Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, says it has been in contact with management at a secure mental health facility in Britain, which currently has three Irish children staying there, after a Channel 4 documentary raised serious concerns about the centre.

New manager Steve Bruce is confident Aston Villa can still mount a promotion challenge this season despite a poor start to the campaign.

St Michael’s College 25 St Andrew’s College 7

A High Court judge has said the costs of HSE legal proceedings aimed at keeping an 18-year-old with a severe personality disorder in a specialised unit in England against her wishes would fund a “purpose-built” unit for her in Ireland.

It has been a long time since I have so eagerly anticipated the start of a major championship — especially the US Open.

New manager Mark Warburton has started his Rangers revolution by signing former Ireland Under 21 captain Rob Kiernan.

FA Cup — Saturday review: Though cast in the shadow of high-profile fallers at Stamford Bridge and the Etihad, there was another giant-killing of sorts at Ewood Park, where nine-man Swansea became the third Premier League side beaten by lower-league opposition, crashing out 3-1 to Blackburn.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wowed New York as they ended their US Tour by attending a glamourous fundraising event in aid of their old university.

SUNNY DAYS, a World Cup, Gay Pride, and Mrs Brown’s Boys D’Movie have come together to melt the national mood. Nothing much — let alone anything fundamental — has changed, but the public spirit has lightened a little, for now.

This month sees the tenth staging of Reel Youth, which is making a strong case to become Ireland’s national youth film festival.

Birmingham 2 Wolves 3

Reading have completed the signing of right-back Stephen Kelly from Fulham.

Former Sheffield United, Coventry and Birmingham forward Peter Ndlovu has been critically injured in a car accident in his native Zimbabwe.

As Schalk Brits apologises for his barely audible voice, explaining that he has had the flu all week, it is impossible not to think one thing: maybe he isn’t Superman after all?

Birmingham 0 Ipswich 1

St Andrew’s claimed their fourth All-Ireland Schoolboys title, their experience proving too much for Wesley College in yesterday’s final at Lisnagarvey.

Birmingham are set to sign Chelsea left-back Ben Gordon on a six-month loan deal, Press Association Sport understands.

Peter Lovenkrands has become Lee Clark’s first signing as Birmingham boss, subject to a medical.

Steve Bruce targeted a return to the Premier League after being installed as the new manager of Hull today.

Blackpool 1 Birmingham 0

Trevor Francis has today been discharged from hospital after suffering a suspected heart attack on Friday.

Birmingham 3 Middlesbrough 0

West Brom have confirmed the signing of Birmingham defender Liam Ridgewell for an undisclosed fee.

Birmingham 0 Wovles 0

CELTIC manager Neil Lennon is hoping his side will thrive in the do-or-die scenario they face in tonight’s Europa League Group I game against Udinese at the Stadio Friuli (kick-off 8.05pm).

BANBRIDGE Academy became just the third school to retain the All-Ireland Schoolboys crown in its 30-year history as Owen Magee grabbed a winner 14 minutes from time to deny Ulster rivals Cookstown in Garryduff yesterday.

Birmingham have agreed an undisclosed fee with Stoke for striker Cameron Jerome, Press Association Sport understands.

Jonathan Spector has become Birmingham’s sixth free transfer signing of the summer.

West Brom have signed Birmingham goalkeeper Ben Foster on loan for the season with Boaz Myhill going in the opposite direction.

West Brom boss Roy Hodgson has admitted his interest in bringing goalkeeper Ben Foster to The Hawthorns and the Black County club are in talks with Birmingham.

NEW Birmingham City boss Chris Hughton has admitted the Airtricity League is on his radar in terms of identifying new recruits.

Wolves have completed the signing of Birmingham central defender Roger Johnson in a £7m deal today.

Aston Villa have reached agreement with Birmingham over the compensation paid to the Carling Cup holders following manager Alex McLeish’s move across the city.

Birmingham have received a joint bid in the region of £16m from Stoke for defender Scott Dann and striker Cameron Jerome, it is understood.

Craig Gardner is set to end his 18-month spell with Birmingham in the next 24 hours and complete a £5m move to Sunderland, it is understood.

Birmingham’s acting chairman Peter Pannu hailed Chris Hughton as the “perfect candidate” after he was appointed as the club’s new manager in succession to Alex McLeish.

Chris Hughton is expected to be confirmed as Birmingham's new manager in the next 24 hours, Press Association Sport understands.

New Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has asked the fans of the club to allow him time to prove he is the right man for the job after he left bitter rivals Birmingham to take the post.

Aston Villa will today step up their bid to secure Alex McLeish as their new manager.

Aston Villa were meeting managerial target Alex McLeish at a secret location in London today, as their bitter battle with the Scot’s former club Birmingham continued.