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Shatter: Garda chief told me about WallaceEmbattled Justice Minister Alan Shatter said the Garda commissioner gave him details about TD Mick Wallace escaping penalty points and that he publicly revealed it to defend the integrity of the force.
Panicked last minutes aboard the Tit Bonhomme revealed at inquest Rarely has a voice ever carried so much panic.
- WORLD
Horror and heroism as tornado wreaks havocThe search for survivors and the dead in the Oklahoma City suburb raked by a massive tornado was almost complete last night.
Chile miner happy to be played by Banderas in filmAntonio Banderas will star in a movie as one of the 33 Chilean miners trapped deep underground for more than two months in 2010, and the charismatic survivor he's playing couldn't be happier.
- BUSINESS
Smooth exit from bailout forecastIreland is heading for a smooth exit from the bailout programme as GDP grows — delivering a huge political and reputational reward for the country, according to the latest Ernst & Young Economic Eye.
Glanbia’s Talbot first woman to take helm at a major Irish food companySiobhan Talbot is set to succeed John Moloney as group managing director of Glanbia, at the end of this year — becoming the first woman to head up a major Irish food company.
- SPORT
Deegan in dock over advantage ruleArmagh's Jamie Clarke has cleared Paul Grimley of all responsibility for Sunday's defeat by Cavan, but questioned referee Maurice Deegan's decision not to allow him advantage in scoring his second-half disallowed goal.
One more year and that’s it, insists O’DriscollBrian O'Driscoll has ruled out extending his career beyond next June.
- LIFESTYLE
Tyranny of the majorityIn the play An Enemy of the People, one man stands for right, says Pádraic Killeen.
Opening a can of wormsThe UN thinks it's a good idea, but what do the Irish think of eating creepy crawlies, wonders Jonathan deBurca Butler.
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Latest ShowBiz
Ask the designer: Redesigning your kitchen
Q. I love cooking so have decided to redesign by kitchen, but what is the best kitchen layout?
By Jane Dennehy
A. Interior design experts have developed a ‘kitchen work triangle’ to connect the three critical areas in your kitchen: the sink, cooker and fridge. However, your lifestyle should determine the functionality of your kitchen - not the other way around. Although the work triangle is a helpful tool, don’t let it stop you from thinking ‘outside the triangle’ either! Consistency and structure are what make a kitchen design successful, in my opinion. It also helps to keep your chosen theme in mind during the design process. For instance, if you’re going for a rustic farmhouse-style kitchen, then keep this in mind right down to the tea towels. Q. What type of lighting should feature in my newly-revamped kitchen?
A. To get the right kitchen lighting, start by thinking about how you use your kitchen. What areas are you likely to be using most (e.g. the cooker if you’re fond of cooking)? Next consider the dimensions of the room — the height of your ceiling, the amount of space there is between the kitchen cabinets and the ceiling and whether there is space for lighting on your worktops. I’d recommend positioning your feature light fitting over the kitchen table or island unit. Go for dimmer lights to help create atmosphere as well as illuminate key areas.
Q. Once the redesign is complete, how can I add a little colour and fun to my new kitchen?
A. There are lots of clever finishing touches you can add to your kitchen without spending a fortune. Why not paint one wall with blackboard paint (€13.20, available from Woodies DIY), allowing you to manage To Do lists, recipes, or just let the kids get creative. Shop around for colourful kitchen accessories, ranging from chairs to tea caddies, and put any bright kitchen appliances you have on display. Watch out for colourful kitchenware brands such as KitchenAid, Le Creuset and Bodum. However, remember to stick to a theme. Finally, fresh flowers in a vase, or just a bowl of cheerful fruit like lemons and bananas, really perk up a kitchen.
Q. Finally, how can I tie in my patio area with my new kitchen and dining room?
A. Since the patio can become an extended living space, here are some ideas to connect the outdoor and indoor areas. If your living space opens up onto the garden, choose flooring that can run from the inside to the outside to help merge the two spaces. Using the same pattern or similar colour flooring will also help make the inside room look larger. Alternatively, some stone floors can be extended from your kitchen/ dining area onto your patio. Extend the interior colour scheme outside with coordinated patio furniture, flower pots, cushions or paint. A focal point, such as hanging lights or water feature that invites you into the outdoor space, is essential. Lastly, if you have space, a few indoor pot plants will help link your kitchen to the garden.