"I am looking forward to experiencing my first Corona Cork Film Festival as Festival Manager. There is so much to choose from in this year's programme." She may be new to the post but Ann Lawlor, a native of Tulamore, Co Offaly, has clearly bought into Irelands longest running film festival.

The monthly winners that make up the shortlist for the Cork Person of the Year awards is, as these things so often tend to be, a typically eclectic gathering of people from all walks of life.

Amy is just like any other Cork twenty-year-old. She enjoys spending time with her friends, spending Saturday's browsing through the shops and taking regular trips to the cinema. However, for Amy, accessing all of these services that many take for granted, is not always that simple.

As another September dawns, one staple musical event in Cork is notably conspicuous by its absence. For the past 28 years, the Cork Folk Festival has, whatever the circumstances or financial restrictions, routinely taken place with folk, roots and traditional music filling venues across the city.

As a chef, TV presenter, journalist, teacher and mother, there’s no denying that Rachel Allen is more than just a little busy and with a new series and a new book about to be released as well as a new arrival on the way, it’s hard to imagine how the famous chef even has time to think. However, despite what one might imagine, Rachel has found a way of fitting it all in and even has time for the simple pleasures in life like spending time with her husband Isaac and sons Joshua and Luca.

She may be one of the most hotly tipped young women to scoop the crown at this year's Rose of Tralee, but, as the festival gets underway, the modest Cork Rose Niamh O' Hanlon is happy to steer clear of the speculation and enjoy the days ahead.

As the new president elect of ASTI, the Association of Secondary Teachers, Pat Hurley has vowed to fight against any cutbacks on spending in education.

The wedding of your dreams may be just within reach with the next series of the hugely popular RTE programme Brides of Franc.