A performance of Messiah, 275 years after the famous oratorio made its debut in this country, will be one of the highlights of Kilkenny Arts Festival, writes Cathy Desmond.

A 15-year-old boy, who took part in a violent gang mugging of a French student, has been remanded in custody.

A 15-year-old boy who took part in a violent gang mugging of a French student has been sent to a special residential school where he could stay for up to two years.