The Late Late Toy Show is more than just an entertainment programme. It’s part of our culture and, not only that, it marks the official start of a real Irish Christmas, suggests Jen Hogan.

A blindfolded woman who says she was duped into having sex with a male impersonator said they also sunbathed and watched television together with her mask still on, a jury heard.

The mother of Rhys Jones's killer was told today that she faces jail for lying to detectives investigating the schoolboy's murder.