Patrick Corkery News Today

The traditional Christmas Day swim at Dublin's Forty Foot swimming area has drawn sizable numbers.

There was good cheer at the famous bathing spot as punters braved the chilly weather.

There was good cheer at the famous bathing spot as punters braved the chilly weather.

Two determined sea swimmers undertook a massive challenge on the Wicklow coast last Thursday, swimming more than 19km from Howth in Dublin to Bray beach.

In a letter to parishioners, Bishop Crean outlined the various moves in the diocese

A priest from the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv is to take up an appointment as curate in the parish of Fermoy and serving the pastoral area of Fermoy and nearby Kilworth, according to the appointments for the Diocese of Cloyne announced by Bishop William Crean this week.

Christmas arrived around the world Saturday amid a surge in COVID-19 infections that kept many families apart, overwhelmed hospitals and curbed religious observances as the pandemic was poised to stretch into a third year. Yet, there were homilies of hope, as vaccines and other treatments become more available.

Swimmers across the UK have headed to the coast for Christmas Day dips, with both humans and pets braving the cold waters while donning a variety of festive hats including elves, Santa and turkeys.

A volcano revealed, a lung x-rayed, a rocket launched: National Geographic editors selected these 23 fascinating images of science and technology in action.