The Irish Times -

Man held over €150,000 drug haul

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:50:49 GMT

Customs drug detection dog Dylan discovered €150,000 worth of drugs at Rosslare Europort today.

Grand Canal Theatre opens in Dublin

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:34:52 GMT

A star-studded audience was tonight treated to an elaborate performance ofSwan Lakeby the Russian State Ballet and featuring Bolshoi dancers as the new Grand Canal Theatre opened its doors.

Cuban anti-government protest continues

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:03:15 GMT

Hundreds of pro-government protesters shouted down 40 members of the Cuban opposition group "Ladies in White" in Old Havana today on the anniversary of the 2003 "Black Spring" crackdown on dissidents.

Mallett forced to shuffle pack

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:03:15 GMT

Rugby:Italy coach Nick Mallett has been forced to amend his starting line-up ahead of Saturday's closing Six Nations match in Wales.

Old Lady down and out in London

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:29:49 GMT

Fulham 4 Juventus 1(Agg: 5-4): Clint Dempsey’s late winner sealed Fulham’s place in the last eight of the Europa League in an incredible win over Italian giants Juventus at Craven Cottage. Dempsey’s clever chip past Antonio Chimenti sealed an historic 5-4 aggregate win for the Cottagers.

Families welcome Saville decision

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:29:49 GMT

Families of Bloody Sunday victims tonight welcomed the announcement that the long-awaited report into the killings would not be handed to the government before undergoing legal checks.

Harrington the model of consistency

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:29:49 GMT

Golf – PGA Tour:Padraig Harrington was the model of consistency in the opening stages of the Transitions Championship at Palm Harbor on Florida’s west coast.

Gaza rocket kills Thai worker

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:11:56 GMT

Palestinian militants launched a first deadly rocket attack on Israel in over a year, killing a Thai worker today in a strike that challenged Gaza's Hamas rulers and prompted Israel to threaten a powerful response.

Statement from the Catholic Communications

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:38:35 GMT

In late 2001, the social services having previously been involved, grave allegations were made to the police by two young women against the same priest, Fr X of the Archdiocese of Armagh. The allegations concerned a time when they were seventeen to eighteen years of age.

Statement made on abuse case handling

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:38:35 GMT

Details of the handling of sex abuse allegations made in 2001 by two young women against a priest in Cardinal Brady’s Armagh diocese were issued by the Catholic Communications Office this evening.

Detention of former Anglo chair FitzPatrick extended

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:22:09 GMT

Gardaí are continuing to question former chairman of Anglo Irish Bank Seán FitzPatrick in relation to alleged financial irregularities at the bank after obtaining an extension to his detention this evening.

Derry bishop disputes cover-up

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:22:08 GMT

The confidentially aspect of an out-of-court settlement agreed between a priest of Derry diocese and a woman who alleged being abused by him as a child over a 10 year period “was not proposed by the diocese, but was proposed to the diocese by one of the other parties, and, to facilitate a Settlement, the diocese agreed,” the Bishop of Derry Seamus Hegarty said in a statement this evening.

View of Monsignor Dooley rejected

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:05:37 GMT

Archbishop Dermot Clifford has distanced himself for remarks made by Monsignor Maurice Dooley over the reporting of concerns to the appropriate State authorities.

D'Arcy expected to face Scotland

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:49:02 GMT

Six Nations:Declan Kidney will wait until tomorrow afternoon before making a final decision on Gordon D’Arcy’s inclusion against Scotland. D’Arcy came through a training session this afternoon unscathed and is expected to be fit for the Six Nations match at Croke Park.

Iseq falls in line with European markets

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:32:45 GMT

Iseq 3,103.99 (-18.69) at close: The Dublin stock exchange fell in line with other European markets today after reaching a 17-month high in the previous session, driven lower by falls in the financial sector.

De Luca wary of Irish midfield

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:16:41 GMT

Rugby:Nick De Luca left Riki Flutey and Mathew Tait dazed and confused last weekend but the Scotland centre admits trying to do the same to Brian O’Driscoll and Gordon D’Arcy may be his biggest ever challenge.

