A Russian judge says 3 women from punk band Pussy Riot are guilty of ‘hooliganism, motivated by religious hatred’.

Sentencing is due to take place for the 3 members the group.

They performed an anti-Putin song in the main Moscow cathedral.

Supporters of Russian punk-band Pussy Riot have gathered in central Dublin in a show of protest.

They have also received support from Paul McCartney and Madonna in a case which is being seen as an attempt to silence dissent against the President.

They were arrested in March on hooliganism charges and face up to 3 years in prison.

A 29-year old Limerick man has appeared before the Special Criminal Court charged with the murder of rugby player Shane Geoghegan.

John Dundon of Hyde Road in Ballinacurra Weston has been remanded in custody for 6 weeks.

The 28-year old rugby player was shot dead near his home in Limerick  on November 9th 2008 in a case of mistaken identity.

Last February 26-year-old Barry Doyle from Portland Row in Dublin was sentenced to life for the murder of Mr. Geoghegan who was shot 5 times.

The garda investigation continued and today John Dundon appeared at the Special Criminal Court ”“ accused of the murder.

The court heard he made no reply to the charge.

Dressed in jeans and a t-shirt he spoke briefly at the hearing today.

When asked by the registrar if he was John Dundon he stood up and replied ‘I am, yeah’.

Under statute the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) directed he be brought before the Special Criminal Court rather than a District Court because it is her opinion the ordinary courts are “inadequate to secure the effective administration of justice”.

He has been remanded in custody to appear again on October 2nd when the book of evidence is expected to be served.

Police in South Africa now say 34 people were killed and 78 others wounded in violence at the Marikana platinum mine yesterday.

Meanwhile South African President Jacob Zuma says he is “shocked and dismayed” by the shootings.

He will visit the site later today.

Police say they have retrieved 6 guns and other dangerous weapons from protestors at the mine.

Speaking at a news conference today at Marikana a police spokeswoman said police at the scene had no choice but to open fire on the protesters.

“The militant group stands to have the police firing shots and wielding dangerous weapons” she said.

“Police retreated systemically and were forced to utilise maximum force to defend themselves”.

“The total death of the protestors currently stands at 34, with more than 78 injured” she added.

Pharmacists are reaching out to parents with sick children through an online guide.

The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) is looking to provide practical advice on treating common ailments.

Problems such as colds, coughs, pain and fever as well as teething and colic are covered in the information which is available on ipu.ie

Kathy Maher is Vice-President of the Irish Pharmacy Union.

She she says it is a good time to release the guide.

“We’re coming into cough and cold season, and it’s just to remind patients that we need to look after babies and young children – they’re more susceptible to common bugs and infections, particularly in the early years of life” she said.

“Most of the time they’re minor, they’re easily treated”.

“We urge people to come into their pharmacy, have a chat with the pharmacy, make sure that they use the appropriate treatment”.

“Then the pharmacist will advise whether a GP needs to be sought or not” she added.

Moors murderer Ian Brady’s legal advocate has been arrested for allegedly failing to reveal information about where one of his victims is buried.

Jackie Powell was detained in South Wales yesterday.

It Is alleged Brady handed her a letter indicating where the body of 12-year-old Keith Bennett may be.

His mother Winnie has never given up trying to find him.

But her lawyer John Ainlee says she is now too ill with cancer to be informed of the letter.

“She’s certainly unwell, and it wouldn’t be…desirable in fact for this information to be given to her at this point in time” he said.