Political Editor Daniel McConnell looks at the top three contenders to be the next Fine Gael leader.

For the week that’s in it, what could be more appropriate than to address the congregation with a reading from the Book Of Bob?

Jurgen Klopp’s Anfield debut ended in a frustrating draw against 10-man Rubin Kazan, as Liverpool registered their third successive 1-1 Europa League draw.

I’m not sure there’s much point in us gathering here today to celebrate what was arguably United’s most enjoyable performance of the season...

Everyone’s been squeezing the life out of Kloppmania, but guess what? There’s a match to get out of the way now. There’s always a catch, isn’t there?

Mimis Ace, trained by John Kiely for Maura Kiely, Blackrock, earned his ticket to the Boylesports Irish Derby by taking Saturday night’s final of the trial stake at Curraheen Park in great style.

When watching John Waters on TV, debating the same-sex marriage referendum, I was struck by his resemblance to Jesus Christ, bearded and with long, flowing hair.

I’m an unbelievable optimist. I always try and find something to be grateful for, even when I’m having an awful time.

In a week when the Premier League more or less disgraced itself on the fields of Europe, we saw further impressive efforts in the one area where its managers continue to set high standards: goal celebrations.

“To infinity... and beyond” – the line uttered by Toy Story’s Buzz Lightyear - has triumphed over some of the most memorable movie classics to be named the best film quote of all time.

The lines "Bond, James Bond" and "He's not the Messiah. He's a very naughty boy" feature in a shortlist of favourite film quotes.

Burgers fry French love of baguettes

It's a prank? It's a prank. It's a good one though.

A Tennessee judge who changed a baby’s name because she believes “Messiah” should be reserved for Jesus Christ was overruled, local media reported.

A Tennessee judge has ordered a baby’s first name changed from Messiah to Martin, saying that the only true messiah is Jesus Christ, a ruling the boy’s mother promises to appeal, a Tennessee television station has reported.

A judge in Tennessee has changed a seven-month-old boy’s name from Messiah to Martin.

It seems pop culture names like Arya and Cataleya are the breakout names in the US this year, but Irish people should think twice before scoffing.

GAA rivalry has long pitted parish against parish and turned county against county, but it was impossible to distinguish friend from foe at the funeral of Dublin football hero Kevin Heffernan.

As I start writing this sentence, Lionel Messi has just brought his goal tally for 2012 to 90 but by the time I’ve finished it, there’s every chance he’ll have increased it by another one or, more likely, two.

Bradley Wiggins admitted it was good to get back on his bike after a “big summer” – despite coming off again along with Mark Cavendish in a dramatic end to the first stage of the Tour of Britain as fellow Team Sky racer Luke Rowe claimed his first professional win in Norwich.

If you’re emotionally involved, it’s squeaky bum time between now and Monday night in England but for the rest of us, the tickle-your-fancy factor doesn’t get much better than what’s on offer over the next 72 hours — a brace of marquee name FA Cup semi-finals which double as tasty city derbies, along with another two helpings of the most entertaining Mancunian soap since the glory days on Corrie when the blessed Betty Turpin was serving up her famous hotpot at the Rovers’ Return.

If the old axiom ‘success breeds success’ holds true, then new Galway manager Anthony Cunningham should be on the road to All-Ireland glory.

Could I offer my support to David Beacon, whose letter you published on Thursday, Jan 26, and to his son who is being forced to emigrate.

IT was a classic, if desperate, diversionary tactic by Kenny Dalglish, the Liverpool manager, after his team’s inept defeat at Bolton on Saturday — turn all the blame onto someone else.

FEW people are more aware of the qualities of burgeoning Na Piarsaigh and Limerick hurling star Shane Dowling than Niall Moran.

Monty Python's Terry Jones would "think twice" about making 'Life of Brian' now because of political correctness.

OF all the storylines that this Dublin-Kerry final throws up, one of our favourites is the tale of the two coaches.

“LIFE ain’t easy for a boy named Sue” sang Johnny Cash. Well, imagine what it’s like for a boy named Timotei.

SO what are we to make of the upholding of that two-match ban on W***e R****y then? Right, wrong or, as leading human rights activist Rio Ferdinand would have it, the workings of a lynch mob?

WE’VE played a bit of football, won some points. The manager says the right things. We’ve moved away from the ‘trap door’. We’re linked to expensive players and nobody laughs.

SEVEN minutes of unforgivably sloppy defending from Liverpool cost Kenny Dalglish three sorely-needed points and a victory which would have injected some belief and optimism into the ailing giants of English football.

HE’S back — run for the hills! It’s like the end of ‘Carrie’ or the axe scene in The Shining; heeeeeeeere’s Gerard.

Festival organisers have released the schedule for this weekend’s Electric Picnic festival.

SITTING cold and numb, physically and emotionally, in the stand at Pearse Stadium last Saturday after yet another one point defeat to supposedly inferior opposition, it did not take long for my mobile to start bleeping.

ONLY one thing is certain tomorrow when Spain face the Netherlands in the World Cup final, there will be a new name on the trophy by the time the last firework goes off at Soccer City and South Africa 2010 comes to an emotional close.

Homer Simpson calls himself the new Messiah in an upcoming controversial 'The Simpsons' episode.

THE Madrid press joined the rest of the world’s media in hailing Lionel Messi as the greatest player on the planet following his display against Arsenal.

Boris Akunin

EVEN a cynic like me couldn’t help but be stirred by the swirling display of anti-Glazer green and gold at Old Trafford on Saturday.

THE Turk who shot Pope John Paul II in 1981 was released from prison yesterday after more than 29 years behind bars and proclaimed he was a messenger of God and the world will end this century.

The man who shot Pope John Paul II in 1981 was released from prison today after completing his sentence for crimes committed in Turkey.