IN THIS WEEK'S IRISH POST - DON'T MISS OUR CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS PULL-OUT SPECIAL
IN NEWS
Glasgow - a city united in grief
Glasgow's tragic helicopter crash has united the city's people in grief, including those from the Irish and Catholic communities.
Nine people were killed and over 30 injured last Friday night when an aircraft crashed into the Clutha pub. Donegal man John McGarrigle has also been listed among the victims.
LAST ORDERS: The threat of closure a grim reality for Irish clubs
A crisis is looming for traditional Irish clubs in Britain, as three could be lost by the end of the year.
Fears have been spiked by the closure of a centre in Watford, with Bradford Irish Club and St Claret's in Botwell hanging by a thread.
Soccer legend Pat Rice is hospitalised in battle with cancer
Football fans around the world have rushed to show support for Irish footballing legend Pat Rice after he was hospitalised with cancer.
"It's very sad news" said Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger of his long-serving deputy. Meanwhile, the news that the 64-year-old was being treated for the illness prompted a wave of support on social media websites.
Whistleblower dies without state apology
Whistle blower Tom Gilmartin died without the apology he was owed by the Irish State, according to his son.
Speaking at the funeral of his father, who built his career in Luton and whose name is synonymous with Ireland's so-called payment to politicians tribunals, Thomas Jr said his father never wavered from telling the truth "even when subjected to extraordinary pressure."
President's state visit will boost business ties between countries
Senior British banking executives President Higgins' official state visit to Britain will bring a 'welcome' boost to business and trade flows between both islands.
Chris Davies, HSBC CEO International for Europe, made the prediction as the firm was revealed as the sponsor for the British Irish Chamber of Commerce's 2014 conference.
IN ENTERTAINMENT
Words, words, words
In this week's special books edition, Rí Rá selects 2013's top Irish page-turners.
Authors featured in the must-read collection include Roddy Doyle, Eamon Dunphy and Darina Allen.
'Every time I write a novel I think, I'm writing this for myself'
Cecelia Ahern tells Enda Brady about juggling family life with the demands of being a best-selling author.
Plus we pick out five 'must read' chick-lit books from 2013.
Chaos and Creation
From My Bloody Valentine to Oasis and Primal Scream, Alan McGee's Creation Records were responsible for the best British music of the 1990s.
Having just published his memoirs, Richard Purden meets him.
Micheal O'Siadhail: Out of despair and into hope
Best-known for poetry that evoked a certain despondency, Michael O'Siadhail has this year been celebrated by the publication of his Collected Poems.
Marking a time of reflection, he talks to Philip Cummins.
Give them a sporting chance
Nemesha Balasundaram picks out five of the leading sports publications of 2013.
Selected authors include Irish cycling legend Sean Kelly; journalist David Walsh and racing's Jamie Read.
IN SPORT
Net gain for Irish strikers
Four Irishmen in the top seven divisions of English and Scottish football are the leading scorers in their respective leagues following last weekend's fixtures.
Last weekend, Ireland's David Meyler scored in Hull's surprise 3-1 victory over Liverpool while Seamus Coleman netted in Everton's 4-0 victory over Stoke.
Gabriels fall to battle-hardened Munster champions
All the reaction to St Gabriels' 0-9 to 0-14 defeat at the hands of Youghal in Ruislip on Sunday in the All-Ireland IHC quarter-final.
St Gabriels' manager Tommy Duane was left ruing the 'severe' dismissal of Neil Rogers as his side failed to repeat last season's journey to Croke Park.
The Long way from Tipperary
Shane Long, the striker from Gortnahoe, has battled back from the transfer list to once again be West Bromwich Albion's main man.
Bob Casey's Powerday column
The former London Irish captain gives his verdict on the Exiles' 12-19 loss against Wasps.
The former international lock forward argues that Irish must keep faith in their expansive game, despite the defeat.
Somewhere between Heaven... and the deep blue sea
John McCarthy remains Ireland's best-known surfer, but there is much more to him than that, as Robert Mulhern discovers.
