Liam O’Flynn obituary: born – September 15th, 1945; died – March 14th, 2018

Michael D Higgins: musician ‘will be remembered for his performances and recordings’

The Kildare-born musician began on the uilleann pipes under the great Leo Rowsome

Singer-songwriter Declan O’Rourke mines the darkest corners of Irish history on his latest album

At 64, Dalkey-born singer Alison O’Donnell has just released her second solo album and has no plans to slow down her long and fascinating musical journey

‘The building looks imposing, officious. Getting people in the door is a big thing’

Letter to Taoiseach signed by academics and artists urges Government to act ‘without delay’

Warren Gatland: ‘Keeping me busy at the moment is looking after all the sponsors’

If Lions were picked now, Stuart Hogg, Finn Russell and Jonny Gray would have a seat

Even if skill levels have not always dazzled, anticipation and tension rarely disappoint

We can confidently say that that the gig of the year will not be Phil Collins at the Aviva, but that's where the certainty ends...

PLANXTYBetween the Jigs and the Reels ****Universal Music

That might be true, but on her new album, Pothole in the Sky, the Cavan woman has become a self-assured songwriter, a process catalysed by a tour with David Gray

The NCH closes its week-long exploration of 100 years of cultural history with a freewheeling journey through traditional music and words

Further decline looks inevitable unless there is a change of attitude and style

Set up by teenagers in the 1960s, Foxrock Folk Club drew big names to its parish-hall gigs. A new album features club recordings of Kelly, Ronnie Drew and Dónal Lunny

Mayo’s hard-running game hits wall as Ulster side show old streak of defiance

Six Nations drama largely exists outside Australian paradigm

From the Gleesons’ ‘Walworth Farce’ to a 3D pen, there’s a perfect present for the artist in your life

European Professional Club Rugby aim to announce deal by end of this week or next week

The days are getting shorter – but that’s good news because the nights are longer. Between now and C****tmas, there are hundreds of bands heading your way – and our gig guide will help you plan your rest-of-the-year partying

Tom Kiernan, Fergus Slattery and Keith Wood inducted into the IRB’s Hall of Fame

Kathryn Thomas is a vivid if surprising guide through the country’s rich musical heritage and brutal recent history

Scottish folkster Alasdair Roberts may be inspired by the Scottish landscape and Irish sean-nós singing, but he makes songs about now

In 2,000 or so entries by more than 200 contributors, a new encyclopedia sets out to chart Irish musical experience across recorded history. Here are 26 of them, from Air to Zozimus

The west Belfast Feile, which has been running since the height of the Troubles 25 years ago, has served as a model for the East Belfast Arts Festival, now in its second year

Early experience with Ireland taught coach to back his own judgment

First series win in 16 years a massive boost

Winning coach also feels Lions need more time to prepare if they are to beat the All Blacks in 2017

Sunshine Coast location is easing the aches and pains of the touring squad before the decider in Sydney

There is a strong argument for having the same referee in charge for all three Tests in this series

Irvine hopeful that Roberts, Phillips and Corbisiero will be available for final Test

‘I know it was out of line with sportsmanship and rugby and feel terrible for that’