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10% tax on junk food to tackle obesityA 10% tax on fizzy drinks, sweets, biscuits, crisps, and chocolate is to be recommended to the health minister as a way of tackling the country's soaring obesity problem.
Prayer vigil for fine weather as farmers queue for fodderA 24-hour prayer vigil for fine weather has been held on the Kerry-Cork border.
- WORLD
How Star Trek predicted the futureWHEN Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry first dreamed up the concept of a television show based in the unexplored universe of Outer Space in 1964, the world was a very different place.
BIG READ: A week in the online terror worldMichael Moynihan on his week in the online terror underworld.
- BUSINESS
IBRC delays loan valuations, saleThe valuation and sale of IBRC loans has been pushed out by six months to November and December of this year.
The smart money is always on SeánFounded four decades ago, its annual turnover is now €2bn.
- SPORT
The Terry Reilly Interview: The Godfather of GalwayOver the course of almost half a century, Liam Sammon has been in service to Galway football. Now he hopes a new generation can restore county pride.
Super Blues keep double in sightsJoe Schmidt's side won their third European trophy in successive years and gave Connacht reason to celebrate also as the Westerners gained entry to next season's Heineken Cup courtesy of their neighbours to the east.
- LIFESTYLE
Perfume for summer: Let in the seasonal lightYOUR wardrobe isn't the only thing that needs updating once the barometer starts to rise.
You’re not gay. You’re in a bromance. Did you cry with your buddy while watching Fergie say farewell at Old Trafford?
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Breaking stories
Real stuck in blocks but Barca off to flyer
By James Whelan
Real Madrid made a stuttering start to their title defence as they were held 1-1 by Valencia at the Bernabeu last night.
The champions looked bright early on and after both Cristiano Ronaldo and Angel Di Maria came close, Gonzalo Higuain gave the home side the lead with just 10 minutes on the clock.Against the run of play Valencia levelled four minutes before the break when Tino Costa’s wonderfully whipped free-kick from the right was met by Jonas, who headed home.
The home side were let off the hook early in the second half when a through ball from inside his own half by Costa found an unmarked Roberto Soldado.
The striker ran through the middle unchallenged before rounding Iker Casillas and sliding the ball into the net, only for play to be brought back for offside, although replays showed Soldado was onside.
Substitute Karim Benzema forced a good save from Diego Alves with 10 minutes left, but Valencia were well worth a draw as the home side struggled to create chances.
Barcelona had no such trouble as they made the perfect start with a 5-1 win against Real Sociedad at the Nou Camp.
Captain Carles Puyol headed the home side in front after four minutes but Sociedad hit back five minutes later through Chory Castro.
Lionel Messi then struck twice before 16 minutes had elapsed to turn the game decisively in Barca’s favour.
Second-half goals from Pedro and fit-again Spain international David Villa capped a fine night as Barcelona began life under new boss Tito Vilanova with a bang.
Elsewhere, Real Betis recovered from squandering a 3-0 half-time lead to seal all three points at Athletic Bilbao last night, thanks to two goals from Jorge Molina and others from Ruben Castro, Benat Extebarria and Alex Pozuelo.
On Sarturday, 16-year-old Fabrice Olinga became the youngest scorer in La Liga history when he came off the bench to net the winner on his debut for Malaga as they beat new boys Celta Vigo 1-0.