A round-up of today's other regional stories in brief
Teenagers admit role in arson attack
Two Limerick teenagers pleaded guilty yesterday to their role in an arson attack last September 10th that left two young children with serious burns.
At Ennis Circuit Court, John Mitchell (17), Delmege Park, Moyross, and Johnathan O'Donoghue (17), Pineview Gardens, Moyross, formally pleaded guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to the two children, aged six and four, at Pineview Gardens, Moyross, Limerick.
Counsel for Mr Mitchell, Anthony Sammon SC, said the guilty plea had been entered on the basis that the prosecution was not contending that the offence was intentionally carried out, rather that it was of a reckless nature.
Counsel for Mr O'Donoghue, John Edwards SC, said that his client's plea of guilt was on the basis that the prosecution was not contending that the serious harm was caused with intent, but was reckless.
The two teenagers were remanded in custody and sentencing was adjourned to April 17th at Limerick Circuit Court.
Mr Edwards told the court that a jury would be required in relation to a third person, a 16-year-old boy accused of the same offence.
Thomond Park project faces delay
A last-minute objection to the €40 million redevelopment of Limerick's historic rugby ground Thomond Park, could delay the project by up to four months.
An Bord Pleanála confirmed yesterday that an appeal against last month's decision by Limerick City Council allowing the development to go ahead had been received.
UL Bohemians Rugby Club, a tenant at Thomond Park, says the development does not adequately cater for its players, that it would restrict access to facilities for members and that it is not in compliance with the Limerick City Development Plan.
A spokesman for An Bord Pleanála said full details of the appeal would be made public in the next day or two after Limerick City Council and the Munster branch of the IRFU were informed.
Trial of ex-rugby star adjourned
The trial of former Munster and Ireland rugby player Eddie Halvey was adjourned to the May term of Nenagh Circuit Court at Nenagh Circuit Court yesterday.
Mr Halvey is charged with dangerous driving causing death, following a two-vehicle collision on the N7 at Coole, Toomevara, Co Tipperary, in the early hours of April 1st this year.
Kevin Walsh (16), Sycamore Drive, Bruff, Co Limerick, died in the collision.
Mr Halvey (36), Allandale Hall, South Circular Road, Limerick, is currently remanded on bail on a charge arising out of the same incident, that of driving with excess alcohol on the same date.
New air routes from Galway
A new airline is to begin operating three direct links between Galway and destinations in France, Portugal and Spain in time for the summer season.
Fly U, spearheaded by Galway man Peter O'Meara, will operate direct flights from the city twice a week to Bordeaux, Faro, and Malaga, bringing to 350,000 the number of passengers who will use the facility this year.