Kilkenomics festival

The festival where economics and comedy collide returns to Kilkenny from 7 to 10 November - just in time to analyse the outcome of the US Presidential election. Now in its 15th year, Kilkenomics brings together top economists, academics and commentators along with some of the best comedians around, to deliver entertaining discussions.

There will be more than 60 panel discussions with festival co-founder David McWilliams, Fintan O’Toole and Julia Hobsbawn sharing the stage with comedians like Dylan Moran, Colm O’Regan, Alison Spittle and many more.

Poetry corner

Liúdramáns and Buinneacháns

By Jonathan Roth

If you live in the West

you can’t avoid them

A liúdramán or a buinneachán

There are one in the same creature of a man

Lurking with intent and waiting for a chance

To spill dull words from their mouths

Some so badly inflicted with the curse

They don’t know that they don’t know

Some are sneaky and ambush you at the

bar counter

And the hook in “You’re not from these parts?”

A pint later and you have suffered his life story

Volume I if you don’t get out fast or make the call

The mother-in-law made history in her house

Being the only girl of four who didn’t marry

A liúdramán or buinneachán

Yet for all their

failings and strife

They of times add to the gaiety of life

Some have important full-time occupations

Supporting corner buildings with

their bottoms

Not known locally for being a thought leader

In Killinascully their Shortt name is...

Ludder

Art Source

There's a rare chance to see pristine prints of Andy Warhol’s iconic Marilyn series when Art Source opens its doors at the RDS from November 15-17.

Fancy picking up a unique piece of affordable art from an emerging or established artist? Get yourself along to Ireland’s biggest art fair, Art Source, in the RDS from November 15-17.

There’s also a rare chance for art lovers to see pristine prints of Andy Warhol’s iconic Marilyn series at the event, which is expected to attract 15,000 through the doors. These prints provide visitors with the unique opportunity to see Warhol’s iconic works, as they appeared during their original release. Visit artsource.ie

Vintage charm

Whether you’re looking for a statement accessory or a touch of old-world glamour, these beautiful vintage-style, individually made handbags will add a touch of elegance to any outfit.

Created by Sharon Williams of Kildare-based Airy Fairy Designs, and featuring hand-sewn floral appliques, many of these bags also come with a beautiful vintage-style brooch and each one has a hidden chain inside. Birds of Nature handbag, €65, wicklowmarketplace.ie

Picture of the week

The Murphy twins from Waterford have harvested their pumpkins after spending three months tending to their crop with love and hard work. \ Jeanette Walsh

Read it

Allison Keating with her new book.

Psychologist Allison Keating recently launched her second book entitled: It’s All Too Much. This practical book will guide you from ‘survive’ to ‘thrive’.

With tools to help you deal effectively with anxiety, feeling overwhelmed and panic attacks, you will also discover how to clarify and plan your next steps, taking you from ‘it’s all too much’ to ‘I’ve got this.’ It’s All Too Much is published by Gill Books, €18.99.

Sustainable soap

A selection of products made by Palm Free Irish Soap, a family business based in Killaloe Co Clare.

Soap has been enjoying a resurgence in popularity in recent years, a large part of which can be attributed to its sustainability credentials. And one Clare family business is leading the charge – Palm Free Irish Soap is meeting the high demand for zero-waste,

plastic-free alternatives to everyday soap, shampoo, deodorant and laundry bars. The award-winning company now supplies its handcrafted products to hundreds of retailers, including Dunnes Stores, Nourish independent health stores and Kilkenny Design. Check out palmfreeirishsoap.ie