Final preparations were being made in Dublin today for an historic parade of Ireland’s Defence Forces marking the 1916 Easter Rising.

A Dublin man who founded a project to break down barriers between schoolchildren North and South was tonight awarded an MBE.

CELEBRITY and charity blended in perfect harmony when The Corrs picked up an honorary MBE.

Architect William Walshe was tonight recovering from burns and lacerations after being caught up in the terrorist bomb attacks in London.

The British Embassy in Ireland has been overwhelmed with messages of sympathy following the terrorist bombings in London, it emerged today.

BRITISH Prime Minister Tony Blair is to be directly asked by the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) to remove his threat to the financing of the Common Agricultural Policy in the European Union.

THE weather may have been grey and dull in Cork yesterday but the city’s reinvigorated St Patrick’s Day parade brought an explosion of colour onto the streets.

THE landmark agreement, ensuring that Britain and Ireland co-operate in the event of a "significant" nuclear incident is, on the face of it, a positive twist in the long-running row between the two governments over the Sellafield threat to this country.

An Irish solicitor has been awarded an MBE from the Queen of England for her work in the Special Olympics.

The Northern Secretary is to visit Limerick and Dublin tomorrow.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair sent a personal message of praise today to a cross-border, cross-community peace project as it celebrated its 10th anniversary.

The Irish and British governments today agreed a formal arrangement which paves the way for the flow of natural gas into Northern Ireland.

A soldier who received a Victoria Cross for his bravery fighting an Indian insurgence in 1857 was hailed an Irish hero today as a headstone was dedicated to his memory.

An Irishman killed while fighting with the British army in Iraq was posthumously honoured by the British authorities last night.

A Dublin-born soldier killed while serving with the British army in Iraq was posthumously honoured tonight for his role in the war.

RETIRED Fianna Fáil Minister Michael O’Kennedy yesterday became the first former Government minister to receive an honour from the English monarchy, for his work forging links between Irish and British parliaments.

A world champion rugby team will be winging its way to Ireland this week to encourage young people to hit the playing fields.

A trophy marking cross-border co-operation was awarded today to a women’s football team from Dublin.

SINCE its foundation in 1985 the International Fund for Ireland (IFI) has invested €2.25 billion helping disadvantaged areas in the border region and across Northern Ireland.

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.

The British Ambassador to Ireland has rejected reports that a visit to Ireland today by Princess Anne is designed to pave the way for an eventual state visit by Queen Elizabeth II.

British and Irish relations have never been so good, despite gripes about English football fans, superior attitudes and programmes such as Big Brother, according to research published today.

BRITISH ambassador Stewart Eldon yesterday offered to help Irish companies secure a bigger share of the British market.

THE British ambassador to Ireland yesterday refused to say if the British Government would co-operate fully with any future independent public inquiry into the 1974 Dublin/Monaghan bombings which killed 34 people.

The Mayor of London was due in Dublin later today for meetings in advance of Ireland’s presidency of the EU.

BRITISH ambassador to Ireland Stewart Eldon is not averse to speaking a few words of Irish.

AFTER feigning modesty all his career, the truth has finally emerged about Niall Quinn — he always had an MBE in mind.

Former international soccer striker Niall Quinn said he felt surprised and humbled to receive an honorary MBE at a ceremony in Dublin today.

FORMER Irish international soccer striker Niall Quinn is to receive an honorary MBE.

Former Irish international soccer striker Niall Quinn is to receive an honorary MBE.

SPECIAL Agent James Bond was shaken, and just a little stirred.

Special Agent James Bond was honoured by Britain at a special ceremony in Dublin today.

James Bond star and Irishman Pierce Brosnan will be awarded the Queen of England's OBE award in the British embassy in Dublin later today.

Navan-born James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan is to be awarded an honorary OBE in recognition of his contribution to drama and the British film industry, it was announced today.

THE new British ambassador Stewart Eldon has clashed with Fine Gael environment spokesman Bernard Allen over the safety of Sellafield.

The new British Ambassador to Ireland was officially sworn in at a ceremony in Dublin today.

A new British Ambassador to Dublin has been appointed to replace Sir Ivor Roberts who has served in the post for more than three years, it was announced today.

A new British Ambassador to Ireland has been appointed to replace Ivor Roberts who has served in the post for more than three years, it was announced today.