Ireland’s beaches and lakes benefitted from the scorching sunshine last summer, as record heat killed off bacteria and other harmful growths that can contaminate bathing waters.

When you turn right off the Howth Road, coming out from Dublin city and you cross the wooden bridge onto the North Bull Wall, the sheer diversity of the world of sport announces itself.

A man who became lost in dense fog in Dublin Bay this afternoon has been rescued by the Irish Coastguard.