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#Insight

A specially curated collection of content highlights from across the Irish Examiner.

A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

<p>Fr Stuart McGovern during his ordination at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity in Waterford City which was celebrated by Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan on November 23, the feast of Christ the King. Picture: John Power</p>

munster

'A time of great hope': Former engineer is looking forward to his first Christmas as a priest

52-year-old Stuart McGovern worked in telecoms and ran his own firm but always wanted ‘more than what the world had to offer’ — a quest that has led to his ordination as a Catholic priest

<p>TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, has invested heavily in AI. Picture: Brent Lewin/Bloomberg via Getty Images</p>

companies

Fake AI-generated ads are on the rise, and TikTok is helping to create them

<p>ICED: Paul Geaney embraces Conor Geaney after the latter kicked a dramatic two-point free to claim a stunning Munster SFC final win over St Finbarr's at Semple Stadium. Pic: James Lawlor, Inpho</p>

S gaa

Dingle v Barrs: Anatomy of a stone-cold Munster final classic

'We sell seven tons of spiced beef at Christmas': Meet the people on the festive frontlines

people

'We sell seven tons of spiced beef at Christmas': Meet the people on the festive frontlines

Former Defence Forces officers say Ireland is under threat and may be at the mercy of drones

spotlight

Former Defence Forces officers say Ireland is under threat and may be at the mercy of drones

‘My fear isn’t past — it’s present’: Aida Austin on life with her daughter’s intractable epilepsy

culture

‘My fear isn’t past — it’s present’: Aida Austin on life with her daughter’s intractable epilepsy

A clearer Christmas: How to survive the festive season sober

A clearer Christmas: How to survive the festive season sober

Ireland and alcohol: a pairing so familiar it’s become a global stereotype. But the social landscape is changing, and with it, our drinking habits. Sarah Finnan explores how to survive the festive season sober

Sun, 07 Dec, 2025

Be my guest: Your ultimate guide to hosting this Christmas

Be my guest: Your ultimate guide to hosting this Christmas

Whether you’re hosting for the very first time or gathering the usual crowd for another Christmas around the table, we asked the experts for their golden rules on how to make it all run smoothly.

Sun, 07 Dec, 2025

Roasted turkey on holiday table

S Five of Darina Allen's go-to family recipes for a classic Christmas feast

This year I’m championing the old-school and the traditional, writes Darina Allen

Sat, 06 Dec, 2025

A fashion editor's guide to the 12 dresses of Christmas

A fashion editor's guide to the 12 dresses of Christmas

The season of sparkle has arrived and with it a flurry of festive plans. Office soirées, yuletide cocktails, winter weddings: each occasion calls for a look that shines. So, get set for your gúna glow-up, folks. These are the dresses your wardrobe has been waiting for. Bring on the bubbles, and the compliments!

Sat, 06 Dec, 2025

The big Irish gift guide: 300 of the best gifts to shop for Christmas 2025

S The big Irish gift guide: 300 of the best gifts to shop for Christmas 2025

Digital editor Denise O'Donoghue rounds up 300 of the best Irish gifts to shop this festive season. This is your A-Z guide to Christmas gifting with a local twist

Wed, 03 Dec, 2025

Woman standing in window

Nasty notes and malicious rumours: One woman's terrifying experience with a stalker

An Irish woman living in the UK describes how routine gestures and neighbourly contact morphed into a sustained and terrifying stalking campaign

Tue, 02 Dec, 2025

Diageo financials

'Every Dubliner should drive through rural towns to see... The pub has been knocked off its perch'

Two new books analyse what makes the 'perfect pub' and both come to a sobering conclusion: Irish pubs are in trouble

Mon, 01 Dec, 2025

Colin Sheridan: DJ Carey’s wrongdoing not the only unsettling part of 'The Dodger' documentary

Colin Sheridan: DJ Carey’s wrongdoing not the only unsettling part of 'The Dodger' documentary

The RTÉ documentary raises questions about who benefits from such coverage, writes Colin Sheridan

