A round-up of today's other stories in brief.
Gardaí release 3 men over catapult attacks
Gardaí in Cork last night released two 18-year-olds in Douglas and a 20-year-old man on the north side of the city after they had questioned them about more than 20 attacks on property in the city and west Cork. A file is being forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions. More than €10,000 worth of damage was caused to windows in houses, business premises and cars. Detectives from Cork city recovered a Black Widow catapult which they think was used to fire nickel- plated steel shot and impounded a Nissan Sunny.
Cow with serious wounds put down
Gardaí in Salthill are investigating an attack on a cow which was found with both ears cut off outside Spiddal, Co Galway. The animal had to be put down after it was found with serious head wounds in what appears to have been a makeshift grave. A passerby alerted the Galway Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The GSPCA and gardaí are appealing for anyone with information to phone (091) 563631 or (091) 521333.
Two held in drugs investigation
Two people were arrested yesterday afternoon as gardaí continued their investigation into what was reportedly the State's biggest heroin seizure.
A man and a woman in their 20s were arrested in Kilmainham, Dublin, in connection with Tuesday's drugs and firearms seizure in Clondalkin. They can be held for up to seven days. The arrests follow the seizure of 54kg (120lb) of heroin worth an estimated €11 million and 80 packs of herbal cannabis in Clondalkin on Tuesday. A Heckler and Koch sub- machine gun, ammunition and drug-mixing agents were also recovered.
Man held after Cork ecstasy find
A 28-year-old Cork man was detained after his car was stopped and searched at Carhoo Upper, Coachford, Co Cork, yesterday. It was found to contain 30,000 ecstasy tablets and a substantial amount of cash.
The drugs could have a street value of €300,000.
SF's £206,721 in Commons costs
Sinn Féin's five MPs claimed £206,721 in expenses last year despite never taking their seats in the House of Commons. Their Irish allowance bill included £7,500 in claims by each of the MPs for staying away from their main homes. Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams claimed £46,251, including £2,123 towards the cost of parliamentary travel. Martin McGuinness claimed £42,613, including £7,750 on travel. - (PA)
New ambassador to South Africa
Ireland's Ambassador to South Africa will formally take up his post today. Colin Wrafter (50), a former Government press officer, who was also attached to the Irish mission in the UN, is due to present his credentials to South Africa's president Thabo Mbeki.