Scotland set up a historic independence referendum after its leader signed an agreement yesterday with Britain’s prime minister finalising arrangements for a vote which could lead to the demise of its union with England.

The All-Ireland Club championship is a far more even competition than its inter-county counterpart.

TRY, try and try again goes the legend of Robert the Bruce, the persistence of a spider in his hideout cave at Rathlin Island persuading the Scottish lord to go back and have one last lash at gaining the throne, which of course he succeeded in doing.

Australian star Geoff Ogilvy has pulled out of this week’s Barclays Scottish Open – the event he calls “my second national Open” – to concentrate on St Andrews.

A WAR of words erupted last night over claims that millions of people have been kissing the wrong Blarney Stone.

Ireland’s famous Blarney Stone, renowned for giving those who kiss it the gift of the gab, may in fact be nothing but Blarney.

Golf’s newest major champion thought he was being smart practising for this week’s British Open in the cold and wind of Australia.

Two finals, three semi-finals and an awful lot of heartache; the near misses are scratched into the soul of every Munster supporter. Yet a dip into the sporting archives reveals that those who follow the advice of ancient Scottish king Robert The Bruce, to try, try and try again if at first they do not succeed, are very often rewarded. Eventually. SIMON LEWIS investigates.

Historic furniture owned by relatives of the man who donated the Elgin Marbles to the British Museum was today going under the hammer.