Mark Rylance on theatre, film and his family’s tragedy: ‘For me, love is stronger than death’

The actor’s beloved stepdaughter, Nataasha van Kampen, died aged 28 in 2012

The Harry Potter ‘Big Seven’ – Where are they now?

Potter gave some young actors a leg-up, but it created few genuine stars. Where did the broomsticks take the ones JK Rowling called ‘The Big Seven’?

Drones being used by PSNI to protect birds like red kites and peregrines

Police take all crimes seriously including shooting, poisoning or trapping of wildlife

Euro zone business grew at fastest rate this year in November

Activity in German services sector hit six-month high adding to signs it has rebounded

Catholic library board members resign in row over DCU takeover

Central Catholic Library is in financial difficulty as usage declines

Closing of gap between rugby tiers promised after ‘best’ World Cup

Tournament profits will be used to boost tier-two nations, says World Rugby chief

RWC 2015: World Cup bigger than host nation

England’s premature exit not the end of the world for organisers

Pair convicted for assault on man who asked them not to feed dog

Victim left with scar on his ear after being attacked outside Dun Laoghaire fast food restaurant

Ford profits driven down by warranty costs in North America

Chief executive Alan Mulally says he will remain with company through year end

Video

The Sea

Galway Film Fleadh: keeping the flag flying for Irish cinema

The festival, in its 25th year, continued to showcase new home-grown features, from mainstream-friendly recession comedy ‘Life’s a Breeze’ to the off-centre ‘Out of Here’