Fear of seeming friendless or single prevents many people, especially women, from socialising or travelling by themselves, but going solo has its advantages, says Caroline Allen.

IRELAND’S top Olympic official has warned that some of the country’s elite athletes could be forced to retire before the London Games in 2012 if government funding continues to be cut.

CROKE PARK on a non-match day can be a deceiving place.

Ireland's Peter Coughlan has failed to qualify from the opening round of the men's 110 metres hurdles at the World Athletic Championships in Helsinki.