As Autumn storms herald the end of the main Sailing season, twin annual showdowns between various strands of the sport in Ireland are set to take place in Dun Laoghaire and Lough Ree over the next two weekends.

THE prospect of a historic visit to Ireland by Queen Elizabeth II edged closer yesterday after her daughter Princess Anne jetted in to Dublin to meet President Mary McAleese.

The prospect of an historic visit to Ireland by the queen of England edged closer today after Princess Anne jetted into Dublin to meet President Mary McAleese.