Paula and Michael Loughlin with a portrait of their son, Jimmy, in their Co Sligo kitchen. Photograph: Brian Farrell

Inquest into the death of Jimmy Loughlin reveals how many ‘red flags’ regarding the violent and threatening behaviour of his kille(...)

Jimmy Loughlin (20): Ballintogher, Co Sligo, native was killed in his rented home at Connolly Street on February 24th, 2018.

Richard McLoughlin sent texts to mother threatening to ‘slit her throat’ and ‘burn her out’

A Galway-based nurse told delegates that staff have no disposable income for emergencies or unexpected expenses. Photograph: Reuters

Some health care workers are ‘struggling to live, never mind work,’ delegates told

Student nurse Ciarán Freeman: ‘There is a lot of talk about an increase in the number of undergraduate nursing and midwifery places and I am sure Australia is delighted because we are training more nurses for them’

Allowance system for trainee nurses is ‘archaic’, INMO student chairman says

Tom Clonan’s son Eoghan with his  assistance dog Leahy. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw

‘We spend so much time fighting for our kids. Parents are made out to be the villains’

Rachel and Alan Martin, with their children, from left, Sophie (10), Noah (8) and Ivy (4). Rachel Martin is a founder of Families Unite for Services and Support. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw

Protests to highlight the ‘shambles’ of the reconfigured children’s disability services

A nurse attached to University Hospital Limerick told the conference  that management at ‘the most overcrowded hospital in this country’ must be investigated.  Photograph: Alan Betson

Covid death toll five times that from stroke or breast cancer, INMO conference hears

A breakdown of the data shows that 4,763 incidents occurred in 2021, with a further 909 up to March 31st of this year. Photograph: iStock

One nurse told by parent she ‘would kill me’ at her car at the end of her shift

Cost-of-living increases, overcrowding and an initiative to help qualified nurses from Ukraine to work in the Irish system are among the issues to be highlighted at the INMO’s conference. File photograph: Getty Images

Hospital overcrowding probably worse now than during 2006 ‘emergency’, conference hears

From his home in Donegal, recruitment specialist Paul Brennan works for Dublin-based Lincoln Recruitment.

Insight into new world of work sees Dublin recruitment firm support working from home

Tetiana Pankiv: ‘It is very hard to be here, to be safe, to have left your country where people die, and children are seeing horrible things.’ Photograph: Connor Healy

Seed packets will be sold in aid of the Irish Red Cross’s Ukraine Crisis Appeal

In the shadow of Ben Bulben... Locals acknowledge that the events of recent days have been traumatic for the people of Sligo. Photograph: Brian Lynch

Gardaí awaiting results of post mortem on Russell Ford who died while socialising

Judge Sandra Murphy was told at Thursday’s sitting of Sligo District that the Garda investigation into the Tom Niland (pictured) case was at an advanced state and that a file would be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions ‘fairly soon’.

High Court agrees to request with conditions despite Garda objections

Yousef Palani being led into Sligo District Court after being charged in relation to the Sligo murders. File photograph: Brian Lawless/PA

Yousef Palani (22) receiving psychiatric care while in prison, court told

Warm tributes were paid to Aidan Moffitt and Michael Snee at their funerals, both of which were held on Monday. Photograph: Garda/PA Wire

Taoiseach represented at services held in Rosocommon and Sligo

Mourners line the street as the hearse carrying the coffin of Aidan Moffitt arrives at the Christ the King church, Lisacul, Co Roscommon. Photograph: RollingNews.ie

Friend said the word that always came to mind about Moffitt was ‘kindness’

Imelda’s (Mel) Morano is a single mother and says she came to Ireland hoping to make enough money to send her son to college. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw/The Irish Times

Imelda (Mel) Morano last saw her son in the Philippines when he was 11 ... he is now 26

Bishop of Elphin Kevin Doran: ‘I understand . . . there have been some acts of vandalism on properties associated with the Islamic community.’ File photograph: The Irish Times

Laying blame on entire community unjustifiable, says Bishop of Elphin Kevin Doran

Hundreds gather on Kildare Street for vigil in memory of two men who were killed in Sligo Photo: Damien Eagers/Irish Times

