Although Storm Ciara forced cancellation of the open-air event, EU Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan lifted spirits with a rousing speech at the formal handover of the European Capital of Culture title.

A major sale of Irish and international art will take place in the RDS on Monday, writes Des O’Sullivan

This distinctive Crosshaven home has stunning views to lift the spirits, but also has some quirky hidden depths, finds Tommy Barker.

Des O’Sullivan previews the August bank holiday weekend auctions in Ballyconneely, Connemara.

Your guide to what's on this week by Des O'Sullivan.

The two-day antiques fair at the Cork International Airport Hotel today and tomorrow and Aidan Foley’s sale in aid of the RNLI in Kinsale on September 16 are certain to create a lot of interest locally.

It was meant to be Harry and Meghan’s moment but their spotlight was very nearly stolen by another audacious couple.

It was meant to be Harry and Meghan’s moment but their spotlight was very nearly stolen by another audacious couple.

Ireland’s bid to gain a seat on the United Nations Security Council got off to a rocking start as more than 190 ambassadors were guests of Ireland at U2’s sold-out show at Madison Square Garden in New York last night.

A man has been jailed for two and a half years for the “insidious and frightening” harassment of a woman at her workplace.

A Paul Henry painting is among the works going under the hammer at the RDS, writes Des O’Sullivan.

Des O’Sullivan finds top names for sale in Skibbereen auction.

ONLINE AUCTION

Des O’Sullivan previews a sale in Dublin, which is already exciting interest in previews in Cork and London.

C&S Blue Demons will face the might of Killester this afternoon in the first semi final of the Senior Men’s National Cup at Neptune Stadium.

Two early works, unseen since the 1940’s, were acquired directly from the artist, Des O’Sullivan reports.

Des O’Sullivan reports on a three day flurry of art and antique events around the country this bank holiday.

Des O’Sullivan says a 1936 oil by Jack B Yeats, ‘Hearing The Nightingale’, is exciting featured lot.

Singleton’s Supervalu Brunell created the shock of the season when defeating DCU Mercy 69-52 in the second leg Premier Women’s league semi-final at the DCU complex.

Irish art will come under the hammer in Dublin and London next week. Fresh from his viewing in Skibbereen last weekend Morgan O’Driscoll will bring 124 lots to the RDS for auction on Monday at 6 pm.

IRISH literature, myth and legend inspired the Westerness series by the celebrated Northern Irish painter Colin Middleton (1910-1983).

Variety on offer at the Ib Jorgensen Collection, writes Des OSullivan.

4/5

John Behan: Man with Fish (Me and the Mudder-in Law)

MUSIC NEWS:

MARSH’S VIEWING

ARTWORKS by Norah McGuinness, John Behan and Arthur Maderson are sure to be a draw at Woodward’s summer sale in Cork City centre next Wednesday at 6pm.

BRONZE Irish wolfhound by Stephen McKeown, occupying a space on Ilen St in Skibbereen, drew great attention over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Irish and international work on sale comes from estate of deceased collector.

New and established names feature at Dolan’s sale in the Rochestown Park Hotel tomorrow, says Des O’Sullivan.

NATIONAL CUP SEMI-FINAL:

A stunning second-half performance by men’s Premier League leaders Killester saw them run out comfortable 87-63 winners over Belfast Star at Clontarf.

AN 1829 watercolour by Daniel Maclise RA, (1806-1870), of a young girl at play comes up at Morgan O’Driscoll’s sale at the Clyde Court Hotel in Dublin next Monday evening.

THOSE in need of a fix at this fallow time of year for auctions can always head west.