PRESIDENT Mary McAleese yesterday sent a message of condolence to the President of the Republic of Peru on behalf of the government and the people of Ireland in recognition of the loss of life and destruction caused by the earthquake there earlier this week.

"I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives, the families whose loved ones remain missing, those who were injured in this tragic event, and those who have seen their homes and livelihoods destroyed, " she said.

Louth man held on drugs charge

A LOUTH man charged in connection with a drugs haul in Rosslare last week has been remanded in custody.

The 35-year-old appeared before a special sitting of a Wicklow court on Friday night charged in relation to the seizure of 23 kilos of cannabis at Rosslare Harbour on Thursday afternoon. He will appear before Cloverhill District Court on 24 August.

Mother and son rescued from fire

A WOMAN and her tenyear-old son were rescued from a fire in their home in the early hours of yesterday morning following an arson attack on their house. Firefighters said the pair were lucky to be alive after a flammable substance was set alight and pushed through their letterbox in Ballymagroarty, Derry at 4.30am. Two men were arrested in connection with the incident.

Clarification

THE Marino Therapy Centre in Dublin, which treats people with eating disorders, would like to point out that as a private facility, it is not funded by the Health Service Executive (HSE).

However, people who wish to avail of its services can apply for funding directly to the HSE. The Sunday Tribune is happy to clarify this.

Mosney games to attract 6,000

SOME 6,000 young people are taking part in the national finals of the HSE Community Games in Mosney, Co Meath, this weekend. The annual event, which began in 1967, saw young people from all over the country compete in athletics, football, art, dancing and other events.