Mystery surrounded an eyecatching gamble and subsequent stewards’ withdrawal of Like A Diamond in the Tote Win 24% Better Than Bookmakers SP Maiden at Ballinrobe last night after officials announced they were concerned the three-year-old was not in the care of his stated trainer.

Diplomat booked his ticket to join Dermot Weld’s all-conquering Galway Festival team with an easy victory in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Novice Hurdle at Sligo yesterday.

Scuffles broke out as a contentious parade passed through North Belfast today.

IF, ON first meeting him, you did not know his background, you could easily imagine Chris Thackaberry strolling down O’Connell Street in a Celtic jersey or coming home from Hill 16 on a summer Sunday having seen the Dubs lose from a winning lead for the umpteenth time.

A HISTORIC logbook documenting the arrival of King William of Orange and his army in Ireland ahead of the Battle of the Boyne in 1690 has been uncovered during renovation work at Belfast City Hall.

A controversial gay-rights activist has sparked anger in the North by claiming that King William of Orange, a unionist hero, had male lovers.

Unsung peacemakers from both sides of the Border will be hailed by President Mary McAleese in her front garden next week.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern was today urged by the Reverend Ian Paisley to ensure criminals who flee over the border will be arrested.

Danny Morrisson

A major security operation is under way in Northern Ireland today as thousands of Orangemen take to the streets for the Battle of the Boyne commemoration parades.

A NEW battle of the Boyne looms over plans to build a waste incinerator on the site of King William's historic victory of 1690.