With few changes in Thursday’s overnight standings, Cork Week closed at Crosshaven last night after a spectacular 100-boat race off Roche’s Point and briefly around the inner harbour.

Today’s finale of Cork Week 2012 neatly splits into two parts: the haves and the have nots — those that have everything to sail for and those that simply need to turn up as all the hard yards were done and dusted yesterday.

With Cork Week well into it’s programme and approaching it’s finale tomorrow, a change in conditions today could upset the overall standings in several key classes, although some leaders appear uncatchable.

Racing at Cork warmed up with the improved weather yesterday as a full programme of competition was completed in all nine events under IRC and again under ECHO handicaps.

Dutch entry Tonnerre de Breskens, owned by Piet Vroon, continued its foray into Irish waters this week by opening class zero at Cork Week with two emphatic race wins.

LIGHT winds on Dublin Bay ended the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta in marked contrast to Thursday’s opening race near gale conditions and left close results across the fleet before the overall prize was awarded to the class two entry Supernova from the host port.

Prince William arrived at Westminster Abbey to marry Kate Middleton, with best man Prince Harry at his side.

Prince William became the Duke of Cambridge today just hours before he marries Kate Middleton in a historic ceremony watched by million across the globe.

Last-minute preparations were under way today for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton with the ceremony now just one night away.

BRITAIN’S Prince William and Kate Middleton made a rare pre-wedding appearance last night as they attended a rehearsal for their nuptials at Westminster Abbey.

A new official royal wedding app which offers a 3D tour of Westminster Abbey is to be released, it was announced today.

Lindsay Lohan has one less legal worry after prosecutors announced they would not pursue any charges against her over a December scuffle with a rehab worker.

Prosecutors in Los Angeles are not pursuing charges against actress Lindsay Lohan over a scuffle with a rehab worker.

Actress Lindsay Lohan pleaded not guilty to felony grand theft of a US$2,500 (€1,827) necklace - the most serious charge yet filed against the troubled starlet who has wrestled with drug and alcohol abuse for years.

The Riverside County district attorney’s office wants another investigation before deciding whether Lindsay Lohan will be charged with battery for last month’s skirmish with a Betty Ford Centre rehabilitation technician.

Lindsay Lohan’s lawyer insisted today that the 24-year-old actress did not drink or take drugs during her 90-day stint at the Betty Ford rehabilitation centre.

Police want Lindsay Lohan charged with battery over her skirmish with a Betty Ford Centre rehab technician.

A CHANGE of pace saw standings across the 13 classes tighten into two distinct groups: the outright battles for first place in some, and clear favourites in others. Light winds are again expected today while there will be possible near-gale conditions tomorrow.

The Singapore-based Profitable Group have made formal contact with the people charged with the task of selling Newcastle.

Former Newcastle owner John Hall has branded the club’s relegated squad “rubbish” and “useless”.

Tomorrow’s Croke Park stand-off is an indicator of Irish rugby’s rude good health. But it didn’t happen by accident – it’s vindication of the IRFU’s policy of keeping their players at home when rugby went pro. MICHAEL MOYNIHAN reports.

Former Newcastle owner John Hall has admitted he feels sorry for his beleaguered successor Mike Ashley, and fears the possibility of big-money foreign investors buying the club.

The cost of a barrel of Brent crude oil slipped back below 100 US dollars in volatile trading today. as slowing demand offset news of a cut in excess production.

The price of Brent crude climbed back above US$100 a barrel today after traders reacted to Opec's decision to cut excess supply.

A BBC cameraman was released after being held in Iraq by the US for 23 days, a military spokesman confirmed today.

US AMBASSADOR Zalmay Khalilzad exchanged sharp remarks with the Russian ambassador yesterday, accusing Moscow of resisting attempts to make peace with Georgia after days of fighting have left hundreds of civilians dead.

Oil prices rose today as investors shrugged off Saudi Arabia’s pledge to increase production if needed.

Oil prices jumped to a new record near USD$140 a barrel today.

Crude oil prices rose to a new record above $114 (€71) a barrel today as investors opted for commodities over a weaker dollar.

Former Newcastle boss Graeme Souness admits he would return to St James’ Park “in a heartbeat”.

Newcastle have been told they will be wasting their time making any more bids for Harry Redknapp.

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd is expected to be invited to remain at the club today as Mike Ashley plans for the future.

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd's fate could be decided in a review of the club after billionaire Mike Ashley took a major step towards assuming control.

A job Sam Allardyce has described as a “massive challenge” may soon be made a little easier after reclusive billionaire Mike Ashley’s projected takeover moved closer to completion.

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd will discover just what he is up against when his Board holds talks with prospective owner Mike Ashley next week.

Tycoon Mike Ashley may have to remain patient as he attempts to push through his takeover of Newcastle.

Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder has been assured his job is safe amid speculation that former Bolton boss Sam Allardyce is being lined up to replace him.

Newcastle fans have backed chairman Freddy Shepherd’s challenge to potential investors to “put up or shut up”.

Opec ministers today agreed to hold production unchanged for now but set the stage for a cutback of half a million barrels a day in February.

The Belgravia Group have played down reports claiming a takeover bid for Newcastle is imminent.

Former Newcastle chairman John Hall has hit out at the club’s recent managers for squandering more than £200m (€299m) on sub-standard players.

Newcastle insist they have yet to receive a formal takeover bid amid speculation the Belgravia Group are stepping up plans to buy the club.

Newcastle’s major shareholders have rejected a bid from Belgravia Group, according to the Sunday Telegraph.

NEWCASTLE chairman Freddy Shepherd is expected to resist any takeover bid by Jersey-based Belgravia Group.