The Cork-led band played a superb gig in Dublin, writes Ed Power.

Geoff Travis may have had a hand in the rise of bands such as The Smiths, but it’s his new crop of Irish acts that has him excited in advance of his visit to Cork, writes Ed Power

Taylor Swift releases her new album Lover tomorrow.

FILM TIPS: A nine-year wait for Toy Story 4 has meant that anyone who saw the previous instalment in the cinema is rather more mature by now. Whether that means you’re 18 or 88, the latest offering by John Lasseter and co is arguably the most exciting film of the year, and early reviews have been good. Go see it. Less blockbuster offerings include the excellent Gloria Bell, at Triskel in Cork from Sunday, starring Julianne Moore in a comedy drama about a free-spirited divorcée. Triskel also has ‘heartwarming’ maternal French film In Safe Hands.

Des O'Driscoll attended the Microdisney farewell gig at Cyprus Avenue in Cork

As the legendary Cork band get ready for their ‘last ever’ gig, Ed Power discusses their short-lived reunion with guitarist Sean O’Hagan.

When Sean O’Hagan returns to Cork this week he hopes to visit the Apple complex in Hollyhill.

The centenary of the Easter Rising has given us an abundance of commemorative

Thomas Bartlett and Paul Muldoon weren’t surprised that lines by Ireland’s great poet worked so well as song lyrics, writes Padraic Killeen

Here’s a quick look at the latest music, gig, film and entertainment news.

CATHAL Coughlan has never been one for tiptoeing gently into the night, writes Ed Power

St Loman’s (Westmeath) 1-11 Old Leighlin (Carlow) 1-10

Reigning All-Ireland Club SFC Champions St. Brigid's advanced in Connacht; St. Loman's and Newtown Blues claimed first round wins in Leinster; while Castlebar Mitchells, Kingdom Kerry Gaels, Rathnew and St Martin's claimed county title wins, following today's Senior Club Football action.

Old Leighlin 1-10 Rathvilly 1-08

10 teams are celebrating County Senior Football title wins this evening, after today's finals in Cork, Kildare, Galway, Westmeath, Monaghan, Offaly, Cavan, Tyrone, Carlow and Sligo.

OLD LEIGHLIN won the Conlon Cup for the third time before 4,000 spectators at Dr Cullen Park yesterday.

There were six county finals down for decision today, with football deciders in Cork, Tyrone, Mayo and Carlow, while Kilkenny and Waterford saw final action in the small ball code.

RATHVILLY remain on course to retain the Carlow SFC title following an 0-13 to 1-4 win over a disappointing Tinryland side in Saturday’s quarter-final at Dr Cullen Park.

New Tánaiste Mary Coughlan will today carry out her first official duty when she represents the Government at the Order of Business in the Dáil.

Outgoing Agriculture Minister Mary Couglan landed a major promotion tonight by being appointed Tánaiste and Enterprise, Trade and Employment Minister in Taoiseach Brian Cowen’s new-look Cabinet.

Stephen Kijak expertly explores the life and extraordinary times of a brilliant cult rock figure in Scott Walker — 30th Century Man (Verve, €24.99) through the testimony of fans and collaborators, including Radiohead, Jarvis Cocker, Mark Almond and David Bowie.

In the second part of our Top 50 list of the most influential figures in Irish music, Joe McNamee considers some of the surprising results.

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.