The official team sheet Alex Ferguson's first game in charge at Manchester United is to be sold at auction - and it features three Irish stars.

Éire Óg, Nenagh 0-15 Thurles Sarsfields 0-12 Munster and Tipperary senior hurling champions, Thurles Sarsfields were sensationally knocked out of this year's Tipperary championship at The Ragg last evening after losing by three points to Éire Óg, Nenagh.

Paul O'Connell believes there is "savage competition" for places in the British and Irish Lions squad as the countdown continues towards next Saturday's first Test against Australia.

It's too early to make a call on James Horan's Mayo as the bigger tests lie ahead

New Wigan manager Owen Coyle had some harsh words for Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni yesterday as he was officially unveiled at the DW Stadium.

Clare 1-11 Cork 1-20At full-time yesterday, Cork manager Conor Counihan delved into his repertoire of sombre expressions and fished out his favourite.

Italy head coach Cesare Prandelli revelled in a Confederations Cup victory over Mexico at the Maracana but warned his match-winning striker Mario Balotelli to stop "flexing his muscles".

Adam Ashley-Cooper insists Brian O'Driscoll remains as dangerous as ever as the rivals prepare to meet for the first time in Saturday's opening Test between Australia and the British and Irish Lions.

Job done as far as the result was concerned, but for manager Conor Counihan there is plenty of work to do.

Joe Kinnear's return to Newcastle could be the beginning of the end for manager Alan Pardew's reign on Tyneside.

A BILL that stigmatises gay people and bans giving children any information about homosexuality won overwhelming approval last week in Russia's lower house of parliament.

FIRST lady of the United States of America Michelle Obama touched down in Dublin yesterday for an official visit to the Republic with her daughters Malia, 14, and Sasha, 12.

A former criminal associate of James "Whitey" Bulger told jurors at the accused mob boss's trial that he agreed to testify against his old friend after learning that his former gang pals had begun co-operating with law enforcement.

Ecuador's foreign minister is making a brief visit to the UK ahead of talks over the future of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

Royalty Pharma has urged the board of Irish biotech firm Elan to engage it in takeover talks immediately.

Bank of Ireland said no client funds have been impacted by an internal inquiry in its private banking division.

History will be created on June 28 when Dr Cullen Park plays host to the first ever Friday evening senior Championship game.

Canada 14 Ireland 40 It's been a tough year for the IRFU since that 60-0 demolition in New Zealand a year ago on Saturday.

SPECTATORS of the live dance-art show, Witches, will have to wake early or stay up late to watch it.

Rave club Sir Henry's closed ten years ago, but it still obsesses the hero in new play, DEEP, says Colette Sheridan

The photos of celebrity chef Nigella Lawson being grabbed around the throat by her husband are disturbing. He said he was just being 'playful'. It's not acceptable behaviour, says Barbara Scully

The noises coming from the Cork camp immediately after Sunday's Munster SFC semi-final win were of the usual kind.

Let him explain why... "I had a bad dose of pneumonia over the last couple of weeks and I only got out of hospital last week so unfortunately the Clare game has come too soon for me.

Cork will be captained by Bride Rovers' Brian Murphy in Sunday's Munster SHC clash with Clare.

I'm 57 and have lost interest in sex. My husband has given up making advances. I know it's unfair to him but I have no desire. I don't want to feign interest. I am afraid our zero sex life will drive us apart and I'll end up alone.

A BILL that stigmatises gay people and bans giving children any information about homosexuality won overwhelming approval last week in Russia's lower house of parliament.

SPECTATORS of the live dance-art show, Witches, will have to wake early or stay up late to watch it.

The bill doesn't go far enough, says Fiachra Ó Cionnaith

A New York Medical Examiner Office employee has been suspended after the body of a young Irishman was placed in a van full of rubbish after his tragic death over the weekend.

Schools, youth groups, and clubs came from all over Ireland on invitation from the US embassy to join Michelle Obama and her daughters for a VIP showing of Riverdance.