A round-up of other news in brief...
New chairwoman of Kidney Association
The Irish Kidney Association has announced the election of Patricia May as its new chairwoman. The outgoing chairman Paul Donohoe completed his two-year term of office and has been elected as national secretary.
Ms May, Browneshill, Carlow, was elected to the association’s board in 2001 and was appointed to the role of national secretary in 2007. She has been a member since 1984.
Ms May has served as both secretary and chairwoman of the Carlow branch of the association.
Prisoners face Mountjoy riot charges
Prisoners involved in a riot at Mountjoy jail last year are to appear in court tomorrow in connection with the disturbances.
The Director of Public Prosecutions has concluded that the prisoners should face charges arising out of the riot on July 12th last year. The prisoners are alleged to have barricaded themselves in to a basement recreation centre causing more than €100,000 worth of damage. Five prison officers and two prisoners were hurt in the disturbances.
A Garda spokesman confirmed that charges had been brought against all 27 and the cases against them will be heard over the next couple of weeks.
Valentia lifeboat rescues ferry boat
A tourist ferry boat had to be towed into harbour yesterday after it developed engine trouble on its way to the Skellig Michael Unesco World Heritage site.
The boat, which left Portmagee, Co Kerry, at about 11am yesterday with 14 passengers and crew on board, developed engine trouble and began drifting.
The nearby Valentia coastguard co-ordinated the rescue effort which saw Valentia lifeboat go to the scene and attach towing devices. The boat and its passengers were towed safely into Portmagee.