Early screening of children with cerebral palsy would help prevent orthopaedic problems that can cause severe pain and affect quality of life, a conference in Cork heard yesterday.

Ireland's Cerebral Palsy seven-a-side footballers showed some of the form which saw them to fifth in the World last year as they blitzed the United States 4-0 in this morning's 7th-8th place play-off in Athens.

A determined Patrice Dockery claimed ninth and a season's best in the T54 5000m final tonight in Athens, having been reinstated following her crash in Sunday's semi-final.

Bray teenager Gary Messett has been chosen as Ireland's flag-bearer for Friday's opening ceremony of the twelfth Paralympic Games in Athens.

The parents of a 14-year-old severely disabled boy, who failed to win an action alleging medical negligence against a Cork hospital, have been hit with a bill for £3m.