Sun, 30 Nov, 2025

DENMARK-MUSIC-FESTIVAL-ROSKILDE

Bob Dylan review: Five-star performance for stunning concert at Gleneagle in Killarney

Bob Dylan, 84, may not have spoken much to the Killarney audience, but he still produced a magnificent gig with a hugely impressive band

Mon, 24 Nov, 2025

100 best places to stay 2025: The Hotel Examiner's guide to Ireland's best stays

S 100 best places to stay 2025: The Hotel Examiner's guide to Ireland's best stays

It doesn’t matter if it’s a modest three-star or a luxury retreat, great hospitality is all about a feeling, say Jillian Bolger and Thom Breathnach

Sun, 23 Nov, 2025

Darina Allen: My recipes for comforting soup, soda bread, and apple crumble

Darina Allen: My recipes for comforting soup, soda bread, and apple crumble

Plus: The honour I received from MTU is a tribute to the many cooks, teachers, and farmers who continue to inspire me.

Sun, 23 Nov, 2025

Why early-warning systems matter more than ever

Why early-warning systems matter more than ever

Long before sensors and satellites, people used whatever tools they had to read the world around them. In fact, the earliest warning systems were rooted in observation, culture and instinct — but sensors, algorithms and automated texts are now being employed in places such as Midleton in Cork

Fri, 21 Nov, 2025

Inside Ireland’s deportation system: How gardaí carry out large-scale charter removals

Inside Ireland’s deportation system: How gardaí carry out large-scale charter removals

A rare inside look at a garda charter deportation, revealing the planning, human stories and rising tensions shaping Ireland’s asylum system

Mon, 17 Nov, 2025

Dungarvan chef Eunice Power on love, loss, and her determination to keep going

Dungarvan chef Eunice Power on love, loss, and her determination to keep going

It is six months since Eunice Power's son passed away tragically. As she publishes her debut cookbook, Vickie Maye meets her in her Dungarvan home where they talk grief, kindness and the healing power of food

Mon, 17 Nov, 2025

The rise of event cinema and how musicals became cool again

The rise of event cinema and how musicals became cool again

As the second instalment of Wicked prepares to hit Irish cinemas, Aoife Barry examines the rise of 'event cinema' and the enduring appeal of music on screen

Sun, 16 Nov, 2025

A councillor tried to quash my political dreams — now I help women run for local elections

A councillor tried to quash my political dreams — now I help women run for local elections

After a bruising and personal presidential election, you might wonder how many women have been discouraged from entering politics. The support on offer from campaign group See Her Elected is so steadfast, you’d nearly consider running yourself, writes Clodagh Finn

Sun, 16 Nov, 2025

JACK AND THEO KIRWAN

Sprout founders on why they are adding a Cork restaurant to their empire

After ten years of building a cult following in Dublin, Sprout is coming to Cork city. Founders Jack and Theo Kirwan talk to Shamim de Brún about the power of customer loyalty and paying it forward

Sun, 16 Nov, 2025

Lyra comes home to Cork: 'You are always replaceable — I struggle with that'

Lyra comes home to Cork: 'You are always replaceable — I struggle with that'

Ahead of a hometown show at Cork's City Hall, Manon Gilbart sits down with Cork popstar Lyra. As honest and vulnerable as ever, she chats about the hard work behind the polished image, her commitment to empowering the next generation, and that viral rendition of Amhrán na bhFiann

Wed, 12 Nov, 2025

We took the bank's calls in hospital as we watched our new baby struggle to breathe

We took the bank's calls in hospital as we watched our new baby struggle to breathe

We held the phone between us on speaker in that hospital room, worrying over our baby who was struggling to breathe, while we were suffocating under our obligations, writes Caitriona Redmond

Listen | Mon, 10 Nov, 2025

Mick Clifford: New chapter in the extraordinary tale of Celtic Tiger developer Paddy Byrne

Mick Clifford: New chapter in the extraordinary tale of Celtic Tiger developer Paddy Byrne

The developer is back in the news, this time in dispute with a county council over the building of modular homes on a site which has never received full planning permission

