THE Cat Laughs comedy festival returns to Kilkenny this year, following the roaring success of last year's inaugural festival. Now known as Murphy's Cat Laughs (after the beer), the festival will run from May 30th to June 3rd and although the full line up has yet to be confirmed, we have confirmed sightings of the following major acts: Eddie Izzard, Ardal O'Hanlon, Jo Brand, Jenny Eclair, Bill Bailey and Jeremy Hardy.

Making the trip over from the US are such heavyweight names as: Will Durst, Rich Hall, Scott Capurro, Greg Proops and Anthony Clarke. A very strong Irish line up, including Jon Kenny, will be out in force for the occasion. Expect confirmation of a major US star in the near future and watch this space for further developments on what is judging by last year's fun and games, a hugely popular, comedian friendly, international festival of laughter.