It’s a given wisdom – though our unionist fellow-Irishmen and women would not easily agree – that there is much the present residents of our divided and disunited Emerald Isle – North and South – hold in common.

I often ponder on the ruins of old cottages.

Noeleen Tyrrell believes we all have the power within ourselves to achieve.

19-year-old Latisha McCrudden is a member of the Irish Traveller community and lives in Belmullet. A first-year law student at University of Galway, she was anything but shocked at the discrimination described in 'Patrick: a Young Traveller Lost', the deeply moving television documentary broadcast by RTÉ recently.

{element} We inhabit a world of replicas where authenticity fades in the face of imitation. From emotions to truths, we've traded them for inferior substitutes.

Castlerea native Anne-Marie Hanly is the Senior Marketing Manager at one of the most recognisable sports brands in Ireland - Intersport Elverys.

As a seasonal treat Westport Civic Trust is to host a Christmas Miscellany of readings and music in the Sean Staunton Room at Westport Townhall on Tuesday, December 12.

To go to the country, or to not yet go to the country, that is the political question. For the date of the next General Election is on the mind of every politician in Ireland, whatever they might say in public.

Shane MacGowan allowed us to be unapologetic about our Irish heritage as well as appealing to generations of emigrants navigating the complexities of identity in a foreign land

Tracey Hannon is the Regional Manager in the Connacht Ulster Region for Clann Credo, an organisation that provides loan finance for the community and voluntary sector.