In short

A round-up of today’s other stories in brief

A round-up of today’s other stories in brief

Oireachtas na Gaeilge returns to Killarney after 92-year absence

Details of what is described as Ireland's longest-running arts festival, Oireachtas na Gaeilge, or assembly of Irish-related events, were announced in Killarney last night, writes Anne Lucey.

The great assembly returns to Killarney at the end of October for only the second time in the festival’s 113 years, and after an absence of 92 years.

READ MORE

As in medieval times, debates, storytelling, writing, singing and music will mark the event which is open to all ages.

Competitions will be held in disciplines including sean-nós singing, sean-nós dancing, violin, uilleann pipes, harp and duets. The festival takes place from Wednesday, October 27th, until Sunday, October 31st, and thousands are expected to attend.

€23m for marine science research

The European Commission has doubled its grant aid to Ireland for marine science research with an award of over €23 million, writes Lorna Siggins.

Some 32 Irish marine research groups will benefit from the funding under the EU’s seventh framework programme for 2007-2013.

The Marine Institute says the financial award will support about 130 graduates and researchers and over 20 small and medium enterprises.

Ocean energy research and new ideas in fisheries management are among the key projects to benefit.

Indoor market for west Cork crafts

Plans are taking shape for an indoor market that will provide a platform for the sale of west Cork crafts.

Based in the village of Leap, the market will offer a mix of locally-produced arts, crafts, photography, books and jewellery. It is due to launch in November.

“There is no indoor market operating full time in west Cork so this is an opportunity to bring local craftspeople together,” said Lauraine Farley, of Ine Anish, a furnishings store where the market will be based.

Ms Farley plans to charge traders a monthly fee while she operates the daily trade.

Postmortem on body of farmer

A postmortem was carried out yesterday on the body of a Co Monaghan farmer who died while working on Wednesday evening. PJ Marray (45) died following the incident on his farm at Corderrybane, near Castleblayney.

He is understood to have sustained a fall while working with excavation machinery near a drain on his lands, a short distance from his residence. He will be buried following requiem Mass at All Saints Church in Doohamlet tomorrow.