Henry Ford initially rejected a proposal from Cork to confer him with an honorary degree, but there were no such problems when his great-grandson was the proud recipient of an Honorary Doctorate from UCC during his recent visit.

When Ford was described by UCC President Professor Patrick G. O’Shea as “a Cork company with an American subsidiary”, it was a remark that perfectly captured the light-hearted mood during the visit of William Clay Ford Jr.

The global head of the Ford empire has sent a bullish message to Apple after it announced plans to break into the motoring market: "We are willing to take on all comers."

The 21st century has been a rollercoaster ride for the car industry, and Ford continues to look in the rearview mirror at the past with pride, while remaining firmly focused on the goals ahead.

Dublin-based airline CityJet has revealed a 66% reduction in operating losses in 2015 over 2014 as it published results today.

CityJet is to discontinue its service from Cork to London City Airport from June 26, just eight months after its launch.

Google chief executive Sundar Pichai received a $100.5 million (€88.9m) pay package in 2015, according to a filing from parent company Alphabet yesterday.

Kelsius – a food monitoring technology firm – said it has completed a contract to install its new and “unique” FoodCheck technology systems in SuperValu and Centra stores.

Canadian mining firm Almonty Industries says it has no remaining interest in Co Meath-based company Ormonde Mining now that the latter has approval to proceed with its planned partial sale of its flagship asset.

It seems married women won't be appearing in the Rose of Tralee any time soon.

Meath-headquartered housebuilder Abbey has expressed confidence in the Irish market and expects its UK operations to drive revenue growth next year.

World markets came under pressure today as gloomy comments from the head of the European Central Bank offset optimism surrounding emergency action taken to boost the UK and eurozone economies.

The number of UK companies in critical financial distress increased by 24% in the final quarter of 2011, fuelling fears that the British economy is approaching "rock bottom".

The AIB has appointed a new Chief Executive.

The AIB Executive Chairman David Hodgkinson has said the European Central Bank interest rate cut will not be passed on to customers.

The Executive Chairman of AIB David Hodgkinson is again expressing deep regret for the crisis in the bank.

AIB has released half year results showing profit before tax of €2.2bn to the end of June.

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has told the Dáil there has been no request to raise the €500,000 ceiling on bankers pay.

AIB is to reorganise itself into a single business in what the bank called the most challenging change programme it has ever undertaken.

Nationalised UK lender Northern Rock said today it was paying staff £13.1m (€15.2m) in bonuses for 2010 despite posting a multimillion-pound loss for the year.

Building materials and DIY group Grafton today posted pre-tax profits of €25.6m for full-year 2010, up 88% on the previous year.

UK sportswear and equipment retailer JD Sports announced today that it has acquired 100% of the shareholding of Dublin-based Champion Sports.

JD Sports Fashion today shrugged off the disruption caused by the snow in December as it revealed another better-than-expected trading performance and an uplift in profits.

The Government will not impose a super-tax on the €40m in bonuses set to be paid to Allied Irish Bank executives, Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan said tonight.

New AIB Executive Chairman David Hodgkinson has told shareholders the problems facing the bank are difficult but they can be overcome.

Anglo Irish Bank is expected to cost taxpayers €29.3bn, it was revealed today.

Budget hotel chain Travelodge stepped up its expansion today with the addition of 52 hotels from pubs and restaurant group Mitchells & Butlers.

High street giant Alliance Boots today pushed profits above £1bn (€1.17bn) for the first time and mapped out future growth plans despite “challenging” conditions.

The Asian Tour announced their schedule for 2010 today with five new events added to the circuit and a total of almost $40m (€27m) on offer in prize money.

Italian restaurant chain Carluccio’s today said recent trading had been better than expected despite “challenging” conditions denting profits.

Retailer Marks & Spencer said today that consumers were feeling more confident as it posted a better-than-expected sales performance.

FINANCE Minister Brian Lenihan said allowing Anglo Irish Bank to fail was not an option.

GRAFTON, the builders merchants and DIY group, said in the first four months of this year it was confronted with “the most challenging trading conditions in decades”.

Manchester City have terminated discussions with AC Milan over the proposed transfer of former world footballer of the year Kaka.

MANCHESTER City have opened talks with AC Milan about signing Brazilian superstar midfielder Kaka.

Ailing high street giant Marks & Spencer today unveiled its worst sales figures for almost a decade and plans to axe up to 1,230 jobs.

Wall Street resumed its rally today, rising moderately as investors saw rebounding commodities prices as a reason to snap up energy and materials stocks.

Marks & Spencer today said half-year profits fell by a third after sales suffered in the toughest conditions to hit the retailer since the early 1990s.

Struggling retail giant Marks & Spencer today revealed deepening sales gloom with its worst performance for more than three years.

Northern Rock confirmed today that its new bosses have launched an investigation into whether legal action can be taken against the now nationalised bank’s former board.

Construction company Graham is to create 200 jobs in Co Down after being given the go-ahead for a new £10m (€12.5m) eco-friendly HQ which it plans as a showcase for potential clients.

A Northern Ireland pharmaceutical company today announced an investment of £83m (€119m) which could create almost 300 new jobs.

For the second time in a month the European Tour have angered their Asian counterparts by announcing a new event without co-sanctioning it with them.