The rich tapestry of Irish rural life is reflected in the 2,500 or so projects nationwide which have been approved for LEADER rural development funding.

THE recession may be biting, but Ireland remains a great country for festivals of all descriptions and there is no shortage of great events available all through the summer.

A CO Limerick publican was last night recovering from a horror attack in which he was forced at gunpoint to torch his €60,000 2008 Audi coupe after he was abducted from his home in Abbeyfeale.

Donal Hickey says local warnings should be heeded