I remember hearing a story one time about a lad chatting up a girl at a dance. He had a set of questions prepared to establish if there was enough common ground to continue to the next level.

For generations, the Irish people have trusted certain fundamental pillars of society.

To say that Aisling Neary has helped others is a massive understatement. The Castlebar native has had a positive impact on the lives of so many people in her lifetime, so much so that the true number would be impossible to calculate.

The start of the Leaving Certificate always brings a flurry of comment. On the day it all begins, with English Paper I, the Leaving is the talk of the place. The media is full of it. People everywhere give a shudder at the memory of it.

The decision by Eamon Ryan to stand down as leader of the Green Party has ramifications for the entire country not just the Greens.

One of my favourite columnists is Liz Dodd who writes for The Tablet, an English Catholic paper, and sometimes in The Sunday Times.

Simon Coveney must be very pleased with himself. The Fine Gael Director of Elections for the European elections will undoubtedly be taking the plaudits for the ‘masterstroke’ in getting their two candidates across the line in Midlands North-West.

I was 12 years old before I had my first ride on a train. It was a trip all the way to Dublin to spend my Confirmation money. Right from the start, I was awe-struck.

Maria Walsh got in trouble during the build-up to the European elections for using the phrase ‘pale, male and stale’ when describing the political classes in general.

I will hit a few frayed nerves with this, including my own. . . As summer's vibrant hues paint the countryside, an insidious rite afflicts our emerald isle – the antiquated and unforgiving Leaving Certificate examination.