A construction and hotel group plunged further into the red last year after incurring write-downs totalling €10.9m.

Niall Quinn received a £2million (€2.3m) payment when he stepped down at Sunderland Football Club last year, according to a new report into Premier League finances.

Shaka Hislop does not believe former West Ham team-mate Paolo Di Canio is a racist, but has called for a proper explanation of his political beliefs.

Sunderland’s new partnership with The Nelson Mandela Foundation is not under threat following the appointment of Paolo Di Canio, the organisation confirmed today.

Niall Quinn has revealed he has no regrets about hanging up his boots in the days just before footballer’s wages rocketed.

THE Co Kildare-based property developer Faxhill Homes saw its losses widen last year from just over €1.7 million to nearly €3m.

ASTON VILLA yesterday strongly defended their conduct in the move that took Darren Bent from Sunderland to Villa Park. Bent’s switch to Villa was completed yesterday for an initial £18million three days after the striker put in a shock transfer request.

Sunderland's Anton Ferdinand was banned from driving today.

FAXHILL HOMES managed to significantly reduce its losses last year but it said the trading environment still remains very challenging.

THE family of murdered Limerick man Shane Geoghegan were joined by members of his rugby club Garryowen and former school friends from Crescent College Comprehensive at his first anniversary Mass which was offered at Garryowen FC club house last night.

AN ambitious initiative was launched in Limerick yesterday to keep children out of trouble through sports in memory of murdered Limerick rugby captain Shane Geoghegan.

A new charity has been launched today in honour of Shane Geoghegan, the Garrowen rugby player shot dead in Limerick last November.

CUSTOMERS of a well-known publican could be swapping their favourite tipple for Newcastle Brown Ale if his latest investment venture kicks off.

Sunderland are not lining up former Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini as their new manager, according to the Italian’s agent.

Roberto Mancini claims he has been offered the chance to manage Sunderland.

Departing Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia admits he would probably not have taken the job in the first place if it had not been Niall Quinn offering it.

RECESSION? What recession?

Roy Keane has left Sunderland, the club confirmed today.

Sunderland target Younes Kaboul will make a decision over the club’s offer in the next 24 hours.

Tottenham defender Pascal Chimbonda has admitted he is excited by the chance to join Sunderland.

Sunderland boss Roy Keane has taken full responsibility for his side’s 7-1 mauling at Everton after admitting he picked the wrong team.

ROY KEANE’S character is entirely shaped by his high standards, from the vast array of medals he has stashed in a draw somewhere to his volcanic reaction when others have not reached his expectations.

Boylesports chief executive Daniel O’ Mahony tells Liam Mackey why the company backed the Black Cats.

“IT’S all about the stamina, it’s about pace, it’s about not getting cryptosporidium and it’s about taking plenty of painkillers” — it could have been a bit of advice for the horse trainers on how to win the 5.45 in Ballybrit.

A triathlon aims to raise €115,000 for homeless services run by national voluntary agency, Focus Ireland.

Sunderland officials have launched an investigation after three players were alleged to have taken part in a filmed sex session.

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has signed a three-year contract as manager of Sunderland.

Sunderland defender Alan Stubbs was “extremely hurt” by Everton’s insistence on inserting a contractual clause which allowed them to end the agreement should his cancer return.

Three Sunderland footballers were facing disciplinary action today after being cautioned by police for taking pot shots at passers-by with a ball bearing gun from a moving car.

Howard Wilkinson was today unveiled as Sunderland‘s new manager with Steve Cotterill as his assistant.

Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips has revealed the “sadness” he felt at the sacking of Peter Reid but he has urged his team-mates not to allow sentiment to affect their future performances.