Ian McKellen has used twitter as well as his amazing writing ability to pay a final tribute to his friend and co-star Christopher Lee who passed away earlier this week.

Big news. Distressing news. Bigger than the death of a Pope, more distressing even than Willie O’Dea announcing his retirement from politics and departure for a life of silence in a Trappist monastery. It turns out that the other Greatest Living Limerick Man, Paul O’Connell, has a chest infection and has had to cry off.

KIRBYBROGUELANTERN can complete a spectacular four-timer in the J J Byrne Car Sales Maiden at Wexford this evening.

PUNTERS can have a winning start at Clonmel this afternoon by supporting Mordor in the opening Cahir Maiden Hurdle.

Aidan O’Brien is worried about Gypsy King’s inexperience going into the Dee Stakes at Chester tomorrow.