From movies to music, food to fashion, our critics reveal their cultural picks for the year ahead

A pensioner dubbed the Beast of Wombwell has been found guilty of raping an 18-year-old woman weeks before he raped and killed a 14-year-old girl more than 45 years ago.

Peter Dowdall on two books that are well worth their place on any gardener’s bookshelf this season

A cancer survivor who was once told she had just six months to live is celebrating her miraculous recovery by embarking on a punishing 480km charity walk.

"Being in the bubble” is something rugby players talk about a lot, the protective blanket that separates them from the outside world and allows them to focus on that other familiar soundbite “controlling the controllables”.

In what could be termed a lightbulb moment, Shirley Leach read back her own handwriting declaring that she was to become a nun. 

Ciara Skelly, 21, was born with epilepsy, autism, and cerebral palsy.

Here’s a briefing on some of the stories and issues highlighted on irishexaminer.com today.

ANY poetry-lover who encountered Ted Hughes at the Listowel Writers Week in the 1980s is unlikely to forget this Yorkshire-man’s overwhelming presence. 

A blind man is set to swim across a stretch of Cork Harbour to raise funds for a national charity which helped transform his life.

Ed Sheeran fans from Co Meath who got engaged at his recent concert in London are desperately trying to track down footage taken of the special moment.

As RuPaul’s Drag Race begins broadcasting on TruTv, Caomhan Keane wonders why the female of the species remains a rarity in drag circles?

“I don’t think there’s any carer who wouldn’t do what we do. That’s what love is about — always looking out for the person you care for and protecting them to the best of your ability.”

Riyadh K went viral last week with a video of his mother reading his Grindr messages.

Want to feel invigorated, madly alive and have great conversation. Get thee to an outdoor sauna where you can run from 100 degree temperatures to an icy lake or sea, writes Emer Sexton

YOU are planning the dream kitchen, but are you being seduced by glossy cabinets without considering your practical needs?

EastEnders actress Linda Henry is due to stand trial today accused of racially aggravated harassment outside a Jamie Oliver restaurant.

A strange sight on Shandon caught the eyes of Shirley McCarthy and her sister on Saturday - two people balancing on a ledge of the 120 ft tall Cork landmark.

A strange sight on Shandon caught the eyes of Shirley McCarthy and her sister Susan on Saturday - two people balancing on a ledge of the 120 ft tall tower.

IT’S been that time of year when I’ve been donning my red suit, seeking to deputise for the big man. I wear a short beard all year round, but over the last couple of weeks I’ve been adding a big white fluffy one. My visiting beard, I call it.

Irish rugby legends have paid tribute to the one considered the greatest of them all as they joined friends and family of the late Jack Kyle at a special thanksgiving service.

EastEnders actress Linda Henry is to stand trial accused of racially aggravated harassment outside a Jamie Oliver restaurant.

Rachel Joyce

It started in 2004 with a freckle on her left shoulder.

‘Harry Potter’ star Michael Gambon has signed up for another JK Rowling adaptation after he was cast in the small-screen adaptation of her novel ‘The Casual Vacancy’.

Here’s our tips on what’s you should watch on the box tonight.

Ant and Dec host the eighth series of Britain's Got Talent on TV3 at 7.15pm tonight. Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams return to give their verdict on the first batch of 2014's weird and wonderful auditions.

She was the Hollywood child star who melted hearts in Depression-era America with her trademark blonde ringlets and dimpled smile.

Screen hardman Danny Dyer shows his softer side when he makes his 'EastEnders' debut – by dressing in a fluffy pink dressing gown.

Tears flowed in the Late Late Show studio last night after two families with members long cast to far corners of the globe were reunited for Christmas.

Danny Dyer's 'EastEnders' family have been unveiled in a new picture.

This week Priscilla Queen of the Desert sashays onto the stage of the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.

The priest who spoke at the funeral Mass of a young girl who took her own life has warned of the danger of glamorising suicide as it emerged that her death brings to three the number of student suicides at her school since the summer holidays.

There were heartbreaking scenes as family and friends of schoolgirl Chloe Kinsella attended her removal yesterday ahead of her burial today.

The uncle of Limerick teenager Chloe Kinsella, whose body was recovered from the River Shannon yesterday, made an emotional appeal after the discovery.

The search for missing schoolgirl, Chloe Kinsella, has intensified in Limerick, with a specially trained garda officer now coordinating the search.

There was growing concern last night for a missing Limerick schoolgirl who has not been seen since last Saturday night.

TV tough guy Danny Dyer has landed a role in EastEnders - as landlord of the Queen Vic.

A distraught mother yesterday issued an emotional appeal for her missing teenage daughter to contact home.

A couple have tied the knot in an IKEA store.