A high rate of attrition ripped through the Clonmel-based Sepam Tipperary Stonethrowers Rally that was won by Cork driver Darragh O’Riordan (Ford Fiesta WRC) and his Derry co-driver Tony McDaid.

With their fifth win of the Dunlop National Rally Championship, Donegal cousins Declan and Brian Boyle (Subaru WRC) clinched the series with an emphatic victory in the Clonmel-based Sepam Tipperary Stone-throwers Rally.

Anna Friel is to take the lead role in a new ITV drama called Watermelon.

EastEnders hardman Martin Kemp is to quit the soap after he was today poached by ITV with a two-year golden handcuffs deal, thought to be worth £1m.