Cormac MacConnell was chatting with interesting VIPs during his break in the Netherlands, but seems to have been even more impressed by their new no-water house plant for a future of rising seas, the amaryllis.

I have to issue a health and safety warning to all of you before proceeding any further today, says Cormac MacConnell.

This is a modern fairytale for the infants settling into their school desks for the first time this September, writes Cormac MacConnell.

I am a proud DONT KNOW, as far as the Irish pollsters are concerned, writes Cormac MacConnell.

In what will feel like the day after tomorrow, the rising generation, known as the Millenials, will be looking back on their youthful era, walking down their memory’s motorways in the same way as many of us now are led to stray down memory lane.

Like most of you, if the truth be told, I possess a dark sadistic streak.

Aye it’s true enough. Our little country school down the road there is doomed.

A leading surgeon, with half the letters of the alphabet after his name, went into his operating theatre this very morning to go to work.

I have very good news here today for all thinking farmers everywhere and, even though I may be cutting my own throat editorially by saying so, this good news contrasts sharply.

Dear Orla MacConnell (11),