Whilst it is very sad for employees of HMV to lose their jobs at this time of year, the loss of these retail outlets really needs to be put into perspective.

The second Irishman to win an Olympic medal was Harold Segerson Mahony (1867-1905).

Stephen Fry is to star in new ITV drama 'Doors Open'.

Britain's Zara Phillips has married Mike Tindall.

British psychologists have found that left-handed people are more affected by fear.

Susan Boyle confronted a group of train passengers who had been mocking her.

THE continued poisoning of protected birds of prey, such as eagles and red kites, is putting a serious question mark over ambitious projects to reintroduce these birds here, wildlife experts warned yesterday.

THE Lockerbie bomber remained behind bars yesterday after losing his attempt to be freed from jail.

Veteran actress Britt Ekland has dismissed rumours she is dating former 'Monty Python' star John Cleese - insisting the pair are just friends.

Hollywood legend Sean Connery is eyeing up a new career after turning his back on acting - but he has no idea what it will be.

'Harry Potter' author JK Rowling has won a court battle to ban the publication of pictures of her son David when he was 18 months old.

The Irish team are in a positive mood despite two withdrawals ahead of this weekend's World Cross Country Championships in Edinburgh.

JK Rowling has revisited her Edinburgh, Scotland flat where she penned the Harry Potter novels for a new TV special.

A CIRCUS performer was attempting to set a world record last night by pulling a four-ton van with hooks attached to his back.

Harry Potter author JK Rowling has lost a battle in London's High Court to ban the publication of a picture of her son.

BACKBENCH Dáil deputies and senators from 17 different Oireachtas committees spent over €400,000 on 87 different trips abroad from January 2006 to January 2007, according to figures released under the Freedom of Information Act.

A CATHOLIC teenager has launched a £70,000 (€103,147) damages action against a council for sending her to live with Protestant foster parents.

Kilted bagpipers inspired Sean Connery to perform an impromptu jig on the Kodak Theatre stage in Los Angeles as he accepted the American Film Institute’s highest honour.

OPEC has no obvious reason to cut its oil output, the group’s president said today, even though Iran and Venezuela have cited excess supply in pushing for a reduction.

Iran’s oil minister said today that OPEC would make any decision on adjusting oil supplies in a collective manner, comments that could allay fears his country would use the meeting as a stump speech over its nuclear ambitions.

Harry Potter author JK Rowling is struggling to start work on the final instalment of the epic fantasy series, because her study is too messy.

Harry Potter author JK Rowling is disgusted by the financial abyss which exists between rich and poor people in her home city of Edinburgh, Scotland.

George Clooney made a young girl's day during his visit to Edinburgh, Scotland for the final Live 8 gig last Wednesday, when he surprised the youngster with a phone call.

Harry Potter author JK Rowling has agreed to give a rare interview to the superfan with the most impressive knowledge of the fictional boy wizard.

Bob Geldof has asked the world's most prominent figures, including Pope Benedict XVI, the Dalai Lama and Nelson Mandela to take part in the anti-poverty rally and Live 8 charity concert this summer to mark the first day of the G8 Summit of world leaders.

Six Irish players have been included by Clive Woodward in the Lions side the meet Argentina at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff on Monday.

Harry Potter author JK Rowling has rubbished reports she is building a palatial 15-bedroom house in Edinburgh, Scotland.