Health - Irish now second-fattest in Europe

A NEWLY published report by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has identified Ireland has having the second-fattest population in Europe.

The research claims that at least one in four Irish adults can now be classified as suffering from obesity. It also pointed out that one in four children here are overweight, adding to the growing concerns surrounding poor dietary habits in Ireland.

Sports - Special Olympics founder celebrated

THE Taoiseach Brian Cowen hosted a commemorative ceremony in honour of Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver at Farmleigh yesterday. The event, which was to celebrate the life and achievements of Kennedy Shriver, was due to be attended by her son Mark and by a number of Irish athletes who had taken part in the games. The sister of former US president John F Kennedy died last year, but yesterday's event was designed to raise awareness for those with intellectual disabilities.

Economy - Food and beverage exports are up

NEW figures show that Irish food and beverage exports are up on last year and have led to claims they will play an important part in the country's future economic recovery.

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Brendan Smith, has announced that, during the first five months of 2010, the value of exports was more than 8% higher than this time last year, at almost €3bn.

"There is a growing global demand for quality, competitively-priced food produce, a demand that Ireland is very well placed to exploit," he said.

Arts - Sunday Tribune book club reviews

Don't forget to enter your review of Emma Donoghue's Room in the Sunday Tribune Book Club's competition. Submit your review, totalling no more than

100 words, by email to bookclub@tribune.ie, via tribune.ie or join 'Sunday Tribune Book Club' on Facebook. Every month, we'll publish the best review and the winner will receive a €100 National Book Token (www.nationalbooktokens.ie).