Valerie O’Connor looks at a list of new books that focus on health and well-being and, most especially, quality food. 

Mel Mercier tells Eoghan O’Sullivan about plans for the UCC-based Cork Gamelan Ensemble to release their debut album

Rachel Marie Walsh is all about that base this week. Her pick of this season’s foundations work to improve and protect skin while making your face look flawless.

Irish Illustrator Niamh Sharkey’s cute character is more popular than ever, writes Ed Power

Rachel Marie Walsh tries out a range of products, from cleansers, blushes and brow kits, to help you put on your best face for 2015.

When used appropriately, makeup can be your face’s true ally in the fight to look youthful and fresh.

CD: Johnny Cash

Benefit Stay Flawless 15-Hour Primer, €24.50

The brooding sound design of a play about the Virgin Mary is tipped to win an Irishman a Tony after earning him a prestigious award in New York.

Irish author Colm Tóibín has been nominated for a Tony Award, one of the world’s most prestigious prizes for theatre.

Lance Armstrong’s former team-mate Tyler Hamilton believes the disgraced cyclist is “not 100 per cent” sorry.

One of Lance Armstrong’s biggest critics today dismissed the former cyclist’s public show of contrition, labelling him “delusional”.

Sixty years on, Waiting for Godot is as alluringly mysterious as ever, writes Jonathan deBurca Butler.

THE extraordinary sound of UCC’s Javanese Gamelan returns to Cork Opera House this Thursday.

A 23-YEAR-old Canadian student, accused of attacking and injuring a French doctor in Dublin’s Temple Bar, has been allowed to return on bail to his home in Quebec.

A Canadian student accused of assault causing harm to a French medic in Temple Bar is to apply to the High Court for permission to travel home while on bail.

The High Court has yet to decide if a Canadian student can return home pending his trial for attacking a French doctor in Dublin's Temple Bar, a judge heard today.

A Canadian student accused of attacking and injuring a French doctor in Dublin's Temple Bar wants to be let return home pending his court appearances, a judge heard today.

A court has heard a Canadian man accused of an assault on a French medic in Temple Bar, Dublin last weekend insists he's innocent of any wrongdoing.

Aironi 6 Bath 22

ULSTER got their Heineken Cup campaign off to the perfect start with a five-pointer against Aironi at Ravenhill last night.

Ulster 30 Aironi 6

Aironi 9 Edinburgh 10

Aironi 15 Ulster 22

Ulster will have to survive without Rory Best and Stephen Ferris for their first away date in the Magners League at Aironi in Italy this weekend.

HAVING survived the skirmishes, Munster won the battle and secured the victory demanded of them against Italian newcomers Aironi at Musgrave Park on Saturday night.

Munster 33 Aironi 17

STARS in their Eyes could be the title for a unique concert next week when musical machines are unleashed to an audience eager to hear improvisation in the widest possible meaning of the word.

FOR character recognition, manual co-ordination, and delightful fun, The Big Barn Dance by Jenny Arthur (Caterpillar; €11.50 HB) is the bee’s knees. The full spreads in this sturdy board book each focus on a particular farm animal. Press the right identifying button on the attached strip panel and the relevant creature will moo, baa, quack etc. Excellent entertainment for age 18 months and up.

IF YOU can draw inspiration from wizards and fairies then you could land a €5,000 publishing deal.

January 18, 2003. Pool Two: Munster 33 Gloucester 6

DEAN RYAN believes yesterday’s dramatic 36-34 European Challenge Cup final victory over London Irish can be the start of a successful era for Gloucester.

Gloucester 31 Worcester 23

A former teacher armed with a handgun surrendered today after taking nearly two dozen people hostage in a classroom in France, police said.

A former teacher armed with a handgun and reportedly suffering from depression took some 20 people hostage today – 18 of them students – holding them in a high school classroom, French police and a school employee said.

BRENDAN Gleeson headed a star line-up at last night’s world premiere of Studs, the Paul Mercier feelgood action comedy.

London Irish breezed into the European Challenge Cup quarter-finals against a poor Pau side at Madejski Stadium today.

London Irish 25 Gloucester 10

Zurich Premiership Gloucester have completed the signing of French fly-half Ludovic Mercier on a three-year contract.

Pau 37 Brive 16

BURLY actor Brendan Gleeson has called on his coaching skills in the new soccer film Studs to kick a team of no-hopers into cup-winning heroes.

Burly actor Brendan Gleeson has called on all his coaching skills in the new soccer film Studs to kick a football team of no-hopers into cup winning heroes.

FRONT row brothers, Simon and Rory Best have been called into the Ulster panel for Friday’s Celtic League match against Edinburgh at Ravenhill.