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#Insight

A specially curated collection of content highlights from across the Irish Examiner.

A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

<p>Comedian, actor and author Bernard Casey ahead of the publication of Local Gossip, a warm and humorous collection of stories that draws on the unique voices, local lore and colourful personalities that have long shaped rural Irish life. Picture: David Creedon</p>

people

Bernard Casey: 'The stories are in a fictional world somewhere between South Kerry and the sky'

Local Gossip is a book of short comedy stories about life in rural Ireland. Julie Jay chats to its author, fellow Kerry native and comedian Bernard Casey

<p>Don Conroy, artist, television personality and environmentalist. Don continues to inspire others to discover their own creativity, encouraging people to enjoy the process rather than worry about the outcome. Picture: Chani Anderson</p>

people

Don Conroy and a lifetime of inspiring creativity: 'I think there is a war on beauty'

<p>Davy Fitzgerald at home near Sixmilebridge, Co Clare this week. Picture: Eamon Ward</p>

people

Davy Fitzgerald: The man who always said yes is finally making room for himself

Sax and drums and rock'n'roll: 20 highlights of the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival

culture

Sax and drums and rock'n'roll: 20 highlights of the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival

Hotel review: Great renovations to family-run landmark at odds with disappointing rooms

S travel

Hotel review: Great renovations to family-run landmark at odds with disappointing rooms

Kate Nash: 'It was fine until Ed Sheeran dropped Macklemore'

culture

Kate Nash: 'It was fine until Ed Sheeran dropped Macklemore'

Katriona O'Sullivan: 'Trauma stays forever, but I have a loving voice now'

Katriona O'Sullivan: 'Trauma stays forever, but I have a loving voice now'

From Poor to Hunger, Katriona O'Sullivan is quickly becoming one of the defining memoirists of this century. Fresh from ieStyle Live, she talks to Gemma Fullam about the impact of her books, the transformative power of therapy, and the work still to be done.

Fri, 16 Oct, 2026

Louise O'Neill on closure: I still don’t have every answer — but now I no longer yearn for them

Louise O'Neill on closure: I still don’t have every answer — but now I no longer yearn for them

Why are we so fixated on the idea of closure, as if we are all characters in a true crime documentary? The truth is we don’t always reach a point where a painful experience makes sense and we become grateful it happened, writes Louise O'Neill

Thu, 15 Oct, 2026

Muireann O'Connell: 'Before we were told it’s all in your head — now everything is menopause'

Muireann O'Connell: 'Before we were told it’s all in your head — now everything is menopause'

As the face of breakfast television, and the host of new TV shows and podcasts, life has never been busier for Muireann O'Connell. Ahead of her visit to Cork to host ieStyle Live tonight, The Irish Examiner's flagship event, she sits down with Vickie Maye to talk work-life balance, settling into her new home - and why she feels so at home in the real capital

Thu, 15 Oct, 2026

Nurses rally in Dublin

A nationwide public sector strike begins on Wednesday — here's what you need to know

Unions estimate that there will be between 300,000 and 400,000 public servants on strike on Wednesday as part of a row with the government over pay negotiations amid the cost-of-living crisis

Mon, 12 Oct, 2026

Meet the Catholic priest turned Celtic monk who has lived on Inis Mór for more than 40 years

Meet the Catholic priest turned Celtic monk who has lived on Inis Mór for more than 40 years

In his new book, Dara Molloy — a former Catholic priest turned Celtic monk who has lived on Inis Mór for more than 40 years — explores Ireland’s ancient spiritual soul. Echoing the sentiments of Manchán Magan, he tells Ciara Byrne about his call to us all to embrace the Celtic way

Sun, 11 Oct, 2026

Unrecognizable health visitor and a senior woman during home visit.

