For a small kid growing up in Cork in the 1970s, the big American sporting occasions, like the Super Bowl, the NBA Finals and even the US Masters represented a whole world of awe and inspiration.

WORLD number one Amelie Mauresmo feels she may have finally conquered her big-match nerves — just in time to do battle for the Wimbledon title with Justin Henin-Hardenne today.

MARTINA NAVRATILOVA exited Wimbledon for the last time yesterday, having failed to break the record for the most titles.

NEXT Generation Clubs, a chain of fitness centres backed by JP McManus, John Magnier and Denis Brosnan, saw profits grow by almost £1.8 million (€2.62m) in 2004.

A PRIVATE nursing home group owned by John Magnier and JP McManus is eyeing up a takeover of The Priory, the London clinic best known for treating celebrities with drug habits.