The Briefing - Your Thursday morning news catch up

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

Thu, 17 Apr, 2014 - 01:00

Kelly O'Brien

BRIEFING TOP STORY

THIEVES TAKE 60,000M OF COPPER CABLE FROM EIRCOM

Eircom lost 60,000m of copper cable worth over €240,000 to metal thieves in 2013, while a further €17,000 worth of copper wiring has been stolen so far this year.

IRISH NEWS

90%OF TEACHERS 'NOT READY' FOR JUNIOR CYCLE

The new junior cycle student award cannot be implemented in second-level schools, according to almost nine out of 10 teachers.

MAN RELEASED BY CORK GARDAÍ AFTER HIT-AND-RUN LEAVES BOY IN CRITICAL CONDITION

A file will be prepared for the DPP after a man was released without charge last night in connection with a hit and run incident which left a seven year old boy fighting for his life in hospital.

WORLD NEWS

FEARS GROW AS CONDITIONS HAMPER SEARCH FOR PASSENGERS OF CAPSIZED FERRY

Strong currents and poor visibility hampered rescuers in the search for 287 passengers still missing more than 24 hours after their ferry flipped on to its side and filled with cold water off the southern coast of South Korea.

POPE TAKES CHILDREN FOR SPIN

Pope Francis has given a lift to two lucky children during his general audience in St Peter’s Square.

SPORT

DÉISE HALT TRAINING AS BOARD PUTS CLUB FIRST

The Waterford County Board have taken the extraordinary decision to cancel all of the senior hurlers’ training until after the May Bank Holiday weekend.

PELLEGRINI: WINNING LEAGUE WILL BE 'TRICKY' NOW

Manuel Pellegrini conceded that Manchester City's title hopes have suffered a serious blow after they were held to a 2-2 draw at home by bottom club Sunderland.

BUSINESS

NOONAN 'PLAYING POLITICS' ON NAMA

The suggestion that Nama should be wound up early has been criticised as playing politics with the largest financial institution that the state has ever created.

VIEWPOINTS

WE CAN'T LET POLITICS GET IN THE WAY OF TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE

WE should be cautious of agreeing with UK Prime Minister and Conservative leader David Cameron on anything. When it comes to energy policy, we should steer well clear of him.

SHOWBIZ