All Paddy McConigley can recall was the pain. Searing. Raging. Blinding? Yes, sadly. The most excruciating experience he has ever endured.

Edwin van der Sar believes new Manchester United boss David Moyes faces a virtually impossible task trying to fill the shoes of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Rebels hand out seven debuts but still defeat Limerick 3-17 to 0-8 at the Gaelic Grounds.

As Rafael Nadal makes a much-anticipated return to grand slam tennis, Roger Federer will tomorrow begin his 54th consecutive campaign at one of the sport's big four tournaments.

It's the eve of an all-Irish Rabo Direct pro 12 final, again underlining just how strong the provincial game remains in this country.

The statistics are stark.

Joe Schmidt has opted against speculating whether Sean O'Brien will miss the opening weeks of the British and Irish Lions tour after omitting the injured flanker from his squad of 23 for today's RaboDirect Pro12 decider.

UEFA has said that three protesters who caused a disturbance at an official dinner for European football's leaders in London last night were arrested by police.

There is a fresh look to the Cork team to face Limerick in tomorrow night's Munster SFC quarter-final at the Gaelic Grounds (throw-in 7pm).

Dylan Hartley could be suspended from the British and Irish Lions tour after he was sent off during the Aviva Premiership final.

Teacher unions and others that remain opposed to €300m public sector pay cut proposals will be subjected to laws cutting higher salaries and other work changes, Enda Kenny said yesterday.

University College Cork intends to be largely self-funding within five years, saving the Irish taxpayer millions of euro a year.

The British parliament is to investigate if security services could have done more to prevent the murder of a soldier hacked to death in a London street after it emerged that his suspected killers were known to intelligence officers.

ULSTER SFC QUARTER-FINAL:Donegal v Tyrone For too long, we've been decrying the anti-climactic starts to thevarious provincial championships. Now we have a genuine no-holds barred contest in Ballybofey.

Joe Schmidt has opted against speculating whether Sean O'Brien will miss the opening weeks of the British and Irish Lions tour after omitting the injured flanker from his squad of 23 for today's RaboDirect Pro12 decider.

First volume of Margaret Thatcher's authorised biography is predictably flattering, but not a hagiography, says Shaun Connolly

Highlights include Colin Stafford Johnson's new series on the Shannon, and highly-rated new spy drama The Americans.

The latest addition to our stellar team of rugby writers reflects on the ups and downs of a magnificent playing career — and reveals the reasons why he's chosen to move to Paris to kick-start his coaching career.

Mice raised without bacteria in the gut showed distinctly autistic patterns of behaviour, choosing to interact with objects more than other mice, scientists at University College Cork (UCC) have found.

THERE are three reasons why a managed exit by Ireland from the eurozone is the most urgent economic priority. But first consider this reality.

WATCH them riding on, the three musketeers, Alan Shatter, James Reilly and Phil Hogan!

The latest addition to our stellar team of rugby writers reflects on the ups and downs of a magnificent playing career — and reveals the reasons why he's chosen to move to Paris to kick-start his coaching career.

A TD has said those behind misleading anti-abortion leaflets being circulated in her constituency which contain graphic images and purport to come from her are "sick people".

The sleek white Lauren L yacht has become Cork's latest tourist attraction, and you have to admit, it definitely adds a touch of glamour to the place.

Paddy Power are today refunding all win and each way singles to customers who backed Ireland's Ryan Dolan for last night's Eurovision.

A man was killed and two others were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds today following a "serious incident" understood to involve a serving British soldier.

A man who mugged an 83-year-old lady in Cork city centre thought he could outrun his pursuer — but found to his cost the chaser was training for a marathon.