This year’s selection of children’s books features stories with universal themes, cute dogs and reindeer, superb illustrations, and iconic Irish settings, says Emmet Arrigan

Now that the championship has kicked off, or thrown in, in earnest you can almost hear people thinking about the All-Ireland final. Winners. Losers. And most of all, tickets.

Long before the ethos of the GAA club became a marketing stick to gently beat us over the head with, one man from a small parish in West Mayo had a vision of how he could best combine his passion for a sport he loved and improve the lives of those in his local community.

Donegal's Yvonne Bonner has rounded out her first season down under by winning her club's goal of the year award.

Esther N McCarthy has a distinctively Buy Irish theme in her picks this week.

Esther N McCarthy spots some cute Christmas decor and coos over copper this week.

Mayo’s Cora Staunton looks set to star for the Irish Banshees as the Australian Football League Europe’s Euro Cup comes to Cork IT on Saturday.

The ongoing Mayo ladies football row, which saw eight members of the Carnacon club withdraw from the Mayo panel, has brought claim and counter-claim from the players, manager Peter Leahy and the Mayo LGFA, which has backed the manager at all times.

Is the threat of discrimination still real for gay people in Ireland, despite being the first country in the world to ratify marriage equality by public vote?

Esther N McCarthy eyes up textiles, ceramics, and some fabulous artwork

After captaining Carnacon to a sixth All-Ireland senior ladies club football title at Parnell Park today, Cora Staunton said "I can go now" on her Australian adventure this week.

Mayo Ladies Football legend Cora Staunton has been getting grips to Aussie Rules.

With the benefit of hindsight, Sarah Tierney looks back on it now with a sense of perspective.

Your spoiler-free guide to tonight's TV.

Check out our spoiler-free guide to what to watch on TV tonight.

Breaking Bad, Gatsby and Game of Thrones have all inspired baby names in the UK this year, while the desire not to be seen as a “Kate copycat” had led to a decline in the popularity of royal names, according to website BabyCentre.

Hollywood star Paul Giamatti is joining the cast of Downton Abbey for the Christmas edition of the period drama.

A Hollywood sneak peek of series three reveals fireworks between 'Downton Abbey' matriarchs Maggie Smith and newcomer Shirley MacLaine.

'EastEnders' star Jo Joyner has promised there will be plenty of drama in store for the Branning family.

Older people shamed in to silence after suffering rape or sexually abuse when younger are coming forward for help, it emerged today.

Former 'Coronation Street' star Julie Goodyear has pulled out of her run in West End hit 'Calendar Girls', it was announced today.