RTÉ broadcaster Olivia O’Leary will be at the Amergin Solstice Poetry Gathering in Waterville, Co Kerry, over the next few days. Originally from Borris, Co Carlow, Olivia also presents The Poetry Programme on RTÉ Radio 1 and does a radio column every Tuesday for the Drivetime programme.

From a minister who looked in danger of being washed away in a flood of Irish Water controversies to the brink of becoming Europe’s €60bn man, it has been quite a year for Phil Hogan.

The proposed creation of a new road through the historic heart of Kilkenny city will bring increased traffic through the area and will sever the ‘Medieval Mile’ which links Kilkenny Castle with St Canice’s Cathedral.