The Briefing - Your Wednesday morning news catch up

Welcome to your Wednesday morning briefing. Let us ensure you’re up to speed on what’s happening and are prepared for the day ahead.

Wed, 16 Apr, 2014 - 01:00

Kelly O'Brien

BRIEFING TOP STORY

RELATIVES OF WEST CORK MASSACRE VICTIMS SEEK HELP

A relative of Protestant victims of a notorious War of Independence-era triple execution linked to a bloody massacre has issued an emotional appeal for help tracing the bodies of the victims.

IRISH NEWS

NOONAN COMMITS TO MORE BUDGET AUSTERITY

Another austerity budget this autumn has been signalled by Finance Minister Michael Noonan despite the economic recovery creating jobs faster than expected.

POST MORTEM TO TAKE PLACE ON MAN'S BODY FOUND IN DONEGAL

A post mortem examination is due to take place on the body of a man discovered in Co Donegal yesterday.

WORLD NEWS

MAN CHARGED WITH BOSTON BOMB HOAX

Police have blown up two backpacks found near the Boston Marathon’s finish line and have arrested and charged a man in connection with the find.

'BLACK WIDOW' DENIES MURDER AS TRIAL BEGINS

A former driving instructor dubbed the “Black Widow” of the French Alps denied drugging her husband and then burning him to death in his car.

SPORT

O'SHEA: PAY FOR PLAY AND FRANCHISES WILL HAPPEN

Mayo’s Aidan O’Shea believes the inter-county GAA landscape is destined for seismic changes with smaller and weaker counties amalgamating and franchises emerging where players are paid for their services.

MCSTAY: CHAMPIONSHIP COULD BE MAYHEM IF REFEREES NOT MORE CONSISTENT WITH BLACK CARDS

The Championship could descend into mayhem if referees do not become more consistent in issuing black cards, according to former Mayo footballer Kevin McStay.

BUSINESS

JOBLESS RATE 'BELOW 10% BY 2015'

Unemployment in Ireland will drop below 10% in 2015, according to Goodbody stockbrokers who are predicting that continued investment in Ireland will help lessen the jobs crisis.

VIEWPOINTS

WE ARE CREATING HELL ON EARTH WITH OUR BETRAYAL OF THE PLANET

BETRAYAL is a universal theme commemorated today, Spy Wednesday. This is the liturgical memorial when, by tradition, Judas took 30 pieces of silver to betray Jesus, and entered into a pact he would live to regret, but could never escape — no matter that he would end up “throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple”.

SHOWBIZ