Huge crowds, many holding pride flags, attend events across the country

Yousef Palani is led into Sligo District Court after being charged in relation to the Sligo murders. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA

Aidan Moffitt (41) and Michael Snee (58) found dead in Sligo homes this week

Flowers at the scene in Connaughton Road, Sligo,  following the death of Michael Snee on Tuesday. Photograph:  Niall Carson/PA Wire

Locals fear people will now be ‘looking over their shoulder’ following recent events

One line of investigation is that Aidan Moffitt met his killer on a dating app or online at sometime on Sunday evening and then let them into his home. Photograph: Via Facebook

Aidan Moffitt’s badly mutilated body was found in his home in Sligo

Aidan Moffitt:  found dead  in his home in Cartron, Sligo. Photograph via Facebook

Victim named as Aidan Moffitt, a Fine Gael activist who worked in property sector

The jury had been told there had been no power to the fire alarm for a number of years.

Jury returns verdict of accidental death in case of both Christopher (Sunny) Harte (63) and son Sean (34)

The jury has heard   a file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions following the fire but the DPP did not proceed with a prosecution.

Doors to apartments in building where fire occurred were not certified fire doors

The inquest heard the door had been open in apartment B where the fire started. It  had been vacated by a previous tenant earlier in the month.

Sean Harte was due to move out of rented apartment on weekend he died in fire

Vintners Federation of Ireland president Paul Moynihan, Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys and Sheila and Brian McKieran, owners of the Keepers Arms pub in Bawnboy, Co Cavan, at the launch. Photograph: Lorraine Teevan

Buildings could become pop-up cinemas, libraries, markets during slow trading hours

Tommy Earley: ‘Let them grow a lock of flowers if they want or whatever they want to grow.’

Two acres being provided to grow vegetables ‘and bring people here to an allotment-type situation’

Ukrainian refugees who are being accommodated in a former nursing home in Kilclare, Co Leitrim.Oleksandra (right) and her baby daughter Zlata, with Co Leitrim-based Ivan and Diana Tarkoych and their son Leonardo Photograph: Brian Farrell

‘The train was packed, mostly with women and children, and everyone was crying’

Tom Yingling (right), with his son Jack Yingling and colleague Hugh Oswald, visiting from Canada. Photograph: Jack Power

Celebrations across country while about 400,000 attend in Dublin

Tom Niland: three men are  charged with aggravated burglary  at his  home in    Co Sligo

Farmer (73) remains in a critical condition at Sligo University Hospital

Tom Niland remains in critical condition at Sligo University Hospital

Farmer Tom Niland remains in critical condition at Sligo University Hospital

Instructor David Hickey during a construction course giving the longterm unemployed  a chance to get work retrofitting.  Photograph: Alan Betson

‘One guy is living in a hostel. He is never late. He never misses a day,’ says employer

Karl Bowes (34) from Coolock who went through the  Dublin Construction Skills Programme. ‘I was looking everywhere for a job but the only skill I had was labouring.’ Photograph: Laura Hutton

Dublin Construction Skills Programme: Graduates explain how they are turning their lives around

Philip Lyons from Kevinsfort, Sligo, died on May 3rd, 2018

Philip Lyons tested positive for cocaine in St Columba’s in weeks before, inquest told

Minister for Community and Rural Development Heather Humphreys unveiled details of the €18.3m allocation, which will benefit 99 towns and villages. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Remote working hubs to be set up at old Kerry Garda station and Tipperary schoolhouse

Tom Niland (73) from Skreen, Co Sligo, was the victim of a burglary and savage assault at his home four weeks ago and is now on life support in ICU.

Attacks on pensioners in rural areas fuel worry about business closures and lack of gardaí

Fiona happened to see HSE chief Paul Reid at the recycling bins and took the chance to raise a number of issues with him. Photograph: Alan Betson

Healthcare worker’s lowest point was when doctor suggested she join local prayer group

The HSE is drawing up a national plan to deal with long Covid, which affects and estimated 10% of those who contract Covid-19. Photograph: Getty Images

Some doctors frustrated with slow progress in setting up clinics to treat long-term effects

Gardaí and local volunteers search the roadside as part of the investigation into the assault in  Tom Niland in  Co Sligo. Photograph: James Connolly

Volunteers join gardaí in search of roadside near the retired farmer’s home in Co Sligo

Farmer Trevor Boland from Dromard, Co Sligo: ‘The biggest issue is fertiliser – prices have gone though the roof.’

