Actors are not fearless. We are brave.

Crafty little plaques and pulsating pouffes make up some of Esther N McCarthy’s choices for the last of winter’s weeks.

As messages of condolence were descending on the Noonan family home in Limerick yesterday, the parish of St Paul in the suburb of Dooradoyle was rekindling memories of a cherished neighbour and gracious, elegant woman.