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Dublin Port Company boosts profit from sale
Dublin Port Company the state-owned company which operates Dublin Port reported underlying operating profits of 28.5 million Euro for last year an increase of seven percent on the previous year news agencies reported. This came as turnover grew by six...
House prices keep falling
Irish house prices dropped 0.6 percent in June capping the worst first-half performance in more than a decade. House prices fell five percent in the six months through June almost twice the pace recorded a year earlier according to an...
HEA calls for higher education reform
Higher Education Authority Chief Executive Tom Boland said that those who benefit from higher education should make a contribution towards its cost. ldquo;We cannot dodge the issue of resources. It is quite clear that the exchequer cannot fully support the...
60 million Euro fall for Ryanair
Irelandlsquo;s low-fare airline Ryanair warned on July 28 that it is bracing for red-ink of up to 60 million Euro USD 95 million in the fiscal 2008/2009 year amid surging fuel costs. At best the airline said in presenting first-quarter...
Low cost products for Tesco Irelands customers coming
Tesco Ireland has launched a new look low cost product range which is designed to bring new competition for shoppers RTE Ireland reported on July 25.The move is part of a 100 million Euro price cutting programme that will see...
AIB lowers outlook as its profits slip
AIB has reported pre-tax profits of 1.28 billion Euro for the first half of this year down from 1.32 billion Euro in the same period a year earlier. Its adjusted earnings per share fell four percent to 104.9 cent RTE...
EMC cooks up 50 new jobs at Ovens campus
Data storage company EMC is to invest 20 million Euro in research and development activities over the next five years at its campus in Ovens Co Cork. With the support of IDA Ireland the investment will create up to 50...
Bumper year for Jameson sales
Figures from drinks company Irish Distillers show that worldwide sales of Jameson whiskey rose by 15 percent in the year to June to 2.6 million cases. This was its best growth rate in the last decade RTE Ireland reported on...
Elan halves second quarter losses
Drug company Elan has reported a net loss of USD 71.5 million for the second quarter of the year a decrease of 49 percent from the net loss of USD 141.1 million reported the same time last year RTE Ireland...
TVC Holdings ups stake in UTV to 15%
Dublin-listed investment company TVC Holdings has increased
its stake in UTV Media by buying another four percent of the
broadcaster RTE Ireland reported on July 17. This additional
investment brings TVCs total stake to 15 percent. It has paid GBP
19.5 million 24.8 million...
Abbey sees the market slumping fast
House builder Abbey has reported a sharp drop in profits for the
year ending April 2008 and warned that unless conditions show a
major improvement a wrenching adjustment lies ahead. Abbey
said its pre-tax profits for the year amounted to 16.8 million Euro...
Readymix goes 10 million Euro down
Readymix plc has said it expects to record before-tax losses of
about 10 million Euro for the first six months of the year. The losses
include 2.7 million Euro of one-off costs associated with the
reshaping of the business the company said.
Readymix also...
French IT firm to create 63 new jobs in Belfast
A Paris-based IT services company has announced plans to create 63 jobs at a new centre in Belfast Ireland Online reported on June 25. Steria currently employs more than 18 000 people in 16 countries including 200 in the North....
CPL on track despite some tough conditions
Recruitment group CPL has issued a short trading update saying it expects pre-tax profits for the year to the end of June to be in line with expectations. The company had already lowered its forecasts in April saying the reduction...
US firm to buy Iona in 100 mln Euro deal
Dublin-based software company Iona Technologies has agreed to be taken over by US company Progress Software Corporation the companies reported on June 25. The US firm will pay USD 4.05 per share for Iona valuing it at USD 162 million...
Forbes says Endesa to buy electricity board
Forbes wrote that it has been reported that Endesa SA is interested in purchasing Irish power company Electricity Supply Board ESB making them an offer said to be at approximately 450 million Euro La Gaceta de los Negocios said without...
Veridian on Sunday Times Top 100
According to a brief note form the Irish Times business editor circulating online Veridian will be placed 39 in the top 100 Energy utilities and be named as the only Northern Ireland Company in Londons Sunday Times top 100 league...
Daft.ie buys competing website
Daft Media owner of leading property website Daft.ie announced the acquisition of competing website Property.ie for an undisclosed sum on June 24 Ireland Online reported. Daft Media will continue to run Property.ie in parallel to Daft.ie and will be investing...
Hibernian to cut some 580 jobs
Insurance company Hibernian has announced that 580 workers were to lose their jobs over the next three years on June 24. The company - which will begin transferring the positions to Bangalore in India early next year - said its...
Waterford confirms Rosenthal review
Waterford Wedgwood has confirmed recent media speculation over the potential sale of its shareholding in its porcelain division Rosenthal the company said.In a statement to the Dublin Stock Exchange Waterford said it is conducting a strategic review of the Rosenthal...
