Iarnród Éireann is today warning rail passengers to check timetables before travelling over Christmas.

If you needed any more confirmation that the rugby landscape has changed immeasurably with the advent of professionalism, then look at the demands placed on our provincial squads over the festive period.

Andy Murray will play his first match since returning from back surgery in Abu Dhabi on St Stephens Day, with his sights already firmly set on reaching a fourth career Australian Open final.

Retail Ireland has said, despite tough trading conditions, Irish retailers believe 2013 may see an upturn in sales.

Retailers are reporting brisk business today as the St Stephens Day sales get into full swing.

Bitter warring exes further hurt their children by withholding access at traditional family time, says Áilín Quinlan

Keith Matthews will celebrate his 100th cap when he lines out for Connacht for tomorrow night’s Magners League against Edinburgh at the Sportground (kick-off 7.45pm).

THE WATERFORD Crystal Cup hurling clash between Kerry and Cork IT, scheduled to be played at the Fitzgerald Stadium tomorrow, has had to be transferred to Tralee because of extensive water damage to the two main dressing rooms at the Killarney venue.

Most Bus Éireann services around the country are operating as per normal this morning with some delays and diversions in affected areas.

Many of the country's best-known retailers have announced they will open on St Stephen's Day this year.

FORMER Dunnes Stores chief Ben Dunne has accused TV3 of lacking “common sense and fairness” by making the decision to announce the Minister for Finance’s cancer diagnosis on St Stephens Day.

Munster coach Tony McGahan has decided to leave his captain Paul O'Connell and six others that played against Perpignan out of the Munster Squad to prepare for the Magners League clash with Connacht on St Stephens Day in Thomond Park Stadium.

Premier League footballer Joey Barton pleaded guilty today to assaulting a former team-mate in a training ground row.

Two men were arrested today by detectives investigating the murder of a young man near his home last Christmas.

JAMIE CARRAGHER has accepted defeat in Liverpool’s Barclays Premier League title bid and believes the club are now fighting to earn a Champions League place this season.

ALAN QUINLAN could make dramatic return for Munster in the province’s penultimate Heineken Cup pool game against Clermont Auvergne on Sunday week.

SUNDERLAND striker Daryl Murphy is happy to fight for his place on Wearside but admits his future is up in the air.

Connacht have today announced their side to play Munster at the Sportsground on New Years Eve (kick off 4pm).

Over fifty suspected drink driving offences were recorded over Christmas Day and St Stephens Day.

President McAleese has praised the millions of euro Irish people have donated to help the victims of this year’s natural disasters.

MICHAEL DARCY took the riding honours on a day of shocks at Thurles yesterday, recording a double on Baily Breeze and Just.