Some of the stranger stories from around the world

Tommy Barker finds that New England style, sea views and a gourmet food shop next door make for a great blend on Bantry’s Golden Mile.

FOR a superb outdoor experience, salted with a bit of history, none will serve better on this Bank Holiday Monday than a coastal walk from picturesque Courtmacsherry village to Coolbawn (aka Blind Strand) on the Seven Heads.

WE ARE that stereotypical Cork family that never leaves the confines of the county to venture to the bright lights of Dublin.

Sea horses to sofas, Mole’s breath to teapots — it’s all part of Esther N McCarthy’s wishlist this week.

The Port of Cork has unveiled computer-generated simulations of plans for a €100m upgrade of its facilities in Ringaskiddy.

Dingle man Cormac Flannery is the new general manager of Killarney Golf and Fishing Club — but it’s been a circuitous route back to O’Mahony’s Point.

From scaling mountain peaks to iconic global landmarks — Cork and Clare hurling fans are going to great lengths and heights to show their true colours ahead of tomorrow’s All-Ireland showdown.

Trainer Andy Oliver doubled up with impressive winners All Set To Go and Jazz Girl in Roscommon last night.

Forget the doom and gloom about the boom. Barbara Scully reminds us of what we got right during the good times

THE return of David Bowie with a new single on his 66th birthday was completely unexpected.

A horse racing tradition that has endured, and blossomed, since it first took place in north Cork, in 1752, will be re-enacted on Saturday, Oct 13.

Stars of the 1990s dance scene are as popular as ever, says Ed Power

The jockey struck by a horse as he went to aid a friend at the weekend admits he has received ‘plenty of stick’ from his racing colleagues since the incident.

Most Bus Éireann services are operating as normal, although there are some delays and diversions in worst-affected areas due to icy conditions.

The arctic weather conditions are hitting public transport services with many bus routes not operating today.

The arctic conditions gripping the country are showing no signs of easing as Met Eireann warn that further snow showers will affect many parts of Leinster and east Munster today and tonight.

IT was a very merry go round with everybody’s favourite potty-mouth politico Green TD Paul Gogarty.

KNIGHT EAGLE looks best in the four-runner Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Median Auction Race at Ballinrobe tonight.

NEWLY-CROWNED national senior cross-country champion, Mark Kenneally (Clonliffe Harriers), is among the entries for the phenomenon that is the Ballycotton 10 road race.

Transport Minister Noel Dempsey today hailed a new Luas extension as a shining example of the country’s can-do attitude.

The Minister for the Environment, John Gormley, has said today's Budget has ensured equity with respect to changes in tax.

The minister for finance has said work on the Cork to Midleton rail line and the Luas link to the Point will be completed.

A mouth-watering renewal of the Juddmonte International could be in prospect after both New Approach and Duke Of Marmalade stood their ground.

UNDEFEATED Irish middleweight Andy Lee is training with world middleweight champ Jermain Taylor ahead of his appearance on the Bernard Dunne/Kiko Martinez undercard at the Point in Dublin on August 25.

Brian Magee’s bid to take Tony Oakey’s British light-heavyweight title in Dublin on August 25 will be the first time a Lonsdale belt has been fought for in the Republic of Ireland.

The €5.6m profit made from the Luas light rail system last year will be reinvested in the transport system, it was announced today.

Irish boxing star Bernard Dunne retained his European super-bantamweight title at the Point in Dublin with a one-sided unanimous points victory over Norway’s Reidar Walstad.

As Bernard Dunne prepares to make the second defence of his European super-bantamweight title, Wayne McCullough has thrown down the gauntlet to his fellow Irishman.

THE FIRST women’s professional boxing match will be held next month at the Point in Dublin as part of the under card for Bernard Dunne European super-bantamweight title defence against Norwegian Reidar Walstad.

Bernard Dunne will defend his European title against Norwegian Reidar Walstad.

The Red Luas line is to be extended from Connolly station to the Point Depot.

Johnny Mathis's concert in the Point Theatre in September has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.

Bruce Springsteen is to play Dublin on May 5, Aiken Promotions have just announced.

Rocker Pink has been confirmed for a gig at the Point in Dublin on November 14t this year.

EVERY card with a heart on it in Kinsale this Valentine’s weekend will be used in a world-record breaking card-playing attempt.

The extension of the Luas service to the Point Theatre in Dublin has moved a step closer this morning following the appointment of an official to get the public's view on the initiative.

IN his time, Richard Harris was known to consume a drink or two.

Oasis have announced a second gig at the Point after tickets for the December 21st concert sold out in five minutes this morning.

GLORIA Jean's Coffees plans to compete head-to-head with Starbucks for domination of the Irish coffee house market.

THE multi-billionaire owner of Chelsea FC, Roman Abramovich, was rumoured last night to be planning to drop the anchor of his 300-foot luxury yacht at Europe’s largest sailing regatta, which officially opened in Cork last night.

Rock legends the Rolling Stones have announced a one-off show in Dublin this September.

UNLIKE so many competitors in the West of Ireland Championship at Rosses Point, John “Junior” Morris is an out-and-out amateur golfer.