So I’m reading a report. Unicef published it on Monday, and it says a lot of scarifying — even shaming — things about how children are doing in the rich countries of the world.

Opec and non-member oil producers have moved closer to clinching a deal on extending output cuts by nine months to clear a global stocks overhang and prop up the price of crude.

It’s bad news for Robbie as Guinness World Records has revealed they’re not keen on recognising his international goalscoring exploits.

Although a number of the more senior candidates – among them John O’Shea, Glenn Whelan and Jon Walters — have left the squad to return to their clubs, it still tells you something about how important a player Robbie Brady has become for Ireland, that Martin O’Neill has nominated him as captain for the friendly game against Iceland at the Aviva tonight.

Oman says it has accepted 10 inmates from the US prison at Guantanamo Bay ahead of Barack Obama leaving office.

Oil rose to an 18-month high as output cuts by Kuwait and Oman signalled that Opec and its partners are delivering on their accord to stabilise the market.

Good afternoon. Here’s all the news you need to know this lunchtime.

Cyrus Christie is ready to step into the heat of World Cup battle if Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill needs him.

Here’s a briefing on some of the stories and issues highlighted on irishexaminer.com today

Martin O’Neill might feel sad about saying goodbye to Robbie Keane — and sadder still that, as he’s often pointed out, he didn’t have the services of the record goalscorer in his prime — but the Ireland manager finds consolation in the fact that, even at 32, another of his strikers, Jon Walters, is good to go again.

So just how far should his team-mates put themselves out in trying to ensure that Robbie Keane signs off with a goal tonight?

Robbie Keane says he's been blown away by the out-poring of well-wishes and support that he's received since announcing his plan to retire from international football.

Cork City will be hoping for more joy against Longford Town at senior level tonight after it was confirmed the club’s U19s are to become the first Irish side to compete in the UEFA Youth League.

Robbie Keane announced yesterday that Wednesday's game against Oman was to be his last.

Good morning. Here’s everything you need to know before you start your day.

Prepared statements “on the occasion of” can often come across as bland, off-the-peg affairs, a poor substitute for facial expression and the spoken word.

Cork City 1 Oman 1: A man of the match display by Oman goalkeeper Faiyz Al Rushaidi denied Cork City an international scalp as they drew with Oman in last night’s entertaining friendly at Turner’s Cross.

Cork City manager John Caulfield says it’s “a privilege” for the club to host Oman in a friendly game at Turner’s Cross this evening.

Robbie Keane will not cast his mind back to Thierry Henry’s controversial handball for one second as the Republic of Ireland attempt to dump hosts France out of Euro 2016.

Republic of Ireland striker Kevin Doyle has confirmed he suffered no lasting damage after undergoing surgery to repair an horrific gash to his leg.

OMAN: The 500-year-old wreckage of a Portuguese ship piloted by an uncle of explorer Vasco da Gama has been found off the coast of Oman, a discovery that included the recovery of an incredibly rare coin — of which only one other was thought to exist.

Ireland ended a disappointing ICC World Twenty20 campaign with a 12-run defeat to Holland in a match reduced to six overs due to rain in Dharamsala.

Ireland are out of the ICC World Twenty20 after heavy rain prevented a result in their match against Bangladesh in Dharamsala.

Ireland all-rounder Kevin O’Brien says the younger members of the squad are ready to make the “step up” to the big stage in the ICC World Twenty20 in India.

Opec is very unlikely to cut output at its next meeting in June, even if prices remain extremely low, according to organisation sources and delegates, as it will be too early to say how fast Iranian output is rising.