THE man who is widely credited with shaping the direction of the Irish Times over the best part of the second half of the 20th Century – Major Thomas Bleakley McDowell – died earlier this week, aged 86.

YOU’RE A Star sensation, Maeve O’Donovan was involved in a medical drama in the days leading up to last Sunday’s round of the RTÉ talent contest.

AS she prepared for the latest round of RTÉ’s You’re A Star programme next Sunday, teenage singing sensation Maeve O’Donovan yesterday spoke of her first, and saddest, public performance.