Two decades after they brought us ‘Girl Power’ and momentarily took over the world, a new exhibition pays tribute to the Spice Girls. From tracksuits to platforms, Suzanne Harrington takes a look.

Here's your morning news bulletin...

It would be foolish to imagine that, even after two decades of painful unearthing that we are aware of the all of the horrors inflicted on vulnerable children entrusted to religious organisations.

Here's your lunchtime news bulletin.

A full programme of races started the biennial Volvo Cork Week yesterday as strong winds gave way to moderate offshore breezes for the 100-boat fleet competing around the harbour.

Canadian writer Heather O’Neil is one of the overseas guests at this week’s Cork International Short Story Festival, writes Richard Fitzpatrick.

A German man taking his regular morning stroll was killed by an elephant who had escaped from a nearby circus, police said today.

Singer embraces movement and visual performance as she embarks in a new theatrical direction, says Padraic Killeen

The doctor at the centre of the Baby P scandal in the UK has been fined and had conditions attached to her registration by the Medical Council.

Munster’s personnel issues in midfield have prompted the signing of the young and inexperienced South African centre Pat Howard on a three-month contract from Western Province.

Tricky shadows.

The habit of giving nicknames has been around a long time and can say a lot about the recipient — or not. Dave Kenny does some research

Ireland’s national circus has threatened legal action against a rival group after gardaí were called to a tents standoff in Cork.

Fan rings 999 to complain about Man U form

Baby Run bids to make a fairytale comeback from a lengthy lay-off and give trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies a sixth success in the Betfred Becher Chase at Aintree today.

Justin Bieber threw a party at a rented Brazilian mansion and served fans chicken nuggets and Haribo candy.

North West has been inundated with gifts from top fashion designers.

Biarritz 9 Harlequins 16

South Korean rapper PSY’s Gangnam Style has become YouTube’s most viewed video of all time.

There were more high spirits than high winds to set the first day of competitive racing off to a breezy start at Cork Week yesterday as sailors and landlubbers descended on Crosshaven for the biennial event.

Justin Bieber can't move his eyebrow after running into a glass wall on Thursday.

Two elephants involved in a crushing incident which left a circus worker fighting for his life have tested positive for drugs.

The man who survived being crushed by an elephant has rejoined the circus and will soon return to his native Spain.

RECENT events in Cork have put the spotlight on elephants.

A relative of crushed circus worker Justino Munez has arrived in Cork to maintain a vigil at his hospital bedside.

A circus worker is fighting for his life in a Cork hospital after being crushed by Baby, the runaway elephant.

A video of an elephant escaping from a Cork circus during the week has become a global sensation.

She may have proved in no uncertain terms on Wednesday the oft-quoted film line that no one puts Baby in a corner — but, back with her fellowelephants, the famous 2.5 tonne escapee has brought a whole new level of publicity to the Courtney Brothers Circus.

It’s hardly surprising that poor Baby the elephant made a bid for freedom in Cork City from the misery of her circus prison (Irish Examiner, Mar 28).

Animal rights groups plan to picket the circus from which an elephant escaped before going walkabout in a Cork City car park.

Robbie Williams shares his bed with his eight dogs.

Clermont Auvergne 28 Racing Metro 17

AN appeal was issued last night for a replacement baby Jesus statue after vandals destroyed a city’s famous Christmas crib.

Leinster 24 Clermont Auvergne 8

Mel C would like the Spice Girls to put on a “demure” performance at the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony.

Boyzone have hit the top of the UK album charts today with the release of their new album 'Brothers'.

A BABY born at home attended by a self-employed midwife died from natural causes, a Cork coroner found (November 6).

MIKE PHILLIPS handed Wales an injury scare during Ospreys 25-24 Heineken Cup Pool Three victory over Clermont Auvergne at the Liberty Stadium yesterday.

Geri Halliwell, Emma Bunton, Mel B and Mel C are reportedly planning another reunion tour, although further details remain unknown.

Destiny's Child singer Michelle Williams has revealed the R'n'B trio - consisting of Beyonce Knowles, Kelly Rowland and herself - were in awe of the Spice Girls for years.

BABY Maya Condor doesn’t know it but her birth in a Bolivian delivery room this week was celebrated by strangers as far away as Brussels, the United States and Ireland.

France have made four changes in personnel to their 23-man squad for the RBS 6 Nations Championship match against England at Twickenham on Sunday week.

France did Ireland a big favour as they ended Welsh dreams of back-to-back Grand Slams by coming from behind to win the first RBS 6 Nations match to ever be played on a Friday night.