Des Breen looks at a landmark book which not only shines a light on the creativity of Irish artists and writers, but also on the philistinism of the nation.

The testimony of a man aged 91, who died earlier this year, has provided an intriguing insight into the strong republican affiliations of a group of set dancers photographed at a crossroads in Ireland more than 100 years ago.

Sinéad Callanan, a student of Castletroy College in Limerick, was a prizewinner in the all-island Decade of Centenaries schools essay competition for this study of Na Fianna Éireann

An extract from Sean Ó Sé’s new book recalls wartime in West Cork and those first steps towards a life in music.

It’s been a tourist secret for decades, but it’s time Carlingford got its place in the sun, writes Tony-Clayton Lea.

Garda dogs will soon become a common sight at children’s wards in two Cork hospitals as part of a plan to brighten up their lives.

Do you know your Setanta from your Cúchulainn?

Michael O’Loughlin was born in Dublin. For many years he lived in Holland, but he returned home to settle down several years ago. He has published five collections with Raven Arts Press and New Island Books. He will read next month at the Cork Spring Poetry Festival. 

Tales of ghost ships and a hidden city are among a wealth of folklore explored by a pioneering heritage trail in a spectacular part of Clare which could provide a template for a series of walking routes along the Wild Atlantic Way.

From prisons to coastal Norway, The Panel comedian has performed his stand-up seemingly everywhere, says Jonathan deBurca Butler.

Calls home to mammy are a part of the Irish emigrant experience, and there will be many of them for rugby star Brian O’Driscoll’s last home game for Ireland, against Italy in the Aviva stadium.

A company set up in a hurling-mad school has won a top prize at a student enterprise competition for its camán-shaped keyrings customised with school, club, and county crests.

Men are expected to keep their feelings in check but this can get in the way of developing an emotional literacy, says Dave Kenny.

A strange phenomenon has been occurring in Laois.

Having re-branded to capitalise on its Irish identity, a Co Louth chocolate company is developing its export trade to Dubai, China and Japan and hopes to surpass last year’s 30% growth in turnover, writes Trish Dromey

Iggy Pop , Cuchulainn and a suicide cluster have influenced Peter Murphy’s second novel, he explains how and why they got there to Declan Burke

How times change!

There have been many great nights at Tralee over the years but Saturday’s Betdaq Night of Champions will surely be one of the greatest ever.

Beelicious Recipes with Honey compiled and illustrated by Dolores Keaveney (DBee Press; €9.99) is an exuberant, colourful book of simple recipes that will inspire creative youngsters to don their chefs’ hats and stun family and friends with mouth-watering honey dishes.

Kerry could be the location for a Hollywood blockbuster based on the life and adventures of mythological hero Cúchulainn.

Versatile actor Michael Fassbender is taking on another challenging film role — as legendary Celtic warrior Cúchulainn.

CARLINGFORD, Co Louth, is a small and particularly beautiful village situated in the extreme north-east corner of our little Republic — the very place, in fact, where you can see the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea.

OLLIE Bray can begin to dream of further Derby glory after the powerfully built Royal Patrol confirmed his standing as one of Ireland’s most exciting young trackers with a superb last grasp victory in the ECC Timber Open 550 at Shelbourne Park on Saturday night.

It may be only six months since the 2010 Kerry Agribusiness Irish St Leger final was run at the brand new Limerick Stadium but a huge crowd will be convening again on Saturday to savour the 2011 decider where there will be very strong local interest.

A priceless stained-glass window commemorating teenage IRA volunteer Kevin Barry has been given a new home at his alma mater.

A Louth village closely linked to the legends of Cuchulainn won the coveted Tidy Towns 2010 for its idyllic charm today.

IT WASN’T just the slate-grey skies and buffeting wind which created the chilly, sterile atmosphere that followed Sunday’s All-Ireland final in Croke Park.

Irish greyhound racing will break new ground next Friday at Harold’s Cross when the Gain Feeds Corn Cuchulainn final will be broadcast live around the world via the RTE website.

WHEN IS a five-point margin not a five-point margin?

WE own the fastest and most spectacular ball game in the world in the code of hurling.

I MET Senator David Norris last week on the final episode of Questions & Answers.

It’s another massive weekend to savour with the highlight being the final of an absorbing looking Sporting Press Irish Oaks at Shelbourne Park on Saturday.

WHAT is going to happen in Cork? Another week gone by and more damage done to the GAA. Whatever the rights or the wrongs on either side, this stand-off needs to be sorted or at least brought to a conclusion speedily.

MORE than a quarter of the country’s 166 TDs are landlords, owning 112 properties for rent between them.

IN the spring of 2002, Michael McDowell climbed a ladder to hang posters in his constituency as that year’s general election drew ever closer.

One of Ireland’s oldest and most unusual fairs gets under way in Co Kerry today.

Set on the edge of Waterfall village, it is two miles to the Rise in Bishopstown, and another few hundred yards to the city’s city ring road network.

YOU can show something for what it is, you can show something for what it isn't.

SEAN KELLY has refused to rule out the possibility of Guinness extending its sponsorship of the All-Ireland hurling championship once the existing deal expires next season.

DOWN legend Mickey Linden has proposed a radical rule change to stamp out cynical and persistent fouling on forwards.

THERE are moments on the journey which is the Northern Ireland peace process when a news story comes along that jolts us from the moral anaesthetic we must stay under in order to get through this process.

A DISTRAUGHT Neath supporter runs amok at a WRU committee meeting, dousing the committee in petrol before setting them alight.