More regional news in brief.
Priest calls for end to rallying after death of Tyrone teenager
A priest ministering to the family of the teenage spectator who was killed at a motor rally in Co Donegal at the weekend has called for an end to motor rallies as a sport.
Strabane curate Fr Pat O'Hagan said: "Any fatality is a tragedy, but when it's something avoidable I really think it's time for the people who organise things like that, who participate in things like that, to take a good hard look at themselves and the whole area and decide to call it a day. It's not a sport."
Richard O'Donnell (18) of Jefferson Court, Strabane, Co Tyrone, was killed when struck by a competing car as he attempted to dash across a narrow country road between Letterkenny and Ramelton during the Donegal International Rally on Saturday.
However, former road rally champion Cathal Curley defended the sport in spite of his sympathy for the victim's family.
Mr Curley said: "Marshals can only impose the rules and regulations. You cannot link arms over an eight-mile section of road on both sides of the road to ensure that everyone complies with the regulations."
New Irish summer college opens
A new Irish summer college in the Donegal Gaeltacht has been officially opened with the first intake of summer students. Broadcaster Marty Whelan performed the ceremony as his own son is attending Coláiste Samhraidh, An Chea Ghluin Eile in Bun a' Leaca, near Derrybeg.
It is run by actor Gavin Ó Fearraigh of Celebrity Jigs and Reels and Colleen Nic Aodha, and features acting and martial arts workshops.
Emergency staff praised after girl's death
The mother of a six-year old girl who died in a Co Kerry seaside resort at the weekend yesterday praised the efforts of the emergency services who tried to save her youngest child.
Shirley Liston from O'Malley Park, Southill, Limerick, said her daughter Katelyn was loved by everyone in the area.
The family were spending the weekend in their mobile home when Katelyn was struck by a car on Sunday, as she crossed the road, just before midday.
"I couldn't begin to tell you the amount of effort from people in Ballybunion. From the emergency services and gardaí, they did everything they could to try to save her, but couldn't . . .'' Ms Liston said.
Gardaí in Listowel are appealing for information (068-50821).
Farmfest expected to attract 20,000
More than 20,000 visitors are expected to attend the first ever Farmfest BioEnergy '08 which will take place on Teagasc's Mellow's campus in Athenry, Co Galway on Friday, June 20th, writes Seán MacConnell.
The Teagasc event is expected to be the largest gathering of farm folk since the ploughing championships last year. It will feature more than 400 exhibitors in a tented village across 30 hectares.