‘Tis the season for Christmas jumpers, blue Santa hats, and Leinster at the Aviva.

Seven tries to one. A 27-point differential. This Pool 1 Heineken Champions Cup encounter turned into a rout but Leinster were just three points to the good when Jonathan Sexton went down in the tackle four minutes after half-time.

Pressure is mounting on gang members involved in planning and executing the abduction of businessman Kevin Lunney following the arrest of three people suspected of being on the fringes of the crime.

Police believe computers, phones and documentation seized from a “safe house” used by the suspected orchestrator of the abduction of Kevin Lunney could have “significant potential” in unearthing evidence.

Considering Arsenal were pleading poverty at the start of the window, the capture of a player who has been of interest to every big club on the planet was a huge statement of intent from the Emirates’ new-look recruitment team.

There are newish fans who may not fully get the testing faith that is Tottenham Hotspur. But already they recognise the importance of fearing the worst on a daily basis. We must continue to answer the call though, says Enda McEvoy. Audere Est Facere.

Peter Jackson gets over the gain line, behind the headline

Two planes were involved in a minor collision at the UK's East Midlands Airport during early morning fog.

It can be hard to swallow when you have Parkinson’s disease, writes Paula Gilmore.