A round-up of today's other stories in brief
Fr Fergal O'Connor (79) dies in Dublin
The well-known and widely respected Dominican priest, Fr Fergal O'Connor (79), died in Dublin's Mater hospital yesterday, writes Patsy McGarry.
At one time a regular guest on The Late Late Show, he taught political philosophy at UCD for many years from the mid-1960s. Among his pupils were former taoiseach John Bruton and Minister for Justice Michael McDowell.
Reflecting on Fr O'Connor's life, Fr Bernard Treacy OP, editor of Doctrine and Life magazine, said last night that "his dedication to teaching was one of his clearest characteristics; his commitment to helping people think clearly and cogently. He immersed himself in the great classical thinkers and had a particular skill for opening up their thought to anyone willing to engage in serious conversation."
'Food & Wine' action settled
Food & Wine magazine settled its row with the Irish Independent yesterday over the title of a food and wine supplement which the newspaper plans to introduce from tomorrow. The magazine had lost a High Court bid on Wednesday to block the Irish Independent from publishing the supplement under the title Irish Independent Wine and Food magazine.
Food & Wine magazine appealed the decision to the Supreme Court yesterday and the matter was settled on the steps of the court. Hugh Mohan, SC for Harmonia Ltd, publishers of Food & Wine magazine, told the court that while tomorrow's supplement would go ahead under the title Irish Independent Wine and Food magazine, future publications would be titled Irish Independent Fine Wine and Food Guide.
MRSA sufferer lodges claim
A 68-year-old Kilkenny grandmother, who it is claimed was infected with MRSA at her local hospital, has become one of the first people to lodge a claim for damages against the State, writes Eithne Donnellan.
Solicitors for Anne Brennan, of Upper Shankill, Paulstown, Co Kilkenny, and St Joseph's Rehabilitation Unit, St Columba's Hospital, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny, served proceedings on her behalf yesterday against Ireland, the Attorney General, the Minister for Health, the Health Service Executive, and St Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny, as well as the surgeon who treated her there.
Although the first action for damages arising out of a hospital-acquired MRSA infection in the State was lodged in 1999, it has not yet been heard.
Lawyers acting for Mrs Brennan are seeking an early date for the hearing of her case. The case is likely to be contested.