The Kerry Group Rás Mumhan takes centre stage this weekend with the 500-plus kilometre stage race attracting a massive field of more than 170 riders.

Australia’s swimming superstar Ian Thorpe has announced his immediate retirement from the sport at the age of 24.

David Malone narrowly missed out on adding to his Sydney gold medal in the S8 100m backstroke final this afternoon in Athens, settling in the end for silver - and Ireland's second medal at the 2004 games.