Wrightbus lands GBP 9.5 mln order with Arriva
Northern Ireland transport group Wrightbus based in Ballymena is to supply 132 new buses to Arriva a UK private bus company this year and in early 2009. In a series of orders worth approximately GBP 9.5 million a variety of...
GDP down and market at lowest since 1983
On the same day that Eurostat released figures showing that Ireland has the second highest level of GDP per inhabitant the quarterly report from Irelands Economic and Social Research Institute ESRI released on June 24 has said that for the...
Ireland still loves the EU and no wonder surveys reveal
Irish citizens still overwhelmingly approve of their countrys membership of the European Union despite shooting down its Lisbon Treaty 10 days ago an EU poll revealed. And figures released the same day by the EUs statistical office revealed that the...
CRH H1 affected by the weak US dollar
Building materials group CRH said it expects its pre-tax profits for 2008 may show a high single digit percentage decline compared with the figure of 1.9 billion Euro in 2007 RTE Ireland reported on July 2. In a trading update...
60 workers to go at Co Downs Toughglass
A specialist glass company in Co Down has announced plans to lay-off more than half of its workforce because of a downturn in demand RTE Ireland reported on July 2. Toughglass said that about 60 jobs are to go at...
Coca-Cola plans 190 mln Euro Wexford facility
The Coca-Cola company is to submit a planning application for a combined 190 million Euro manufacturing and innovation facility on a 41-acre site on the Wexford Business Park RTE Ireland reported on July 2. The proposed investment would include manufacturing...
Eircom selected to deliver next generation network for Tesco
Eircom on July 1 announced that the leading retailer Tesco has selected the company to implement a next generation telecommunications network Ireland Online reported. The five-year contract is valued at over 10 million Euro. As part of the deal Eircom...
Avocent to let 64 more workers go
IT company Avocent International has announced a restructuring programme which will see it cutting 57 jobs at its Shannon plant as well as another seven in Dublin RTE Ireland reported on June 30.The company will cut its Shannon workforce from...
EU clears Avnet to buy Horizon Technology
US group Avnet has won permission from the European Commission on June 27 to buy Horizon Technology Group which distributes information technology products RTE Ireland reported. A number of other wholesale distributors will exercise competitive constraints on the merged entity...
Iberdola cuts a piece of the Petroceltic cake
Spanish energy group Iberdrola
is to take a 22.6 percent stake in
Dublin-listed exploration company
Petroceltic. Iberdrola the
worlds fourth largest electricity
company will invest USD 55
million 34.8 million Euro in
cash in Petroceltic through a
placing of close to 216 million
shares at 13 pence a share...
Origin looks East with 20% buy
Origin Enterprises the company spun off from food group IAWS last year announced that it has bought a 20 percent stake in Continental Farmers Group on July 3 based in Poland and the Ukraine RTE Ireland reported.The deal for the...
Record profits business up
The Port of Belfast reported on July 3 that 2007 was a record year for profits and business Ireland Online reported.Pre-tax profit was up an impressive 18 percent to GBP 22.1million 27.7 million Euro turnover was up eight percent at...
Dublin docks jobs have doubled quickly
The Dublin Docklands Authoritys 2007 annual report shows
that it has assets worth just over 177 million Euro. Its main assets
include Grand Canal Harbour the CHQ building the former
Readymix site and its interest in the former Glass Bottle site at
Poolbeg the...
Digiweb speeds up recruitment plans to hire more workers
Telecoms company Digiweb is bringing forward plans to recruit
200 new staff it reported. The Dublin-based company first announced
the recruitment drive for more than 200 new staff in
March 2007 following the launch of their new data centre and
Blanchardstown offices and has...
SAP branch in Dublin will create 100 jobs
A subsidiary of software group SAP is to create 100 new jobs
over four years in a 29 million Euro investment in Dublin. Business
Objects is setting up a research and development centre in
SAPs CityWest facility in a project backed by IDA...
VHIs in good health makes a 112 million Euro profit
Health insurer VHI released financial results which show that it
made a surplus of 55.4 million Euro from its day-to-day operations
in the year to the end of February up from 33.9 million
Euro a year earlier. The surplus was boosted further by...
IBM plans Dublin water research project soon
IBM is to set up a new Dublin-based centre to carry out research
on water management. IDA Ireland is backing the project the
agency said. IBM said the facility would focus mainly on
research and services for monitoring managing and forecasting
environmental challenges such...
The No vote on EU treaty could cost Ireland its post
One of the main reasons
cited by observers for
Irelands rejection on
June 12 of the European
Unions Lisbon Treaty was the
fear that if the text came into
force Ireland would lose the
right to appoint a European
commissioner but the documents
defeat means that just
might come true...
