So they’re supposed to give up now. Just like any sensible group of Irish sportspeople should. They failed so they’re failures and would be better of failing to even try again, the nation’s sages in their self-appointed wisdom chortling Cleese that haven’t you forgotten, it’s the hope, not the despair, that kills you, old boy.

If you stopped into Goldberg’s Bar after last night’s Live at the Marquee gig you may have been served by a very familiar-looking member of staff.

A son of former TD Charlie O’Connor died from multi-drug toxicity, a coroner has found. Father-of-one Robert O’Connor, 35, was found dead in his home at Rialto Cottages in Dublin 8 on April 19 last year.

Jodie Kidd says the way Sue Perkins was treated by 'Top Gear' fans was "horrific".

Only 45% of fires attended within critical first 10 minutes

More than 13,000 scheduled operations were cancelled by hospitals during the first eight months of this year for reasons including staffing issues and bed shortages, the HSE has confirmed.

The State is facing the embarrassment of spending millions on a postcode system that is going nowhere, writes Joe Leogue

A group representing frontline emergency staff has warned lives will be lost unless the Government reverses its decision on a new national postcode system due to be rolled out next spring.

On Friday, when the fireworks pop and the hotdogs sizzle for the annual celebration of Independence Day in the United States, New York Yankees fans will have another impossibly sentimental reason to hark back on past Fourth of Julys.

Kick-start the New Year with a face and body overhaul. Lisa Haynes reveals how to look and feel tip-top for 2014.

A war of words has broken out between Waterford County Council and firefighters in the county over claims some rural stations are being closed for days to facilitate training.

Dublin City Council’s controversial call-out charge for use of the fire service has recouped just one-third of the fees owed for this year so far.

Cork City 0 Celtic XI 2

Manchester City caretaker boss Brian Kidd wanted to look forward after a flat end to a disappointing season and an emotionally draining week.

Manchester City 2 Norwich 3

Manuel Pellegrini remains overwhelming favourite to become Manchester City manager following the sacking of Roberto Mancini – a move that came as a surprise to players and staff.

Reading 0 Man City 2

Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini remains the overwhelming favourite to succeed Roberto Mancini as Manchester City manager.

Manchester City finally ended three days of intense speculation by announcing the sacking of manager Roberto Mancini late last night.

PREMIER LEAGUE:

The battle between high street and high-end played out at London Fashion Week, with John Rocha and Mulberry vying for catwalk dominance against Whistles, Topshop Unique, and Rihanna for River Island, reports the Irish Examiner's Annmarie O’Connor.

NATURAL beauties look away now.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon is hoping to have Charlie Mulgrew (rib) and Adam Matthews (ankle) back for the Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Motherwell at Parkhead.

Fire call-out charges are deterring people from seeking help in emergencies and should be removed immediately to help save lives, it has been claimed.

Firefighters have said that there are "huge levels of wastage" in the fire service.

THE imposing Mossey Joe lit up Cork last night with a flawless display to land the Dromahane Chase.

Liam Mackey pays a personal tribute to the transformative magic of Europe’s premier club competition.

Former model Jodie Kidd has shown off her growing pregnancy bump – and revealed she has had a crush on her boyfriend since she was 12.

Willowy former model Jodie Kidd has shown off her growing pregnancy bump – and revealed she has had a crush on her boyfriend since she was 12.

A GROUP representing firefighters in Ireland has hit out at government budget cuts which it says are hitting emergency services.

A GROUP representing firefighters in Ireland has hit out at government budget cuts which it says are hitting emergency services.

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini will take a ’roll-call’ before deciding his line-up to face Notts County in the FA Cup fourth round replay on Sunday.

DARREN BENT had just one touch in the Manchester City box in this entire match yet Aston Villa’s new signing once again showed that is all he needs to win a match.

Manchester City look set to appeal against the red card Pablo Zabaleta was issued during last night’s goalless draw with Arsenal.

BRIAN KIDD has pleaded for understanding as Italian Mario Balotelli tries to combat the destructive power of homesickness.

BRIAN KIDD believes the Premier League title is now “Manchester United’s to lose” although he has confirmed Manchester City will explore every avenue in their search for an advantage.

IT does not get any easier for Roberto Mancini.

Back Of The Pack bids to continue her climb up the fencing ladder when she tackles the Bar One Racing Drinmore Novices’ Chase at Fairyhouse on Sunday.

STREETS OF GOLD, trained by Christy Roche for J P McManus, dug deep to land the paddypower.com Grand National at Cork yesterday.

ADRIAN MAGUIRE’S Anshan Dreams followed his win in a maiden at Tipperary with a smooth success in the INH Stallion Owners’ EBF Novice Hurdle at Cork yesterday.

SPILL THE BEANS, who had hit the bar on a couple of occasions previously, got off the mark when landing the opening maiden hurdle at Tramore yesterday.

ADAM JOHNSON, the England winger who has yet to convince club manager Roberto Mancini that he is worthy of a starting place at Manchester City, came off the bench to have the final say in his team’s absorbing victory over Newcastle, although his display was overshadowed by matters beyond his control.

Newcastle manager Chris Hughton left Eastlands seething this afternoon after a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City that was made even worse by the broken leg suffered by Hatem Ben Arfa.