S Mick Clifford: Ireland’s immigration debate ignores the workers keeping vital services running

Mick Clifford examines migrant workers’ essential role in Ireland’s economy and warns against using housing figures to stoke resentment

Sun, 11 Oct, 2026

'I felt completely abandoned by the State when we were at our most vulnerable', Jason Corbett's sister says

S 'I felt completely abandoned by the State when we were at our most vulnerable', Jason Corbett's sister says

Sister of slain Jason Corbett speaks out over the arduous process to become carer of his two children. 'Grieving and traumatised children and their carers should never be penalised for being cared for by their own flesh and blood,' Tracey Corbett Lynch says

Fri, 09 Oct, 2026

Irish Budget 2027

Patrick O'Donovan can’t help making the wrong sort of headlines

From a weird comment about Coimisiún na Meán to Wednesday's RTÉ bombshell — the Limerick County TD and minister keeps rubbing people up the wrong way, writes Elaine Loughlin

Thu, 08 Oct, 2026

English Market bakery sold after nearly 30 years: ‘We associate Cork with happy memories’

English Market bakery sold after nearly 30 years: ‘We associate Cork with happy memories’

After almost 30 years trading, Sheila Fitzpatrick has sold her Alternative Bread Company stall at the English Market to French baker Benjamin Le Bon. She talks to Joe McNamee about making Cork a home, four decades at the English Market – and brushes with royalty

Wed, 07 Oct, 2026

'We're in the heart of communities': Behind the scenes at Cork City Library on Grand Parade

'We're in the heart of communities': Behind the scenes at Cork City Library on Grand Parade

Deirdre McArdle visits the Grand Parade facility and discovers that, while there is much discussion of the digital future, the lending of physical media such as books, records and even musical instruments are still a huge part of what the library does

Tue, 06 Oct, 2026

Irish Budget 2027

Elaine Loughlin: Patchwork quilt budget doesn't cover those who need it most

Elaine Loughlin finds a lack of big blue sky thinking in today's budget

Tue, 06 Oct, 2026

Mick Clifford: Few left dancing in the aisles as tired budget format falls flat

Mick Clifford: Few left dancing in the aisles as tired budget format falls flat

The country’s balance sheet is doing well but large swathes of the population are not feeling it

Tue, 06 Oct, 2026

Former Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman: 'I didn’t worry that I didn’t know anything about fashion'

Former Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman: 'I didn’t worry that I didn’t know anything about fashion'

From Kate Moss and glossy magazine covers, to motherhood and family, Rachel Marie Walsh meets former Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman

Sun, 04 Oct, 2026

Patrick Horgan book excerpt: People criticising Gary Keegan over 2025 final misread situation totally

Patrick Horgan book excerpt: People criticising Gary Keegan over 2025 final misread situation totally

This is an abridged extract from Patrick Horgan's autobiography, 'Hoggie', published by Gill Books and in shops from October 8th. It will be officially launched at Glen Rovers Hurling Club at 8pm the same evening

Sun, 04 Oct, 2026

Irish Budget 2027

Mick Clifford: Budget 2027 is showing who matters in Ireland — and who is being left with the crumbs

Mick Clifford contrasts proposed inheritance tax changes and fuel protest pressure with the threatened funding of a vital children’s programme

Sun, 04 Oct, 2026

Ireland’s carbon tax explained: What it costs motorists and households — and where €1.2bn goes

Ireland’s carbon tax explained: What it costs motorists and households — and where €1.2bn goes

The charge raised about €1.2bn last year, funding welfare and environmental measures while questions remain over its effectiveness

Sat, 03 Oct, 2026

The fuel protesters have the crowds. But do they have a political future?

Ireland’s fuel protest movement: Who are the three men behind the campaign?

James Geoghegan, John Dallon and Christopher Duffy say they want to channel public anger over fuel costs into political change

Sat, 03 Oct, 2026

Crowleys Music Centre: 'It’s really about honouring my father and my grandfather'

Crowleys Music Centre: 'It’s really about honouring my father and my grandfather'

Sheena Crowley has ensured that her family's 100-year-old Cork business is far more than just a music store

Tue, 29 Sep, 2026

Art sketch 3d image full collage of happy girl sit sofa streaming phone blogging heart notification dollar bag money income

S How Irish influencers make money — and what their responsibilities are for gifts, tax and more

