Soon after we packed our trunks and umbrellas, Earth's leading environmental scientists issued their latest devastating assessment of the climate emergency, concluding that the planet's future depends on the choices we make now. Now that is, not tomorrow.

Even that couldn't stop Kellie Harrington putting smiles on faces in Tokyo, Portland Row and our front room. And, this weekend, Jason Smyth did the same.

Despite some stiff competition, Covid kept its place in the race for the front pages, with Fórsa and other unions gaining plenty of mid-August coverage on recognition for health workers. Our Éamonn had this to say on RTÉ news.

Later, Sharon Graham broke from the pack to become Unite's new general secretary, which means the UK's two biggest unions (and its Trade Union Congress) are now led by women. In other recruitment news, DPER got a new(ish) secretary general. Spoiler alert: He's not a woman.

Like Sharon, the Sindo befuddled the bookies with this editorialised praise of the HSE. Wonders won't cease.

Sadly, we lost Charlie Watts, Don Everly, Nanci Griffith, Rodney Rice, Sean Lock (don't click that link if you're offended by very strong language) and, yesterday, the great reggae innovator Lee 'Scratch' Perry.

And the Taliban took Afghanistan. These brave and resourceful women provide some inspirational reading amidst that debacle.

The relaxation of Covid restrictions and 'return to work' edged their way back onto the news agenda this week and last, with Fórsa and ICTU quoted in last Friday's Irish Times analysis.

And this morning we read that working in finance is head-wreaking, the buses are back, more price rises are on the way, and a row's brewing at the Dublin airport authority.

Here's hoping you got a bit of a break over the summer. Pioneering graffiti artist Banksy did, and our first Zen of the new season follows his spraycation around some English seaside resorts. Bit of a 'busman's holiday,' that.

Nice to be back.

Bernard