A bespoke collection of Irish Times journalism exclusively for subscribers featuring previews and the best of the week that wasThe floods that wreaked havoc across parts of Ireland in recent weeks highlighted two urgent imperatives. Some of the homes damaged in recent weeks had been recently built, raising questions about whether the planning system has been equal to the task. Figures brought to light by our Climate and Science Correspondent, Caroline O’Doherty, this week suggest that culture has not entirely disappeared. Derek Crozier, the original Crosaire setter, or cruciverbalist, compiled his cryptic crossword from 1943 until his death in 2010. This week we launched The Daily Eight - an eight-clue crossword compiled by Niamh O’Connor and published seven days a week.

Source: The Irish Times February 22, 2026 15:13 UTC