While almost all of the pre-match focus zeroed in on the three men Martin O’Neill would be deploying in his retooled and reshaped rearguard, there wasn’t nearly as much thought given to who would line up in front of them.

Shamrock Rovers 1 St Patrick’s Ath 1: Chris Fagan’s second-half equaliser last night lifted St Patrick’s Athletic off the bottom of the Premier Division as indiscipline once again plagued Shamrock Rovers.

Zinedine Zidane has refused to offer any clues as to whether Gareth Bale will start a Champions League final in his home city.

The quickest glance at Cyrus Christie’s social media feed tells you that the Ireland defender has athletic interests outside his own discipline.

Should Tayo Dunne emulate his father Richard by developing into an Ireland international, then his grounding within the learning environment at Monaco will be key.

UEFA will "fight" for a European nation to host the 2030 World Cup amid fears that China could launch a bid to stage the tournament.

One of Rolf Harris's alleged victims said she is speaking out for "vindication and justice" as the entertainer sat in court for the first day since his trial began.

One of Rolf Harris's alleged victims said she is speaking out for "vindication and justice" as the entertainer sat in court for the first day since his trial began.

Sam Smith's plans for a second album are on hold.

Nigel Farage has vowed to quit as Ukip leader if he fails to become an MP at the UK's general election, declaring it would be “curtains for me”.

Harry Styles "can't wait" to turn 21.

Reality show bosses fear she could become the fourth celebrity to leave the house without being evicted.

Robert Pattinson is keen to buy a new home in north London, but will only do so if the property has a dance-floor.

Jessie J has turned down the chance to play superheroes.

Kerry Katona and her fiancé George Kay reportedly had a huge bust-up at their joint hen and stag do.

Kris Jenner has forbid Kanye West from writing a James Bond theme song.

Passenger claim the only thing don't like about Ed Sheeran is his love of Lego.

Ant McPartlin wants to be a contestant on 'I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!'

One Direction's songwriter has defended his right to audition for 'Britain's Got Talent'.

Michael Le Vell has been shadowing the 'Coronation Street' directors.

One Direction's security team want to hire lookalikes of the band members.

Victoria Beckham has rejected a request to design Kim Kardashian's wedding dress.

Victoria Beckham celebrated her 40th birthday by hiking the Grand Canyon this week.

One Direction have enlisted 100 bodyguards for their upcoming stadium tour.

David Beckham wants to buy his own taxi.

Jim Davidson is in talks to relaunch his '90s game show 'Big Break'.

It hardly carried the glamour or gravitas of an induction into Cooperstown or Springfield, it wasn’t like there was a Larry Bird to welcome his Magic Johnson into this particular Hall of Fame, but there was something particularly pleasing about seeing Ronnie Whelan being honoured at the FAI International Awards on Sunday.

There is a rather evil pact set to feature in the Square.

Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal’s 5-1 hammering against Liverpool on Saturday felt “like a car crash” and has challenged his team-mates to respond.

The singer Linda Nolan has admitted she was so upset by her rows with Jim Davidson in the 'Celebrity Big Brother' house, she was pushed too far for the first time "since 2012".

Kasabian are to headline at this year's Glastonbury Festival.

Amy Childs reportedly "freaked out" and demanded an ambulance be called for her after breaking a nail.

Liam and Noel Gallagher are to attend the same wedding.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are planning four wedding celebrations.

A long-running 'Coronation Street' character is to become a prime suspect in the coming months.

A former Jungle contestant is set to make a return to 'I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!'

Justin Bieber reportedly signed a contract forcing him to behave at a New Zealand hotel.

Rita Ora and Calvin Harris are planning a romantic getaway to rekindle their romance – to a remote part of Ireland's west coast.

Miley Cyrus is making 'X Factor' bosses nervous ahead of her performance on the show tomorrow.

The One Direction womaniser is said to have set his sights on the 'Wrecking Ball' singer after her wild antics and racy Twerking at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) in August, striking up a flirty text relationship with her.

Liam Gallagher has taken up martial arts.

Temperatures are set to hit a scorching 50 degrees Celsius during this year's 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here'.

Liam Gallagher's estranged wife "feels like a prisoner" living around the corner from him.

Jessie J wants to work with Miley Cyrus again.