Terroir is one of those frustrating French terms that is beloved of winemakers and wine-writers but remains little understood by most of the wine-buying public. 

Revenues at one of the best-known names in retail, Des Kelly Interiors have levelled off after plummeting 50% since 2008.

“It’s only my luck to have a child that can only celebrate its birthday every four years,” laughed one Cork mum after she gave birth to her first born in the early hours of Feb 29.