For the first time since 2006, a Cork school will, tomorrow afternoon, begin their defence of the Harty Cup.

At a meeting in County Hall, many of the 55 councillors gave examples of problems in their various areas. They have decided to write a “strongly-worded” email to John Halligan, junior minister at the Department of Education & Skills, urging him to get more and bigger buses to solve the issue.

A diehard fan of Home & Away, Megan O’Brien made sure that a stop-off at the soap’s iconic “Summer Bay” set was firmly on the itinerary during her holiday in Australia with her boyfriend Peter Murphy.

A former ‘jungle’ has been made into a dream property prettier than even the owners could have imagined, writes Tommy Barker

The results from the local elections have thrown up a few surprise selections, including an ex-UFC fighter and a participant in Googlebox Ireland, write Ryan O’Neill and Louise Walsh.

Ben Dalton-O'Sullivan from Ballygarvan said his victory was a success for rural voters who are the "forgotten" people of the electorate.

The historic reorganisation of local government in Cork has impacted on most of Cork County Council’s municipal districts (MD) but none more so than this one.

Stretching as far south as Ballygarvan and as far west as Ballincollig, the new Cork South-West local electoral area is, by quite a margin, the most populous constituency in the redrawn Cork City.

Tax-efficient approaches to rewarding farm labour can help retain workers, says Declan McEvoy, head of tax with ifac.

Last week’s five-year plan to revitalise Cork football included a section on second-level schools.

Here's your round-up of club action...

Cork Airport has detained an exotic visitor climbing a fence near the runway - a ring-tailed coatimundi.

Mystery surrounds how a creature native to the jungles of South America ended up pottering around a garden in a village in Co Cork.

Newcestown 1-13 St. Finbarr’s 0-14: It was 14 scores each yesterday in Ballygarvan, but in the end, it was Trevor Horgan’s first-half goal for Newcestown that was the difference in the first round of the Cork SHC.

Courcey Rovers 3-18 Inniscarra 0-19: Ultimately, it was Seán Twomey’s first-half hat-trick that propelled Courcey Rovers into the third round of the Cork PIHC in this proverbial game of two halves played at the pristine Ballygarvan venue yesterday.

Esther N McCarthy rounds up the freshest interior ideas for your every need.

Esther N McCarthy copperfasts her love for storage, smart TVs and serpentine lighting with her picks this week.

A whif of nostalgia, leather, and the odd plume of petrol were in the air when Jane McNamara attended the inaugural Cork International Car Show in the first weekend of April.

Go retro with this cute vintage television-style alarm clock. It’s even got glow in the dark hands. Take note though, it needs batteries. €11.20 from www.dotcomgiftshop.com

Some of Cork’s favourite retailers explain how they create their famous Christmas windows, writes Ciara McDonnell

Esther N McCarthy has lanterns, linens and lots of other lovelies on her list this week. 

All-Ireland Junior B Hurling final: Shanballymore 0-17 Tynagh-Abbey/Duniry 1-12

Cork county championships latest: last year's semi-finalist out.

It is arguably the most iconic sports photograph in the Irish Examiner archives. And, 64 years on, we’ve finally tracked down the Blood and Bandage Lady in the picture.

Carrigaline 0-13 St Nicholas 0-5: As old as the GAA itself, Carrigaline have had to wait a long time to play a Cork county SFC game.

A relative of Liam MacCarthy, the man who designed and gave his name to hurling’s most famous trophy, has stepped up his mission to honour “the forgotten man of 1916”.

As the season warms up, Faith Ryan starts the hunt for that perfect gift.   

Ballincollig Flower & Garden Club hosts AOIFA Vice Chairman, Orla McGrane, to demonstrate “Styles for Autumn”, on Monday, October 12, at 8pm in Oriel House Hotel, Ballincollig. Visitors and new members welcome, entry €5.00.

Group to issue recommendations on local government in September, says Eoin English

A suspected drink-driving case was dismissed yesterday because of the handcuffing of the motorist while he was in the Garda patrol car.

“The children arrive every June, like garden elves, bringing joy to all, especially, the patients.”

Éire Óg 2-18 Argideen Rangers 2-15 (aet): A great start and powerful finish was enough to see Éire Óg through Saturday night’s pulsating Cork IHC second round clash with Argideen Rangers at Ballygarvan.

For the majority of people, running a marathon is a daunting prospect, but for Cork resident Michael Haydon, aged 62, one marathon just isn’t enough.

Blackrock flower and garden club have a teaching night with Rose Hickey, AOIFA, on Tuesday, April 7, at 7.30pm in the Ursuline Secondary School, in Blackrock. All are welcome.

Macroom Flower & Garden Club presents a spring gardening talk by Mary Cronin (BSc. Hort.) from Sweet Magnolia Garden Centre, Lissarda on Thursday March 12 at 8pm in Coolcower House. 

Cobh Flower and Horticulture Club holds its next meeting in Cobh Community Centre on Monday 2nd March at 8pm. 

Tommy Barker visits No 6, Watermeadow, a spacious, bright new build that’s top quality and has water views.

Cork Alpine and Hardy Plants Society present a talk by Val Bourne, the award-winning garden writer, last year’s “Journalist of the Year” at the UK Garden Media Guild Awards; photographer; lecturer and columnist for the Telegraph newspaper, on Thursday, Feb 26.

Coachford Flower and Garden Club is having a talk on spring gardening on Wednesday, February 18, in Breathnach’s Courtyard Café. The guest speaker is DJ Murphy from Bandon Garden Centre.

There’s a country setting, but suburban conveniences almost to hand, at this detached home called Belmont.