What would Christmas be like if we pared it back to those bare bones – one present, one meal, surrounded by those you love

"...there’s no better present you can give anyone than a book that will capture their imagination..."

After 36 years of having Michael O’Neill as my father, I knew better than to underestimate him

"It was such an honour, not just to be given the doctorate, but to be able to speak at the graduation ceremony. To be a part of such a special day for these young people and their families, even if only in a small way."

"It's been two years of this shit"

While A State of Emergency is fast-paced, compelling and unputdownable, there is also a great deal of respect and compassion shown to the thousands of families across Ireland who lost loved ones during this pandemic.

"When I go to the shop to pick up a bar of chocolate and a packet of Tangfastics, there are no side-eyes or raised eyebrows. If I got Covid and was rushed to hospital, there would be no snide remarks about how ‘obesity is the real pandemic’. "

We might have rescued him but the truth is, I think he rescued me as well — and adopt, don't shop if you're getting a pet too

— One of the first rules we were taught on the playground is that when we make mistakes, we have to quickly apologise to the people we’ve hurt. A proper apology. A sincere one.

If there’s any teacher you wish you could have thanked all those years ago, now is your opportunity to do so.