Such is the popularity of rugby among children aged seven and under, that the IRFU admits it’s going to be a challenge to cater for the Paul O’Connell wannabes as they move up the ranks into school and youth rugby.

THE biggest Himalayan balsam eradication campaign to be undertaken in Ireland continues in north Munster.

FOLLOWING a huge garda operation to crack down on drug dealing in Limerick, 22 people have been charged with possession of cocaine for sale or supply.

ADARE MANOR, the beautifully-located course on thebanks of the River Maigue in Co Limerick, will celebrate this week for one of their most esteemed members, Sean McMahon will be elected president of the Golfing Union of Ireland at their AGM in Carton House on Friday.

THE rural development programme which got under way last February is performing well and will achieve its overall targets, despite delays, according to Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Minister Éamon Ó Cuív.

FINE Gael would support the principle of tough but fair decisions regarding public sector pay cuts, party leader Enda Kenny said yesterday.

Greencore is moving ahead with its €500m plans to redevelop the former sugar plant in Mallow, County Cork and have appointed a leading businessman to head up the massive project.

GOLDCROP announced yesterday that it has purchased Power Seeds and Hardware from Origin Enterprises in a move that will boost the company’s annual sales to €45 million.

A number of flights between Ireland and Britain have been cancelled this morning as a result of heavy overnight snowfall across the UK.

A ‘MOUNTAIN’ of waste farm plastic which has accumulated on farms throughout the country over the past few years is proving a challenge for farmers and for Government re-cycling arrangements to deal with the problem.

THE State forestry agency Coillte makes more than €1.8 million a year by allowing phone masts and other installations on its lands, Defence Minister Willie O’Dea said yesterday.

A PILOT programme of independent monitoring of milk testing is back on track, after a change of heart by Teagasc.

BRUFF have added the Munster Junior League to the Munster Junior Challenge Cup they captured just before Christmas - and they’re still not satisfied.