It is more than half a century since our relationship with America reached peak sycophancy. Just months before he was assassinated, John F Kennedy spent four days in Ireland.

One of rugby’s most celebrated wing wonders may no longer be crossing the whitewash for Munster, but Doug Howlett can still play an important part in shaping the province’s future in his role as a corporate ambassador.

Plans for an €11.5m performing arts village at the University of Limerick were revealed today.