The newly crowned Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh has revealed she is gay.

An Israeli air strike killed a militant leader in the Gaza Strip today, just hours ahead of a seven-hour truce announced by Israel which was meant to open a “humanitarian window” for aid.

CHAIRMAN Barry O’Brien repeated his view that Tipperary can win an All-Ireland senior football title by 2020 as the county board launched a five-year strategic vision and action plan in Thurles last night.

PUPPET decapitations, Irish-dancing electro music, hurling royalty and a bizarre but unnervingly catchy “banana song”.

Palestinian militants fired more than a dozen rockets at southern Israel today and Israeli warplanes killed four militants in the Gaza Strip in the most intense fighting since Israel's 2008-2009 offensive in the Hamas-ruled territory.

An Israeli tank shelling killed a man in Gaza, and militants fired eight missiles into Israel, according to Palestinian and Israeli officials.

THE first half of the annual obsession everyone in the country claims they don’t watch kicked off last night with a new host, new love and, arguably, a new unofficial name.

Kate Moss celebrated her brother’s 30th birthday in style on Wednesday.

Centre Paddy Wallace admits Ireland are unsure how Australia will play under new coach Robbie Deans when the two teams meet in Melbourne on Saturday.

The company involved in redeveloping the Millennium Dome site in London today said pre-tax profits were up by 14.8% to £16m (€24.2m).

Paul McCartney has turned down his practice sessions at the Millennium Dome after residents complained of a hard day’s night.

PLANNING permission for the development of the ill-fated Millennium Dome and the land around it has finally been given, it was announced yesterday.

LOOK at it rationally and sensibly and you’d have to say Ireland haven’t a prayer.

Clubbers are to take over the Millennium Dome in London for Europe’s biggest indoor dance party on New Year’s Eve, it was announced today.

Germany coach Rudi Voller admits his team are like Jekyll and Hyde as they prepare to open their World Cup campaign against Saudi Arabia on Saturday.

The Old Bailey jury trying five men accused of plotting to snatch £200m (€325m) worth of diamonds from the Millennium Dome was returning to court today to continue considering their verdicts.

A consortium which plans to turn the Millennium Dome into a 20,000-seater sports and music venue was today given the chance to make the so far ill-fated venture a success.

Nine men charged with conspiracy to rob a £200m diamond exhibition at the Millennium Dome have been remanded in custody by an Old Bailey judge.

The battle to buy the Millennium Dome has intensified with the alliance of two rival bidders.