Cork City Hall was converted into a technology nirvana yesterday as leaders from life sciences, technology education and investment took to the stage to plan for Ireland digital future.

A cosmonaut who works for a space research agency part-funded by a billionaire Russian oil baron will visit Europe’s largest radio telescope in East Cork this weekend.

A prized collection of Fabergé eggs owned by the family of late American publisher Malcolm Forbes has been sold to a Russian oil tycoon who said he intends to return the collection to their homeland.