Nicola Sturgeon will today launch a fresh bid to convince Scots to back independence, hailing the drive as the "biggest ever political listening exercise".

Roy Keane’s legal action against bookmakers Paddy Power over the use of his face on a mocked-up image of Braveheart prior to the Ireland v Scotland European Championship qualifier has been resolved.

LUCKY is a word that crops up over and over when Barbara Dickson talks about her life. 

Roy Keane has gone to court in a row over the use of his face in a mocked-up image of Braveheart as part of bookmaker Paddy Power’s advertising.

The Scottish National Party’s Mhairi Black is the Baby of the House in the UK parliament and at 20 years of age is the youngest MP in the House of Commons since 1832.

Hollywood star Mel Gibson who is now a Freeman of Trim, will send a personal video message to the Co Meath town to mark the 20th anniversary of the Oscar-winning film Braveheart.

Ahead of the Ireland v Scotland game tomorrow, our Celtic cousins are coming to Dublin in droves. And, in pure Paddy Power style, the bookmaker has "welcomed" them to our fair city with a giant sign.

A spoiler-free guide to tonight's telly. It's cold out there. Take it easy.

Freeeeedom!

Irish tax breaks and "smartass" army reservists helped make the movie ‘Braveheart’ a huge success, Mel Gibson reveals in newly-released footage taken during the epic shoot.

Okay, it’s not really a question.

Size: Sq m 233 (2,500 sq ft)

The first point worth making about my trip to meet the good folk of Waterford City RFC has nothing to do with rugby and more to do with musical appreciation.

Celtic have escaped punishment over an “offensive” banner displayed at Parkhead, the Scottish Professional Football League has confirmed.

Celtic have been fined €50,000 after the controversial Green Brigade group unfurled a banner depicting IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands during last month’s clash with AC Milan.

Celtic are set to find out what action they face over the controversial banners that were displayed ahead of their Champions League clash with AC Milan two weeks ago.

Celtic have made moves to disband the Green Brigade section at Parkhead after labelling events during Friday night’s match at Fir Park “indefensible”.

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell demanded supporters leave their political views at home after Uefa began disciplinary action against the club over an “illicit banner”.

Europe captain Paul McGinley has warned Ian Poulter he is not guaranteed a place in the side at Gleneagles next year, despite likening his Ryder Cup heroics to Liverpool’s Champions League final comeback against AC Milan.

Europe captain Paul McGinley has warned Ian Poulter that he is not guaranteed a place in the side at Gleneagles next year, despite likening his Ryder Cup heroics to Liverpool’s Champions League final comeback against AC Milan.

THESE are not golden days for the Scots.

WHEN a footballer is experiencing issues in their personal life, the commonly held wisdom is that they forget all of their problems when they step onto the pitch.

THERE have been several serious expressions of interest from potential investors in the Sasha chain of ladies clothing stores, the High Court heard yesterday.

A nearly 700-page study released by the US Army found that “in the euphoria of early 2003,” US-based commanders prematurely believed their goals in Iraq had been reached and did not send enough troops to handle the occupation.

A FILE has gone to the director of public prosecutions following the arrest of an 18-year-old man alleged to have assaulted an English tourist who subsequently lost a finger.

An English teenager who lost a finger during St Patrick’s Day celebrations was recovering in hospital today.

Lansdowne 8 Blackrock College 24

A man was killed on his 58th birthday while laying out cones for a traffic survey and today the victim's family said they did not want to see a jail sentence imposed on the driver of the lorry that killed him as there had been enough suffering in the case.

KILLER Mark Papazian had a fascination with murder — both real and imaginary.

THIS extended and reconstituted cottage on more than an acre of East Cork coastal land could be the perfect full-time home, or else an ideal second home, according to the selling agents.

I HAVE no doubt the FAI will get someone with very good credentials to replace Brian Kerr, but it’s a shame for the Republic that Martin O’Neill has ruled himself out of the running.

The US Army, in a rare disciplinary act against a four-star officer, said today it relieved Gen Kevin Byrnes of his command in the midst of an investigation into unspecified “personal conduct".

JOINTLY for sale with two ERA offices, this house at Ballingarrane, Shanagarry is newly listed with local agent, William Wallace, and city-based, Jeremy Murphy, of Downey McCarthy Murphy.

Mel Gibson’s Braveheart topped a list of most undeserving films to win the Best Picture Oscar.

CORK CONSTITUTION lost their unbeaten AIB League record and a bit more besides at Temple Hill on Saturday.

Cork Con 10 Buccaneers 22

Galwegians 24 Cork Constitution 37

The Hollywood writer behind Braveheart is penning another screenplay about a fictional love affair between Catherine the Great and a young Scotsman, it was reported today.

UP to 120,000 extra US troops are to be sent to Iraq as Allied leaders faced the prospect of a drawn-out siege of Baghdad. News of the deployment came after the Iraqis promised their capital would become a graveyard for the coalition.

As many as 120,000 extra US troops are being sent to Iraq as Allied leaders prepare for a siege of Baghdad.

Julia Robert’s ex Jason Patric is to appear in new movie The Alamo after receiving critical acclaim for his latest role as a tough cop in drama Narc.

CHRISTMAS comes early tomorrow for Munster coach Alan Gaffney with three of his provincial key men returning to competitive action in the AIB League.

Leinster pair David Quinlan and Ben Willis and hooker Glen van der Wyver are the three additions to the Blackrock outfit that will travel across town for the Dublin derby against St Mary's College on Saturday.

Braveheart legend William Wallace has been voted the top Scot of all time, a new poll revealed today.

A divers’ watch used by James Bond in the film Tomorrow Never Dies, which starred Pierce Brosnan, could fetch up to £15,000 when it goes on sale at auction today.

Two antique Regency tables which may have had a colourful link with Scots hero William Wallace were being sold at auction today.