Fifty years ago, an IRA bomb belatedly decapitated one of the most iconic monuments to British rule in Ireland, writes Billy O’Riordan.

An economic think-tank has sought to challenge the perception that social welfare rates are “generous” when measured against the remuneration the person would receive if they chose to work.

Seconds out, round two. After last Sunday’s rumbustious draw, never has boxing parlance been more appropriate. So what can we expect this evening? More of the same? Here are 10 pointers:

The Nevin Economic Research Institute has warned of the potential for low pay in certain sectors of the economy to become “embedded” and a permanent feature of some individuals within the labour market.

One-in-four Irish workers are earning less than the living wage threshold with female employees the worst affected, according to a study conducted by the Nevin Economic Research Institute.

Peter Clinch, one-time advisor to former taoiseach, Brian Cowen, has been appointed chair of the National Competitiveness Council.

The head of the Nevin Economic Research Institute has warned that an “almost complete” removal of investment from quality public housing following the financial collapse has left a legacy “that will take years to address”.

Liam McHale has said he will never again be involved with a Mayo team as the row to appoint a successor to James Horan as the county’s football manager festered further last night.

The Nevin Economic Research Institute forecasts that the economy will grow by 0.5% this year and 1.1% next year, with unemployment dropping to 10.4% by 2016, according to its latest Quarterly Economic Observer.

Enda Kenny was a Taoiseach in freefall.

Come home to Clon, the kettle’s on: that’s the motto of Clonakilty as it launches a programme of events commemorating its 400 years in existence — and invites emigrants back for a visit.

People who rely on social welfare or earn the minimum wage are living on incomes which often fall far below what is considered necessary for an acceptable life, a new report has found.

Many households relying on social welfare or the minimum wage do not have enough money to make ends meet, according to a new report.

TAXPAYERS claim more than €11 billion a year in tax breaks — 20% of the total tax-take — mostly employee tax credits and pension and housing reliefs.

I ENJOY doing the census. Dare I use the word fun to describe a task, which some do see as a deep invasion of privacy with 34 questions in this one.

MISCALCULATIONS by the Department of Finance has left the working poor out of pocket when they could have received the benefits of refunded tax credits, a non-profit organisation claims.

A member of the commission on taxation has said that Ireland's taxation system was unsustainable and we are now learning the hard way.

Noel Connelly and Pat Holmes, who were both instrumental in Mayo's National League title win in 2001, have been chosen to manage Mayo's Under-21 footballers for next season.

GAA PRESIDENT Sean Kelly last night applauded referees for their consistent application of the rules after a weekend of red card fever in the Allianz Football League.