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 Jul, 2014 - 01:00

Robert McNamara

BRIEFING TOP STORY

VILLAGERS CALL FOR DEMOLITION OF 'BAD LUCK' HOUSE AFTER FIVE DEATHS

Locals in the village of Lixnaw, Co Kerry, are seeking the demolition of a council-owned cottage where a number of people have died, including a woman who died violently there last year.

IRISH NEWS

MORE CHILDREN IN CARE SYSTEM MAY DIE

The social service system that failed to protect vulnerable young people who died in State care is still seriously under-staffed and under-funded, risking a repeat of the tragedies.

'DEFINITE PHYSICAL INDICATIONS' FOUND AT BESSBOROUGH OF POSSIBLE GRAVES

A leading archaeologist said there are "definite physical indications" there could be unmarked shallow graves in the grounds of the Bessborough mother and baby home.

WORLD NEWS

'I HAD CANNIBAL FANTASIES SINCE I WAS SIX'

A nurse who allegedly arranged to meet a 14-year-old girl he planned to behead with an axe and eat started having fantasies about cannibalism at the age of six, a court has heard.

TULISA 'BRAGGED SHE WAS ABLE TO SUPPLY DRUGS'

Former X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos helped to supply cocaine to an undercover reporter who promised he could help the singer crack the movie business, a court has heard.

SPORT

PERFECT CONDITIONS FOR EARLY RISERS AT THE OPEN

England’s David Howell and Italian Edoardo Molinari made the most of perfect scoring conditions at Royal Liverpool to take the early lead in the 143rd Open Championship.

PARDEW: RIVIERE ADDS TO STRIKING POWER

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew was delighted to have strengthened his attacking options with the signing of forward Emmanuel Riviere on Wednesday night.

BUSINESS

INTEREST ONLY MORTGAGE 'TIME-BOMB'

The mortgage arrears crisis that has remained stubbornly present in the economy could worsen in the coming years as a result of higher repayments on certain mortgage types, the Central Bank has warned.

VIEWPOINTS

TIME TO FACE THE PAST WITH COURAGE

Yesterday, Judge Yvonne Murphy, who has previously chaired inquiries on clerical sexual abuse was given with the task of facing one of the darkest episodes of Irish history, infant mortality rates in Irish mother and baby homes.

SHOWBIZ

BRITNEY WANTS ANOTHER CHILD WHEN HER VEGAS GIG ENDS

Britney Spears reportedly wants to get pregnant when her Las Vegas residency ends next year.

TOP FEATURES

IT'S RIGHT UP OUR STREET - IRELAND THE PERFECT BACKDROP FOR HIT TV SHOWS

Aside from the tax breaks here and the Irish countryside being a perfect backdrop for making TV period dramas, local experts are also called upon to work behind the scenes, says Michelle Cooney.