Mon, 10 Nov, 2025

Terry Prone: DJ Carey didn’t have Munchausen's, he wasn’t deluded, he was just a crook

S Terry Prone: DJ Carey didn’t have Munchausen's, he wasn’t deluded, he was just a crook

When a former client pretended to have cancer to gain attention, she didn't cost Terry Prone anything other than her time

Mon, 10 Nov, 2025

Purls of wisdom: The faces behind the revival of Irish knitwear

Purls of wisdom: The faces behind the revival of Irish knitwear

For decades, Irish knitwear was more prominent in souvenir shops than runways. Now, everyone from Taylor Swift to Sarah Jessica Parker is embracing Irish wool. Holly Warren looks at how our ancient craft became cool

Sun, 09 Nov, 2025

16/11/2012 Bronze Turkey Farm for Christmas

The fright before Christmas: Bird flu, turkeys, and the 'nerve-wracking' weeks ahead

Bird flu outbreaks in Carlow and Meath — the first recorded in poultry in the Republic since November 2022 — have turkey producers fearfully counting down the days to the holiday season

Sun, 09 Nov, 2025

Demi Isaac Oviawe: From Mallow, to the Young Offenders, to 2FM's prime-time

Demi Isaac Oviawe: From Mallow, to the Young Offenders, to 2FM's prime-time

Young Offenders actor, writer and broadcaster Demi Isaac Oviawe is quickly becoming a household name. She chats to Sarah Finnan about taking on one of the biggest slots on Irish radio

Sun, 09 Nov, 2025

a willow casket - contemporary style

Michelle McKeown: The greenest ways to go when you go

When it comes to carbon footprints, the old-fashioned burial isn’t exactly green. Traditional burials involve embalming chemicals (usually formaldehyde) and hardwood coffins — but there are more eco-friendly options now available

Sat, 08 Nov, 2025

Getty Images Portrait Studio Presented By IMDb And IMDbPro At The Intercontinental Hotel Toronto, 2024

'Hidden Assets' star Nora-Jane Noone: 'Living abroad gave me space to grow'

The Hidden Assets star talks to Aoife Barry about her relief at being back in Ireland during Trump's presidency, and learning to trust her instincts

Sat, 08 Nov, 2025

The Mick Clifford Podcast: Progressing Ireland with Sean Keyes

The Mick Clifford Podcast: Progressing Ireland with Sean Keyes

Progress Ireland is a relatively unknown think tank from what might be described as the centre right of Irish politics. Among its backers are the billionaire brother Patrick and John Collison from Limerick.

Listen | Thu, 06 Nov, 2025

GAA managers: Full county-by-county guide for football and hurling

GAA managers: Full county-by-county guide for football and hurling

All 32 GAA counties have managers confirmed for the 2025/2026 championship, with early appointments ending the traditional autumn uncertainty

Wed, 05 Nov, 2025

The Mick Clifford Podcast: How did it all go wrong for DJ Carey?

The Mick Clifford Podcast: How did it all go wrong for DJ Carey?

DJ Carey has been for defrauding at least ten people out of various sums of money on the false premise that he was suffering from cancer. Carey was hurling’s first superstar whose exploits on the pitch thrilled the whole country.

Listen | Wed, 05 Nov, 2025

Mick Clifford: DJ Carey — hurling legend who sank to the depths in pursuit of a life full of lies

S Mick Clifford: DJ Carey — hurling legend who sank to the depths in pursuit of a life full of lies

If he is so minded, DJ Carey may be in a position to make amends and show that there can be second acts in GAA lives. But it will be a long, long road back

Mon, 03 Nov, 2025

Mid-West breaking point: What will it take for the State to fix hospital care in Limerick?

Mid-West breaking point: What will it take for the State to fix hospital care in Limerick?