Irish Life Permanent lowers outlook for the year
Irish Life and Permanent has warned
that its group pre-tax operating profits for
the year are expected to be lower than it
had indicated in February the company
reported. In a trading statement ILamp;P
said its annual operating profits are set to
fall by a mid-to-high...
50 new Dublin jobs gained from Solaris Mobile
Satellite communications company
Solaris Mobile has confirmed
that it is setting up its
corporate headquarters in
Dublin with the creation of 50
jobs over the next three years.
The jobs are being supported
by IDA Ireland the company
reported.
The establishment of
Solaris Mobile was announced
in 2006 by SES Astra...
Its either a crisis or an Irish blessing
Irelands resounding rejection of the EU Lisbon Treaty met with
a mixed bag of reactions ranging from delight from some Member
States and Eurosceptics to disappointment and regret from
those who feared another crisis at hand similar to the aftermath
of the referendum defeats...
Irish voters reject EU treaty Cowen seeks to reassure EU
The rejection by Irish voters
of the European
Unions Lisbon Treaty in
a public referendum posed an
instant embarrassment to the
government of new Premier
Brian Cowen and raising new
questions for the EU policymakers
who said they want
some explanations.
The Treaty has been ratified
by 18 of the...
Irish No hits EU with a political impasse
The corridors of power in the European Commission the Brussels- based executive of the European Union were abuzz with rare activity June 13 with a mixture of shock and disbelief as the news of the no vote in the Irish...
Ryanair and Britvic announce a five-year agreement
Ryanair on June 4 announced a new five-year supply agreement for soft drinks onboard the companys daily flights Ireland Online reported. This new agreement will allow Ryanair passengers to enjoy Pepsi 7-Up J20 and Britvics range of juices onboard all...
Dublin to get Merill Lynch branch 31 jobs open
One of the worlds leading financial firms is to open a Dublin branch creating 31 jobs Ireland Online reported on June 3. The Merrill Lynch office will handle assets for clients who have invested money in funds across Europe and...
2008 profits up despite fuel costs for Ryanair
Budget airline Ryanair reported an annual pre- tax profit of GBP 419 million USD 820 million on June 4 but warned that ticket prices would have to rise to meet soaring fuel costs and charges. The Irish budget carrier said...
4.8 mln Euro for Indonesian media group
Independent News amp; Media on announced that it will purchase 20 percent of an Indonesian media group and publisher of Republika one of Indonesias highest circulating national daily newspapers PT Abdi Bangsa TBK for 4.8 million Euro Ireland Online reported...
Kentz wins new USD 208 mln Doha project
Clonmel-based international engineering company Kentz Corporation has won a USD 208 million contract for the design supply and delivery of the main electrical systems on a major new medical and research centre in Doha in the state of Qatar RTE...
Aer Lingus stops flights to LA fuel too high
The airline cited higher fuel costs a weak US dollar and the uncertainty of the economic climate as reasons for the cutback. Its also emerged that the company will cut its capacity on long-haul US routes by 15 percent in...
Citigroup shares drop in Anglo Irish Bank
Citigroup downgraded Anglo Irish Bank and Bank of Ireland to sell from hold on June 5 according to the Wall Street Journal online. We believe that rapidly deteriorating credit quality now poses the main threat to earning and capital with...
New Europe News: The European News Source
New Europe News: The European News Source.
Correction: Morah Ryan
Wonder wave - Infamous Aileen woos surfers
SURFERS pushed themselves to the limit by conquering terrifying 40ft waves off the Irish coast during a storm this week.
Fury over Millionaire Raffle as punters call for live draw
ONLY the winners of the Lotto's first Millionaire Raffle draw seemed happy yesterday after a major row erupted over the way it was conducted.
Nightclubs to lose late closing hours
NIGHTCLUB owners are set to be disappointed by new alcohol legislation which proposes to copperfasten closing times across the board.
Holidaymakers left in lurch as third agency goes bust
THERE are fears for the future of small travel agents after a third company went bust this summer, leaving customers in the lurch.
Lynch faces long ban as 'B' horse sample tests positive
Suspended Olympic show jumper Denis Lynch was last night facing the prospect of a long ban from the sport after a "B" sample for his horse proved positive.
New Rose gets passport to a globetrotting dream come true
TIPPERARY'S Aoife Kelly spent her first full day as the new Rose of Tralee yesterday and said she couldn't wait to take up her role as an international ambassador for the festival.
'Ma's champion breakfast'
A MAMMY'S boy, this one, and he will admit as much himself. But you would still think twice about calling him such to his face.
An Post puts blame on NRA for delays in delivering toll tags
Paul Melia
Garda 'break and enter' plans spark legal fears
PLANS to give gardai new powers to enter people's homes and cars to turn off blaring alarms could face a legal challenge, Environment Minister John Gormley admitted yesterday.
