American Apparel

24. American Apparel


It was the brand of '08 and the uniform of a generation, with simple styles of leggings, hoodies, headbands and vests, and in '09 the chain is set to open its first Irish branch in Dublin.


25. Grand Pocket Orchestra


Incredibly energetic and eclectic young Irish indie-pop band certain to make waves this year as the domestic music scene continues to throw up exceptional gems.


26. Val Falvey TD


Ardal O'Hanlon and Arthur Mathews re-unite for the first time since 'Father Ted' for this RTé sitcom. Co-written by Mathews and Paul Woodfull, these gents have pedigree so if it's not funny we will eat our own legs.


27. Pandas


Or more specifically, comedian David O'Doherty's forthcoming book '100 Facts About Pandas', all of which are made up.


28. Sharon Horgan


We've missed funny woman Sharon Horgan (sister of rugby king Shane, don't ya know) since the excellent BBC Three comedy 'Pulling', but thankfully she's back this year in Channel 4's 'Free Agents' as a woman stuck in an 'on-again off-again' romance.


29. Sarah Haskins


Genius comedian whose 'Target Women' segment on current.tv has injected a shot of feminism into comedy as well as brutally deconstructing American television advertising aimed at women.


30. Gold


No longer just for pirates, trolls or hip-hop artists, gold is now one of the only sound investments left. Even Eddie Hobbs is advocating its purchase. Skint? Fake it till you make it with metallic trainers.