Doctors, nurses and campaigners urge the Government to treat Hiqa’s warning on Mid-West hospital capacity as a national emergency requiring long-term investment

Sat, 01 Nov, 2025

Ireland's museums: Meet the people bringing Irish history to life

Ireland's museums: Meet the people bringing Irish history to life

From Spike Island, to the Book of Kells, to the GPO museum, Tara Maher meets the people telling the stories of our past

Wed, 29 Oct, 2025

'I see dead people': Kerry man says he can communicate with ghosts

'I see dead people': Kerry man says he can communicate with ghosts

As Halloween approaches, Sarah Horgan talks to a man who makes a living from ghost hunting

Tue, 28 Oct, 2025

Donncha O'Callaghan: ‘I’m upbeat and positive and I want to be that way’

Donncha O'Callaghan: ‘I’m upbeat and positive and I want to be that way’

Donncha O’Callaghan on the revamped Ireland’s Fittest Family, his new career as a children’s author and why vulnerability is a key part of parenting

Mon, 27 Oct, 2025

Colm O'Regan on comedy, language and the Irish words we’re in danger of losing

Colm O'Regan on comedy, language and the Irish words we’re in danger of losing

In his latest book, comedian and writer Colm O’Regan chronicles the everyday poetry of Irish speech — and calls on us all to help preserve it, writes Colin Sheridan

Sat, 25 Oct, 2025

Smiling Jack O’ Lantern, glowing from the light within, looking at camera,

15 Irish experiences for mid-term and Halloween family fun

Once upon a time Halloween in Ireland was a white sheet for a ghost costume, or bin liner for a witch's cape. These days the festivities are far more elaborate. Here are 15 events to experience this midterm

Sat, 25 Oct, 2025

Katriona O'Sullivan: 'Even in the darkest moments, there was so much brightness, too'

Katriona O'Sullivan: 'Even in the darkest moments, there was so much brightness, too'

As guest editor, Annmarie O’Connor wanted to interview a person who had faced the rubble of life. Here, she talks to Katriona O’Sullivan about picking up the pieces

Wed, 22 Oct, 2025

Draining sewage from pipe into river, pollution rivers and ecology.

Mick Clifford: Our rivers are not the only places to have been polluted under the IFI

It seems there has been a complete disregard for the protection of rivers and lakes under Inland Fisheries Ireland, writes Mick Clifford

Mon, 20 Oct, 2025

ADELE MINER

'I feel sad my Dad does not have his daughter in his life — but his loss is far greater than mine'

When Adele Miner was five, and her mother seven months pregnant, she discovered her father was having an affair. Here she writes about the lasting impact of his abandonment

Sun, 19 Oct, 2025

3d Young Girl Contemplating Crossing Colourful Space. Illustration. Unrecognisable, Created In 3d Software

Loneliness in modern Irish life — and the case for rebuilding community

Ireland's young people are some of the loneliest in Europe. Sarah Finnan asks whether reviving our sense of community could be the cure

Sun, 19 Oct, 2025

A visit to all eight of Ireland's National Parks

S A visit to all eight of Ireland's National Parks

See how our expert ecologist rated them here...

Sat, 18 Oct, 2025

Access for all: Irish wheelchair users speak on their favourite Irish getaways

Access for all: Irish wheelchair users speak on their favourite Irish getaways

In 2025, Ireland still has ways to go when it comes to accessibility, but some spots get it right. Jennifer McShane speaks to five wheelchair users about their holiday experiences and the destinations that stand out.

Sat, 18 Oct, 2025

Ballad Of A Small Player Canadian Premiere | Netflix

Colin Farrell: 'Where the government may fall short, civilians usually step up to the plate'

Between filming in Macau and running the Dublin City Marathon, Colin Farrell found time to launch a foundation inspired by his son. He talks to Esther McCarthy about friendship, acting and his drive to make a difference

Fri, 17 Oct, 2025

Gucci Ancora - Arrivals - Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2024

S Sinéad Burke: 'Disabled people are disabled by design, it is our responsibility to shift that'

Disability activist and fashion powerhouse Sinéad Burke is one of many challenging how we think about inclusion. Gemma Fullam meets the founder and CEO of Tilting the Lens

Fri, 17 Oct, 2025