FAI chief John Delaney has defended his singing of a song about hunger strikers in a Dublin pub — as it emerged lawyers acting on his behalf had initially been instructed to deny he was involved.

THE blood is up, lads.Ireland's World Cup odyssey in Australia was undoubtedly exciting but there is something about a big Munster away day in Europe that leaves you breathless and shaking with anticipation.

An Irish anthem has been named the world's most popular song in a poll by the BBC World Service.

"A Nation Once Again", the republican anthem made famous by the Wolfe Tones has beaten off stiff competition to make the shortlist for a BBC Internet music poll to find the world's favourite song.