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.

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.

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.

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.

Brumbies 14 British & Irish Lions 12 Warren Gatland's hopes of his British & Irish Lions going unbeaten for 10 games in 2013 came to crashing halt at the Canberra Stadium on Tuesday as the ACT Brumbies scored a famous victory in the Australian capital.

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

The GAA's decision to break new ground by hosting a Friday night fixture in the first round of the All-Ireland SFC qualifiers next week has been criticised by some of the players who will be involved in the game.

Manchester United have added another game to their mammoth 24,500-mile pre-season schedule.

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

British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland conceded his side "got what they deserved" after seeing their unbeaten tour record disappear in a disappointing showing against the Brumbies.

A double murder investigation involving more than 50 gardaí got under way in Killorglin, Co Kerry, after autopsies confirmed a Lithuanian woman and her young daughter had died violently.

Pregnant women who were exposed to high levels of air pollution were twice as likely to have a child with autism as women who lived in low pollution areas, a US study shows.

Accused Boston mobster James "Whitey" Bulger and one of his associates shot dead a bar owner in a phone booth for bragging about helping the "Winter Hill Gang" with another killing, an ex-convict and confessed murderer has testified.

Pop star Katy Perry has revealed that Russell Brand told her he was divorcing her in a text message.

Shannon-based aircraft leasing firm GE Capital Aviation Services have bought 10 new Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners for an estimated $3bn (€2.24bn) at list price.

Nearly 20% of Ireland's wealthy people have seen the value of their assets halved as a result of their over-reliance on property.

The GPA could yet act on the behalf of the Carlow and Laois football panels as they have confirmed neither they nor the players were consulted about Friday week's All-Ireland round one qualifier.

Rob Kearney might not have felt like putting his best foot forward today as the Lions continued to prepare for Saturday's all-important first Test against Australia but he is experienced enough to know that after this midweek defeat by the Brumbies, it is essential for the main mission of the tour.

Soul singer Charles Bradley found fame late in life, but is haunted by his past, writes Ed Power

Do it together and it's harmless, do it alone and it's criminal, says Suzanne Harrington

THE first time I covered a sexual assault case I remember sitting in the court room and being stunned by the evidence — when I realised that I had experienced the same abuse that was being outlined by the victim.

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

Children with special needs face further cuts to resource teaching as the Government forces schools to cater for more pupils without increased staffing levels.

Cork manager Jimmy Barry-Murphy says his team have "worked very hard" on fitness since losing their relegation play-off 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 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.

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.

A 27-year-old woman found murdered in her rented home in Killorglin, Co Kerry, had been looking forward to returning permanently to her native Lithuania in the coming weeks.

ONE thousand women attended the meeting in the Mansion House, Dublin on Apr 14, 1971, when the Irish Women's Liberation Movement was established.