Here’s a briefing on some of the stories and issues highlighted on irishexaminer.com today

Good afternoon. Here’s all the news you need to know this lunchtime.

Mary Davis first burst into the public consciousness in 2003 as the Irish woman who spearheaded the Special Olympics moving out of the US for the first time.

The head of the Dublin Airport Authority has welcomed US President Barack Obama’s backing for a transatlantic service from Cork Airport — but also expressed concern about any possible delays at the American side.

Senior management from Cork Airport and the DAA are set to mount an all-out diplomatic offensive on Washington and Boston ahead of the St Patrick’s Day festivities in a bid to secure Cork’s first transatlantic flights.

Ryanair has expressed confidence that plans for a second main runway at Dublin Airport will become a reality, but has warned its costs should not exceed the planned €250m.

The directors of the Irish arm of the company that operates voucher site Pigsback.com have reviewed the firm’s cost base after seeing its losses balloon by over €200,000.

The hotel group that purchased three airport hotels from the the airport authority, the DAA, for around €75m nine years ago last year received €5.42m for two of the hotels.

John Daly takes us through the highlights form the second half of the business year.

A high-level delegation from Cork Chamber, the Irish Aviation Authority and officials from Dublin and Cork airports met the US ambassador to Ireland yesterday as part of intense efforts to secure the first transatlantic flights from Cork.

A range of improvements for passengers at Dublin Airport are to be submitted for planning permission.

A voluntary group which engineered a huge increase in visitor numbers to Doneraile Park does not intend to sit on its laurels.

Failure to invest in critical regional infrastructure could jeopardise economic growth in the south of the country and limit business development, according to Fine Gael MEP Seán Kelly.

Good morning. Here’s everything you need to know before you start your day.

This is the first time that we have come together to present a ‘unified voice for West Cork Business’ and this should be viewed as a barometer of the strength of feeling and collective positivity that exists in relation to establishing Cork Airport as a driver for economic success in our region now and into the future.