WHEN you’re a scriptwriter whose latest TV series is an irreverent take on the 1916 Rising, it throws you a little when you meet your director for the first time and realise he’s a descendant of one of the most celebrated fighters to die at the GPO.

Five things to do this week in the worlds of arts

Norway may be expensive, but the experiences of getting up close with whales and catching the sacred Northern Lights are most definitely worth it, writes Manchán Magan.

Manchán Magan signed up for a mountain skills course and explored the Burren with his new appreciation of map reading.

War reporter Tim Butcher and Irish nomad Manchán Magan are among those telling their tales at the Immrama festival in Lismore, writes Orlagh Ní Arrachtáin

IN THAT traditional pre-Christmas lull on the TV front, most of the networks are holding their goodies for the holiday season, and only the reality show finals are causing a real stir.

THE co-ops’ umbrella body, ICOS, has been described as a “toothless talking shop” at the European Dairy Farmers Congress in Cork.

Bank of Ireland has announced the appointments of George Magan as deputy governor and Caroline Marland as senior independent director with immediate effect.

Fresh speculation that Sainsbury may face a £5 billion (€7.19bn) takeover attempt lifted shares in the ailing supermarket chain higher yesterday.

Ailing supermarket chain Sainsbury’s is the target of a £5bn (€7.2bn) takeover bid being prepared by an ex-treasurer of the Conservative party, it was reported today.

The Bank of Ireland has appointed David Dilger and George Magan to its Court of Directors with effect from tomorrow.