There was all-too-rare good news on the jobs front yesterday, with the creation of almost 550 new positions in Galway, Kildare, Sligo, Limerick and Cork.

We’ve spoken before in these pages about the earthiness of those who go to Clonmel every year for the annual National Coursing Meeting, of how grounded they are in nature, how self-sufficient.

HAIRDRESSER Donna Black was sharpening her scissors last night, ahead of the social wedding of the year today.