News Tuesday, February 9, 2010 D Galway to Limerick rail route to launch DIRECT trains will run between Galway and Limerick for the first time in three decades from next month. The 106million upgraded route will offer five services each way Monday to Saturday. The revamp marks the completion of the first phase of the Co Mayo to Limerick rail corridor. The new route, to be launched on March 29, will serve Limerick, Ennis, Athenry and Galway. Iarnrd ireann said there was great public support for the line to be reopened. and finally... FOUR disgruntled pensioners have appeared in a German court, accused of tying up and holding hostage their financial adviser after sustaining heavy losses in property investments. The four, two married couples aged between 63 and 79, were arrested after the 56-year-old man managed to send a secret SOS to a friend who called police. A team of commandos later freed the man. homedigest NI disarmament a political victory THE Irish and British governments have welcomed news that all paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland have now decommissioned their weapons. Northern Ireland Secretary of State Shaun Woodward (pictured) said the significance of the removal of arms is a triumph of politics over violence. Sentence of heroin courier adjourned A MARRIED father-of-six who made a one-off delivery of nearly 1million of heroin to a criminal has had his sentence adjourned so he can attend the christening of his twins this month. Garda observed a man take a bag full of heroin from Brian Perrys van at a car park in Templeogue. Perry, 28, of Cushlawn Drive, Tallaght, pleaded guilty at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possessing nearly 5kg of heroin. VICTORIA Smurfit will host the 7th annual Irish Film & Television Awards. The About A Boy star (pictured) will become the first female presenter of the awards show. Im delighted to host this years Irish Film & Television Awards as it represents a celebration of the very best of Irish screen talent, she said, adding: Im very flattered and excited to be a part of this terrific event. Ifta nod for first female presenter business of politics he was only here a few months. Shay Brennan, who failed to retain his father Seamus Brennans seat in last years by-election, said he was disappointed by the decision. I was shocked at the lack of commitment, to see the lack of judgment on Fine Gaels part. It was only 250 days since the by- election and I thought George would have been in it for the long haul. Mr Brennan confirmed he would run in the next by-election. George Lee was sold as a messiah FINE Gael sold George Lee as a mes- siah, and George Lee concurred, finance minister Brian Lenihan claimed last night. Speaking on Today FM, Mr Lenihan said Mr Lees resignation came as a big surprise to him. The problem here is that Fine Gael really did oversell George Lee from the very start, he said. They sold him as an economic mes- siah and obviously he accepted their word on that and felt that his messian- ic economic qualities were not being recognised. They billed George as some person who could solve all our problems immediately and George Lee has discovered for himself that that cant be done. Meanwhile, Mr Lees own party was stunned by his sudden departure. Frontbencher and constituency col- league Olivia Mitchell said she was totally surprised and very disappoint- ed at the move. George was a valued member of the party, he had every opportunity to have input into the party, she said. He was going to be a minister in the next government, I have no doubt about that. But he had to learn the By Ross McDonagh Sudden departure: George Lee PLAYWRIGHT Brian Friel yesterday dropped in on rehearsals for one of his most celebrated works. Philadelphia Here I Come! was first staged at Dublins Gaiety Theatre in 1964, establishing the Co Tyrone author (pictured) as among the countrys leading writers. Friel has since achieved worldwide success in a career spanning four decades. And he didnt even shout here I come A taste of Italy in the IFSC: Model Jodie Wood and Niall Gallagher with Italian Gondolier Gianmarco launch the Metro Herald competition to find the Dr Oetker Romantic Ristorante Couple which runs for the rest of the week. Look out for daily hints to their location for the chance to win pizza and a holiday in Italy worth 1,000 Picture: Marc OSullivan index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html