Santa won’t be the only person making and checking lists over the coming weeks as parents across Ireland gear up for the present-buying, pre-Christmas frenzy.

St Nicholas Abbey continued his preparations for the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on July 27 with a pleasing workout after racing at the Curragh yesterday.

Aidan O’Brien has mapped out an early-season plan for his dual Derby winner Camelot that will culminate with an appearance at Royal Ascot.

For the first time in more than 1,000 years a foreign invader made his way onto our shores via longboat yesterday — but, unlike the Vikings, this one was welcomed with cheers and waves by the natives.

Kieran McEnery was the St Nick’s hero in this senior football relegation play-off at Páirc Uí Rinn on Saturday night.

ARSENE WENGER was doing his best to stay perky but there was no disguising it.

IT’S hardly the most wonderful time of the year for Santa Claus and his helpers in Greenland.

ACTION aplenty in the permanent TSB Cork County SFC over the weekend, pride of place going to a youthful St. Nick’s side who edged out last year’s beaten finalists, Clonakilty, 1-11 to 2-7 in Newcestown.