From Dracula to Fr Ted and Boyzone, we have devised some of the most brilliant, but often annoying, things on the planet, says John Daly.

It celebrates America’s heritage, but some traditions are less than appetising, says Dave Kenny

A FEW years ago I and countless others believed the ‘digital age’ would usher in a new era of direct democracy and that, with the advent of blogs, every man, woman and child had the potential to be their own publisher and thereby capable of winning public support for their chosen causes and ideas – new or old.

YOU’RE not supposed to like The Sound of Music.

Basketball superstar Steve Nash has revealed he is in “casual contact” with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy and director of football Damien Comolli but insists he has no immediate intention of getting involved in the club.

LOVED by movie-makers, painters and photographers, the ancient bridge at Leenane, swept away by flood waters yesterday, was more importantly a vital part of a busy tourist route.

LONDON buyer Steve Spiteri paid the top price at yesterday’s Curraheen Park sale when he went to €4,600 to secure Astral Sailor from Innishannon, Co. Cork owner John O’Connor.

“A STRAIGHT arrow guy,” is how one veteran US Sinn Féin sympathiser, Maureen McCullogh, continues to describe Denis Donaldson, the central figure in what must rank as Ireland’s most unusual spy story.

OFFENSIVE graffiti daubed on the walls of the birthplace of John Magnier may be linked to the Manchester United row between the billionaire horse breeder and manager Alex Ferguson.