FISH and birds of Irish coastal waters seem to be moving house, writes Richard Collins.

Despite assurances, Russian nuclear bombers entered into Irish-controlled airspace for the second time in two weeks, this time coming considerably nearer to our coast.

One of the two Russian ‘Bear’ bombers which flew into Irish-controlled airspace last week was reportedly carrying a nuclear weapon.

Russian ‘Bear’ bombers were recently involved in ‘very unusual’ activities over Irish skies, chased away by the British. Can’t we protect our own airspace, asks Sean O’Riordan

The Queen has used her Christmas Day broadcast to highlight the importance of reconciliation between opposing sides – from communities in the North to those involved in the Scottish Independence referendum.

THE outdoors haven’t been pleasant for the past couple of weeks, with Atlantic storms and short, dark days. But there are many places worse off.

Michael Hilliard Mulcahy’s play, Beyond the Brooklyn Sky, deals with the generation that emigrated from Ireland in the 1980s and returned, some without having fulfilled their dreams.

Solo

SOME birds are more often heard than seen.

DAPHNE Pochin Mould is a remarkable name for a remarkable woman.

The Atlantic

Travellers face further problems today as clouds of volcanic ash forced airports to close across Europe and flights to be cancelled.

Keiko, the Orca whale who starred in Free Willy, may never be freed, claim the mammal's carers.