Company liquidations rose 42% in 2008 and are set to double this year, according to the annual report of the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE). However, most of the directors in charge of insolvent firms avoided any restriction proceedings and can continue to act as company directors.

The ‘bad’ bank debate gained momentum in the papers this weekend as the economic and banking meltdowns remain centre-stage. In the wings, retailers and agricultural companies continue to go to the wall while travel agents become the latest victims of the consumer spending downturn.

The closure of Irish music television channel Bubble Hits last Friday put the spotlight on the growing pressure within the TV industry as revenues plummet. Bubble blamed a collapse in advertising income for the closure, which came less than a year after the station set up its dedicated Irish service, a much-welcomed outlet for showcasing new home-grown acts.

Padraig Harrington and Rory McIlroy might be giving Ireland unprecedented dominance on the world stage but our once-buoyant golf industry is spluttering to a halt like a choked uphill putt.

The retail, hospitality and leisure sectors bear the brunt of consumers’ tightened spending according to the papers this weekend. Irish banks remain in the crosshairs of the disgruntled public, investors and regulators.