Aldi and Lidl aim to double presence in towns
Discount German retailers Aldi and Lidl are scouring the country for sites to boost their store numbers as consumers tighten their belts and seek out bargains.
No barrier means no jobs for 120 toll-bridge staff
OVER 100 workers working at the M50 West-Link toll bridge will lose their jobs when the barrier-free system comes into operation on Saturday, it emerged last night.
Ryanair axes €20m routes in row over airport fees
RYANAIR is to axe flights worth €20m out of Cork Airport, after accusing Dublin Airport of trying to undermine its sister facility with unrealistic charges.
Cruises pull in €200m for ports
IRISH ports are savouring a record-breaking €200m-plus season with some of the most famous vessels afloat visiting Irish waters -- including a farewell visit by the legendary QE II next month.
Airline chiefs in new dogfight
THE bitter war of words between Ryanair and Aer Arann dramatically re-ignited last night with Michael O'Leary claiming his counterpart, Padraig O Ceidigh, couldn't give Aer Arann away even "as a present", writes Ralph Riegel.
Surge in births as one-in-nine women in 30s become mums
THERE was a dramatic surge in births among women in their 30s last year, with one in nine -- or 40,000 -- having a baby.
Queen of the Lakes winner could be the next Aoife crowned
Liam Horan
'Shocked' couple first to claim their €1m prize
THE first Millionaire Raffle winners spoke of their shock as they collected their €1m cheque yesterday.
Vicious attack with bottle mars festival
GARDAI yesterday appealed for witnesses to a vicious assault during which a man received serious facial injuries.
Tough but friendly negotiator who made 'no surrender' vow
TALL with the rugged and imposing physique of a country man from the drumlins of Cavan, Bishop Leo O'Reilly is fast becoming a major figure in the national debate about the future of schooling in Ireland.
School grants not enough to finish new extensions
A NEW school funding controversy flared last night, hot on the heels of mounting criticism of "ill-judged" Government proposals to cut back on the school early completion programme.
Outdated transport plan may force children to miss classes
schoolchildren in catchment areas are facing uncertainty about how they are going to get to classes because of an outdated transport plan.
North's gay groups in line for £80,000 boost despite rows
THE Northern Ireland government department headed by Peter Robinson is due to provide £80,000 (€99,600) to gay groups within the next seven months -- despite his wife's controversial views on homosexuality.
Plaza plan for 'drugs market' Custom Quay area
Environment Minister John Gormley has urged the Dublin Docklands Development Authority to bring forward plans to regenerate the area around the Custom House, admitting yesterday it was home to a "virtual drugs market".
Politicians put their stamp on future vision
Political movers and shakers have the chance to put their stamp on a changing Ireland in a unique postcard project.
Family will appeal verdict in cosmetic surgery death
THE family of a man who died while undergoing plastic surgery abroad has been granted leave by the High Court to try and quash the verdict of an inquest into his death.
Behind mask of potter Louis
Louis Mulcahy was turning heads in Dublin with his collection of quirky Mysterious Druid masks on display near his shop on Dawson Street yesterday at the launch of his limited edition series.
Polluted beach loses its Blue Flag for two years
Allison Bray
€900m overseas aid budget may have to be cut, warns minister
Michael Brennan Political Correspondent
Cowen and Ahern meetings revealed
Senan Molony, Deputy Political Editor
Cowen admits second Lisbon referendum must be an option
THE Taoiseach conceded yesterday that the Government would have to consider the prospect of a second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty.
Straight as a die Brian... oops, well maybe not
The Ballyconneely Parliament was hard at it yesterday, struggling manfully to get to grips with the problems of the day.
Cannon risks PD split with call for second treaty vote
Senan Molony Deputy Political Editor
New school term bills push more parents into debt
ONE-in-five people seeking help from the St Vincent de Paul are new callers, as the economic downturn puts increasing pressure on families.
Rocha's distinctive designs have top award all sewn up
THE cream of Ireland's designers were toasting success last night as the inaugural Motorola Dublin Fashion Week awards were announced.
New VRT lifts car sales
The number of new cars licensed in July rose by 3pc on the same month last year, new figures show.
HSE discharge delays cost 250,000 bed days
OVER 250,000 bed days were lost over the past 17 months because of delays in discharging patients ready to leave hospital, new figures reveal.
Elite armed squad to tackle gangland crime in Limerick
THE Emergency Response Unit patrolling Limerick city's flashpoint areas will soon get back-up from a specially trained and fully-armed squad.
Rabbitte raps ministers for '41 broken promises'
The Government was accused yesterday of failing to take action on 41 pre-election promises in the justice area.
Too early to solve crux left by June 12 result, says Gormley
GREEN Party leader John Gormley said yesterday it was too early to offer up ideas on how to solve the next step in the Lisbon Treaty puzzle.
