Two new furniture stores open this week in Cork, underlining economic recovery and increased consumer spend.

For this week’s Small Business Q and A, Kehlan Kirwan talks with Kieran Finane of Finline Furniture in Emo, Co Laois. Finline produces bespoke, made-to-order furniture. Kieran explains why they decided to start selling direct to the public, and how it how it has changed the way they operate for the better.

It would be one for any coach’s curriculum vitae: managing All-Ireland champions Kerry in their first outing since September’s success against Donegal.

A parish priest, who was asked not to attend a Direct Provision centre in Co. Laois this morning, says he will go despite the request.

A parish priest yesterday confirmed he has been banned from visiting a centre for asylum seekers.

Residents of another accommodation centre for asylum seekers have begun refusing food.

Almost 400 people attended the National Ploughing Association’s formal unveiling of Ratheniska, Stradbally, Co Laois, as the host venue for the 2013 National Ploughing Championships on Sept 24, 25 and 26 next, bridging a 70-year gap since the event was last held in the area.

An Army Bomb Disposal Team has made safe a live WWI-era grenade today.

GREENCORE has been condemned as an asset-stripping “pack of vultures” by Fianna Fáil TD Seán Fleming, as the food group continued negotiations to sell its malting business to Soufflet Group of France.

Gardaí are investigating an armed raid on an asylum centre in County Laois in the early hours of this morning.

I LIVE surrounded by ash trees.

YOUR readers may be interested to know that the showcase of Ireland’s country sports calendar, the National Country Fair, takes place at Emo Court, Emo, Co Laois, on June 6/7.

The Taoiseach has told the Dáil that the Government will continue to hold cabinet meetings on an irregular basis in the regions.

Political Editor

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny has called on the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, to take personal responsibility for the resignation of Justice Mary Laffoy as chair of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse.

THE Government’s proposed smoking ban and Ireland’s EU presidency next year will feature prominently tomorrow as the Cabinet meets for the first time since the Dáil broke for Summer recess.