This year’s St Patrick’s Festival has yet to take place, but plans for next year’s event are already under way.

It’s been seen live by over 25 million people across the planet and smashed box office records over two decades — now the banks of the Lee are set to pulse to the rhythm of global dance phenomenon Riverdance for the first time.

Philip Fenton, who has endured a torrid few weeks, might have reason to smile after the INH Stallion Owners EBF Mares’ Maiden Hurdle at Navan this afternoon.

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Don’t expect Bob Geldof to mellow with age anytime soon. The man who heads a band once described as “leprous anti-establishment scumbags” still has the power to shock and disturb. It’s the nature of the beast.

Although he may be a household name with throngs of female admirers in the UK, 'Candy' hitmaker Robbie Williams admits he had a hard time picking up women when he moved to Los Angeles, California, and tried to lure them into bed by making them watch his 'Live at Knebworth' concert film.

They may be thousands of kilometres from home but friends and family left behind in Ireland are never far from the thoughts of the thousands of

Concert giant AEG Live failed in its duty to properly investigate the doctor who treated Michael Jackson because it was concerned about its own fortunes, an attorney for the late singer’s mother has told a jury.

Pink Floyd will perform with Ed Sheeran at the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games.

The week started on a very encouraging note with news of Red Mills’ sponsorship of the Irish Laurels at Curraheen Park for a three year period. It is a great boost for the sport in the south and will allow all involved to plan well into the future.

Prosecutors will not seek restitution against the doctor convicted of killing Michael Jackson after conferring with the singer’s parents and lawyers for his estate and children.

LOCALLY-TRAINED Cootamundra survived late drama to justify odds-on favouritism in the Vinegar Hill Maiden Hurdle at Wexford last night, sparking a treble for Ruby Walsh, completed on the Tony Martin-trained pair Redera and Somatic.

Stereophonics are recording their new album in Europe.

Lil Wayne will play his first ever Irish gig Live at the Marquee in Cork on July 4.

Blondie have been confirmed to play the Live at the Marquee series of shows in Cork this summer.

TWO big names were added to the Live at the Marquee bill yesterday.

MORE than 10,000 fans have given an unofficial YouTube thumbs-up to a handful of Irish entrants for this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

“BASICALLY, we are three middle-aged men cocking about with millions and million of pounds worth of toys.”

Pop superstar George Michael has fuelled reports he is to quit touring for good once he completes his summer tour dates by naming the last couple of London concerts 'The Final Two'.

Irish entrepreneurs will share the secrets of their success at the NovaUCD Entrepreneurs Live seminar series which commences on 3 April and runs until 24 April.

Musician and humanitarian Midge Ure will today be recognised for his efforts both on and off stage when he is presented with an honorary degree.

Legendary Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards refused to play Live 8 because he was suspicious of the organisers' political affiliations.

The Spice Girls are working on new material to promote a forthcoming compilation album - but the five-piece are laying down their vocal tracks in different studios around the world.

Michael Jackson is being urged to donate his profits from the historic Live 8 concerts, which otherwise could clear much of his financial debt, to charity.

Rock campaigner Bob Geldof has axed himself off the playlist for Saturday's Live 8 gigs, because he doesn't sell enough records to justify sharing the stage with superstars Madonna, Paul McCartney and U2.

BOB GELDOF yesterday announced plans for five star-studded concerts to take place simultaneously in a bid to pressure world leaders into eradicating African poverty.

THIS September, career guidance teachers all over Ireland can expect a deluge of questions concerning careers in psychology following the transmission of Treasure Island Live.