Blackwater Valley Makers, which incorporates an arts centre and creative hub in Fermoy, was born from the necessity of providing a shopfront for the many artisans in the Fermoy district and was a very welcome event following some high-profile closures in the the town, writes Susan O’Shea.

Esther N McCarthy picks rustic rugs, cool ceramics, and handcrafted toys this week.

THEY were seven short words which summed up the seven longest days in Shane Duffy’s young life: “I’m just so happy to be alive.”

ABBIE isn’t just a dog to 11-year-old Clodagh Mangan; she’s like the sister she doesn’t have.