The departure of Greece from the eurozone would be a "huge political mistake", according to German chancellor Angela Merkel.

Rory McIlroy played last week’s Open Championship having broken up with girlfriend Holly Sweeney.

Acclaimed Irish writer Patrick Galvin has died aged 83.

Defending champion Lee Westwood, much to the annoyance of the “raging” promoter and BBC Television, had to wait until 4.05pm to resume the Quinn Insurance British Masters at The Belfry today.

Fortune did not favour the brave at The Belfry when defending champion Lee Westwood finally began his third round in the Quinn Insurance British Masters today.

The European Tour today rejected a request from both the tournament promoter and BBC Television to speed up the third round of the British Masters at The Belfry.

A TOPLESS model poses in the foliage, environmentalists plead for the water vole, yoga enthusiasts balance on tip-toe amid the plants.

RTÉ is to launch an internet-only television channel for broadcast across the world later this year, bringing shows such as Fair City, Podge and Rodge, and Off the Rails to a global audience.

TRAGIC Lorraine Kehoe was just 22 when she stepped on stage at the Rose of Tralee festival, carrying Waterford’s hopes for the prestigious crown.

BRITISH secret services last year vetted one of the bombers behind the London attacks and judged he was not a threat, reports claimed yesterday.

Newcastle fans could last night be forgiven for thinking April Fools’ Day had arrived a few hours early after reports leaked out that skipper Alan Shearer had agreed to play on for his home-town club for another season.

FERMANAGH’S 22-year wait for a second Allstar award will come to an end this afternoon when the Vodafone football team are chosen by a panel of national media in Dublin.

BBC1 is to undergo a major review after audiences complained the quality of its programmes was going downhill, it was announced today.

Pinewood Studios boss Michael Grade was today due to be named as the BBC’s new chairman, BBC News 24 reported.

The Football Association have decided to bar England fans from travelling to the next Euro 2004 qualifier in Macedonia on September 6.

THREE men are due in court today charged in connection with an alleged plot to carry out a terrorist attack which police sources say involved the London Underground.

THE British government tried to calm a jittery nation’s nerves last night by playing down reports of a planned cyanide gas attack on London’s Underground rail system after three men were arrested under anti-terror legislation.

All but 13 Palestinians inside in the embattled Church of the Nativity were due to leave the ancient basilica today, as Israel and the Palestinians moved to implement a deal to end a five-week siege.

Olympic super heavyweight champion Audley Harrison has been forced to pull out of his second professional bout.

Olympic boxing champion Audley Harrison will kick - off his professional career against an as yet unnamed opponent at Wembley Arena on Saturday May 19.