A Bus Éireann bus, which had no passengers on board, after colliding with the crash rail at a railway bridge at Dublin Hill, Cork.

Yachts off Kinsale Harbour, Co. Cork, in the afternoon sunlight

An emotional Darragh McGarry as Kilkenny captain Henry Shefflin is about to be presented with the Liam MacCarthy Cup after winning the All-Ireland Final

Five-year old Anna Humphreys on her first day at Lisheen National School, West Cork. She is the first child in 31 years from Heir Island to start primary school on the mainland since the island's own school closed in July 1976.

Carrying a Nordman Fir tree during harvesting of Chritsmas trees at a Coillte Christmas tree farm in Co. Tipperary.

A candle-lit vigil organised by Cork Womens Right To Choose group in Cork in memory of Savita Halappanavar who died at University Hospital Galway.

The funeral of the famous politician Jackie Healy-Rea in Kilgarvan, Co Kerry. Mr Healy-Rea was well-known throughout Ireland as a hard-working, colourful politician and he was a key figure in the balance of power for governments. Two former Taoisigh Bertie Ahern and Brian Cowen attended the funeral, showing the high level of respect for him. His pet pony ‘Peig’ also joined in the funeral cortege

Walter Swift, who was released from a Michigan prison after being wrongfully imprisoned for 26 years. Photographed at Cork City Gaol, during his first visit to Ireland.

A smiling Dr. Ian Paisley, the former First Minister of Northern Ireland, during his visit to Cobh for the Cobh and Harbour Chamber 50th anniversary dinner.

Robbie English just visible on his Laser 4.7 as competitors are hidden in a trough on Roaringwater Bay during the ISA Youth Nationals & Junior Pathway Championships off Schull in March 2008.

Manager Damien Richardson is shouldered high by jubilant supporters after Cork City won the Eircom Premier League by defeating Derry City at Turners Cross in November 2005.