A round-up of today's other stories in brief...
Knock airport to lay off up to 14 due to recession
Up to 14 workers are to lose their jobs at Ireland West Airport Knock, writes Tom Shiel.
The airport has been hit by a number of setbacks recently including the termination of the service to London Gatwick following the demise of the XL airline.
Another blow has been the recent closure of Swinford-based travel firm Great Escapes (Ronane Travel) which sent thousands of holidaymakers from Knock to sun destinations every year.
In a statement yesterday, the airport said it had carried out a review of its staffing requirements.
"Regrettably, this will result in up to 14 staff being made redundant. The airport continues to employ more than 100 staff directly and remains focused on increasing services to the region," it noted.
Siptu official Colm Keaveney said the cuts by the airport's board would be immediate and would hit "all disciplines and all operations".
Fundraiser to aid paralysed man
A website has been set up to raise funds for a 24-year-old man who was left paralysed from the neck down in a rugby accident earlier this year.
He will need round-the-clock care for the rest of his life.
On April 5th last a tackle in a club rugby game in London left Fermoy native Stuart Mangan with a devastating spinal injury.
His injury was categorised as C1 Complete and has left him paralysed from the neck down and unable to breathe without a ventilator.
Mr Mangan is being treated at the spinal injury unit of the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital at Stanmore, North London.
Information on the campaign is available through the website www.stuartmangan.org
Appeal issued for missing teen
GARDAÍ in Clifden, Co Galway, have appealed for information about a teenager who has been missing from his home in Connemara for more than a fortnight, writes Lorna Siggins.
Stuart Rima (16) has not been seen since September 22nd when he was reportedly spotted in Loughrea, east Galway. He is believed to have left his home at the Kylemore Pass Hotel in Co Galway the previous day.
He is described as 5ft 3in in height, of stocky build, with blonde cropped hair. When last seen, he was wearing cream trousers and a green T-shirt.
A Garda spokesman said the youth had not been in touch with his family, and had no mobile phone or money with him.