Evelyn O'Rourke

Arts and Media Correspondent

Boyzone on stage at The Point during the Smash Hits concert, 27/11/1995 (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).. (Photo by Independent News and Media/Getty Images)

Pop, VIPs, abdication, unity - other State Paper stories

Some other stories from the State Papers include concerns over concert safety, Irish files about the abdication of King Edward VIII, VIP disruption at Dublin Airport, CSO relocation to Cork, a UN future for Northern Ireland, outsourcing cervical smear tests and British attitudes to Irish Unity

Ireland • 28 Dec 25

Raw revelations within royal family in 1995 State Papers

The now King of England Prince Charles's visit to Ireland in May 1995 was widely acknowledged to have been an important sign of the warming relations between Ireland and England during the peace process in Northern Ireland.

State Papers • 27 Dec 25

Christy Moore made a complaint about his treatment during a security stop at Holyhead Port in 2004

Christy Moore locked in room at Holyhead Port in 2004

Legendary Irish folk singer Christy Moore was at the centre of a previously unknown diplomatic incident in 2004 when he was locked in a room and questioned over why he was travelling to England by boat by UK officials.

State Papers • 28 Dec 25

Photo shows artist Louis le Brocquy with his wife artist Anne Madden as she receives an honorary degree from UCD

Irish artist Anne Madden dies aged 93

The painter Anne Madden has died at her home in Dublin. She was 93 years of age.

Ireland • 21 Dec 25

Photo shows actor Paul Mescal and actress Jessie Buckley at the irish premiere of the film Hamnet at the Light House Cinema

Mescal and Buckley attend Dublin premiere of Hamnet

With Oscar buzz building around Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley for their performances in Hamnet, the Irish acting pair took to the red carpet in Dublin tonight.

Movies • 13 Dec 25

Song contest in disarray after dramatic day

As the organisers in host city Vienna are counting down to the 70th anniversary production of the Eurovision Song Contest, due to be held next May, the competition is in disarray, writes Arts and Media Correspondent, Evelyn O'Rourke.

Analysis and Comment • 05 Dec 25

Cast members from Cinderalla on stage for the Ballet Ireland production

Cinderella tale given Irish twist in national ballet tour

Ballet Ireland is on the road bringing a new production of Cinderella to theatres and venues across the island of Ireland.

Ireland • 28 Nov 25

Joanne McNally on fame, friendship and the 3Arena

Joanne McNally is bringing her show Pinotphile to Dublin's 3Arena on 12 December 2026, making her the first Irish female comedian to host a solo show on that iconic stage.

Entertainment • 26 Nov 25

The report investigates the information obtained from its hearings and reports pertaining to the controversies over the abandoned ICT project at the Arts Council

Call for 'stronger oversight' in use of funds in arts

The Public Accounts Committee has recommended "stronger oversight", better value for money and "improved transparency" in the use of public funds across the arts, culture, and media sectors.

Ireland • 25 Nov 25

Michael D. Higgins amongst winners at Irish Book Awards

Former President Michael D. Higgins was amongst the winners celebrated at the 20th anniversary of the annual An Post Irish Book awards, held tonight in Dublin.

Books • 28 Nov 25