Copyright case referred to Europe

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:00:21 GMT

The High Court has asked the European Court of Justice (ECJ) to decide legal issues raised in proceedings brought in an effort to have hotel operators pay a charge for playing copyright music in guest bedrooms.

Maliki takes slight lead in Iraq poll

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:00:21 GMT

Iraqi prime minister Nuri al-Maliki retained his narrow lead over secularist challenger Iyad Allawi today as Iraq neared a final preliminary count of votes cast in a March 7th parliamentary election.

Big Buck's on the money for Walsh

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:00:21 GMT

Cheltenham Festival:Big Buck’s cemented his position as the top staying hurdler in the business as he achieved back-to-back victories in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle. Paul Nicholls’ charge had dug deep to see off Punchestowns in the three-mile contest last year, but barely had to hit top gear this time as he strolled away with the Grade One feature.

Lawrie hot on the heels of Dougherty

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:44:22 GMT

Golf - European Tour:Peter Lawrie will need to shrug off any lingering concerns over a new driver tomorrow if he is to maintain a fine start to the Hassan Trophy in Morocco. The Dubliner lies just one shot off Nick Dougherty’s lead after opening with a six under par 66 despite using his driver sparingly.

Gardaí seek missing teenage girl

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:28:34 GMT

Gardaí in Co Dublin are seeking the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of a teenage girl who has been missing from her home since last month.

Passport offices to be hit by strike action

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:12:35 GMT

Members of the Civil and Public Services Union and the Public Service Executive Union have said they will not be operating public counters in the Passport Service from 1pm tomorrow.

Man pleads guilty to Pan Am hijack

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:12:35 GMT

A fugitive who avoided prosecution for more than four decades after hijacking a Pan American flight in 1968 and diverting it to Cuba today pleaded guilty to charges including kidnapping and aircraft piracy.

'Jihad Jane' apears in court

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:56:42 GMT

A Pennsylvania woman who called herself "Jihad Jane" pleaded not guilty today to charges of providing material support to terrorists and conspiring to kill in a foreign country.

Clinton in Moscow for nuclear talks

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:24:29 GMT

US secretary of state Hillary Clinton today said that Russia's plan to start up the nuclear reactor at an Iranian power station was "premature" without further assurances on Tehran's nuclear programme.

Moriarty tribunal 'totally biased'

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:08:25 GMT

Businessman Denis O'Brien wrote a personal letter last month to the chairman of the Moriarty tribunal, Mr Justice Michael Moriarty, claiming the tribunal was "totally biased".

Services prices down 4.1 per cent

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:52:13 GMT

The prices businesses are charged for a wide range of services fell by 4.1 per cent in fourth quarter compared to the same three-month period a year earlier.

Protest by taxi drivers ends

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:52:13 GMT

A three-hour work stoppage by taxi drivers in several locations across Ireland has come to an end.

Nepal bus crash kills 30

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:36:25 GMT

A bus packed with villagers fell off a hilly road and plunged into a river in west Nepal today, killing at least 30 people, police said.

EU issues warning to Ireland

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:36:25 GMT

The European Commission has issued Ireland with a final warning for failing to comply with European Court of Justice rulings concerning the environment.

State set to appeal Corrib decision

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:36:25 GMT

The State is “almost certain” to appeal against a High Court decision clearing the way for the courts to determine whether the ministerial consent given eight years ago for the Shell Corrib gas pipeline is valid, a judge was told today.

Turkey arrests 20 over coup plot

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:20:18 GMT

Turkish police today detained around 20 people in connection to an alleged plot to topple the Islamist-rooted government, and the detainees included retired and active military officers, state media said.

Aer Lingus, Impact to attend hearing

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:48:08 GMT

The Labour Relations Commission is to meet with management at Aer Lingus and the trade union Impact tomorrow in a bid to resolve the row involving cabin crew and the company.

Inquiry into video of lorry 'shunting' car

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:48:08 GMT

A British haulage firm opened an investigation today after a video emerged that appeared to show a lorry driver speeding along a motorway unaware a car was trapped under its bumper.

