Ireland’s former football manager gives his two cents on the entwining of sport and politics, writes Chai Brady Growing up in an Irish Catholic family in the North of Ireland, football star turned manager Martin O’Neill said he would pray the rosary every evening – his mother being a strong influence in this – and…

The diet and fitness expert tells Ruadhán Jones about her faith, family and Christmas traditions It’s not very often that you’ll hear a diet and fitness expert and instructor saying, “it’s quite good to over-indulge”, but that’s what Rosemary Conley CBE told me. Of course, to put this in context, the famous originator of the…

Christmas can be a time to pray for loved ones abroad or who have passed away, Eileen Dunne tells Chai Brady Veteran media newsreader and household face Eileen Dunne will miss being in the hot seat when breaking news stories land but plans to take it easy and enjoy Christmas after her retirement from RTÉ.…

Pope Francis reflects on the origins and wonder of the nativity scene The enchanting image of the Christmas crèche, so dear to the Christian people, never ceases to arouse amazement and wonder. The depiction of Jesus’ birth is itself a simple and joyful proclamation of the mystery of the Incarnation of the Son of God.…

For 50 years Rena Kennelly has brought joy to Killarney’s children by curating the crib, Ruadhán Jones hears Earlier this year, Killarney-based great-grandmother Rena Kennelly was surprised to receive an award from the Pope. Pope Francis awarded her the Benemerenti medal in honour of her 50 years curating the crib at St Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney,…

Orthodox iconographer Jonathan Pageau’s work is helping people to see the patterns of heaven and earth as never before, writes Jason Osborne One of the things faith does is cast the world in a new light. For many today without faith, the universe is a cold, dark, hopeless place – at worst a force hostile…

Pope Francis’ call for priests to engage closely with their flock is alive and well in army chaplaincy, writes Chai Brady More than two months into their UN mission in Syria, the spirits of Irish troops are high and those with faith have been bolstered by it, according to the army chaplain on the mission.…

Appetising Christmas recipes for baked goods and delicious dinners, by Kiley Jones The festive season is always filled with such wonderful foods, whether party foods, traditional desserts, or the ever-important Christmas roast. I must confess, the food at Christmas time is my favourite, as it just seems so much more special and exciting. Here, I…

The loneliness of prisoners can become particularly acute at Christmas, but a Samaritans’ scheme aims to help, writes Chai Brady Christmas day is quiet in prisons as workshops and other activities are halted. Making a phone or video call home is a possibility but it is not the same as being physically close, sharing Christmas…