Tributes pour in as New Zealand rugby confirm Jonah Lomu has passed away aged 40

New Zealand Rugby Union has confirmed that All Blacks great Jonah Lomu has passed away.

The former rugby international was 40-years-old.

Tributes have been pouring in since the news broke of his passing with New Zealand Prime Minister John Key among those paying their respects.

"Stop praying for Paris" – Dalai Lama

In the wake of the Paris attacks of last Friday, and the ongoing flight diversions and air raids in Syria by French and Russian jets, many of the world’s political leaders have been asking us to pray for Paris. But one of the world’s most spiritual ones, the Dalai Lama, is recommending that we stop praying and start working for peace.

Speaking to the German international broadcaster Deutsche Welle, the Buddhist leader espoused his views that praying merely asks God to resolve a problem that humans created.

Paris raid neutralised "ready to act" terror cell

A terror cell that was "ready to act" was neutralised during raids in Paris today, public prosecutor Francois Molins has said.

Heavily-armed officers raided the apartment in Saint Denis in search of the alleged mastermind of the Paris terror attacks, Abdelhamid Abaaoud.

Two suspects were killed during the police operation, including a woman who detonated a suicide vest she was wearing.

Woman separated from children after train doors close in Maynooth

Irish Rail has confirmed a woman got separated from her children this morning while boarding a train at Maynooth.

It is believed the woman jumped on the Sligo to Connolly train as the doors were closing, with the children still on the platform.

The woman subsequently pulled the emergency cord on-board and the train returned to the station.

However it is believed the train had not moved far.

Man on trial accused of raping woman with Down Syndrome in Dublin

A man has gone on trial accused of raping a woman with Down Syndrome at an apartment in Dublin city centre.

He is alleged to have brought her back to his flat after she became separated from her mother while out jogging in June 2013.

The alleged victim in this case will not be giving evidence in person.

Her direct evidence will be recorded and played on a DVD - and the defence will then be given an opportunity to cross-examine her through a live video link.