#column
'Nefarious actors are at the root of Covid-19 fake news - and they are part of dangerous geo-political games'
We have a habit of thinking in Ireland that the likes of Russia, China or the alt-right in the United States have no interest in our country. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case, writes Ireland South MEP Billy Kelleher.
'Time with mum and dad is time I never really would have got if something like this didn't happen'
Mark Downey on the life of an athlete under lockdown, featuring Fortnite, scones and childhood memories.
Johnny Ward: The Dundalk controversy that has Irish horse racing talking
Events of last Friday, which involved a 1-2 for trainer Denis Hogan, have been referred to the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board.
Why not prepping for the Olympics feels a bit like the days when I avoided homework in school
In the first of a series of columns, track cyclist Mark Downey gives his thoughts on Tokyo 2020′s postponement.
'We're all missing social contact, gatherings and friends now. Football will be important on our way back'
John O’Sullivan looks at how this unprecedented period will affect Ireland’s top clubs and the people involved.
Whatever about the British government, Irish racing can hold its head high
The decision to allow Cheltenham to continue today has been heavily criticised but the HRI has correctly opted to go behind closed doors, writes Johnny Ward.
Expert view: How you should view these 5 Cheltenham favourites
Donn McClean runs the rule over Altior, Paisley Park, A Plus Tard, Champ and Envoi Allen as race week approaches.
Opinion: It's time to get real about heroin addiction. It's time to decriminalise this drug
Dr Austin O’Carroll says decriminalisation would be a way of taking responsibility for the vicious effects of inequality.
Donn McClean: 2020 Grand National wouldn't be the same without Tiger Roll
It would be like the 1978 Grand National without Red Rum, or Grandstand without Des Lynam.
Lise Hand: We might get a female taoiseach but gender balance stays stubbornly skewed
Ireland had six crucial decades when the nation was being shaped where women were absent from the top table of government. But what now?, asks Lise Hand.
Lise Hand: 'Nobody wiped the floor with anyone else... except perhaps Miriam O'Callaghan'
A behind-the-scenes look at last night’s RTÉ Leaders’ Debate.
The Irish For: Was Dracula's name inspired by Gaeilge? Probably not, but coincidence can be lovely
There are plenty of linguistic similarities between Irish and other languages.
Donn McClean: So many questions ahead of fascinating weekend at Dublin Racing Festival
Will it be Chacun Pour Soi or A Plus Tard?
Lise Hand: Most voters in the real world don’t give a monkey's if Leo Varadkar smoked hash
The bleak first week of the election campaign meant any moment of lighter drama was welcomed by all, writes Lise Hand.
Honeysuckle growing stronger with De Bromhead set to dominate Dublin festival
Donn McClean lamented the mare’s absence from Cheltenham, but expects to see it shine again next week.
Young Limerick jockey McNamara enjoying hot streak
Having claimed a first win for his father in 2018, Conor has had sustained success with Gavin Cromwell of late, writes Donn McClean.
The Irish For: Toss a Word to Your Witcher, O'Language of Plenty
Viewers of Netflix’s ‘The Witcher’ will recognise some Gaeilge, writes Darach Ó Séaghdha.
Anti-abortion protests at hospitals: How have other countries handled them and what's the way forward here?
The problem with drawing up legislation on exclusion zones is that there are competing rights involved, writes lecturer in constitutional law Dr Laura Cahillane.
The Irish For: The word 'dote' was used in Britain before it came to Ireland - and that's ok
Word usage is like a conga line at a wedding – nobody thinks the person at the front is an artistic visionary, but the second and third people to join in create the legitimacy for others to attach themselves
From the Garden: Looks aren't everything - consider growing celeriac in this year's veg patch
It is a delicious vegetable included in mashed potato or even grated raw.
Johnny Ward: Cheltenham should be careful what it wishes for with five-day debate
Our columnist on the prospect of change for the March racing showpiece.
From the Garden: Growing tired of leftover turkey? Put it in a pie
It’s time to start thinking about next year’s garden as 2020 creeps ever-closer.
Johnny Ward: Racing in Limerick, Faugheen captures hearts at Leopardstown
Our columnist reports from the first day of the Christmas Festival.
Saoirse McHugh: Planting trees is one area where we can't wait for the government to come around
Mayo seems to have had a particularly savage spate of tree felling recently, writes Saoirse McHugh.
The Irish For: I'm getting tired of the same Christmas pop hits - here are some alternatives
What harm if we learn some words as Gaeilge along the way?
From the Garden: Get over your squeamishness - manure is gold dust for your veg patch
In other news, here’s a recipe for some creamy Brussels sprouts to posh up your Christmas dinner.
Johnny Ward: All-weather track in Tipperary could see Dundalk suffer greatly
There is clamour for a second all-weather track among trainers in Ireland, but Tipperary is not the answer.
The Irish For: Cabbage in bed and fruit in a sock - a few lost rituals to help find a suitor
Here are some traditions described in an Irish poem that claim to help find a suitor.
From the Garden: Eat your (locally grown) vegetables this Christmas
There is always a price to cheap food, writes Michael Kelly.
Katy Hayward: The very basis on which Northern Ireland was created has been ripped up by the election
Northern Ireland has elected a group of MPs more moderate and more diverse than the parliament they are entering, writes Katy Hayward.
What impact will Brexit have on horse racing?
These are interesting times.
'Feeder school' league tables: Here's why they give parents a distorted view of what constitutes a decent school
‘Feeder Schools’ tables show that students who attended private fee-paying schools go on to attend third-level education at higher rates than others.
Column: The results of the UK general election could hugely impact the Irish border - and not for the first time
A December election does not come around often, writes Cormac Moore.
Saoirse McHugh: Carbon tax is a red herring, the real climate culprit is the global tax system
It’s time for governments to fix the global tax system, for the sake of the planet.
The Irish For: Don’t like Ulster Scots? Catch yourself on
When seeing Ulster Scots writing, many people are surprised by how much of it appears readily intelligible to them.
From the Garden: Buying a real Christmas tree supports local jobs and brings a certain magic to the home
A real tree is a much greener option than one made from plastic, writes Michael Kelly.
The Champion Hurdle is a blurred picture for now, but it's an intriguing one
It will gradually come into focus as the season rolls along, writes Donn McClean.
The Irish For: How a fada can make all the difference
The Royal Bank of Scotland did not mention the meaning as Gaeilge of their online banking app Bó.
From the Garden: How to get the most out of your leek crop
Some advice on growing leeks and a delicious recipe for a potato and bacon bake to include them in.
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Johnny Ward: Bull roars to dramatic victory in festive Leopardstown test
There was a memorable soundtrack as Jack Kennedy took the main prize on Day 2 of the Christmas Festival.
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