The dreaded ‘C’ word is fast approaching so if you can be disciplined (or can lock the wine away somewhere) it is good to begin picking up some wines or at least thinking about what you will need.

Jonty Evans stole the show again yesterday in terms of the Irish eventing team, producing a double clear on Cooley Rorkes Drift to finish ninth in the individual classification.

The capital’s streets went into lockdown yesterday for the centenary parade, but tourists were still able to make their way to the city’s top attractions.

David Silva believes Manchester City have the resilience to overcome the absence of captain Vincent Kompany as they look to maintain their title challenge.

Leicester Tigers 33 Stade Francais 20: Leicester Tigers got their European Rugby Champions Cup campaign off to a flying start with a four-try demolition of French champions Stade Francais.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes a complete rethink is needed in the academy set-up to help bring through more traditional old-style English centre-forwards.

Irish duo Nicolas Roche and Dan Martin were two of the strongest riders on yesterday’s second stage of the Vuelta A Espana, finishing third andfourth respectively.

The Premier League’s top two flexed their muscle yesterday spending more than £50 million (€70m) on new talent yesterday.

The world of Formula One, led by world champion Lewis Hamilton, turned out en masse for Jules Bianchi’s funeral yesterday.

Irish cycling legend Stephen Roche says if Chris Froome didn’t have such good self-control there’d be a lot of journalists with broken noses at this Tour de France.

Team Sky’s riders and management have staunchly defended the performance of Nicolas Roche following Sunday’s near miss at a stage win on the ninth day of the Tour de France.

A baby killed by her father in England was never on a child protection plan despite authorities knowing of “horrific domestic abuse, drug-taking and injuries to the child”, a damning report has revealed.

It was an act of sportsmanship surely borne of a friendship developed years ago and a fitting end to an occasionally turbulent Formula One season.

Lewis Hamilton claimed a second Formula One World Championship with victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix today.

Nicolas Roche has ended months of speculation on his future in the pro game, with confirmation yesterday he is to join Team Sky.

Team Sky has announced the signing of Irishman Nicolas Roche as one of five new names for 2015.

Stephen Roche admits cycling could have saved itself years of turmoil had it taken Paul Kimmage’s revelations in his book Rough Ride more seriously when it was published in 1990.

Nicolas Cage has become a grandfather for the first time.

Irish cycling legend Stephen Roche says that given the growth of the sport and the increased profile of the country’s top riders it’s time to revive the Tour of Ireland.

Irish cycling legend Stephen Roche "would put his money" on nephew Dan Martin to win a stage of the Giro d’Italia, which starts in Belfast with a team time-trial on Friday.

A former driving instructor dubbed the “Black Widow” of the French Alps denied drugging her husband and then burning him to death in his car.

Nicolas Anelka has agreed not to perform his controversial “quenelle” goal celebration again after West Brom conceded the gesture had caused offence.

Nicolas Anelka has agreed not to perform his controversial ’quenelle’ goal celebration again, according to a statement released by his club West Brom.

Brian Nugent scratches his head and tries to tot up the number of days he has spent abroad with Irish cyclists this year — but can only offer a very rough estimate. “A lot,” he eventually settles for.

The Tour of Ireland is on course to return in 2015 with a five-day 2.1-ranked race on the cards, according to Dublin-based sports marketing firm Shadetree Sports.

Sex photos of Nicolas Cage have reportedly been stolen.

After enjoying a wonderful IFDS Worlds 2013 regatta in Kinsale, we would like to thank the people who contributed a great deal to make Kiwi Gold Sailing very welcome.

Nicolas Anelka told West Brom manager Steve Clarke that he wanted to quit football following the sudden death of his agent, but the Scot hopes the striker will return to the club once he has “got his head clear”.

Lewis Hamilton heads into tomorrow’s Hungarian Grand Prix far from fancying his chances of equalling Michael Schumacher’s feat around the Hungaroring.

West Brom have signed former France striker Nicolas Anelka.

West Brom have confirmed the signing of former France striker Nicolas Anelka.

Kiskeam 2-09 Carrigaline 1-08

Novak Djokovic showed no ill-effects from his marathon encounter with Stanislas Wawrinka by brushing aside the challenge of Tomas Berdych at the Australian Open.

David Ferrer capitalised on Nicolas Almagro's fragile temperament to hit back from two sets down and clinch a place in the Australian Open semi-finals last night.

Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez has arrived back home in Caracas after 10 days of medical treatment in Cuba.

Spain relinquished their Davis Cup crown tonight after veteran Radek Stepanek guided the Czech Republic to a stunning triumph in Prague.

France’s first lady Valerie Trierweiler would make her life a lot easier if she stopped living out of wedlock and became a “legitimate” wife: that’s the simple advice from her predecessor Carla Bruni.

It will take quite a while for Rory McIlroy to live down the fact he nearly scuppered Europe’s Ryder Cup victory bid before it had even begun.

If it were not for his grandmother, European Ryder Cup rookie Nicolas Colsaerts would not be teeing up this week at Medinah.

Jose Maria Olazabal does not believe he has gambled by picking uncapped Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts rather than three-time major winner Padraig Harrington for next month’s Ryder Cup.

European captain Jose Maria Olazabal hailed Ian Poulter’s Ryder Cup “attitude and spirit” after naming him and Nicolas Colsaerts as his two wild card picks for the clash with the United States next month.

Mark Cavendish may be the raging hot favourite but today’s Olympic Road Race may not go according to the script, Irish team manager, Martin O’Loughlin, has warned.

A few weeks ago I had a coffee and a chat with Stephen Roche.