A pedestrian was killed after he was hit by a car in Ballymun on the north side of Dublin city early yesterday morning. He was taken to the Mater hospital where he was later pronounced dead. He has been named as 42year-old Patrick Grattan from Finglas.

Street acts compete in Dublin

TEN of the world's most original street acts are in Dublin this weekend for the Street Performance World Championships.

Competitors from the US, Canada, Australia, UK, France, Sweden, Portugal and Ireland were aiming to impress judges during 40 free shows in Merrion Square yesterday. The winner will be announced by judges this evening.

Setback for repatriation campaign

THE campaign to repatriate 31-year-old Dubliner Roisin Zoe Savage, who is serving eight years in a jail in Ecuador for alleged drug smuggling, continues to be hampered. She was jailed in 2003 after visiting Ecuador, but claims the cocaine was planted on her by a friend. The Department of Justice has said Ecuadorian authorities haven't sent the transfer documentation needed.

Tuskar Rock memorial park opens in Wexford

THE Tuskar crash memorial park opened yesterday in Co Wexford to commemorate those who lost their lives in the Tuskar Rock air tragedy.

In attendance were friends and family of the 61 people who died when an Aer Lingus plane travelling from Cork to London crashed in March 1968.

Pouch artefact find 'extremely significant'

ARCHAEOLOGISTS have discovered more ancient artefacts at Fadden More, Co Tipperary, where a priceless manuscript was found last month. A leather pouch, believed to have originally held the Book of Psalms, is among the new items discovered by the National Museum of Ireland. The finds are believed to be over 1,000 years old and are described as "extremely significant".

Man questioned over Leitrim double stabbing

GARDAI were yesterday questioning a 24-year-old Polish man in relation to a double stabbing in Co Leitrim on Friday night.

Two Polish nationals, aged 26 and 33, were rushed to Sligo General Hospital after the attack in Carrickon-Shannon. Their injuries were described as serious but not life-threatening.

Sinn Fein in hospital land protest

DEMONSTRATIONS against government plans to allow private developers to build on public land are being planned for four Dublin hospitals this week.

The Sinn Fein-organised protests are to be held on Wednesday at St James Hospital, Beaumont Hospital, James Connolly Memorial Hospital and Tallaght Hospital.