Irish journalist, literary editor, and drama criticMr Fintan O’Toole.
The fifth annual “Circling The Square”, Poetry and Music Festival gets underway in Thurles, Co. Tipperary, this coming Friday evening, 16th October 2026, at 6:30pm.
The much-anticipated three-day festival, running from Friday 16th to Sunday 18th October, promises yet another wonderful celebration of poetry, literature and live music in the heart of Thurles Town.
Established to honour the life and literary legacy of the late Thurles poet and critic Dennis O’Driscoll(1954–2012), the festival has grown into one of Ireland’s most highly regarded literary gatherings, attracting acclaimed poets, writers and musicians.
Saturday’s programme continues at The Source Arts Centre, Cathedral Street, Thurles, (Eircode E41 A4E8), featuring an impressive line-up of poets and musicians, together with a special discussion entitled Fieldwork: ‘The Public Life of Seamus Heaney‘, involving Mr Fintan O’Toole, (Latter biographer of Seamus Heaney), Mr Mick Heaney(Latter son of poet Seamus Heaney), and Mr Declan O’Driscoll(Latter brother of the late poet Dennis O’Driscoll).
This will be followed by readings from poets Maija Mäkelä, Adam Wyeth, Katie Donovan, Stephen Sexton and Catriona O’Reilly, plus music by classical flautist Emma Roche.
With a rich combination of poetry, music and warm Tipperary hospitality, “Circling The Square” promises to be yet another memorable cultural occasion for Thurles and its environs. Everyone is warmly invited to support this wonderful celebration of literature and the arts in Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
Further information and ticket details for Saturday’s events are available HERE – {Tel- 0504 90204}
The entertainment world is mourning the heartbreaking loss of American actor and producer Roy Frank “RJ” Mitte III, best known for playing Walter White Jr., also known as Flynn, in the critically acclaimed television series “Breaking Bad”.
Mitte died yesterday Monday, 12th October 2026, aged just 34, in Texas. TMZ has reported that his death was by suicide, citing a county official, although his representatives have not publicly confirmed the cause of death. The circumstances remain under investigation.
For millions of viewers, Mitte will forever be remembered as the son of Walter White, played by Bryan Cranston, in one of television’s most celebrated dramas. Appearing throughout all five seasons of Breaking Bad, Mitte brought warmth, vulnerability and emotional honesty to Walter Jr., a young man struggling to understand the increasingly destructive behaviour of his father. His character became an important emotional centre of the series, often representing the innocent family members caught in the consequences of Walter White’s decisions.
Away from the cameras, Mitte made an equally meaningful impact. Living with cerebral palsy himself, he used his growing fame to challenge stereotypes, champion disability rights and encourage greater representation of disabled actors in film and television. His career extended beyond Breaking Bad, but it was his portrayal of Walter Jr. that introduced him to audiences around the world and secured his place in television history.
At just 34, his passing is a devastating loss for his family, friends, colleagues and the many fans who admired both his talent and his advocacy. His death is also a reminder of the importance of compassion, mental health awareness and looking out for those around us. We should never assume we know what another person may be experiencing.
Our thoughts are with RJ Mitte’s loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
Lyrics and Vocals: The late American singer and songwriter of country-folk music John E. Prine (1946–2020)
John Prine.
One of the things that made John Prine such a wonderful songwriter was his ability to take something completely ridiculous and turn it into something funny, thoughtful, and strangely moving. The song hereunder came about because John was genuinely annoyed when scientists decided that Pluto wasn’t a planet any more. He figured Pluto had been doing a perfectly good job for years, and it seemed a bit unfair to suddenly demote the poor thing. But underneath the humour, there’s something deeper here about a world that’s always changing, people who think they know everything, and the comfort of having your own little place to escape to. Only John Prine could bring all that together in one song.
The Lonesome Friends of Science.
The Lonesome Friends of Science.
The lonesome friends of science say, “The world will end most any day”. Well, if it does, then that’s okay, ‘Cause I don’t live here anyway. I live down deep inside my head, Where long ago I made my bed. I get my mail in Tennessee, My wife, my dog, and my family. Now poor planet Pluto now, He never stood a chance no how, When he got uninvited to, The interplanetary dance. Once a mighty planet there, Now just an ordinary star, Hangin’ out in Hollywood, In some ol’ funky sushi bar. The lonesome friends of science say, “The world will end most any day”. Well, if it does, then that’s okay, ‘Cause I don’t live here anyway. I live down deep inside my head, Where long ago I made my bed. I get my mail in Tennessee My wife, my dog, and my kids and me. The Vulcan lives in Birmingham. Sometimes he just don’t give a damn. His head is full of bumblebees, His pride hangs down below his knees. Venus left him long ago, For a guy named Mars from Idaho. The Vulcan sent a wedding gift, Three-legged stool and a wheelchair lift. The lonesome friends of science say, “This world will end most any day”. Well, if it does, then that’s okay, ‘Cause I don’t live here anyway. I live down deep inside my head, Where long ago I made my bed. I get my mail in Tennessee My wife, my dog, my kids and me. Those bastards in their white lab coats, Who experiment with mountain goats, Should leave the universe alone, It’s not their business, not their home. I go to sleep and it never rains. My dog predicts hurricanes, She can smell a storm a mile away, That’s all the news we have today. The lonesome friends of science say, “The world will end most any day”. Well, if it does, then that’s okay, ‘Cause I don’t live here anyway. I live down deep inside my head, Where long ago I made my bed. I get my mail in Tennessee, My wife, my dog, my kids and me.
Thurles Sarsfields are back on top of Tipperary club hurling after an impressive eight-point victory over neighbouring rivals Moycarkey-Borris at FBD Semple Stadium. This victory brings a nine-year wait for county honours to an end, securing a remarkable 37th Tipperary Senior Hurling Championship title for the Thurles club.
