Pre-tax profits at one of the largest independently-owned car rental firms in the country, the Dan Dooley Motor Group, soared 64% last year to €1.8m.

The leader of the Irish who fought against fascism in Spain sent 25 men home fearing more loss of life, records from Russia revealed.

The father of the late inspirational Kerry teenager Donal Walsh fought back tears yesterday as he described the "shocking" conditions at Our Lady's Hospital in Crumlin which his son and the family endured for four torturous years.