Beaches and marinas across the country are bathing in the warm waters of European approval — 86 of them have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag status.

Kian Anthony Bourke, who weighed in at 3.31kg, became the first baby arrival in Ireland for 2015, popping into the world just four seconds after midnight.

Construction worker Martin Early broke down in tears and hugged members of his legal team in court after a jury, on the directions of a judge, acquitted him of the murder of a young, pregnant, woman almost 14 years ago.

The number of Irish beaches securing coveted Blue Flag status has hit an all-time high.

A LEADING waste company has claimed before the High Court that five senior managers who left the company on the same day this month are conspiring with One Fifty One plc to effect a hostile takeover.

KERRY has been crowned the bathing capital of Ireland following the publication of the prestigious Blue Flag awards.

A 59-year-old woman has died after the car she was driving collided with a ditch and a pole in Co Donegal this morning.

National Parks are re-opening to the public today as part of a campaign to assist in the recovery of the £4bn tourist industry as a result of the foot-and-mouth crisis.