In front of a crowd of 9,398, Pádraic Maher’s side delivered a commanding performance, combining clinical attacking play with outstanding defensive organisation.
Dream start for Sarsfields. The contest could hardly have begun better for Sarsfields, with Eoin Purcell finding the net just 11 seconds after throw-in. The lightning-fast goal immediately put Moycarkey-Borris on the back foot, and Sarsfields quickly established control. With Kieran Rossiter, Aidan McCormack and Purcell making their presence felt, the Thurles men raced into a 1-05 (8pts) to 0-01 (1pt) advantage. Moycarkey-Borris, appearing in their first county final since 1984, battled back when Joe Maher struck a fine goal in the 23rd minute. However, Sarsfields responded confidently and carried a commanding 1-12 to 1-05 lead into half-time.
Defensive steel seals the title. Moycarkey-Borris began the second half with renewed determination, with Joe Maher and Killian Cantwell reducing the deficit. But any hopes of a dramatic comeback were quickly extinguished. Paddy Creedon produced an excellent score to spark another dominant spell for Sarsfields, with Euan Murray and the outstanding Purcell adding further points.
At the other end, the Sarsfields defence remained disciplined and organised, repeatedly frustrating Moycarkey’s attempts to build momentum. One of the most memorable moments arrived when corner-back Paul Maher landed a superb point from near the Old Stand sideline.
There was also a huge reception for Tipperary captain Ronan Maher, who returned to championship action following his ankle injury and contributed a late free.
A special day for sarsfields veteran The triumph was particularly memorable for goalkeeper Patrick McCormack. At 42 years of age, the experienced netminder celebrated his ninth county senior hurling medal, having now started an extraordinary 15 county final encounters, including replays. His achievement reflects the experience and dedication that have helped Sarsfields bridge the gap between their previous championship-winning generation and this emerging team.
Purcell leads a new generation. Eoin Purcell’s excellent attacking display earned him Man-of-the-Match honours, while Pádraic Maher marked a major milestone in his managerial career, by guiding Sarsfields back to the summit of Tipperary hurling.
For Moycarkey-Borris, the defeat will be disappointing, but reaching their first county final in 42 years represents significant progress for the club. For Thurles Sarsfields, however, this was a day to remember. Nine years after their four-in-a-row success in 2017, the famous blue and white colours are once again flying proudly over Tipperary hurling. With county title number 37 secured, attention now turns towards the Munster Club Championship on November 15th next.
Referee: C. O’Donovan (Burgess).
Thurles Sarsfields: P McCormack; P. Maher (0-01), D. Maher, H. Fogarty; K. Loughnane, Conor Stakelum, Cian Stakelum; D. Rossiter (0-01), E. Murray (0-02); A. McCormack (0-04, 4f), D. Stakelum, A. Stakelum (0-02); E. Purcell (1-04), P. Creedon (0-01), K. Rossiter (0-03). Subs: S. Maher for H. Fogarty, J. Armstrong for S. Maher (Temporary), and for Cian Stakelum (Permanent), R. Maher for P. Creedon , T. Maher for A. McCormack and R. Stapleton for K. Rossiter.
Moycarkey-Borris: R. Shelly; K. Hayes, T. Hayes, T. Ryan; K. Cantwell (0-01f), E. Hayes, P. Molloy; S. Walsh, N. Heffernan (0-01); J. Maher (1-01), J. Egan, D. Costigan; M. Hackett (0-03), K. Morris (0-02, 2f), J. Hayes (0-03). Subs: P. Melbourne for T. Ryan, K. Cummins for P. Molloy, R. Darmody for N. Heffernan, K. O’Reagan for J. Hayes, B. Maher for T. Hayes and B. Flanagan for S. Walsh.
RTÉ’s TV Licence Crisis – Poor Programming, Lost Trust and a Public Asking Where Its Money Goes.
RTÉ is facing a growing crisis of confidence, and falling television licence revenue should be a wake-up call for both the broadcaster and the Government. New figures reveal that TV licence income fell by €5.7 million, during the first nine months of 2026, with 35,748 fewer licences sold compared with the same period last year.
But why are people turning away from the licence system? The financial controversies surrounding RTÉ have undoubtedly damaged public confidence. Questions about management; excessive costs; accountability and transparency; have left many licence payers questioning whether their money is being spent wisely.
Then there is the quality of television programming itself. Many viewers regard RTÉ’s regular television output as disappointing, with complaints about repeats, predictable entertainment formats, limited original programming and a lack of fresh ideas. While RTÉ still attracts substantial audiences for major sporting occasions, news and special events, that does not necessarily mean viewers are satisfied with its everyday television schedules. Critics believe the broadcaster should invest more in quality Irish drama, documentaries, investigative journalism, regional programmes, arts and culture, and fresh entertainment that reflects modern Irish society.
RTÉ also faces fierce competition from streaming platforms, which offer viewers extensive on-demand choice. Younger audiences in particular are increasingly moving away from traditional television. Yet Irish households with a qualifying television are still legally required to pay €160 annually, regardless of how often they watch RTÉ. The fundamental question is simple: Is RTÉ providing sufficient quality, choice and value for the money it receives?
The answer cannot simply be to pursue more people for unpaid licences or demand additional public funding. RTÉ needs to demonstrate meaningful reform, stronger accountability, responsible spending and a programming schedule that audiences genuinely want to watch. Public service broadcasting remains important to Ireland, but public funding must come with public accountability. Perhaps the biggest challenge facing RTÉ is not simply collecting the licence fee. It is rebuilding public confidence and convincing viewers that the service is worth supporting.
What do you think? Has the quality of RTÉ’s television programming declined, and does it still offer value for money?
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptRead More
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Recent Comments