HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Famous birthdays ... this week

Athlone, with Ireland’s first all-electric bus service having been launched in the town by Minister for the Environment Eamon Ryan

RTE presenter Jacqui Hurley, who is a popular choice as new presenter of The Sunday Game highlights show (stepping into the role vacated by Des Cahill)

Ellen DeGeneres (American comedian and TV host, will be 65 on Thursday)

J Cole (American rapper, turns 38 on Saturday)

Oprah

(American TV host and author, celebrates 69th birthday on Sunday)

Creggs RFC, with victory over Connemara All Blacks on Saturday propelling the firsts into the Connacht Junior Cup semi-final

High-flying Arsenal, with a thrilling 3-2 win over Manchester United maintaining their highly impressive form in the Premier League, with their pursuit of a first title since 2004 very much still on course

Northern Ireland snooker star Mark Allen, who continued his purple patch by winning the World Grand Prix, defeating Judd Trump in a thrilling final (winning ball in chosen pocket, £100,000 in back pocket)

Tom Selleck (American actor, will turn 78 on Sunday)

It’s been a BAD week for…

Argus employees, this after the company made a shock announcement confirming it will close all its Irish stores – with the loss of nearly 600 jobs – by this summer

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (at least in perception terms), this after police issued him with a fine for not wearing a seatbelt in a moving car while filming a video for social media

Controversial teacher Enoch Burke, who was dismissed from his position at Wilson’s Hospital School in Multyfarnham, this after he persisted in turning up for work despite being suspended

Frank Lampard, who was sacked as manager of Everton on Monday, this after a very poor run of form shattered morale and left the club facing a desperate battle to avoid relegation Munster outhalf Joey Carbery, a surprise omission from Ireland’s squad for the forthcoming Six Nations’ rugby tournament (Joey can bounce back)