Man stabbed in face with broken bottle in Tralee
A man in his 30s is recovering in hospital in Kerry after being stabbed in the face with a broken bottle in Tralee town centre early this morning.
A heroes' welcome as boxers arrive home
WHATEVER the naysayers profess, Ireland's Olympic flame continues to burn brightly.
Polish man in custody on fatal crash charge
A POLISH national was charged yesterday with dangerous driving following a collision in which a young woman died.
Taxman awarded more than €50,000 in six different cases
THE Collector General secured six judgments, each for more than €50,000, in the third week in August as the office continues to use the courts to pursue those who fail to pay their taxes.
No ducking and diving as silver medallist soaks up atmosphere
"Ken-ny . . . Ken-ny . . . Ken-ny . . ." the cry seemed to go up from absolutely every part of Clondalkin.
Union seeks huge pay hike as Cowen pushes for talks
THE country's largest craft union threw down the gauntlet to the Government yesterday with the highest pay claim to date, even as the Taoiseach began a major push to restart the social partnership talks.
Hospital's balconies sealed off in wake of suicide
The balconies of a hospital where a woman patient jumped to her death are now inaccessible to patients and the public, an inquest heard yesterday.
Taps to be turned on in homes time forgot
Brian McDonald
Aoife crowned Rose
BOOKIES favourite Tipperary Rose Aoife Kelly (23) is the new Rose of Tralee.
Boy (4) feared brain damaged on sun holiday
THE family of a young triplet, who remains in a coma after a holiday swimming pool accident, fear that he could suffer permanent brain damage.
Nine families with same name make for postal chaos
A RURAL community is devising its own system to help the postman distinguish between nine families that share the same surname.
Prison officer for trial on smuggling charges
A PRISON officer is to stand trial this autumn on charges of smuggling illegal drugs, alcohol and mobile phones to inmates at Mountjoy prison.
Green bid to cut speed limits would cost €4m
PLANS to lower speed limits to reduce emissions have been cast into doubt after it emerged it would cost at least €4m on motorways alone.
€15m plan to clean up the streets
Businesses in Dublin are to spend an extra €3m a year to keep the city clean.
Three released in farm assault probe
THREE men arrested yesterday in connection with an alleged assault on two elderly farmers just minutes before one of them collapsed and died from a heart attack were released without charge last night.
Smoke kills man (51) in city apartment blaze
A 51-YEAR-OLD man was killed in a fire early yesterday, writes Dara deFaoite.
Consumer hopes dashed for cheaper broadband
Consumers hoping for cheaper broadband internet access were dealt a blow yesterday after the telecoms regulator backtracked on a decision to impose price cuts on Eircom.
Raiders open fire on petrol shop staff
Barry Duggan
Vote watchdog spent €5m in bid to explain Lisbon Treaty
THE Referendum Commission spent most of its €5m budget on advertising and public awareness promotions during the Lisbon Treaty campaign, it emerged yesterday -- but voter confusion still prevailed.
A class act Back to school as pupil enrolment hits 500,000
It's back to school time for the biggest number of primary school pupils in two decades.
Students turn their backs on technical jobs for better pay
STUDENTS will not take up science and engineering degrees unless offered the prospect of better pay, a union warned last night.
Schools get broadband -- but no cash for computers
THOUSANDS of pupils will start school in brand new buildings fully wired for broadband, but missing the computers because of government cuts.
Pupils 'risk lives' on busy road as bus axed
THE Department of Education has axed a shuttle bus that transported students to classes on three separate sites of a Co Leitrim school.
EU study predicts 6.75m to live here by 2060
'Ageing populations, increasingly dependent on migrants to maintain their size, will be a feature of all EU economies'
Buzzing off Chick returns to wild
A little buzzard chick stretched its wings and flew for the first time as it was released into the wild yesterday.
M50 tags to arrive just in time, claims NRA
Paul Melia
Pay-as-you-go shopkeepers warned against extra charge
RETAILERS providing a pay-as-you-go tolling service for motorists are legally entitled to impose an administrative charge which will add to the cost of using Dublin's M50 motorway.
How the cash from your toll fee is distributed
l The National Roads Authority -- in effect the owner of the motorway -- will take in €80m a year in toll revenue on the M50. But of that figure, it will be left with just €5m for maintenance after paying the operator and the previous owner.
Irish peacekeepers ready for 'rebel season' in Chad
IRISH peacekeeping troops in Chad are gearing up for a tough six months as rebel forces step up their offensive.
Airline quashes rumours of sweeping Shannon changes
AER Lingus last night insisted it had "absolutely no plans" to abandon its direct transatlantic flights from Shannon.
