Irish adventurer tops the world
Saturday August 02 2008
A Co Limerick adventurer today became the first Irish man to reach the summit of the world's second highest mountain, K2.
Gerard McDonnell (34) from Askeaton, made it to the peak with a band of Dutch explorers at around 3pm Irish time.
The group have been on the mammoth expedition for the last eight weeks, battling sub-zero temperatures.
"It's one of the greatest achievements by an Irish climber," said friend and adventurer Pat Falvey.
K2, on the Chinese-Pakistani border, is more than 28,000ft high.
Charity pair on homeless trek
Two women were today embarking on an 80-mile trek to highlight the plight of homelessness.
Paddy Pender and Joan McNevin will walk from Donegal Town to Boyle, Co Roscommon, in aid of the Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin.
The charity workers warned that job losses and the spiralling cost of living are forcing people into homelessness.
"It's not too difficult to end up on the streets," said Ms Pender.
Rex perplexed by new arrival
New arrival Nicole began her first day in the Big Brother house today, after a lukewarm reaction to her surprise arrival from boyfriend Rex.
The 19-year-old was sent into the house last night after Luke became the seventh contestant to be booted off the show. She was delivered as one of Big Brother's "ever-changing special prizes".
Rex's reception was lacklustre considering he has constantly complained of missing her during his time in the house.
Bogus charity boxes arrest
A man has been arrested after scores of bogus charity boxes were left at shops in Co Armagh, police said today.
Officers yesterday seized 36 containers purporting to raise money for the "People of Africa" organisation.
A spokesman said: "The police service is advising people to be wary of bogus charity boxes.
"Police inquiries to date have not revealed whether such a charity exists."