Two jailed in UK over Cork cocaine

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:32:11 GMT

A former London detective who was “pivotal” to the success of a plot to smuggle cocaine worth €229 million into Britain via Ireland was jailed for 22 years today.

New virus targets Facebook

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:32:11 GMT

Hackers have flooded the internet with virus-tainted spam that targets Facebook's estimated 400 million users in an effort to steal banking passwords and gather other sensitive information.

Fine Gael publishes education plans

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:16:11 GMT

Fine Gael has launched an ambitious new programme to bring international students to Ireland which it says could create 6,000 new jobs.

Army Rangers show off skills

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:16:10 GMT

Members of the Defence Forces highly trained Army Ranger Wing (ARW) will this afternoon put on a rare public display of their skills to mark the unit’s 30th anniversary.

Clinton, Bush to visit Haiti

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:16:10 GMT

Former US presidents Bill Clinton and George W Bush will visit Haiti on Monday to discuss the impoverished country's long-term recovery after a January earthquake killed hundreds of thousands of people.

US jobless claims down, CPI flat

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:29:01 GMT

The number of US workers filing new applications for unemployment benefits fell less than expected last week, while consumer prices were unchanged in February on lower energy prices.

Woman held over Sargent leak

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:29:01 GMT

A woman has been arrested in connection with the inquiry into the alleged leaking of letters from minister of state for food and agriculture Trevor Sargent to members of the Garda.

Ex-senator to chair Tallaght review

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:29:01 GMT

The HSE today announced a former senator will chair the review at Tallaght hospital that will investigate the issues of unreported X-rays and unprocessed GP referral letters at the hospital.

Gate Theatre director awarded OBE

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:12:45 GMT

Gate Theatre director Michael Colgan has been awarded an honorary OBE in Britain, it was announced today.

Man held after Newry stabbings

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:56:58 GMT

A man in his 40s has been arrested following the stabbing of two men at a hotel in Newry, Co Down last night.

Russel has confidence in Carlito's way

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:56:58 GMT

Cheltenham Triumph Hurdle:Davy Russell will not be worrying about any of his rivals as he gets the leg up on Carlito Brigante in the JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham on Friday.

FedEx's profit more than doubles

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:40:26 GMT

Package delivery giant FedEx Corp posted sharply higher quarterly profit, topping expectations, but its shares fell, giving back gains accrued in the days leading up to the earnings announcement.

Nevin case to be heard next week

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:40:26 GMT

A bid by convicted murderer Catherine Nevin to gain access to documents which she claims are highly relevant to her application to have her conviction declared a miscarriage of justice will be heard next week.

Rise in number of job vacancies

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:24:09 GMT

The number of professional job vacancies rose by 34 per cent in February compared to the same month a year earlier, according to a new report.

Belgian sex shop loses VAT case

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:07:51 GMT

Adult theatres with "private cubicles" cannot benefit from a lower sales tax rate usually reserved for cinemas, the European Union's highest court said in a dispute triggered by a Belgian sex shop.

Kauto Star 'lethal', says Nicholls

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:07:51 GMT

Cheltenham Gold Cup:Paul Nicholls has labelled Kauto Star “lethal” as Clive Smith’s 10-year-old bids to cement his place among the National Hunt legends in Friday's totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Kidnapped British boy reunited with family

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:03:56 GMT

A five-year-old boy British boy kidnapped in Pakistan was reunited with his father today, after his family paid a £110,000 ransom.

Germany denies tax cuts plan report

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:03:55 GMT

German chancellor Angela Merkel's government today denied a newspaper report that it would announce potentially vote-winning proposals for tax cuts before a closely watched regional election in May which it could lose.

Giggs determined to make amends

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:32:19 GMT

Ryan Giggs has admitted Manchester United are determined to make amends for their home humbling at the hands of Liverpool last season.

Euro zone trade deficit narrows

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:32:19 GMT

The euro zone's non-adjusted trade deficit narrowed year-on-year in January as exports increased five times faster than imports, signalling rising external demand but still muted domestic consumption.

