The world of showbusiness collides in London this week with the world of gardening in the form of the colourful explosion that is the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Peter Dowdall on the work that goes on behind Chelsea Flower Show, organised by designer, Tom Harfleet.

Des O’Sullivan reports on an art sale that will suit those with a cross-collecting taste and deep pockets    

It’s the world championship of gardening and Ireland has just won gold.

Boundary-busting Beck made a dramatic first ever appearance in Cork last night, bringing a big dance party sound and an even bigger personality.

THE haughty arrogance of Jean Claude Trichet, who last week snubbed Ireland’s banking inquiry and insisted that Oireachtas members attend upon him at his venue of choice, is trumped only by his gross insensitivity to the memory of the former finance minister, the late Brian Lenihan.

The UFC announced its arrival in Dublin last night in the venerable surrounds of the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham — a fitting venue, all told, given the fare that will be on offer at a packed 02 arena tomorrow evening.

Commemoration ceremonies are taking place across the country this morning to honour those who died at war or on duty with the United Nations.

Royal Hospital Kilmainham

An elite artists’ group has rejected public criticism over the amount of funding it receives from the taxpayer, claiming the Government would drive “JCBs full of money” to any private business that provided such a return on the “investment”.

Capital city revellers today will be looking forward to appearances from a mixture of contemporary and disco-era music acts.

New acts have been added to bill for the Forbidden Fruit festival which is returning to the grounds of the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham this Saturday June 1 and Sunday June 2.

For two centuries, mental healthcare in Ireland was ignorant and cruel. Conditions in hospitals were barbaric, with more admissions meaning more profit. It was big business, says Richard Fitzpatrick

NED Kelly rides again at the Irish Museum of Modern Art at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, where Sidney Nolan’s celebrated paintings of the outlaw are on loan until January.

Due to unprecedented demand, Leonard Cohen has added a fourth and final night to his series of concerts in Dublin this summer.

The line-up has been announced for this year's Forbidden Fruit festival in Dublin - with acts including New Order, Wilco, Leftfield and James Vincent McMorrow.

Irish exports to China grew by 10% in 2011, according to Enterprise Ireland.

The future leader of the world’s most populous nation is due to get the royal treatment when he arrives on a three-day visit to Ireland today.

The funeral of journalist Mary Raftery has taken place in Dublin.

PHILIPPINES WITH TRAILFINDERS

Health Minister Mary Harney today revealed her own devastation after losing a friend to suicide.

A Catholic policeman who survived a dissident republican bomb attack has regained consciousness and is showing signs of improvement, the PSNI confirmed today.

EVERY college in Ireland has been urged to provide courses in contemporary living for people with Down Syndrome to ensure they are not “blocked off” from meaningful roles in society.

A ceremony to honour the Irishmen and women who died in past wars, or on service, is being held in Dublin today.

Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has warned that the global financial crisis cannot be used as “an excuse for inaction” in the worsening battle against “wrenching hunger” across the developing world.

THERESE KIELY was just 25 years old when she was found to have a condition that can sometimes be a precursor to breast cancer.

A ceremony is being held in Dublin today to mark the National Day of Commemoration.

THE Queen of England will visit Ireland during her reign but probably not for a few years, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has said.

President Mary McAleese and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will today be among the guests at the National Day of Commemoration for all Irish who died in foreign wars.

A London-Irish writer who survived alcoholism, homelessness and brutal prison conditions will today give his first-ever book reading in Ireland.

Mystery surrounds the death of a wheelchair-bound man who suffered horrific burns in a hospital fire.

Food buyers with a purchasing power of some €8bn are in Dublin today for a major showcase of Irish produce.

President Mary McAleese and an Taoiseach Bertie Ahern are to celebrate the National Day of Commemoration today, marking the 60th anniversary of the end of World War Two.

TONY MCCOY could be back in the saddle as soon as next week despite suffering a major injury scare at Plumpton on Monday.

SALES in independent garden centres have risen to €149 million for the year ending March 2003 — an increase of 9% on the previous year.

Irish people, who died in past wars and during service with the United Nations