OAP beaten in raid

His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. The robbery took place at 3.30am yesterday at his home off the Rathpeacon Road in Farranree. The raider is described as in his 20s or 30s and of medium build.

A TEENAGER accused of murdering his mother will stand trial next year. Patrick Dunne (19) is accused of murdering his mother, Susan Dunne, at the home they shared in Ballinageragh, Lixnaw, Co Kerry in November.

Mr Dunne, who has autism, has been in custody at the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum since soon after he was charged with the killing. He will be tried at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin in April.

PROTESTS have been mounted over the proposed closure of a popular adult learning centre. The centre, in Fermoy, Co Cork, will close by September 1. Supporters of the centre have been informed that there are no funds available for an alternative venue.

Campaigners warned that the centre was to have hosted 114 people for classes, with 16 one-to-one learners working with volunteer tutors.

ORGANISERS have predicted their greatest ever entry for the All-Ireland vintage rally, which takes place in Castletownroche on July 20. The north Cork event will feature a fleet of old cars, trucks, vans, tractors and agricultural machinery.

Such events have dramatically benefited from the surge in interest in restoring old vehicles. The highlight of the programme this year will be helicopter rides.

FUNDING of almost €200,000 has been allocated to repair piers in tourist areas of Co Kerry damaged in winter's storms. Renard Pier in the south of the county is the biggest recipient and will receive a total of €112,500 of the Department of the Marine funding.

Brandon Pier in west Kerry will receive €60,000 – the next highest recipient of 10 piers that have been earmarked for work. Kerry County Council has to come up with 25pc of the total cost of the work.