The macabre Gone Girl, the surprise US bestseller, has been criticised as misogynist, but its author Gillian Flynn's depictions of women eschew blandness for darker truths, says Suzanne Harrington

Jesse Jones says our response to the Celtic Tiger has made prosperity "feel like a dirty word now."

They are the most watched videos on Youtube. Now Sharon Crowe reports on research which found that looking at images of cute things, such as fluffy cats, can make you more productive at work

Catarina Migliorina's chastity made $780,000 at auction last week. But why did a man's virginity sell for just $3,000, asks Caroline Delaney

A new exhibition in Cork showcases artists from Berlin, says Tina Darb O'Sullivan

A Kerry bookshop and one man's dream brought hope to a Lesotho community, says Peter Geoghegan

The UN thinks it's a good idea, but what do the Irish think of eating creepy crawlies, wonders Jonathan deBurca Butler.

Breathing exercises, pranayama, breath awareness are all essential parts of a yoga practice.

WE'RE all still buzzing here since the Literary Festival of Food and Wine at Ballymaloe over the bank holiday weekend.

Rod Stewart said he was "over the moon" as he celebrated his 15th No 1 with a champagne toast.

Justice Minister Alan Shatter was embroiled in fresh controversy after it emerged he failed to complete a roadside breath test.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said he personally supports proposed legislation allowing abortion in limited circumstances, which he said is "consistent with the pro-life position".

British police arrested two more people yesterday in a hunt for accomplices of two British men of Nigerian descent accused of hacking a soldier to death on a London street in revenge for wars in Muslim countries.

This is how the ideal female celebrity would look, according to a survey carried out in Britain.

It is believed the Minister for Finance Michael Noonan told the IMF that he will look to Contingent Convertible Capital (CoCo) Notes if the banks need additional capital buffers following the stress tests.

RABODIRECT PRO12 FINAL: Leinster v UlsterThe perception prior to Brian O'Driscoll's recent decision to add an extra year onto his stellar career was that a place on a victorious Lions tour was the only box left to tick after 14 long years, but it was never that simple.

Tomás Ó Sé believes the structure of the Munster championship doesn't have the players' interests at heart.

Byzantium, partly filmed in Ireland, is Neil Jordan's second film in the genre he has loved since Bram Stoker's home first spooked him as a child, says Marc O'Sullivan

A new exhibition in Cork showcases artists from Berlin, says Tina Darb O'Sullivan

The latest addition to our stellar team of rugby writers reflects on the ups and downs of a magnificent playing career — and reveals the reasons why he's chosen to move to Paris to kick-start his coaching career.

Mice raised without bacteria in the gut showed distinctly autistic patterns of behaviour, choosing to interact with objects more than other mice, scientists at University College Cork (UCC) have found.

It's a story familiar to GAA people all over the country. A stormy annual general meeting, members walking out, transfer applications handed in afterwards.

THERE are three reasons why a managed exit by Ireland from the eurozone is the most urgent economic priority. But first consider this reality.

WATCH them riding on, the three musketeers, Alan Shatter, James Reilly and Phil Hogan!

The latest addition to our stellar team of rugby writers reflects on the ups and downs of a magnificent playing career — and reveals the reasons why he's chosen to move to Paris to kick-start his coaching career.

The sleek white Lauren L yacht has become Cork's latest tourist attraction, and you have to admit, it definitely adds a touch of glamour to the place.

Paddy Power are today refunding all win and each way singles to customers who backed Ireland's Ryan Dolan for last night's Eurovision.

A man was killed and two others were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds today following a "serious incident" understood to involve a serving British soldier.

Leaflets criticising the TD who chairs the Dáil committee hearing opinion on legislating for the X case, and likening abortion to the Holocaust, are being sent to homes in Cork.