The German economy expanded 0.6% in 2019, the weakest expansion rate since 2013 and a marked cooling from the previous year, as export-dependent manufacturers in Europe’s largest economy faced increased headwinds from trade disputes and less foreign demand.

Despite winning two of their last three encounters between the sides, Joe Schmidt’s Ireland side don’t possess a fear-factor for the All Blacks.

New Zealand press not giving Joe Schmidt's side much chance of causing an upset.

Former Aston Villa defender Derrick Williams has come out in support of disgraced youth boss Kevin MacDonald after the veteran coach was sacked by the club in August following an investigation into claims of bullying that stretched back over 25 years.

Almost 58,800 students receiving their results this morning are reminded to remain calm in the days and weeks ahead regardless of what the day brings.

Resilience is a word that is often used in relation to Kilkenny under Brian Cody.

A CACHE of 40 watercolours and drawings by the shortlived celebrated Cork artist Daniel Macdonald (1820-1853) is now on display at the Gorry Gallery in Dublin until April 13. Many of the works were executed on board the yacht Hebe in Cobh, shown here off Roches Point in a drawing by the artist.

There’s still time to get in shape before the beach holiday, writes Peta Bee.

HIV preventative care is a huge issue for activists. Gilead Sciences in Cork manufactures the drug Truveda. Caomhan Keane meets the head of commercial operations.

Youssouf Mulumbu's second-half goal gave Kilmarnock a dramatic 1-0 Ladbrokes Premiership win over Celtic at Rugby Park with the visitors counting more than the cost of three lost points.

Connacht 50 Oyonnax 14: The road to Bilbao has now become clear for Connacht.

A veteran republican charged in connection with the IRA's murder of Jean McConville is not medically fit to stand trial, a court has heard.

Taking people back to how motoring started and putting smiles on their faces — that’s what lies at the heart of iconic manufacturer Caterham Cars.

Helen Barlow reflects on a festival in which fabulous females, streaming TV shows and Irish actors took centre stage.

A baby in England who lost consciousness had been given alcohol by one or both of his parents, a judge has concluded after a family court investigation.

A High Court judge is set to analyse evidence at a trial after social services staff asked for help protecting a vulnerable teenage girl they say is being sexually exploited by four men.

A nursing home in the North has been fined after a data breach relating to sensitive details about patients and staff, connected to the theft of a computer.

Online grooming is “grossly under-reported” with many children unable to distinguish between internet and real-life friends, police believe.

A woman who refused life-saving kidney treatment after saying she had lost her "sparkle" had damaged her kidneys when taking a drug overdose in a failed suicide bid, a court in England has heard.

A Leigh Griffiths double gave Celtic a narrow but deserved 2-1 win over Motherwell at Fir Park to strengthen the Hoops' grip on the Ladbrokes Premiership title.

The owners of one of the country’s best-known pubs have appealed for the safe return of a family heirloom stolen from the premises on Saturday night.

A High Court judge in London has pleaded with Madonna and her ex-husband, Guy Ritchie, to resolve a legal dispute over the future of their son Rocco, 15.

Bournemouth 0 Everton 2: Roberto Martinez believes Everton are ready to finish the season with a bang.

Des O’Sullivan reviews a forthcoming show of work by the artist who was brave enough to paint the Famine. 

Oxford boss Michael Appleton saluted a “magnificent” performance after Kemar Roofe sent Swansea tumbling out of the FA Cup.

Aston Villa 1 Swansea City 2: Within hours of Tim Sherwood’s sacking as Villa boss, the club slipped to the bottom of the Premier League, following Sunderland’s 3-0 victory over Newcastle.

RETIRED international athlete David Gillick realised something vital very early in his track and field career.

Isa Nacewa has failed in his attempt to bring ‘the next Joe Schmidt’ to Leinster.

One of the titans of British industry has dismissed fears over the UK’s possible EU exit with its chief executive describing claims of potential jobs losses as scaremongering.

Britain should leave the EU unless it reforms, a boss at JCB has said, as the building equipment firm reported earnings above £300 million for the fourth year in a row.

A judicial review into the British Government’s decision not to hold a public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane will have a big impact regardless of the outcome, the solicitor’s son has said.

An online forum highlighting issues regarding the future of Cork Airport has been shut following comments by airport management this week.

The 19th century Cork artist, Daniel MacDonald, was the only painter brave enough to paint the Famine as it was happening, and Professor Niamh O’Sullivan is appealing to people in the Cork area to scour their attics for his valuable work.

Helen Macdonald has won this year’s Costa Prize for her memoir H Is For Hawk.

Helen Macdonald has won this year’s Costa Prize for her memoir H Is For Hawk.

Aston Villa 2 Bourmemouth 1: FA Cup Fourth Round: Villa Park had been tipped as a likely scene of a surprise yesterday and it did not disappoint. Just not in the way anyone anticipated.

Carles Gil helped fire Aston Villa into the FA Cup fifth round as they avoided an upset to beat Bournemouth 2-1.

With a fifth child on the way, Jude Law has mixed feelings about being so busy with his film work, writes Jeananne Craig

Hurling-Shinty: Scotland 3-6-4 (23) Ireland 2-3-4 (14)

STRETCHING and bending might be a daunting prospect with a big belly, but yoga can actually be very beneficial for pregnant women.

Dundee 1 Celtic 1

ENGLAND: