Mallow Castle, the Ring of Kerry and Lough Gur are among 78 outdoor recreation projects which are to share an €11 million investment in greenways, blueways and walking trails around the country.

Up to 50 events, featuring rocket launches and talks by astronauts, including legendary moonwalker Buzz Aldrin will take place in Cork during a two-month celebration of space exploration.

A Columban priest who survived kidnapping in the Philippines was one of over 200 returned missionaries honoured at a ceremony in Dublin yesterday.

Little Jack McDonnell Cummins lay in a white coffin in Doon church, surrounded by the christening garments and cup and candle used at his baptism in the same church four years ago.