fire which broke out at around 5.45am at the property in Cartrontroy, Athlone.

THE Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association has accused the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of foot-dragging over the proposed agri-environmental scheme.

THE investment firm owned by former Irish rugby international Ray McLoughlin has reported a large increase in losses for last year.

A MALE pedestrian remains fighting for his life after being struck by a car in Athlone, Co Westmeath, on Sunday evening.

A HUNTING Association of Ireland — Cork regional meeting was held on January 10 at the Convention Centre, Silversprings Moran Hotel, Tivoli, Cork.

FAMILIES were left shocked and disturbed after a robbery and “vicious” knife attack on a young couple in Athlone yesterday.

Rank and file nurses are seething that they have been forced into a walkout over their dispute with health chiefs.

SHOW jumping received a boost yesterday with the news that the national championships are to be revived following a nine-year break.

The row over decentralisation continues with new figures showing only one-in-six State agency workers want to move.

THOUSANDS of protesters opposed to plans for the downgrading of local hospitals are expected to converge on Nenagh, Co Tipperary, today.

Four people have died on Ireland's roads over the weekend, bringing the death toll from road accidents so far this year to 180.