The first of the many street demonstrations of the Civil Rights movement in Ireland was the August 1968 march from Coalisland to Dungannon in County Tyrone. Arising out of the local experience of sectarian discrimination, the march helped to set in train a series of events that would change Irish politics forever. Free article

Chaill saol na Gaeilge agus saol na hiriseoireachta in Éirinn fathach an tseachtain seo caite nuair a fuair Nollaig Ó Gadhra bás tobann, i ndiaidh blianta ag troid easláinte, ag a bhaile sna Forbacha i gContae na Gaillimhe. Bhí sé 64 bhlian d'aois agus bhí go leor bainte amach aige abhus agus i Meiriceá Thuaidh, tír ina raibh sé an-aitheanta ag Gaeil agus Éireannaigh le blianta fada. Free article

According to one of Flann O'Brien's characters the Irish were always renowned for their ability to jump. Unfortunately it is a field of sporting endeavour that we would appear to have abandoned over the years and alas we are no longer a force in the jumping. Or indeed in any of the track and field events judging by the performances of Irish athletes in Beijng. Free article

WITH August traditionally a quiet month for the media, Fianna Fáil Education Minister Batt O'Keefe's slightly puzzling decision to suggest the re-introduction of third level fees at the start of last week was welcomed joyously in newsrooms across Ireland. Free article

An Phoblacht's famous weekly satirical column. Free article

Book Review: Water. The final resource: How the politics of water will affect the world By Robin Griffiths and William Houston Published by Harriman House Free article

AUGUST might be the time of year when we grab that last chance at a summer break but for thousands of families it is time for another ritual: the back-to-school marathon of buying books, uniforms and other necessities like bags and sports gear. It all adds up to an expensive bill for Irish households. Free article