Cork’s two leading lights C of I and Harlequins have set about their task of restoring a Munster presence in the EY Hockey League’s top tier in the best possible fashion.

With the winter break just a couple of weeks away, new research from chartered physiotherapist Huw Rees says this is a key phase for Irish hockey clubs to manage after a spate of injuries last spring.

Cork C of I and Harlequins start the long road in pursuit of a place for Munster at the top table of the national league stage with their maiden games in EY Hockey League Division 2 tomorrow.

From ceramics to cushions to candle holders and cattle captured on canvas, Esther N McCarthy has the low-down.

Pestle & Mortar CEO Sonia Deasy tells Trish Dromey about the company’s big expansion plans

From Father’s Day gifts to fancy breakfast trays, Esther N McCarthy rummages through the best of this week’s offerings

Irish Examiner Sustainability Month special: Aileen Lee profiles Laury Poisson of Home Street Home

From taking care of our bee population to clothing with a conscience and recycled storage options, going green can still be stylish, says Esther N McCarthy

Luxury chocolate firm Bean and Goose has raised €200,000 to help drive online sales, writes Trish Dromey.

Esther N McCarthy takes her pick from showers, scents and sea sponges this week.

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

Your Christmas must-haves start here with some colourful home and utility artistic advice from Esther N McCarthy.

One of Cork city’s longest established suburban bars, the Rendezvous, has changed hands, for close to €1.5 million.

Q&A with product/ textile designer and author Helen James.

From past times to exciting times, Esther N McCarthy wraps up some must-have gifts.

Carol O’Callaghan previews some up-coming craft fairs to keep us shopping for the next few weeks.

Motor dealers Johnson & Perrott are poised to invest €15m in a new, third dealership location for their Cork City-based business.

Avoca managing director Simon Pratt hopes to see a further two-to-three new store openings in the next 24 months.

VISIT THIS

Esther N McCarthy looks at the best picks to help you sizzle this season, from travel-friendly fragrances to summer salads and must-have make-up palettes.

VISIT THIS

Having opened a €3m Avoca store in Dunboyne, Co Meath, just this week, a Cork Avoca is next in line for the expansionist, upmarket Irish food and household product company.

Add a little spring to your indoors with these colourful hanging flower pots, I like the leather cord detail. 

Esther N McCarthy picks her green favourites — for the weekend that’s in it.

Glengarriff’s Darragh McElhinney’s will be one of the stars at the Irish Life Health All-Ireland Schools Cross-Country Championships in Mallusk, Co Antrim, today.

Here's your lunchtime bulletin.

Food retailer Avoca is recalling batches of its Hummus and Colcannon because of the presence of listeria.

By now the first paycheck of the new year should be in but there are no scary prices below for the simple reason that I am focusing on Southern and Central Portugal this week, arguably two of the best value wine regions in the world.

THIS year it wasn’t difficult to find great food gifts for under €10. 

It’s officially summer, people —and Esther N McCarthy has some sunny treats to show.

Three of Ireland’s leading non-EY Hockey League clubs have opted out from attempting to qualify for next year’s tournament, it has emerged.

As an alternative to traditional bunnies and eggs, Wexford company Bean & Goose is tempting consumers to try a dark chocolate hare or a chocolate goose egg this Easter.

Eighty new jobs are to be created as Avoca opens a new store in Dunboyne, Co Meath.

Check out these Hessian baskets, too at €6.99. Each pack contains a small, a medium and a large basket. Available in Aldi stores this week.

US food company, Aramark, is to buy the Avoca group of Irish upmarket retail outlets and cafes.