President Michael D Higgins and senior government ministers have led the tributes to the 1916 fallen at the Kilmainham Jail site where they were executed in an emotional reminder of the deaths of the Rising leaders.

One of the key commemorations of the 1916 Easter Rising centenary has taken place with President Michael D Higgins honouring all those who fought and died for Irish freedom.

Brendan Behan died 50 years ago this week, He was as famous for his drinking as for his undoubted talents, says Ryle Dwyer

A computer has helped a pensioner discover his father’s amazing role in the 1916 Rising, and now he wants families nationwide to find out more of their own family histories ahead of the centenary in 2016.

Few people know the words of ‘Amhrán na bhFiann’, and fewer still know what they mean, so why, asks Ryle Dwyer, is playing ‘Ireland’s Call’ at rugby matches such a big deal?

It is uncertain if the relevant action has been taken to renew the State’s copyright of the national anthem, which expires at the end of this month.

Odd the things you notice when you’re early.

LIKE any half-decent barrister, TUV leader Jim Allister understands that the people who sit on juries don’t necessarily use their intelligence when making decisions.

NOW that the British chancellor of the exchequer has said Britain stands ready to participate in rescuing the state-owned Irish banks, it is appropriate that we should recall the words of an old song.

THE Irish food sector continues to offer hope for the future.

Batchelors and Origin Foods are to merge to form Valeo Foods, it was announced today.

A HIGH COURT judge yesterday warned of the dangers associated with the growing numbers of guns in circulation in Ireland.

WE CAN ask no more of the Irish rugby team than they deliver optimum performance at the appropriate time. The appropriate time is upon us and we all hope they are at their very best in Stade de France this evening.

“A CROWD of us were going along the Shepherd’s Bush Road when out of a lane came a chap with a donkey — just the sort of donkey and just the sort of cart they have at home,” Michael Collins recalled. “He came out quite suddenly and abruptly and we all cheered him. Nobody who has not been in exile will understand me, but I stand for that.”

Sons of the Gael! Men of the Pale!

I READ recently that the height of women recruits to the Irish army is to be reduced to 5ft 2 ins (Irish Examiner, July 3).

THE tricolour used in the 1916 Easter Rising was sold yesterday to an anonymous bidder for €600,000.

TWO Sinn Féin members were arrested yesterday during protests against the sale of historical artefacts associated with the 1916 Easter Rising, including the first draft of the Irish national anthem.

The original, hand-written draft of the Irish national anthem was reportedly withdrawn from auction last night after failing to reach its target price.

THERE were fears yesterday that the original, hand-written words and music of Ireland's national anthem could leave the country after an auction in April with a guide price of €1.2 million.

A MAN was charged yesterday in relation to a stabbing incident in which a 19-year-old was fatally injured.