Louise O’Neill, Conal Creedon, Caroline O’Donoghue, Patricia Scanlan and Billy O’Callaghan: Five authors share their festive memories

Patients and former staff of the first general hospital to open in Cork are set for special treatment next weekend at events to mark the 30th anniversary of its closure.

Des O’Driscoll takes a look at what’s goes on around the country. 

Everyman, Cork

They’re as much a part of Cork’s Christmas tradition as spiced beef, the Holly Bough, and the Share collectors.

With everything from karate for kids to computers for the silver surfer, this year’s Cork Lifelong Learning Festival is fun, fascinating and — best of all — free.

JOHN CREEDON presents a music show on RTÉ Radio 1 weeknights from the RTÉ Cork studios, and also the Fleadh Cheoil series on RTÉ One television on Fridays at 7.30pm.

To coincide with the Crawford’s new book showcasing its collection, Alan O’Riordan asked a number of art lovers to select their most cherished work from the Cork gallery

The 18th century apostle of temperance Fr Mathew is as relevant in today’s alcohol-soaked Ireland as he ever was, several leading historians have suggested.

Celebrating ten years in existence, the Cork World Book Fest (April 22-26), organised by Cork City Library and Triskel Christchurch, is one of the city’s most popular cultural events.

CORK is a city of storytellers. From Frank O’Connor and Seán Ó Faolain to Conal Creedon and Madeleine D’Arcy, our stories of the city and its people have amused and enthralled generations.

You couldn’t blame me for pining for Pana on Monday night.

The American premiere of Cork writer Conal Creedon’s play, The Cure, takes place at New York’s Green Room Theatre on Sept 9 and will run for at least a month.

Two of Ireland’s top street artists have immortalised great Irish writers in graffiti on a theatre wall.

A two-month residency has inspired the novelist to write columns about Cork on her return to Shanghai, says Colette Sheridan

THERE is no question that books will eventually be bought almost exclusively online or that we are living through the end of an era for the printed book.

Foreign Minister Micheal Martin will meet with Irish business leaders in China today as part of a five-day visit to the country.

OF the 2,000 ideas received, it came as no surprise that a big proportion came from the city’s thriving and energetic music world, and from its dynamic visual arts studios base.

SUPERSTARS like David Beckham and Michael Owen could be gracing the playing fields of Cork under plans for a major soccer tournament as one of the highlights planned for Cork 2005.