Thousands of Palestinians cheering and waving flags gave President Mahmoud Abbas a hero’s welcome in the West Bank today, as he told them triumphantly a “Palestinian Spring” had been born following his historic speech to the UN last week.

Beaten Arkle favourite Noland could have his final race of the season at Ayr’s Spring meeting.

WITH temperatures close to 30 degrees and wind speeds climbing to 15 knots, the 402 racing boats at Crosshaven spend yesterday asking was there a catch.

A RDS Silver Medal will be presented for the Holstein Friesian Champion of the Spring Dairy Fair in Cavan Equestrian Centre next Saturday — the first qualifier for the 2006 RDS/Irish Holstein Friesian Association Champion of Champions.

Environment Minister Martin Cullen is due to launch An Taisce’s National Spring Clean later today.