Your Wednesday lunchtime news catch-up

Refusing to pay Irish Water bills will be pursued through the courts and have the debt removed from payslips, Jan O’Sullivan has said she will not “completely capitulate” on plans for Junior Cert reform, Cork GAA have denied money for the Páirc Uí Chaoimh redevelopment has been withheld and Garth Brooks could be coming back to Ireland. These are some of the latest and most read news on irishexaminer.com.

Wed, 08 Apr, 2015 - 01:00

TOP STORY

Refusal to pay will lead to legal action and direct deductions as first water bills arrive

Households who refuse to pay Irish Water bills, which begin arriving today, will be pursued through the courts and have the debt removed directly from their payslips under measures to be signed off on by Cabinet this month.

IRELAND

LATEST: O’Sullivan refuses to 'completely capitulate' on Junior Cert reform

The Education Minister Jan O'Sullivan is insisting she will not “completely capitulate” on plans for Junior Certificate reform.

MOST READ: Lillis to walk free seven years after manslaughter of wife

Eamonn Lillis, who brutally killed his wife on the patio of their Dublin home almost seven years ago, is expected to be a free man this week-end.

SPORT

LATEST: Cork GAA deny monies for Páirc Uí Chaoimh withheld

The Cork County Board has denied that Government funding for the redevelopment of Páirc Uí Chaoimh has been withheld.

MOST READ: Reasons for Ireland to be fearful in rugby World Cup

With that tantalising World Cup clash between Ireland and France cemented in the back of my mind, I couldn’t help but watch the respective performances of Clermont Auvergne and Leinster over the weekend in the context of that crucial Pool D encounter.

ANALYSIS

MOST READ: Any hike in teachers’ pay means struggling children will get less

Nearly €4 out of every €5 spent on education goes on pay and pension, writes Gerard Howlin.

EXAMVIRAL

LATEST: Jon Snow is not good craic at a dinner party

Never meet your heroes, right?

MOST READ: Dukes Of Hazzard actor James Best dies at 88

James Best, the prolific US character actor best known for his role as Sheriff Rosco P Coltrane in The Dukes Of Hazzard, has died at the age of 88.

WORLD

LATEST: 'Huge' haul stolen in London heist

Detectives are continuing to determine the scale of a heist at a safety deposit centre as victims hope to learn whether their jewels and cash are among the “huge” haul stolen.

MOST READ: Two men rescued from home-made boat costing €12

Two British men had a public holiday DIY disaster with a difference — after taking to sea in a home-made boat costing less than a tenner.

BUSINESS

LATEST: Shell to buy BG group in £47bn deal

Oil giant Royal Dutch Shell is to buy exploration firm BG Group in a deal valuing the British business at about £47bn.

MOST READ: Dublin IT company lands €170k contract with NUIG

Ward Solutions has landed a €170,000 contract to implement IT security system upgrades across the National University of Ireland, Galway’s (NUIG) campus and educate staff on the dangers of cyber attacks.

LIFESTYLE

The Moth comes to Ireland to spin a great yarn

As New York storytelling club, The Moth, comes to Ireland, Richard Fitzpatrick learns the secrets to spinning a great yarn.

MOST READ: The Way that we Climbed: A look at the rivalry of Irish climbers

Hillwalking, climbing and mountaineering have long been favourite pastimes in this country. Dan MacCarthy says Paddy O’Leary’s new history captures the intense rivalry of these sports’ participants

SHOWBIZ