Red Cross hostage freed in Darfur

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:32:19 GMT

Aid worker Gauthier Lefevre, kidnapped in Sudan's Darfur region, was released today, after 147 days in captivity, a spokesman for the International Committee of the Red Cross said.

Obama pledges to boost ties

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:32:19 GMT

US president Barack Obama has pledged to continue working with Ireland to see how economic investment and growth can be generated in both countries.

UK public sector borrowing rises

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:16:34 GMT

Britain's public sector net borrowing rose to its highest for a February on record but by less than economists had forecast, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said today.

Terry to visit injured party after car accident

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:28:19 GMT

John Terry is expected to visit the security guard who was injured when the Chelsea captain's car hit him on Tuesday.

Greece PM warning on deficit cuts

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:28:18 GMT

Greece will not be able to carry out planned deficit cuts to resolve its debt problems if it has to continue borrowing money at high interest rates, prime minister George Papandreou said today.

Man killed in Co Meath house fire

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:12:15 GMT

A man has died in a house fire in Co Meath.

Three men die in road incidents

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:56:18 GMT

Three men have been killed in incidents on Irish roads over the past 24 hours.

Riera scathing in Benitez appraisal

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:40:18 GMT

Albert Riera has voiced his frustration at his situation at Liverpool and claimed there is no dialogue between the players and the manager. The Spain international also likened Liverpool to a "sinking ship" and revealed he has had offers from two Russian teams as he contemplates his future.

Friction between China, US over yuan

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:08:49 GMT

A rise in the yuan would be a disaster for labour-intensive Chinese exporters, a semi-official trade group said today, as frictions grow with the US and other Western powers over Beijing's stable currency policy.

African Diamonds losses decline

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 07:52:56 GMT

Irish-owned AIM-listed diamond explorer and producer African Diamonds recorded an operating loss of £223,000 for the six months ended December 31st 2009.

'Big Star' singer Chilton dies

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 07:21:26 GMT

Singer and guitarist Alex Chilton, known for his influential work with bands the Box Tops and Big Star, died yesterday. He was aged 59.

Nigerian government dissolved

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 07:21:26 GMT

Nigeria's acting president Goodluck Jonathan dissolved the cabinet yesterday in a bid to consolidate his authority at the helm after he assumed executive powers.

Britain offers loans to Ford, Nissan

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 07:21:26 GMT

Britain has announced hundreds of millions of pounds in aid to Ford and Nissan for the development of environmentally friendly technologies as it seeks to become a world leader in ultra low-carbon vehicles.

Oil eases below $83 a barrel

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 07:05:41 GMT

Oil eased below $83 a barrel today, surrendering some of the previous day's gains when prices surged more than 1 pe cent, buoyed by a weaker dollar and signs of improving US oil product demand.

Nissan to build Leaf car in Britain

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 06:49:51 GMT

Motor giant Nissan is to build its new electric car in Britain, it was announced last night.

Seven rescued from Dublin cliffs

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 06:34:10 GMT

Seven people were rescued by the Howth Coast Guard cliff rescue team yesterday evening after they became stranded at the end of a cliff near Howth Head in north Dublin.

Search to resume for missing man

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 06:34:10 GMT

A search will resume at first light today for a man who was spotted in the River Erne near Beleek on the Border between Donegal and Fermanagh.

Man airlifted to Sligo hospital

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 06:34:10 GMT

A man in his 60s was airlifted to Sligo hospital yesterday after he collapsed while on a sponsored walk in Sheemore in Co Leitrim.

Under pressure Jedward rescued

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 06:18:27 GMT

X Factor twins Jedward have been signed up by Universal, just 24 hours after it was revealed they had been dumped by their former record label.

'Leprechaun' robber shot by US police

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 06:18:27 GMT

Two bank robbery suspects, including one dressed in a green leprechaun costume, have been shot dead after a St Patrick's Day chase and shootout with police in Tennessee.

Keatley wins the battle for Connacht

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:57:08 GMT

Connacht 16 Newport Gwent Dragons 3:Connacht's Ian Keatley won the outhalf battle as the western province picked up a much-needed win over Newport Gwent Dragons at the Sportsground tonight.