From gifted restaurant meals to luxury stays, influencers face growing scrutiny over disclosure, advertising rules and tax obligations

Mon, 28 Sep, 2026

Composite photo collage of dissatisfied american carry coin stack poor bankrupt crisis economy failure usd isolated on painted b

Mind the wealth gap: 'We’ve lost the plot with hen parties, they don't account for income difference'

One friend is struggling with rent, another has just bought a home. A family member is getting married abroad, another is wondering how they’ll afford to attend. How can we best navigate wealth gaps in our closest relationships? Kate Demolder asks the experts

Sun, 27 Sep, 2026

Are you financially literate? Nine money questions everyone should be able to answer

Are you financially literate? Nine money questions everyone should be able to answer

Are you on track with your finances? These are the money questions everyone should be able to answer.

Sun, 27 Sep, 2026

The changing culture of women's finances: 'Let’s remove the stigma around money and ambition'

The changing culture of women's finances: 'Let’s remove the stigma around money and ambition'

Ireland's gender wealth gap runs deep, writes Kirstie McDermott. From viral finance influencers to record female investment client numbers, a new generation of women is rewriting the rules on money.

Sun, 27 Sep, 2026

'I had to face Rory’s death': Dónal Gallagher on his book about his guitar legend brother

'I had to face Rory’s death': Dónal Gallagher on his book about his guitar legend brother

Rory Gallagher has been the subject of several biographies, but none could get as close to the Cork musician as Edged In Blue, written by his younger brother

Wed, 23 Sep, 2026

Cork special school: Parents want appointment system overhaul to disqualify those with exclusion track record

Cork special school: Parents want appointment system overhaul to disqualify those with exclusion track record

Parents are also calling for a new, Hiqa-type section of the Department of Education to carry out spot checking and planned inspections, and an immediate overhaul of the vetting and appointment system to safeguard children

Wed, 23 Sep, 2026

Helen McEntee Helen McEntee comments

Mick Clifford: Helen McEntee needs to explain how she attempted to protect the whistleblower

Former justice minister Helen McEntee may have serious questions to answer, says Mick Clifford

Wed, 23 Sep, 2026

Answers sought over killing during UVF's attempted bombing in 1994

S Answers sought over killing during UVF's attempted bombing in 1994

In act described as 'mindless savagery' at the time, Martin Doherty was shot dead during an UVF attack at the Widow Scallan's pub in Dublin, writes Mick Clifford

Mon, 21 Sep, 2026

Going Dutch: Meet the Cork volunteer farmers growing their own 'gorgeous' organic vegetables

S Going Dutch: Meet the Cork volunteer farmers growing their own 'gorgeous' organic vegetables

Based on the ‘herenboeren’ model, farm allows people from all walks of life to grow their own, writes Niamh Griffin

Mon, 21 Sep, 2026

New Taoiseach appointed

S Mick Clifford: Political abuse is rising — and Ireland risks losing the people democracy needs

From the financial crash to social media, declining deference has evolved into hostility that threatens to damage Ireland’s political life

Sun, 20 Sep, 2026

Who owns the land? The decades-old dispute unfolding on Achill Island

S Who owns the land? The decades-old dispute unfolding on Achill Island

An Achill farming family says no evidence has been produced for a compulsory purchase order Mayo County Council says dates to the 1970s

Sat, 19 Sep, 2026

Platinum Jubilee

Suzanne Harrington: The Irish artists on Ed Sheeran’s tour did a very traditional Irish thing — they said no

Perhaps we should thank Robert Kraft for turning the Ed Sheeran debacle into an international talking point, says Suzanne Harrington

Thu, 17 Sep, 2026

Tommy Barker: I'm back in love with Cork's urban core — What are your favourite city sights?

Tommy Barker: I'm back in love with Cork's urban core — What are your favourite city sights?

