WE’VE been running out of national superlatives here in Ireland in recent years: we’re no longer the richest/fastest-growing/youngest/friendliest and more island, ever since our economic bubble inflated and burst its banks.

The Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat was launched twice earlier to assist people in difficulty.

A search has commenced for a kayaker who is reported missing on Lough Derg in Co Clare.