NECESSITY is the mother of invention, goes the old adage. It held true when Colette Swift arrived in London some years ago and walked straight into he middle of a tube train strike and had no option but to buy a bike to commute across the city to work.

THE euro rose against the dollar in New York for a third day after the European Central Bank said the currency’s yearlong rally wouldn’t crimp exports, easing concern that policy makers plan to sell euros or lower interest rates.

THE dollar fell to a record low versus the euro in New York yesterday, after the US raised its security alert because of what officials called a “substantial increase’ in the potential for terrorism during the holidays.

Munster are in pole position in the Under 21 Interprovincial championship and they will meet Ulster for the first of two times in a week at Thomond Park on Saturday (2.30pm).