As an uncompromising atheist, Roy Hattersley is an unlikely candidate to tell the story of the Catholic Church in Ireland and Britain, but he does so in masterly style, as Michael Duggan discovers 

Rose Martin suggests a return ticket stocking-filler to see one of the glories of the Tudor Age and a house of two sides, Hampton Court Palace.

Wartski: The First 150 Years, really is something of a jewel. Author Geoffrey Munn is a familiar face on the BBC’s Antique Roadshow, where he tenderly unveils precious jewellery and object d’art brought to the wobbling tables every season.

The weather may have made it feel more like January than June for Royal Ascot trials day at Naas yesterday, but there were plenty of clues on offer for those who braved the wind and rain, not least in the shape of Anthem Alexander.

It’s the little things about Ashford Castle that makes a stay there so enjoyable, writes Conall Ó Fátharta.    

The Queen has used her Christmas Day broadcast to highlight the importance of reconciliation between opposing sides – from communities in the North to those involved in the Scottish Independence referendum.

ACTRESS and singer, Jacinta Whyte, says there is not enough work in Ireland for young people to build a career in musical theatre. 

Eddie Lynam has warned Anthem Alexander could bypass tomorrow’s Keeneland Phoenix Stakes should the ground be too soft.

Carved into the simple obelisk commemorating the fallen are the names of five sons of Margaret and John McDowell Smith.

SEWN together with as much care as this landmark State visit, it was joint admiration of a fan made from handcrafted Youghal lace which saw queen Elizabeth and President Higgins relax into laughter after the spectacle of the welcome to Windsor Castle.

A lavish royal welcome is being extended to President Michael D Higgins as he begins a landmark four-day state visit to Britain.

A final decision on Magician’s participation in the St James’s Palace Stakes will be made on Sunday after the colt sustained minor bruising following a knock on Thursday, Coolmore said.

FIRM favourite to win the Epsom Derby, 100 years ago today, was Craganour, bred by Lord Dunraven at Adare, Co Limerick, and owned by Bower Ismay, brother of the shipping magnate, J Bruce Ismay, who was rescued from the Titanic.

The Enda Bolger-trained newcomer Marlbrook lit up yesterday’s North Tipperary Foxhounds point-to-point fixture at Nenagh by destroying the opposition in the opening five-year-old geldings’ maiden.

Dan MacCarthy wonders if it’s time the effigy burning in Sussex on Guy Fawkes night next Monday was consigned to the past

Connections of New Pearl are upbeat about the colt’s chance in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot on Tuesday – despite an odds-on reverse last time ou

The IHFA Open Day takes place on Wednesday June 20 on the farm of Tom and Maura Murphy at Swiftsheath, Jenkinstown, Co. Kilkenny.

Roger Charlton’s unbridled excitement was clear for all to see after Top Offer translated some impressive homework into a winning racecourse debut at Newbury.

ROYAL Ascot 2011 will start with a clash of the titans as Goldikova takes on Canford Cliffs in the Queen Anne Stakes on Tuesday.

A ROYAL Ascot appearance in the Albany Stakes for Teolane is “60-40 in favour” according to trainer Jim Bolger.

SIR Humphrey Gilbert was the Pol Pot of his generation when it came to amassing Irish skulls, many of which ended up being used as medicine by the English aristocracy.

MIXING a perfect Bloody Mary presents the ultimate cocktail challenge, scientists have found.

Queen Mary runner-up Meow just got home to land the odds in the Listed Grangecon Stud Stakes.

MOONLIT Garden can land the Listed Danehill Dancer Stakes at Tipperary tomorrow.

JOHNNY MURTAGH wasted no time getting down to business at Tipperary last night, booting home the first three winners.

Bookmakers continue to count the cost of Royal Ascot despite making a bright start to day two.

There were plenty of Royal Ascot clues on show at Newmarket as a three-day meeting kicked off with Martyr, Bell’s Ocean and Roaring Forte all bound for the Queen’s course next month.

Roaring Forte will head to Royal Ascot after leading from pillar to post in the Edmondson Hall Solicitors & Sports Lawyers Handicap over seven furlongs at Newmarket.

Queen Mary heroine Langs Lash will not be seen in action again until she steps up in trip for a crack at the Jaguar Cars Lowther Stakes at York on August 21.

A colleague asked me last Friday if I thought Kieren Fallon or Johnny Murtagh was the better jockey.

Capable Guest ran out a shock 25-1 winner of the totesport betXtra Zetland Gold Cup in the hands of old acquaintance Joe Fanning at Redcar.

Aidan O’Brien captured his fifth Boylesports Irish 2000 Guineas as Henrythenavigator completed a Classic double under Johnny Murtagh at the Curragh.

Bahamian Babe showed bags of toe and a battling attitude to maintain her unbeaten record in the Langleys Solicitors EBF Marygate Stakes at York.

William Haggas could give his Queen Mary hopeful Danehill Destiny a prep run in the Hilary Needler Trophy at Beverley on May 28.

Henry Cecil was the toast of Newmarket after saddling a Group-race double with Classic hopeful Twice Over and injury-plagued Phoenix Tower.

You'resothrilling made up for an unlucky run at Royal Ascot with a last-gasp victory in the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Cherry Hinton Stakes.

EAGLE MOUNTAIN is a reasonably confident choice to land what looks a somewhat sub-standard Budweiser Irish Derby at the Curragh tomorrow.

David Evans looks to have a serious Royal Ascot contender in the shape of Slipasearcher following her impressive success in the toteplacepot Median Auction Maiden Fillies’ Stakes at Bath.

The UK's Duke of Edinburgh is to make a brief royal visit to Ireland today for a number of engagements.

PAVING the way, perhaps, for a royal Irish visit by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth, her husband, Prince Philip, arrives in Dublin today.

PAVING the way, perhaps, for a royal Irish visit by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth, her husband, Prince Philip, arrives in Dublin today.

Jamie Spencer has come in for the plum ride on Flashy Wings in the Stan James 1000 Guineas at the request of owner Jaber Abdullah.

DIANA Princess of Wales’s spare wedding dress, made in case of any mishaps on the big day, is up for sale.