'People thought they were going to die, some got sick'
'There was no communication from the flight crew and that added to people's extreme fear'
RTE won't be punished for referring to Cowen as 'Biffo'
RTE has avoided sanction for using the term "Biffo" to refer to Taoiseach Brian Cowen.
Kenny didn't give insurer a fair right of reply
RTE star Pat Kenny failed to treat rogue lawyer Michael Lynn's insurance company fairly when questioning the legality of their decision to void the solicitor's policy, it was ruled yesterday.
Fashionistas spin a good yarn as knitting guru unveils collection
HERE'S a prediction for next summer -- it's probably going to rain.
Man shot in front of partner 'died instantly'
Georgina O'Halloran
Simplicity the best way forward for commission
CONGRATULATORY statements have not been heaped on the Referendum Commission during the prolonged post-mortem debate on the rejected Lisbon Treaty.
You must be joking - Niamh shines in the Rose spotlight
TWO great Irish institutions collided last night. One, some would say, is a relic from a bygone era, and the other a modern monster conceived in a garage forecourt and made famous by a Thurles comedian.
Identity of drug charge woman can't be proved
GARDAI are continuing to investigate how a 47-year-old Vietnamese woman charged with growing cannabis ended up in Ireland.
Revealed: how tolls will cost €50 a week
THOUSANDS of commuters will fork out €50 in road tolls every week, new figures reveal.
Thank the stars for Lotto's €7m logo overhaul
The National Lottery is getting a new image.
Thief hijacks car with 72-year-old in front seat
A CAR thief took off with a 72-year-old female passenger in the front seat after hijacking the vehicle at a petrol filling station, writes Tom Shiel.
Summer sales and falling oil prices boost confidence
THE slide in consumer confidence has halted for the first time in seven months due to summer sales, falling oil prices and static interest rates.
Why the mood of our households matters
IT'S good news, but let's not get carried away. Irish consumers are still downbeat about the economic outlook, fearful for their own jobs and straining just to make ends meet each month. But -- and it's an important but -- they did feel a little less gloomy about the world at large in August.
Consumers spent twice as much on alcohol than food in 2007
CONSUMERS spent almost twice as much on alcohol, cigarettes and mobile phones last year as they did on food.
Criminal killed over minor row, associates tell gardai
ARMED robber Paul 'Farmer' Martin was gunned down in a Dublin pub at the weekend as a result of a relatively minor row, gardai now believe.
Nasty surprises on menu as food products recalled
BEWARE when tucking into your dinner as you may be in for a nasty surprise.
Meagan's first day at all-boys school after appeal victory
A 12-year-old girl savoured her first day in an all-boys school yesterday, just three weeks after making Irish education history by forcing the VEC college to accept her.
Students with part-time jobs struggling to make ends meet as cost of college soars
TWO-thirds of college students work part time, but still find it difficult to make ends meet.
Britain's winning strategy an example to us -- Cullen
SPORTS Minister Martin Cullen has suggested that Ireland must target specific sports if we are to finish higher on future Olympic medals tables.
We'll have craic tonight, says Kenny's proud mum
Stephen O'Farrell, Grainne Cunningham and Louise Hogan
Independent.ie - National News RSS Feed
Gerrard injury overshadows Liverpool's extra-time escape
Steven Gerrard is a patriot, but his heart belongs to Liverpool. That was underlined last night as he put his club's European ambitions ahead of his country's World Cup hopes.
FAI boss facing tough decisions as Cork City's crisis deepens
THESE are dark and confusing days for Irish football. The only thing certain is the persistent uncertainty.
Cost-cutting plan leaves Cork City staring into abyss
THE FUTURE of Cork City hangs in the balance this morning after a traumatic day in Leeside culminated with the majority of staff being laid off and players being told to accept an interim 70pc pay cut.
Blues set to seal Robinho deal as bid for Kaka fails
THE Chelsea chief executive, Peter Kenyon, said yesterday that his club were not interested in signing Milan's Brazilian Kaka this summer because they had fulfilled their promise to the new manager, Luiz Felipe Scolari, to secure Robinho and Deco.
Villa pounce as Toon give Milner the runaround
JAMES Milner is expected to join Aston Villa before the transfer window closes next Monday after another day of mixed messages at Newcastle United concluded with doubts being raised again about the club's acquisition and contract policy.
Chelsea sit top of pile for Euro draw
Chelsea may not have won the Champions League but the UEFA co-efficients, which determine the seedings for today's Champions League draw, place them at No 1.
Calm restored at Arsenal as Wenger backs young guns
Despite appearances to the contrary on Saturday, when Arsenal lost to Fulham, Arsene Wenger yesterday insisted that his squad was strong enough to challenge for major honours.
