Controversial Italian footballer Mario Balotelli is believed to have made a large donation to Manchester Dogs' Home, which was badly damaged in a fire earlier this month.

An urgent investigation has been launched after Olympic fans expressed disappointment at the sight of rows of empty seats on the first day of the London 2012 Games.

Ireland 0, England 3

THE death of a mother-of-four in a single vehicle accident early yesterday brought to 161 the death toll, so far, on Irish roads this year.