Once considered the sweat-free option, Pilates is now the go-to exercise of A-listers in search of a toned and taut body, writes Peta Bee

Rory McIlroy is by a distance the Irish sportsperson of the decade, writes Kieran Shannon.

Feuds between make-up artists, conspiracy theorists and Irish comedy made up the most popular videos on YouTube in Ireland this year.

He kitted out for Manchester United in the 90s alongside such footballing legends as Roy Keane, David Beckham and Ryan Giggs.

The recent FIFA Women’s World Cup France was a game changer for football. As the series progressed, the players gained huge traction with supporters for their skill, drive and guts. A record 750 million watched on TV. Channelling the excitement, sports pundits are predicting a brave new world where superstar female soccer players are awarded the same terms and conditions as their male counterparts.

Whether it’s a passion for knitting or shamanism that reels them in, how public figures spend their free-time is revelatory of their inner psyches, writes Rita de Brún.

Phil Neville's England have won their Women's World Cup quarter-final against Norway to set up a semi-final against either the hosts France or the current world champions USA.

He’s worked with the world’s top names in fashion, and David Beckham hand-picked him to change the face of British label, Kent & Curwen. Paul McLauchlan meets Dublin-born designer Daniel Kearns.

Manchester United starlet Ben Thornley’s burgeoning career was derailed by a tackle that resulted in the Bury native having knee ligaments looking like a ‘book opened up on its spine’.

This was the day when England and former Republic midfielder Declan Rice found out whether Dexit was really worth all the aggro and, unlike the current political shenanigans haunting London, his strategic exit turned out rather well.

Rachel Marie Walsh played beauty spy backstage at London Fashion Week

It has been a busy week for the so-called footie idiot, writes Tommy Martin.

She had a complete mental meltdown in public, went into treatment and disappeared off stage for two months, did Sheridan Smith.

I didn’t pay that much attention to the Ryder Cup, which I believe thrashed itself out in nicely creased slacks all across the weekend. Homework off and half-days from school await, writes Michael Moynihan

Alex Ferguson has revealed how he was “smitten” with Liam Miller’s midfield intelligence the first time he saw the Cork man play.

Got a dilemma? No problem! Ask Audrey has all the answers.

If you have had enough of the World Cup, fear not. Here I am, as always, to help you out. Or to sharpen your dress sense, at least.

England 6 Panama 1

As the world of football is trying to digest the breaking news that Spain have only gone and sacked their gaffer on the very eve of the World Cup, a few of us happen to find ourselves sitting in the affable company of a man who also famously missed out on the Mundial, but for a very different reason.

A galaxy of global football superstars is being lined up for a special tribute game in Cork later this year for the former Manchester United and Celtic player Liam Miller.

Yet again the talk surrounding England as they approach a major tournament is marooned somewhere between hope and hype but Damien Duff has questioned whether Gareth Southgate’s players have the commitment required to make a mark at the World Cup.

It was a shameless act. Premeditated. Despicable, disgusting, dastardly. Did he mean it? Of course he did.

Interviewing Michael Owen, in Dublin last Sunday, the talk was always going to be dominated by his old club, Liverpool, and their latest quest for European glory, writes Liam Mackey.

Five things we learned

Rachel Marie Walsh looks at the latest beauty launches for men. The highlight? David Beckham’s brand new line, House 99.

All the latest headlines this lunchtime.

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane looked supremely relaxed as he smiled his way through yesterday’s press conference ahead of tonight’s Champions League last-16 first leg at home to Paris Saint Germain.

"This is a city that is built on dreams. Today you made my dream come true."

Giggs laughed off Keane's claim that he would be worth £2billion in today's exorbitant transfer market.

Wayne Rooney, England’s all-time top scorer, has announced his immediate retirement from international football.

The Los Angeles Galaxy are on the lookout for a "world-class" signing, but head coach Curt Onalfo would not confirm whether Zlatan Ibrahimovic was in their crosshairs.

The clean-up operation of Glastonbury Festival 2017 has begun as revellers return home from the five-day extravaganza.

Cristiano Ronaldo's reported unhappiness in Spain will have some of the biggest clubs in world football on alert in a bid to sign the Real Madrid forward.

Antoine Griezmann's future is once again a hot topic after Atletico Madrid failed in their bid to overturn a transfer ban.

Less than two years ago, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez shifted uncomfortably in his seat at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu as most of the 80,000 Blancos supporters around him chanted ‘Florentino Dimision’ (‘Florentino Resign’).

Des O’Driscoll with the latest entertainment news and events

Critics have not been kind so far, but Guy Ritchie is sticking by his new King Arthur film, not least the casting of David Beckham, writes Susan Griffin

Here's your lunchtime news bulletin.

Tottenham 4 Watford 0: Dele Alli turns 21 tomorrow, and although Mauricio Pochettino says he loves him like a son, it is typical of the Tottenham manager’s style that he will not give special treatment to the man he believes is the best young player in Europe.

Monty Python star Terry Jones has said that he can no longer write as he helped publicise the issue of dementia.