My way or the highway, Roeder warns Hoolahan
NORWICH manager Glenn Roeder has slammed the attitude of summer signing Wes Hoolahan after substituting him against Cardiff last weekend, WRITES DANIEL McDONNELL.
Dempsey blasts Brolly over anti-Wexford 'arrogance'
JOE Brolly has been accused of displaying "arrogance bordering on the objectionable" over his attitude to Wexford's advance to Sunday's All-Ireland football semi-final.
West Ham accuse Ferdinand of forcing their hand
West Ham United came out fighting yesterday by accusing Anton Ferdinand of forcing his £7m sale to Sunderland by demanding more than £50,000 a week in wages.
Owen hits extra-time winner for Newcastle
Michael Owen struck in the seventh minute of extra-time to send Newcastle United into the third round draw after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Coventry City at the Ricoh Arena last night.
Trying time for Irish superstar
ONE should never read too much into a haircut but, when Brian O'Driscoll (who's worn an assortment of barnets over the years) took the field against the Dragons in the RDS last May, he sported the short-back-and-sides we most readily associate with his period as the game's premier centre.
First Leinster, next Ireland?
THE likelihood of Brian O'Driscoll ending his five-year reign as Ireland captain has increased greatly after he stepped down from the same role with Leinster yesterday.
Fletcher's golden goal for flair-free United keeps Pompey in basement
As his prospective transfer reaches that unpleasant endgame where threats are made and conditions are set, Dimitar Berbatov can rest easy in the knowledge that Manchester United are demonstrating how much they need him with every match they play. Wanted at Old Trafford: one prolific striker capable of applying killer touch to free-flowing attacking football.
Spurs tell Berbatov: 'Rot in the reserves'
Tottenham Hotspur have told Dimitar Berbatov that he is running the risk of "rotting in the reserves" for a season unless Manchester United pay the transfer fee being demanded for the striker.
Senderos goes to Milan on loan as Wenger resumes clear-out at the Emirates
Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos yesterday agreed to a one-year loan deal at Milan as Arsene Wenger's remarkable clear-out continued.
Richards relief after head scare
THERE was relief at Manchester City yesterday with the news that Micah Richards will not face a long stint on the sidelines after being knocked unconscious during the 3-0 win at home to West Ham United at the weekend.
Miracle at the Cross for joyous Wexford
DESPITE being second from bottom of the first division, Wexford Youths qualified for their first major cup final after Paul Murphy's goal gave them victory over Cork City in last night's League Cup semi-final at Turner's Cross.
Laois teenage star suffers broken jaw
LAOIS teenage dual star John O'Loughlin will be out of action for two months after having his jaw broken while playing for Mountmellick in a senior club football championship game.
Egan's golden goal foiled by the China syndrome
The thunder of Olympia finally petered out in a charcoal sky above Beijing last night, leaving the outside world to resemble a smudge on someone else's page.
Argentina take gold as heat saps life out of final
Argentina and Nigeria, two of the most entertaining teams in the Olympic Games soccer tournament, played out a lifeless gold medal match on Saturday as temperatures on the Bird's Nest pitch soared to 42 Celsius.
The greatest Games ever
Something forlorn and regrettable happened here last night. The greatest Olympics we have ever seen - and perhaps ever will - came to an end.
Croker set for Super Sunday as Rebels rally
ONE of the most amazing comebacks in GAA history at Croke Park yesterday is likely to result in an All-Ireland football semi-final treble header at HQ next Sunday.
Walsh: Scoring system not fair, but improving
Billy Walsh (Irish head coach)
All is not fair in glove war
Maybe our optimism was the fat, little conceit of the story. We thought Kenny Egan of Walkinstown might put a stick in the spokes of the motherland.
Heart of gold Egan takes loss on the chin
IF YOU thought your stomach was churning back at home yesterday you should have been ring-side at Beijing's Worker's Gymnasium.
Cats planning tea but no sympathy for sorry Spurs
As Sunderland continued their summer grab of players who appeared among the disenfranchised and discarded of the elite, Roy Keane had one purpose in mind. It manifested itself in the 10 minutes between Tottenham's equaliser and Djibril Cisse's 83rd minute winner for his new club.
Born-again England captain has parked previous indiscretions
Rio Ferdinand is just one parking offence away from the England captaincy. The Great Debate ended last week when John Terry was re-appointed as England captain, despite some concerns from members of the English FA hierarchy that Terry was not a suitable candidate for the captaincy.
Gerrard to rescue for Reds again
Rafael Benitez said he was prepared to win ugly if it made Liverpool genuine title contenders. He said nothing about winning in a manner straight out of fantasy land.
Garcia's equaliser keeps Hull flying high
Over the years, there has been no shortage of promoted teams breathing new life into the Premier League before being worn down and swallowed up by the demands of life among the elite. Will Hull experience the same fate after surprising everyone by opening in productive fashion?
