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."

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

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

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

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.

Did you cry with your buddy while watching Fergie say farewell at Old Trafford?

YOUR wardrobe isn't the only thing that needs updating once the barometer starts to rise.

Anything the dogs can do it seems cats are always determined to do better.

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.

Champions Donegal will begin their defence of the Ulster SFC against Tyrone at Ballybofey on Sunday (4pm) with the same 15 players who started last September's All-Ireland final win over Mayo.

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.

A Fine Gael TD has revealed that pro-life activists have threatened to slit her throat and burn down her house.

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.

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.

More than 300,000 people have left Ireland in the past four years. Tempting as it is, Ruairí McKiernan is prepared to stay to help make the country a better 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.

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.

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.

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.