A man dressed as a ‘Trapajon,’ representing entities of nature, poses for a picture after taking part in the Vijanera Festival in Silio, northern Spain. (Daniel Ochoa De Olza/AP/Press Association Images)

Here are the things we learned, loved and shared today.

THINGS WE LEARNED

#STRIKE: Bus Éireann is to go ahead with changes to its employees terms and conditions despite the threat of strike action by its workers.

#REPAID: Uganda has given back €4 million in Irish Aid funding that was misappropriated by officials in its prime minister’s office last year.

#TOP JOB: John Brennan, whose parents hail from Roscommon, is to be named as the new head of the CIA.

#LIMERICK: Justice Minister Alan Shatter has refused to comment on reports about an alleged incident in Limerick yesterday. In a statement this evening, he said that Gardaí were investigating the nature of remarks reportedly made during a Sean South commemoration. He added that he has “consistently made clear that threats made by and activities by criminal terrorist groups are completely unacceptable”.

#SPARKLY: Kilkenny is officially Ireland’s most litter-free town. It finished top of the Irish Business Against Litter annual survey. Where did your hometown place?

#GOOD NEWS: Taylor, the three-month-old lurcher puppy that was found with his throat slashed on Friday, is making a miraculous recovery at Cara Rescue Dogs following reconstructive surgery to his neck.

(Image: Cara Rescue Dogs)

THINGS WE LOVED

• New year, new telly: well, the same ol’ programmes but new episodes for DailyEdge.ie to recap. First up, we were treated to Sharon Corr’s golden legs and Bressie’s sweaty leather shirt in The Voice of Ireland before we got miffed mammies, a handsome American stranger and internet dating in RAW.
• A Tumblr, entitled Edith With Googly Eyes, makes something in Downton about Lady Edith Crawley. Finally. And, yes, it is as funny as it sounds.
• Nicolas Cage. Obviously.

THINGS WE SHARED

• The BBC has taken a look at why people living on the Greek island of Ikaria live – on average – ten years longer than the rest of us. The answer includes midday naps and homemade wine. Yes please.
• The local property tax comes into effect later this year and Revenue has published this table which gives homeowners an idea of how much they will be charged.

Image: @martinagardiner

• A local wildlife photographer spotted the rare ‘Bittern Bird’ at Inch Island, Inishowen at the weekend. Last year was the first time the bird was spotted in Ireland for more than 150 years. She also captured video footage of the elusive creature showing how it uses its plumage to blend into the lakeside reeds.

(YouTube Credit: martinagardiner)

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More