The GUI’s annual AIG Cups and Shields All-Ireland finals look primed to get off to a blistering start this morning when Munster champions Tralee meet Connacht kingpins Galway in the first Barton Shield semi-final.

The AIG Senior Cup returned to Rosses Point on Saturday night as Co Sligo reclaimed Irish club golf’s blue riband title with a dramatic final victory over Leinster’s Castle at Carton House.

More than 750 retail jobs are at risk after the UK stores of lingerie chain La Senza went into administration for the second time in just over two years.

KILKENNY have made a single but significant change for tomorrow’s Leinster Senior Hurling Championship final, recalling former Hurler of the Year Tommy Walsh in defence.

SECOND quarter goals from Patrick Harte and debutant Aidan O’Shea were the catalyst for victory as Mayo withstood a determined New York start to earn an impressive 15-point win in the opening game of the 2009 GAA Connacht Senior Football Championship.

Mayo 2-19 New York 0-10

IRISH victims of the human form of mad cow disease may be entitled to claim millions of euro in compensation from EU institutions.

THE father of one of the Irish victims of the human form of mad cow disease yesterday criticised Health Minister Mary Harney for "brushing aside" their plea for compensation for the families involved.

The father of a young man who died from vCJD warned questions must be answered after it emerged two Irish victims lived within a five-mile radius of each other.

Massive interest from the clubman circuit has guaranteed a full entry list for this Sunday’s Crosbie Cedars Hotel Wexford Single Stage Rally - the second Slaneyside event of the year.