Chinese New Year hops along just in time to offer us all a bit of luck

NEW YEAR celebrations may sound like old news, but for the Chinese community the fun is just beginning as festivities to mark the start of the Chinese New Year get into full swing today.

This year marks the Year of the Rabbit — one of the 12-year cycle of animals in the Chinese zodiac — and many believe this year will be prosperous for people born under that sign.

At University College Cork (UCC), where more than 300 Chinese students are studying across different levels, a Chinese Film Festival and Gala is being held over the coming days to celebrate the new year.