We have a shameful history in how we deal with those who are brave enough to speak out against abuses of power — and this must change, says Brendan Howlin

We thought we had seen it all with Garda bosses’ treatment of whistleblowers. But then came the ‘Grace’ scandal and the appalling way the HSE treated those who spoke out, says Political Editor Daniel McConnell

Brass clocks and grey sofas are all part of the mix chosen by Esther N McCarthy.

So where does this leave Chelsea? Top of the table, certainly, having shown the invaluable ability to win despite being outplayed for large swathes of a game.

Dr Crokes (Kerry) 3-15 The Nire (Waterford) 0-6: Whatever about the decision to play the Rose of Tralee shortly after the final whistle, there could be no arguing with the rendition of Simply the Best that greeted winning captain Johnny Buckley as he ambled towards the presentation area.

St Brendan’s College, Killarney 1-15 De La Salle College, Macroom 1-8: Munster and All Ireland college’s champions St Brendan’s College, Killarney, qualified for the quarter-final of the Corn Uí Mhuirí in Rathmore yesterday. Two wins out of two for The Sem, having emerged comfortable victors in this tie.

Beaufort 2-8 Milltown/Castlemaine 1-10: For the first time in 18 years, Beaufort claimed the Mid Kerry SFC title, repeating their 1998 success over the same opposition, at the same venue, JP O’Sullivan Park, Killorglin. 

"The one thing I took from it was I had been hurling with lads for 30 years and I thought I knew them but I didn’t f***ing know them at all. You’d get talking with lads when you’re walking with them. You’d be at home thinking about things and you find out other lads would be thinking the same things."