Boos for De Villiers as Wallabies shine
Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has a pet expression that "even the bad days are good".
Cheery Egan lights up the usual Irish Olympic mix
ONE more day in the Olympic merry-go-round and it's just as well we had the cheerful face of Kenny Egan contesting the light heavyweight final against China's Xiaoping Zhang lighting up our screens this morning because elsewhere, it seems, it is the favoured choice of Irish competitors to depart these Games with little more than a whimper.
Yakubu saves Toffees from Moyes' fury
This was not pretty, but Everton, after losing their opening game last week, will not care. West Brom -- apart from Roman Bednar's late penalty for a Phil Neville handball -- just could not take their chances and, ultimately, paid with three points.
Back-to-basics approach will swing it Kerry's way
JOE KEOHANE used to say that the best motivational tool for a Kerry team -- especially the backs -- was to tell them they were no good. That's what he told me at any rate, several times.
Bigger battles to be fought
IT won't change him. Of that he is certain. Kenny Egan stood in the basement of the Workers' Gymnasium on Friday evening and invited those present to shake the hand of the man who had qualified for the Olympic light heavyweight final. He rapped and he rolled. He bounced and jabbed witticisms into the night air. Same old Kenneth Egan. Same as he always will be.
I didn't cheat, why would I cheat?
If the news for Denis Lynch in Hong Kong on Thursday was shattering, it wasn't much better back in his native Tipperary on Friday.
Benitez insists Gerrard plays through pain to boost Reds' cause
RAFAEL Benitez has ordered Steven Gerrard to play through the pain barrier, with the Liverpool manager keen to ensure that his team do not lose ground at the start of the Premier League season.
Unity key for Galway
It's U-21 semi-final day and I'd expect Galway and Tipperary to reach the final, although tipping against Kilkenny in any grade is risky.
Joy and relief for parents as Captain Fantastic Ken books a place in the final
THE biggest boxing match of their lives and the contrast in styles was strikingly apparent, even to the most casual observer.
Team vet insists that rider was 'totally unaware' of the dangers
IRISH team vet Marcus Swail last night insisted show jumper Denis Lynch was "totally unaware" of the danger of using the lotion that led to his disqualification from the Olympic show jumping final.
Boxing chiefs forced into action over 'dodgy ref' allegations
JUST 24 hours before Dubliner Kenny Egan goes up against a Chinese boxer for an Olympic gold medal, the Beijing boxing tournament was rocked to its core last night with the revelation that the organisers have had to take evasive action to stop bribery of match judges and referees.
McGahan chases first victory as Munster coach
THE US Eagles will be seeking revenge when they face Munster in Connecticut today (8.0 Irish time), WRITES HUGH FARRELLY.
The real secret behind the stunning success of our boxers
Eileen O'Keeffe always knew she was going to need a miracle on her side to make a splash at the Olympics.
It's a tall order
Almost 20 years ago to the day John O'Mahony, in his initial stint as Mayo manager, threw caution to the wind in an All-Ireland semi-final and sent a young Liam McHale into full-forward in an attempt to salvage something against a rampant Meath.
Sutherland secures bronze medal after Beijing defeat
Dublin boxer Darren Sutherland will have to settle for a bronze medal at the Olympics after losing his middleweight semi-final this morning.
Wenger keen to sign Barry
Arsene Wenger last night remained hopeful that he could follow up the capture of Mikael Silvestre with the addition of Gareth Barry.
Walsh: Boxers 'mad' over Keegan snub
On the eve of one of the biggest days in Irish boxing history, head coach Billy Walsh yesterday slammed the accreditation "mess" that has kept Gary Keegan out of the Olympic Village.
Sparkling swimmers and smelly sneakers have the fans in a whirl
SINK-TO-YOUR-EYES swimmers, how could you not love them?
Preview: Irish boxers in action today
Psychologically, Sutherland has a clear edge on Degale, having won four of their five meetings. So the Englishman holds no secrets for the Irish camp. Sutherland can be expected to summon a repeat of his defensive master-class that so disillusioned the World Championship silver medallist on Wednesday.
Boxing: Irish have ring of confidence
There is a saying that masterpieces are accidents of beauty.
FAI fury at u-turn
THE FAI have reacted with astonishment to a FIFA U-turn which means that Ireland could yet have to travel to Tbilisi in a fortnight's time for the World Cup qualifier with troubled Georgia.
Sunderland sign Cisse as Keane looks for three more
Roy Keane's ambition to add a fresh dimension to Sunderland as he begins his third season on Wearside was revealed yesterday in the left-field signing of former £14m Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse.
Showjumper Lynch withdraws after positive drug test
Irish showjumper Denis Lynch has pulled out of the equestrian individual final at the Olympics after his horse tested positive for a banned sub | 