Bartering is back as Irish go swapping

Websites for bartering over goods and services are booming as thrifty internet users try to save money

Siobhan Fahey returns from the dark side of pop

From Bananarama and Shakespears Sister to break-ups and breakdowns, Siobhan Fahey is back from the dark side of pop

Profile: Emma Donoghue

A novel inspired by the Fritzl case has brought the lesbian mother and former convent girl back into the limelight

Hanafin mother in injury payout

Social welfare minister Mary Hanafin’s mother Mona was injured after falling off a steel ramp at the entrance to Leinster House

Don’t tax me, tax him

At what point does one become rich? Those on modest incomes could be better off than high earners

Final Word: You may now kick the bride

Already common in the United States, divorce parties are becoming increasingly popular in Britain and will inevitably find their way to Ireland

Toxic toys put on display

The 15,759 counterfeit toys seized by French customs on their way to Ireland have been valued at €135,599.

Police probe Lidl data theft

Irish sales figures and private staff information were stolen by a Lidl employee

Dive boss was fired by NAC for safety breaches

Newly appointed national diving coach Ricardo Gutierrez was fired by the NAC for flouting safety procedure

Death notices can cost €300

The cost of placing a death notice in the newspaper has risen 17% in the past three years

Civil servants increase by 77%

Figures compiled by a University College Dublin (UCD) research team showed the biggest growth was in principal officers

Splinter group to challenge Green leaders

Founded last saturday the group includes former MEP Patricia McKenna and former councillor Frank Gallagher from Donegal

Ireland's indie chicks

Cameron Diaz isn’t the only woman who doesn’t want a diamond ring. We meet a generation of single thirtysomethings

Gold mine: bling and bubbly

Want to organise a knees-up and make money at the same time? Then throw a gold party

Death becomes us

If there’s one thing we do well, it’s a sendoff. let’s hear it for the traditional Irish wake

Rowan Williams and the Pope in historic meet

Archbishop of Canterbury's talks with Benedict XVI in Rome for first time since Roman Catholic Church agreed to accept Anglicans

Sarkozy wades into football row amid Irish fury

Diplomatic fallout grows as Ireland livid at Thierry Henry's handball which sent France on its way to the World Cup finals

Sleight of hand could cost Henry a fortune

Politicians and internet users called on Thierry Henry’s backers to dump him and threatened to boycott products he endorses

Katy Hayes: Too late now – a new car is just too frivolous

The only person I know who has a 2009 car tells people it’s rented