THIS Christmas our present to all our extended family and many of our friends was ‘food from the farm’: a roll of homemade Jersey butter, a jam jar full of thick unctuous yoghurt with a nice layer of cream on top, a chunk of cheese, a bottle of elderflower cordial, a dozen or more freshly laid organic eggs, maybe a few sprouts, a big bunch of kale and some traditional home cured pork.

THREE points in the second period of extra time by Conor Lehane gave Midleton a thrilling victory over neighbours Carrigtwohill in a gripping Evening Echo SHC relegation semi-final replay at Castlemartyr last night.

THE equine world is focussed on the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, which takes place at the Curragh tomorrow. But many of those in attendance will already have witnessed a thoroughbred derby of a different nature however, having gone to tonight’s battle football battle between Kildare and Laois.

OPENING an interview with a manager whose side are facing a big game by telling him you’re wishing for a win for the opposition is probably not the best idea in the world.

FINANCE Minister Brian Cowen got it in the neck on Budget Day from organisations such as SIPTU, the National Women’s Council and the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland (CCI) for neglecting the childcare issue.