In a world where things are increasingly instant and impersonal, it's good to remember the things about Irish society that make us what we are.

A serial sex abuser who was a member of a paedophile ring in the Cobh area of Co Cork had his jail time increased today as the latest case against him came up for sentencing.

There have been 21 new confirmed cases of foot-and-mouth in Britain today, bringing the total to 628.