Sligo cattle farmer Trevor Boland says threat to sector leaves rural economies at risk

Skreen-Dromard Community Council  chairman James McLoughlin said there is a huge desire amongst locals to help the Garda’s investigation. Photograph: James Connolly

Age Action urges older people not to be ‘disproportionately afraid’

Tom Niland was unrecognisable due to his facial injuries, said a neighbour who found him

Retired farmer on ventilator after being badly beaten at his home by masked gang

Tom Niland, a 73-year-old farmer from Skreen in Co Sligo, is  on life support in hospital after being badly beaten during an aggravated burglary at his  home

Farmer (73) on life support after being badly beaten during burglary at his Co Sligo home

Tom Niland from Skreen, Co Sligo: The 73-year-old farmer  is on life support after  being  badly beaten in his home

Tom Niland was badly beaten in his home in Screen and is now on life support

Sheep farmer Kevin Comiskey, national chairman of the IFA’s sheep committee, on his farm near Dromahair, Co Leitrim. Photograph: James Connolly

Farmers are calling for more action to control dogs after several grisly mauling incidents

Claudia Heinze and Christy Banks from Saggart, Co Dublin: “We will probably spend up to €300 – and save that much by coming here.”

Minimum prices are forcing people to drive North to save money on beer and wine

Today, the family is still getting used to the novelty of not having to go outside looking for a better connection. Photograph: iStock

Before new connection, Paul Galligan’s children could not keep up with Zoom lessons

JP Cowley on his farm near Easkey, Co Sligo: Proposals would have had serious implications especially for the dairy sector.  Photograph: James Connolly

‘Seeking to change the rules because other countries fail to implement them is not acceptable’

Principal David Harding  in Abbey Community College, Roscommon, on Thursday  morning. Photograph: Brian Farrell

Abbey Community College, Boyle had almost 200 students missing due to Covid-19

Martin Fallon: ‘The biggest issue facing us is substitute teachers.’   Photograph: James Connolly

‘A lot can happen in two days,’ says Martin Fallon ahead of Thursday’s reopening

Karol Scollan at his  Gala outlet  in Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim: “I think this is going to affect the bigger supermarkets more than the smaller independent off-licences.” Photograph:  James Connolly

Shopkeepers fear cheaper prices in North will lure away their regular customers

A mica-affected home in Co Donegal. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Many social and rental homes said to be among estimated 7,500 defective properties

Brothers Jamal  and Iqbal Nasiri, who had to flee their home in Afghanistan, in Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon. Photograph: Brian Farrell

The Nasiri family, now living in Ballaghaderreen, were targeted by the Taliban

Ciara Reynolds  at Eslin Bridge near Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim where she lives at the family home. Photograph: Brian Farrell

Many people have left the capital, their life plans changed by the pandemic

  Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim: rental accommodation is sparse in the county. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill

Father ‘absolutely shocked’ over notice of 54% rent hike for Carrick-on-Shannon home

Padruig O’Sullivan, proprietor of The Beaufort Bar, Beaufort, Co Kerry. ‘Retired people were asking last night what is in front of them this Christmas and are they to be locked into their own homes?’ Photograph: Valerie O’Sullivan

Uncertainty caused stress all day for publicans in Kerry and Roscommon

DSPCA staff walking rescue dogs at the society’s rehoming centre in Rathfarnham, Dublin,  ahead of the first National Animal Welfare Awareness Day. Photograph: Alan Betson

Call for greater deterrents and punishments for those who cause animals harm

Mick and Louise Cowman had Covid-19 recently so are ineligible for a booster shot but have been offered numerous appointments by the HSE. Photograph: Alan Betson

Mick Cowman offered six appointments for extra dose despite having had Covid recently

 ESB crew removing and replacing a damaged single phase transformer near Fassaroe, Co Wicklow.  Photograph: Alan Betson

Dangerous sea conditions forecast for Thursday morning as 13,000 remain without power