The gritty city seems to have reached a turning point given a raft of improvements and investments

Mon, 14 Sep, 2026

Yotam Ottolenghi: 'I don’t think food should be used as a tool of war'

Yotam Ottolenghi: 'I don’t think food should be used as a tool of war'

From tahini and sumac to his famous colourful salads, Yotam Ottolenghi has transformed the way many of us eat at home. As he prepares to publish his 12th cookbook, he tells Jordan Mooney why his focus has shifted to keeping things simpler

Sun, 13 Sep, 2026

Meet the new generation of farmers adapting to an evolving world: 'It’s a very different way of farming'

Meet the new generation of farmers adapting to an evolving world: 'It’s a very different way of farming'

From direct-to-consumer beef to TikTok careers, young farmers are finding innovative ways to keep family farms viable

Sat, 12 Sep, 2026

‘This looks interesting’: The Google search that led to Killarney Brewing's €5.5m rescue

S ‘This looks interesting’: The Google search that led to Killarney Brewing's €5.5m rescue

Swiss owner Spirit Capital plans to revive beer, gin and hospitality before developing a premium whiskey brand for international markets

Sat, 12 Sep, 2026

Eoin Warner: Nature is my refuge in times of intense grief — and times of joy and wonder

Eoin Warner: Nature is my refuge in times of intense grief — and times of joy and wonder

In 1979, at just two years of age, Eoin Warner lost his father when an oil tanker exploded in Bantry Bay. The natural world would become his refuge. In his new memoir, he writes vividly about his deep connection with nature

Sat, 12 Sep, 2026

The Deirdre O'Shaughnessy Podcast: The lasting impact of 9/11 on the people of New York

The Deirdre O'Shaughnessy Podcast: The lasting impact of 9/11 on the people of New York

In New York, people are still picking up the pieces of their lives, with many of those who helped on that day left to fight for justice.

Listen | Fri, 11 Sep, 2026

STATUE OF LIBERTY WORLD TRADE CENTER

S 25 years on from 9/11: Shock, grief, and resilience as New York is attacked from a clear blue sky

Reporting from New York on the 25th anniversary, Paul Hosford hears stories of people who lived through the September 11 attack on the World Trade Center on this day in 2001

Fri, 11 Sep, 2026

SEPTEMBER 11 ANNIVERSARY

S 25 years on from 9/11: How New York’s firefighters paid the highest price on September 11

From Father Mychal Judge to the 343 firefighters who died, the FDNY’s losses reshaped a department and its enduring bond

Fri, 11 Sep, 2026

25 years on from 9/11: The profound loss suffered by New York’s Irish community

S 25 years on from 9/11: The profound loss suffered by New York’s Irish community

From Ground Zero to memorials in Kildare and Cork, Ireland has a deep connection to those lost on September 11

Fri, 11 Sep, 2026

From the Athenaeum to the Opera House: A history of Cork's finest venue

From the Athenaeum to the Opera House: A history of Cork's finest venue

In advance of his talk at the Cork Histories conference at UCC, Pat Duggan looks back on the early days of the riverside venue

Wed, 09 Sep, 2026

'I fully intend to sing again': Jimmy Crowley updates on his health and future plans

'I fully intend to sing again': Jimmy Crowley updates on his health and future plans

Cancer and a stroke are just two of the blows the Cork music legend has had in recent times, but he's now back home in Cobh and keeping himself busy as ever

Tue, 08 Sep, 2026

Six of Ireland's greatest female athletes speak about their role models and inspirations

Six of Ireland's greatest female athletes speak about their role models and inspirations

From athletics and boxing to football, camogie and racing, Ireland’s champions reveal the women who helped shape their journeys

Sun, 06 Sep, 2026

'It's crying out for a film': The most audacious Irish escape you've never heard of

'It's crying out for a film': The most audacious Irish escape you've never heard of

Colin Sheridan meets author Michael B. Barry to hear the story of Catalpa.

Sat, 05 Sep, 2026

Annmarie O'Connor: What Parkinson’s forced me to confront about control, food and myself

Annmarie O'Connor: What Parkinson’s forced me to confront about control, food and myself

A Parkinson’s diagnosis brought unexpected relief from old patterns, but also forced Annmarie O’Connor to confront them anew

Sat, 05 Sep, 2026