USA: A long-time inmate who was recently released from prison pleaded guilty in federal court to robbing a bank in Wyoming and asked a judge to impose the maximum sentence, saying going back to prison would be like going home.

USA: A Utah man got a surprise when he stopped to pull a large orange bag off the road, fearing it would become a traffic hazard.

The Small Firms Association has warned that a new initiative between Local Enterprise Offices and Microfinance Ireland aimed at providing credit to businesses is severely limited by a requirement that has "neutered" the finance fund to date.

A new Government scheme to help small businesses gain access to finance will be launched later today.

Tobacco firm describes the damages as ‘grossly excessive’

For their historic state visit to London, President Michael D Higgins and wife Sabina have both shown considerable sartorial flair.

A judge described a 49-year-old Clare man as “the worst kind of publican” after hearing that the man sold below-strength vodka to his customers.

Ireland’s Brian Gregan, the sole Irish performer on day three at the World Track and Field Championships in Moscow, finished 7th in his 400m semi-final in 45.98.

Sprint sensations Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake began their seasons by competing in 400metre races in their native Jamaica.

Captain Vincent Kompany is clear to play on for Manchester City after his sending-off in Sunday’s Barclays Premier League win at Arsenal was overturned yesterday.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is frustrated with Abou Diaby’s latest injury and accused the French federation of failing to heed his warning over the player.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is frustrated with Abou Diaby’s latest injury and has accused the French federation of failing to heed his warning over the player.

Last night, for the first time in his life, Lance Armstrong gave up.

Usain Bolt was upstaged by training partner Yohan Blake at the Athletissima Diamond League meeting in Lausanne last night.

Usain Bolt was upstaged by training partner Yohan Blake at the Athletissima Diamond League meeting in Lausanne tonight.

Major sporting moments tend to result in historic commentary that echoes through the ages. Even when we don’t really want it to.

CALL it another of my prejudices if you like — I’ve already commissioned mugshot t-shirts for everyone on the sports desk to wear — but I’ve never quite understood one particular breed of sports fan.

TO my mind, sporting folklore has concerned itself too often with the underdog.

Former Olympic champion Michael Johnson has cast doubt on Usain Bolt’s plans to win four gold medals in next year’s Olympic Games in London.

Usain Bolt tonight put his shock disqualification from the 100 metres final behind him to defend his 200m title at the World Championships in Daegu in stunning fashion.

Michael Johnson has signed for Leicester City on a season-long loan deal from Manchester City, the Premier League club have confirmed.

Madonna's life story is to be documented in a comic book.

START-UP companies have been given a further chance of survival, through Ireland becoming the latest country to be included in a leading EU enterprise exchange programme.

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has named a strong squad for the Europa League match against Aris Salonika in Greece tomorrow.

Manchester City midfielder Michael Johnson accepts he might have to go out on loan for the remainder of the season.

Manager Roberto Mancini has warned his players they are risking their ability to play a full part in Manchester City’s busy programme if they ignore repeated warnings over their drinking.

Manchester City captain Carlos Tevez will miss Saturday’s trip to Wolves in the Barclays Premier League with a thigh injury.

Craig Bellamy and Stephen Ireland have been left out of Manchester City’s squad for next week’s Europa League qualifier against Timisoara.

FORMER 400m world champion Antonio Pettigrew has been found dead in the United States, according to the university where he worked as an assistant track coach.

Ireland's David Gillick ran a season's best of 44.79 seconds at Barcelona's Olympic Stadium to qualify for the 400m final at the European Athletics Championships.

Usain Bolt has posted the world’s fourth fastest ever 200 metres time with a dazzling victory at the Jamaica International Invitational meeting in Kingston.

Manchester City footballer Michael Johnson will face no charges over allegations he headbutted a Manchester United supporter in a nightclub.

Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland should be fit for Monday’s Barclays Premier League encounter with Wigan at Eastlands.

Usain Bolt’s plans for an assault on Michael Johnson’s 400 metres world record are likely to go on hold until after the London Olympic Games.

World 100 metres and 200m record holder Usain Bolt will move up in distance at the Golden Spike meeting in Ostrava on May 27.

Manchester City’s Michael Johnson is under investigation after allegedly headbutting a fan of rivals United in a nightclub, police said today.

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has confirmed that midfielder Michael Johnson will miss the rest of the season because of a knee injury.

Manchester City are preparing themselves for the worst after Michael Johnson injured his knee in training.

ROBINHO has reiterated he is settled at Manchester City and claims he could stay at Eastlands for the next 10 years. The former Real Madrid forward continues to be the subject of speculation that he will move back to Spain with Barcelona next year.

Manchester City midfield duo Vincent Kompany and Michael Johnson both came through a 90-minute reserve team workout at Blackburn last night.

MANCHESTER CITY’S wealth has bought great quality and it was more than enough to outclass Scunthorpe at Eastlands to secure a Carling Cup quarter-final slot last night.

FT: Man City 5 Scunthorpe 1