Severe overcrowding, drugs, and the lack of in-cell sanitation are major problems in Dublin’s Mountjoy Prison, a report revealed today.

Hedgehunter is still on target for the John Smith’s Grand National despite taken out of the Cheltenham Gold Cup at the latest forfeit stage.

Richard Johnson made the dash to Haydock worthwhile when he rode Richard Lee’s Mister Potter to victory in the Red Square Vodka “Fixed Brush” Novices’ Hurdle.

In-form trainer James Fanshawe continued his hot streak with a 5-1 double at Newmarket provided by Zidane and Caressed.

THE Irish Hockey Association has appointed Paul Varian to the permanent position of Chief Executive.

Denman strolled to another impressive victory en route to the Royal & SunAlliance Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival with success in the JPCS Novices’ Hurdle at Bangor.

Blazing Bailey could tackle the Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham after maintaining his unbeaten record at Fontwell.

VENTURE capital (VC) investment has to quadruple to over €4 billion in the next five years if Ireland is to catch up with the rest of the world, a new study warns.

HAVE a quick glance at the current prices on offer for the Royal and SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham and tell me it makes sense there should be such a wide gap between favourite, Black Jack Ketchum, and Noel Meade’s Nicanor.

VENTURE Capital investment in Irish firms fell by €369 million last year, a 69% drop to €166m, figures released by PricewaterhouseCooper reveal.

IRISH venture capitalists see a major upswing in the sell-off and flotation of start-up companies in which they have invested close to €1 billion.

IRISH venture capitalists’ investments in Irish companies broke all records in 2003 hitting €255m and there is a further €250m looking for suitable deals.

I AM writing to you in connection with the grave of Sgt Maj Coughlan, VC, 75th Regiment, Gordon Highlanders and Connaught Rangers, in Westport, Co Mayo.