As the number of Irish children seeking medical help over gender identity rises nine-fold, support groups and families say children’s distress is being exacerbated by the lack of a treatment framework here.

The number of children aged 10 or under who have been referred to Britain’s NHS to help deal with transgender feelings has more than quadrupled in the last six years, according to new figures.

‘PLAY the chunk and run’ has always been Tiger Woods’ top golfing tip and having done that, in every conceivable sense, it looks like he’s about to make a comeback.

It’s difficult to imagine Ray Reardon making the sort of obscene hand gesture that marred Ronnie O’Sullivan’s latest success at the Embassy World Championship.