‘My grandad is dead. I am going to tennis today’: Christmas letters to my son, 1997
My family spent Christmas 1997 in New York. I recently found the letters that my then seven-year-old’s classmates wrote to him
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We like the ideal of Christmas. The reality, though, is often strained, sad and weird
We like the ideal of Christmas. Of childhood, family, rest. The reality, though, is often strained, and sad, and weird
Where to now for our declining churches? Younger clergy reflect on a brighter future
Exciting times are ahead for Christian communities, based on joy, hope, energy and finding context and relevance in contemporary society
‘Toys in those days weren’t like the toys of today’: Smaller toy shops survive through the generations
Traditional personal touch is key to gaining customer loyalty and trust
By Áine Ryan
UK government must make sure it isn’t a confidence killer
There is a danger that animal spirits and the propensity to invest expire in a vicious downward spiral
By Martin Wolf
Didion and Babitz by Lili Anolik: It’s almost unfair for a biography to be such fun
This is less a sequel to the author’s Hollywood’s Eve than a retelling, with Didion now cast as the lead
By Mei Chin
Owen Doyle: Mack Hansen’s ill-advised comments simply cannot be allowed pass without sanction
The international’s comments set a dangerous precedent and the URC, and the IRFU, must take appropriate action
By Owen Doyle
Q&A: Why is the European Commission investigating data centre construction?
The European Commission confirmed last month it was investigating possible collusion between data centre providers
Inside the alleged Hollywood smear campaign against Blake Lively: ‘We can bury anyone’
Messages detail alleged campaign to tarnish Lively’s reputation after she accused Justin Baldoni of misconduct on set of It Ends With Us
By Megan Twohey, Mike McIntire, and Julie Tate
Leinster should try to extract the absolute maximum from Jordie Barrett in chase of fifth star
Irish province appear to have struck gold, for as well as being a quality player, he’s clearly a quality bloke
Andy Quinn: The ex-Connacht and Blackrock outhalf trying to make it in the NFL
Student switched from rugby to attend NFL Academy in Loughborough and has earned a scholarship to kick and punt at Boston College
By Nathan Johns
‘A taxi, compliments of Irish Rail. What service!’ A Christmas customer service miracle
Businesses get a bit of a bashing during the year but these stories show that sometimes they can give the gift of a good outcome
By Conor Pope
Eamon Ryan: ‘If Labour and Soc Dems were ambitious on climate, they’d be going into government’
Former Green Party leader opens up about ‘being attacked from all sides’ and party’s general election wipeout
It’s embarrassing how we Irish fawn over the super-rich, from Michael O’Leary to JP McManus
Here is a resolution for 2025: let’s stop glorifying extraordinary wealth. All great wealth reveals is that someone can afford to pay more tax
By Trevor White
Ganley under new pressure and Irish consumers take a Santa pause
The best news, analysis and comment from The Irish Times business desk
Taxpayers are subsidising private schools by more than €140m a year
Sinn Féin and Labour want to end State funding for fee-charging schools but Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael support current system
By Carl O'Brien and Vivienne Clarke
Christmas - and the perfect family life it represents - is an oppressive fantasy
Most families have someone missing even if the table is holly-decked and groaning
By Sarah Moss
A box of Pro V1s is the Christmas present of choice for many. But do they help the average golfer?
The Titleist golf ball launched in 2000 continues to be the most popular. But it doesn’t mean it’s the best one for your game
By Denis Walsh
Emigration to Australia is at its highest level for a decade. We need to ask why
Those being pummelled by the cost of rent are living through a form of austerity, their take-home wages and disposable incomes decimated
By Una Mullally
Fees have jumped across many of Ireland’s private secondary schools. Why?
Annual fees have climbed by up to 19% with charges for day pupils now ranging between €4,000 and €14,000
By Carl O'Brien and Vivienne Clarke
Declan Ganley under pressure to disclose who is paying his legal bills
Rivada shareholder David Schuman cite failure to pay debt judgment while his ‘social media postings display that he continues to lead a life of luxury’
By Barry J Whyte
‘The Christmas swim is going to be a lot nicer’: Young Irish expats embrace their first Australian Christmas
How do the Irish in Melbourne feel about spending their first festive season Down Under?
By Olivia Powell in Melbourne
From Christian Lee Hutson to Oisín Leech: The top five roots albums of 2024
Our pick of the year’s roots albums take in Malin Head, Missouri and points between
By Joe Breen
Rinsed: From Cartels to Crypto: How the Tech Industry Washes Money for the World’s Deadliest Crooks by Geoff White - An engrossing and mind-blowing guide
Today’s technologies are facilitating crime on a vast scale, and Ireland has a significant footprint in this murky, international gang-controlled world
Secrets of a small bakery’s success: Avoid geezer investors with 60 grand to spare
The Dusty Knuckle makes bread Nigella Lawson loves while helping young offenders
By Pilita Clark
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