‘It would be just too dangerous tonight to stay in the car. It was freezing.’ Photograph: Stephen Collins/Collins

Support group concerned about couple, one of whom suffers mental health problems

Renato Mela and Colum Stapleton with a newly created page of the annals on Doon Shore, Lough Key.  Photograph: Brian Farrell

‘Scribes’ will use hand-writing techniques to chronicle events such as Covid pandemic

Pupils in 3rd class at St Etchen’s National School listen to their teacher, Helen Glennon, Kinnegad, Co. Westmeath. Photograph: Damien Eagers

New guidelines putting colleagues in an ‘awful situation’, says Co Sligo school principal

Malik Amir Iqbal came to Ireland from Pakistan in 2015 seeking asylum. Photograph: Arif Amod

Formerly ‘bubbly’ man now ‘a shadow of his former self’, campaigners tell Minister

Daniel Mee has rescued people on four different occasions from the Shannon in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim. Photograph: Brian Farrell

‘I couldn’t find a skiff so I realised it was time to go swimming,’ says father of two (40)

Dr Michelle Maher  of See Her Elected, an initiative  for women who are considering running in the 2024 local elections. Photograph:  Brian Farrell

See Her Elected group launches guide for women considering running in 2024 local elections

Cloghcor Portal Tomb in Co Sligo. Photograph: Courtesy of Sligo Heritage Office

Neolithic sites approved for inclusion on Ireland’s tenative list of world heritage sites

Abbey Community College debutantes  heading to the Carnegie Court Hotel, Swords. Photograph: Brian Farrell

Boyle students see third attempt at having a debs curtailed by new closing time restriction

Sligo  businessman says he already had some cancellations because people were “spooked” by the rising Covid numbers, rather than because of the latest Government decision. Photograph: Getty Images

‘I doubt if people will rock up at 9pm’ says owner of Sligo business where patrons normally arrive at 11pm

Tommy Earley on his farm at Mount Allen, Co Roscommon. Photograph: Brian Farrell

Roscommon man Tommy Earley is rewetting bog and welcomes visitors to his land

Auctioneer Liam Farrell at an apartment for rent in Carrick-on-Shannon. Photograph: Brian Farrell

Rents up by more than a fifth over past year as lack of supply pushes prices higher

Tailor and beekeeper Joseph Martin wearing one of his bespoke suits: ‘Because you get a good number of years wear out of a decent suit, the per annum investment can be quite small.’ Photograph: James Connolly

Joseph Martin cycles to work and produces highly regarded honey from his beehives

Farmer Patrick Bradley, from Newtowngore, Co Leitrim, bottles and sells raw milk taken from his own 60-strong diary herd. Photograph: Brian Farrell

Raw milk supplier Patrick Bradley says farmers could be at forefront of electricity generation

Minister for Transport and the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan TD arrives for a cabinet meeting at Dublin Castle last week. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Opponents tell Minister he must choose between community and mining company

Fynn and Holly Hopper, on the family farm, in Arigna Co Roscommon, Photo: James Connoll

Roscommon locals on self-sufficiency, electric cars and steering clear of fossil fuels

Fynn and Holly Hopper and their three children Kimball (7), Noomi (5) and Iduna (3) with the bike that Holly uses to transport the children to the school bus stop in Arigna, Co Roscommon. Photograph: James Connolly

Distance from public transport means many homes in rural areas have more than one vehicle

As well as  creating a beautiful piece of art, the weavers sharing their skills in the five counties enjoy the collaborative aspect of the project.

Mythology of Táin Bó Cúailnge will be woven by 50 volunteers across five counties

Hannah McKenna and Ashley Maguire who are getting married this Saturday at Lough Rynn Castle in Co Leitrim with 210 guests in attendance. Photograph: Peter Carvill Photography

So many relatives set to be disappointed if, as many predicted, limit had remained at 100

At the official opening of the new €140 million N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin Roads Project in county Sligo.  An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, T.D. accompanied by Cllr Paul Taylor, Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council met local children from Cloghogue National School, Castlebaldwin who won a Sligo County Council’s N4 Road Safety school competition. Harry White (5), Shannen Cassidy (8), Seán Cogan (10) and Rebecca McGarty-Lavin (11), Photo: James Connolly

