A round-up of today's other stories in brief.
Cork hospital investigates patient's death
The Mercy University Hospital Cork has started an investigation after a patient left the premises and was found dead in the River Lee several hours later.
The patient was last seen by a doctor at 5.45pm on Wednesday and was reported missing 25 minutes later. Gardaí were notified to assist staff with the search for the 54-year-old male patient. The man's body was recovered from the River Lee on Thursday morning. His remains were removed to Cork University Hospital for a postmortem. Foul play has been ruled out.
A spokesman for the hospital said the man left voluntarily, wearing his own clothes and without the knowledge of staff.
Rugby star further remanded on bail
A former Ireland and Munster rugby star who is charged with driving with excess alcohol was further remanded on continuing bail by Judge Michael Reilly at Nenagh District Court yesterday.
Eddie Halvey (35), Alandale Hall, South Circular Road, Limerick, was remanded to appear before the court again on September 15th. He is charged with driving with excess alcohol at Coole, Toomevara, Co Tipperary, on April 1st last. Insp John Lynagh said a file was being sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Mr Halvey first appeared on April 21st, when the court was told the defendant was arrested on suspicion of drink driving and brought to Nenagh Garda station where he was charged in respect of the alleged offence.
The case arose following a collision between a car and a vehicle driven by Mr Halvey which resulted in the death of Kevin Walsh (16), Sycamore Drive, Bruff, Co Limerick.
An Post stamps for ferry centenary
An Post are to issue two new stamps on Monday to mark the centenary of the Rosslare/Fishguard ferry service. The 48c stamps feature the SS St Patrick, one of three ships which started on the route in 1906, and the Stena Lynx III which operates today.
The ferry service has operated since 1906 without interruption, even during both world wars, carrying passengers and mail between Ireland and Britain.
The stamps were designed by Paul Raftery from illustrations by Vincent Killowry. They are available from the GPO, at main post offices and online at www.irishstamps.ie.
Insects found in vinegar
Three youngsters, who were sick for several days after eating chips and vinegar which contained insects, have been awarded damages of €1,500 each in the Circuit Civil Court.
Margaret Quinn, counsel for Joseph, Catherine and Tracey Byrne, now aged between 15 and 17, told Judge Mary Faherty yesterday the children had consumed vinegar which contained dozens of flies.
She said the children, of Cannon Lillis Avenue, Saville Road, Dublin, had sprayed their chips with the vinegar and had eaten them unaware of the insects.
Ms Quinn said the St Bernard's brand bottle of white vinegar had been bought in Dunnes Stores, Donaghmede, on October 29, 1998, and had been used the following day.It was only after the children had become ill that the dead insects had been discovered.
They sued Dunnes Stores and Hazelwood Foods, trading as FA Wyatt and Co Ltd, Airways Industrial Estate, Dublin.