Two TV shows, a five star hotel and a new book – just how, asks Carolyn Moore, does Francis Brennan do it?

It seems that the events to mark the centenary of the 1916 Rising might yet be as divisive, as loosely organised and as controversial as the event they are supposed to honour. Once again the almost mandatory split — or splits — has worked its way to the top of the national agenda.

NIALL ‘Slippers’ Madden, out with a head injury since March, made a successful return to action when partnering Salesin to a hard-earned, all-the-way victory in the Black Point Handicap Hurdle at Wexford last night.

AMAZING was how writer-director Juanita Wilson described her recent triumph at the IFTAs, when her film As If I Am Not There won the Best Script, Best Director and Best Film awards.

WHEN Eamon de Valera aspired to a nation dancing at the crossroads, it’s not quite clear if he meant it to take place at the junction of Stephen’s Green and Kildare Street.