A SYMPOSIUM on how media covers mental health stories and suicide, organised by the journalism department at the University of Limerick yesterday, heard press ombudsman Seán Donlon argue that we cannot rely on social media, especially social media where output is filtered through an automated, conscience-free technological process rather than a human one, to understand the nuances of life’s tragedies and inevitable implosions.

It’s just over three years since Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan resigned. It’s not quite three years since Justice Minister Alan Shatter quit cabinet.

WHAT do Homer Simpson and Enda Kenny have in common, apart, that is, from celebrating anniversaries? The Simpsons is 30 years in the making and Mr Kenny is today the longest surviving Fine Gael Taoiseach.

NEW ZEALAND is the latest English-speaking nation to announce tighter access to its skilled work visas, after the US and Australia announced similar restrictions on immigration. 

WHEN Fianna Fáil set up Nama in 2009, it was a painful but necessary response to Ireland’s financial crisis, notwithstanding the fact that the party bore major responsibility for the economic meltdown in the first place.

THE announcement yesterday by Theresa May that she will today ask the House of Commons to facilitate a general election on June 8 will not help the Irish negotiators charged with protecting our interests during Brexit talks sleep any better. Irish businessmen and women — and workers — who depend on the British market will not sleep too soundly either.

THE motor giant Henry Ford and Son passed a significant milestone yesterday, one that many companies of that scale and influence do not even reach. 

THE impact of invasive species of plants that grow on land such as rhododendron or Japanese knotweed is obvious and can be startling. 

THE establishment of modern Turkey and the establishment of this State occurred at the same time. 

Youghal, like scores of medium-sized towns across Ireland and thousands across Europe or in America’s rust belt, was once almost a self-contained, self-sustaining community. It nestled between the sea and rich farmland and enjoyed the life-enriching bounty of both.