Harney adviser critically ill after fall from horse

TÁNAISTE Mary Harney visited the hospital bedside of her top political adviser, Dr Maurice Roche, over the weekend, as he remained in a critical condition following a tragic horse riding accident.

As his wife, Eileen, and family members maintained a vigil at his bed in Tallaght Hospital, friends and colleagues of Dr Roche were said to be devastated by the accident.

The 48-year-old aide, originally from Kilworth in Co Cork, was airlifted to hospital on Friday after sustaining serious injuries in a riding accident on the beach at Brittas Bay, Co Wicklow.