In what will be a major blow to Sinn Féin in Kerry, local councillor and general election candidate Toireasa Ferris, daughter of the TD Martin Ferris, told a meeting of the party last night, she will be withdrawing her name from the general election for personal reasons.

The GAA today broke new ground by launching the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship at a club venue for the first time, with players from all four provinces on hand to launch the 2010 campaign at Kerins O'Rahillys' clubhouse in Tralee.