AN internationally acclaimed artistwho has spent more than a decade painting on an idyllic island retreat has decided to auction his entire studio collection in an effort to beat the recession.

FOR any young family, life in the countryside has many benefits, but Melanie Hann and Ian Humphreys have the best of both worlds.

ONE and a half million euro is the asking price for this 26 acre farm at Ardnagroherey, near Church Cross, Skibbereen, and while it might make some farmers gasp, locals are a little blasé about elevated West Cork prices.

FEW people were more deserving of hot drinks on Christmas Day than those who took part in sponsored swims around the country.