Christmas was different, very different. It only really dawned on me how different as I strolled through Dublin airport on St Stephen’s morning at 7.45 rather than 5.45.

“I can understand how Bob’s comments have caused offence. However, I don’t think there was any malice behind what he said."

Last Saturday I went to Haydock to watch Eight And Bob run in a valuable three-mile handicap hurdle, he being owned by the Act D Wagg syndicate of which my wife, Gillian, is a member.

Daphne Wright’s major new exhibition at the Crawford addresses such subjects as ageing and consumerism, writes Colette Sheridan

Born on October 16, 1913, Nancy Stewart (nee Bird) from Clonard is older than the State and still lives mostly independently in her own home with the help of family who stay with her.

Judging by the coverage on national and local radio on Friday morning, what we were was good and mad at Met Éireann.

British Petroleum has announced that Irishman Bernard Looney is to take over as chief executive following Bob Dudley's decision to step down from the role after a 40-year career.

Cork director John Crowley impressed with Brooklyn and Intermission. Now he helms the film adaptation of bestselling book The Goldfinch, writes Esther McCarthy.

Here is a selection of people who have recently been appointed to interesting new roles.

Aer Lingus has located missing baggage containing a man's ashes.

As the Caped Crusader hits 80 years of protecting Gotham City, Chris Wasser looks at the history of the world’s darkest superhero.

In a video message posted on Father’s Day, OJ has insisted he never had any ‘romantic or sexual interest’ in Kris Jenner.

Sunday Sovereign was the star turn at Tipperary, the youngster enhancing his reputation with another deeply impressive display.

Goethe wrote in 1832, “I hate all bungling like sin. but most of all bungling in state affairs, which produce nothing but mischief to thousands and millions”.

The battered champions will be wincing through their pain today at a pearl of wisdom first spoken by an Anglo-Irishman just before he won the world heavyweight title: “The bigger they are, the harder they fall.”

No matter how well things are going, there is always something to knock you off kilter.

Paul Townend four winners, Ruby Walsh three and Rachael Blackmore two, the fascinating characters who largely dominated last Sunday’s racing in Ireland - at Punchestown and Cork, writes Pat Keane.

Castlegrace Paddy took full advantage of the early exit of Great Field to run out a most impressive winner of the Kerry Group Hilly Way Chase at Cork.

For the past 18 years Aengus ‘Gussie’ Shanahan remained a ghostly image on a missing persons poster.

HADN’T anticipated taking much comfort from this tepid shower of a presidential campaign but that’s what has happened. Peter Casey is the man responsible for it, writes Alison O’Connor. 

Pixar’s long-awaited sequel will reintroduce audiences to the Parr family, who, in line with the original animation — which has grossed $633m since 2004 — continue to grapple with their super-powers, while maintaining a quiet suburban life, writes Gemma Dunn.

Corkman Finbarr Kirwan, formerly of the Irish Sports Council, is now senior director of performance with the US Olympic Committee. His job is putting US athletes on an Olympic podium, the currency he deals in is medals. Billy Walsh has already been tempted Stateside to drive standards in American boxing and Kirwan sees more Irish coaches moving to the US.

A former army officer who set up a music school with the aim of promoting music as a tool for social inclusion is the winner of Cork Person of the Year Award.

The school holidays are nearly here and with it being so cold outside, it can be a challenge entertaining kids every day for two weeks.

The school holidays are nearly here and with it being so cold outside, it can be a challenge entertaining kids every day for two weeks.

With over 100 years of experience between them, the conductor and first female member of the Butter Exchange Band are adamant that the much-loved Cork institution will continue into the future, writes Irene Long

Eddie Jones has criticised Australia for seeking to influence referee Ben O’Keeffe through the media.

He was a freeman of the city but he was also a slave to his conscience.

One of the strengths of Wexford Festival Opera is the variety of events running throughout the days to entertain visitors to the seaside town.

US president Donald Trump's criticism of American football players who kneel during the national anthem has sparked a mass increase in such protests around the NFL, as about 200 players sat, knelt or raised their fists in defiance.

Jane Fonda and Robert Redford have reunited for a new Netflix film, writes Helen

What is it that makes Jim Gavin such a successful manager?

“Nineteen hyenas and a broken vacuum cleaner control the White House.”

reland boasts some of the world’s best roads. John O’Mahony went exploring in the spectacular new BMW 5 series

The difference between Galway 2017 and previous versions?

Britain’s Prince Harry remarked on the “incredible life” of a Co Cork-born RAF doctor as he opened a medical centre in England dedicated to his memory.

A former Southampton FC youth coach has denied a series of charges of sexual offences following a police probe into historical child abuse in the football community.

Pádraig Harrington is sitting in the iconic art deco clubhouse at Royal Birkdale, having lunch and shooting the breeze.

A former Southampton youth coach has been charged with a catalogue of sexual offences by police investigating historical allegations of child abuse in the football community.

Before the 2013 Leinster final, we were listening to a standard backing track in Dublin.

The spectacular Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series returned to the Aran Islands on Saturday. Jacqui Corcoran was there feeling just a little concerned for the bravehearts on the ledge.

The man who first imagined the grassy Wisconsin cattle farm as a potential piece of the US Open’s hallowed history will see that vision come to life this week.