Gardaí in Tralee are investigating criminal damage to the town’s Christmas crib, in which the figure of St Joseph was subjected to a violent attack in the early hours of Sunday.

The players and mentors of Calry/St Joseph’s gathered in a huddle after their Sligo IFC final win on Sunday, and quickly formulated a plan of action to celebrate their achievement.

With more than 150,000 pilgrims expected to attend the Knock Novena, Micheal Kelly reflects on the enduring draw of the Mayo shrine.

It’s the magical sight of children being entranced by the age-old symbol of Christmas that lights up the eyes of a grandmother celebrating a special anniversary this year.

St Joseph’s (Clare) 3-11 Seán Finns, Rathkeale (Limerick) 0-07

A number of Catholic priests have been specifically trained to carry out exorcisms in response to a growing demand from parishioners around the country.

EVERYONE of a certain age remembers — or claims to remember — the day US president John Fitzgerald Kennedy died.

Environment, the poor and the weakest are among the top prorities for Pope Francis, report Philip Pullella and Catherine Hornby

Pope Francis’s apt choice of symbols has nods to tradition as well as his Argentinian roots, writes Daniela Petroff

Kilmurry-Ibrickane 0-10 St Joseph’s Doora Barefield 0-04

Kilmurry Ibrickane manager John Kennedy admitted his side targeted St Joseph’s Doora Barefield in the opening minutes knowing early scores would damage their opponents’ psyche.

CONCERNS have been raised over the handling of an investigation into the alleged abuse of an intellectually disabled resident at a HSE-run facility.

A book about the ups and downs of a hurling club in Co Clare has been shortlisted for the William Hill Irish Sports Book of the Year.

Pilgrims at a renowned religious site in the west of Ireland were warned today that staring at the sun in the hope of seeing apparitions could seriously damage their eyesight.

THE Church has said the faithful are in danger of being misled by recent claims of apparitions at the Knock Shrine.

TEAK-TOUGH Bishopstown back Noel O’Donovan and stylish Ballincollig winger Patrick Kelly have been drafted into the Cork team to play Meath in the opening round of the Allianz National Football League at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday.

National debates on social issues, such as during the Lisbon Treaty referendum campaign, could trigger moving statues or even apparitions, it was claimed today.

Laois goalkeeper Fergal Byron has today announced his retirement from inter-county football this afternoon in a prepared statement.

THE controversy surrounding the Laois U-21 footballers was finally resolved last night with confirmation that all of the players who travelled to Kerry with the seniors last weekend will, after all, be on the panel for Sunday's All-Ireland semi-final against Cork.

DARREN SUTHERLAND opens his bid for a first national senior title at the National Stadium tomorrow night when he meets Waterford's Keith Whelan (St Paul's) in the first of the middleweight semi-finals.

Shannon CCS 1-15 St Joseph’s, Borrisoleigh 1-9

FOR me, Christmas calls to mind the legends concerning two of God’s creatures — the fox and the robin.

CIARAN O’HARE hopes to complete a remarkable eight days for Dublin football this weekend.

IT’S not often that you see two half-backs winning the Vodafone GAA Player of the Month Awards, but it’s a fair indication of the level of influence Cork hurler Tom Kenny and Laois footballer Tom Kelly had over their team’s performances in the month of June.

Louth 4-12 Wicklow 2-7

Nagle CC, Cork 1 Blackrock College, Dublin 2

Pope John Paul today prayed for those “threatened in these hours by war” as the deadline approached for a US-led attack on Iraq.

Authorities in St. Lucia have held a secret hearing for two men accused of beating to death an Irish nun earlier this week.