What did the Romans ever do for Ireland? Not a lot, it seems.

So, when is Micheál going to be thrown to the lions?

After a musical education that involved UCC and the Phoenix Bar, trad stalwart Con ‘Fada’ Ó Drisceoil has released a new collection of comic songs, writes Pet O’Connell

Our regular contributors select their highlights of the year.

If they beat us to go to the World Cup, we’ll cry for six months, writes Enda McEvoy

The Shortest History of Germany by James Hawes Old Street Publishing Review: Des Breen

Everywhere I go, people always ask me: who I am, and where do I come from. And I always tell them, I’m from Dripsey, MIGHTY, MIGHTY DRIPSEY.

The creed that freedom and the rule of law are inextricable has formed the backbone of democratic theory at least since the time of Cicero, writes Vittorio Bufacchi.

The last time Kilkenny retained the All Ireland, Enda Kenny was Taoiseach. The last time Cork retained the All Ireland, Bertie Ahern was Taoiseach. The last time Galway retained the All Ireland, CJ Haughey was Taoiseach. The last time Tipperary retained the All- Ireland, Brian Boru was Taoiseach.

 

Stanley Johnson, father of Boris Johnson, says he stands by his initial reaction to the decision by Michael Gove to contest the leadership of the Conservative Party.

The final exams of the Junior Certificate tested students in a number of language subjects.

Larry David has spoken - Curb Your Enthusiasm is back.

On the 400th anniversary of his death, William Shakespeare is rightly celebrated worldwide as possibly the greatest dramatist of all time.

A biscuit or a Bard? As the world marks the great writer’s 400th anniversary, Ger Fitzgibbon reflects on how Irish people drawn to his work included rebels holed up in Jacobs during the 1916 Rising.

For how much longer can Fine Gael, and Fianna Fáil keep on defying the basic laws of political science? The centre-right won this election.

If the pen is mightier than the sword, then satire is the scimitar of political pomposity, argues Rita de Brún.

Genghis Khan had an extraordinary mind and was a master psychologist and knew how to use cruelty to succeed. A new biography, finds Richard Fitzpatrick, explains how he became such a dominant figure.

Every country has its hidden gems, but it’s possible that Portugal has more than most in its collection of pousadas — or high-end historic lodging houses. Tony Clayton-Lea travelled to Portugal to road-test a few of these palatial pousadas, as well as taking in the Portuguese interior.

Broadcaster Dave Fanning shares some wordly wisdom.

This is where the life begins —

“To infinity... and beyond” – the line uttered by Toy Story’s Buzz Lightyear - has triumphed over some of the most memorable movie classics to be named the best film quote of all time.

The ratio of virtuous to venal politicians at local level is probably no different to that ratio anywhere else on the political pyramid but by their very immediacy, by their in-your-face familiarity, their foibles are all the more easily seen and criticised.

Ender’s Game (12A)

RICK GEKOSKI’s book, Lost, Stolen or Shredded, is an expertly told tale of the shadowy world of books, manuscripts and artworks that have disappeared.

HOME, 8pm — “Bradley Wiggins is on the Honours list,” my husband informs me as I enter the kitchen.

Ang Lee wants to direct Angelina Jolie in 'Cleopatra'.

When historians of the future dig beneath the rubble of 21st-century Italy, they are likely to view Silvio Berlusconi as the last Roman emperor.

Almost 6,500 Leaving Certificate students were entered for yesterday’s higher level agricultural science exams, which teachers considered quite demanding.

Kathryn Rudge is savouring her role in Opera North’s production of Giulio Cesare in Dublin next week, Nikki ffrench Davis reports

Any child born today will celebrate their birthday every four years. Margaret Neylon looks at the significance of emerging on Feb 29

A LARGE congregation of family, friends, representatives of the legal profession, members of the judiciary and civic dignitaries gathered at St Patrick’s Church on the Lower Road in Cork yesterday for the funeral Mass of retired Circuit Court Judge Anthony G Murphy who died on Sunday, aged 80.

I MUST commend Michael D Higgins for recommending that Dublin City Council Labour councillors do not block Senator David Norris from entering the Presidential race.

Ciarán Hinds, star of film and TV, returns to the Abbey after 20 years, in Juno and the Paycock, says Pádraic Killeen.

ONE of the most interesting aspects of my day job is getting to hear wedding speeches before they are delivered.

AS the election campaign nears the end of a second week, it offers an opportunity to step back for a moment and reflect on matters more general.

'Sex And The City' star Kim Cattrall kept fans guessing today about whether there would be a third movie of the hit series.

THERE is a cracking scene in Monty Python’s ‘Life of Brian’ where the Peoples’ Front of Judea – or is it the Judean People’s Front? – are plotting the eviction of Julius Caesar and his legions from the Holy Land.

I CAME, I saw, I conquered — the message from Julius Caesar to the Senate in Rome after his victory over Pharnaces to retake the Eastern Provinces in 47 BC, probably the most succinct message ever sent.