Athletics: Fionnuala Britton was first woman across the line in the Autumn Cross-Country open 8km race at the Phoenix Park yesterday.

It was a notable weekend for Irish athletics with Thomas Barr and Mark English enjoying the perfect build-up to the European Championships with some stunning displays.

Though the Mayans never really predicted that the world would end tomorrow, some New Agers are convinced that humanity’s demise is imminent. Or at least that it’s a good excuse for a party.

THE Niaux cave, in the foothills of the French Pyrenees, is famous for its prehistoric art.

THE Niaux cave, in the foothills of the French Pyrenees, is famous for its prehistoric art. Visiting it last month was an exhilarating experience.

MO FARAH smashed the British record to win yesterday’s Bupa London 10,000 road race.

Paula Radcliffe has delayed making a decision on when she will return to competitive racing until she knows how well her foot has recovered from surgery.

THE new Miss France, born to an African-American mother and white French father, said yesterday she wants to advertise her country’s diversity on the world stage.

The pope underlined his opposition to euthanasia today when he met the sick and dying on their pilgrimages to Lourdes.

OLYMPIC race walker Olive Loughnane claims she is in “really good shape” ahead of next month’s Olympic Games in Beijing.

Marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe believes it is necessary to “weed out and catch the drug cheats” – even if it means athletics being dragged through the mud.

An explosion ripped through an Airbus factory in southern France today, injuring at least five people, emergency officials said.

POPE John Paul II, looking healthier than during his weekend pilgrimage to Lourdes and speaking with a clear voice, thanked God yesterday for giving him the strength to visit the French shrine.

The pope’s visit to the shrine at Lourdes last weekend has left the local Roman Catholic Church deep in debt

THE International Rugby Board has spiced up Ireland’s World Cup clash with hosts Australia by controversially placing the Wallabies below Ireland in the latest world rankings.

Race favourite Paula Radcliffe has shrugged off the fact the weather is unlikely to be helpful when she bids for the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon title on Sunday.

Paula Radcliffe has confirmed she will not not compete in the 5000 metres at the European Athletics Championships.

A fully fit Paula Radcliffe will compete for the first time since her unforgettable Flora London Marathon success in April when she competes in theMonaco IAAF Golden League Meeting on July19.