N4 claimed 30 lives over three decades

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was a ‘strong believer in antigen testing’ and its further use would be considered by the Government over the next 24 hours. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Nphet discussed lifting remaining restrictions as 1,578 new cases of Covid-19 reported

Aisling Tighe: ‘For years, we have been looking at white crosses on the road, and many people in the community know who they belong to.’  Photograph: Oonagh Taylor

Principal says she can now encourage pupils to cycle and walk to school

Campaigners and concerned citizens at Manorhamilton Castle,  Co Leitrim, who oppose plans to prospect for gold and silver locally. Photograph: James Connolly

After campaign to ban fracking, locals face ‘another carbon-heavy extractive industry’

Enda Nicholls, owner of Arena 7  in Letterkenny: ‘When we explain the law, that puts some people off. And of course it doesn’t help that some places turn a blind eye.’ Photograph: Joe Dunne

Restrictions on hospitality in North set to lift at end of month - later than in the Republic

Caitriona Gray, Louis Freiter and their two-year-old daughter Polly at home in Louisburgh, Co Mayo.  Photograph: Conor McKeown

When a premises became available in Louisburgh, they pounced

File photograph of David Mahon with his wife Audrey. Photograph: Collins

Stepfather of missing teenager Amy Fitzpatrick was remanded on continuing bail

Brian Nerney at the Spool Factory in Boyle, Co Roscommon. Photograph: Brian Farrell

Owner of a Roscommon hub believes many workers will favour a wait-and-see approach

Naos Connaughton, principal of Lecarrow CNS in Co Roscommon: ‘Even before Covid I believed it was good for kids to have fresh air.’ Photograph: Brian Farrell

Principals at two primary schools say ventilation will be key to keeping pupils safe

Fr Niall Molloy, who died at Clara, Co Offaly in July 1985

Death of a parish priest: ‘He was a very religious man who took his ministry to heart’

Debbie Woodward with Nao, a programmable humanoid robot. Photograph: James Connolly

Trial will see seven- and eight-year-olds pupils learn French vocabulary

Members of Mountain Meitheal North West  use fleeces to mark and protect the popular Leitrim Way walking route. Photograph: Bryan Fennell

Mountain Meitheal North West borrow sheep wool technique once used by Romans

Paula Gray, from Keash, Co Sligo, has been mostly out of work for eight months and has difficulty doing simple things like walking her dogs, Furball and Bella. Photograph: James Connolly

One patient tells of 18-month waiting time to access a Covid clinic, says Mayo GP

Siobhán McKenna manages the Tearmann domestic violence support organisation which covers counties Monaghan and Cavan. Photograph: Philip Fitzpatrick

Families in peril need safe, independent living units, Monaghan-based service Tearmann says

Edward Beattie at his house near Lough Funshinagh in Co Roscommon looking at flood waters creeping in. Photograph courtesy of Beattie family

Lough Funshinagh flood relief works paused after legal move by environmental group

Members of the N4 Action Group erecting one of 31 crosses placed along the N4 in memory of people killed in crashes along the dangerous stretch of the Dublin to Sligo road. Photograph: Brian Farrell

Opening of Sligo road marks end of campaign to replace section where more than 30 people died

Garda and Traveller teams and fans at a previous match

Sligo soccer event aims to promote positive mental health and build community relations

Farmer Michael McPartland (right) with his son Rory and his grandson Paddy (12) at a sweathouse on their family farm at Cornageeha, Co Leitrim. Photograph: Donald McCarthy

There are at least 292 sweathouses on the island, 104 of them in Co Leitrim

Laura Curtis from Baldoyle in Dublin with her partner Robbie Dalton and their baby Demi. Photograph: Alan Betson

Laura Curtis was 21 weeks pregnant when she ended up on a ventilator in Beaumont Hospital

Waiting staff member Ilie at Dakota on South William Street, Dublin, preparing yesterday for the reopening of indoor dining today. Photograph: Alan Betson

‘Day of relief’ for publicans but CMO urges people to ‘avoid crowded spaces’

David Roberts, a creative design lecturer at IT Sligo, has helped devise a ventilator using very basic components.

Team has released design plan that requires no software, or electronic expertise, online

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