Minster for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan, announced the discovery this morning.

Nowadays, the sounds that predominate on Hop Island, Cork, are horses’ hooves but in the mid-18th century it was more likely to have been the sounds of Bach or Mozart.

Bradley Wiggins has described a parliamentary report that has heavily criticised him and the cycling team he used to lead as “sad”.

Sir Mo Farah insists it is the right time to quit the track despite missing out on a fairytale finale.

The skipper of a vessel that capsized off the Wexford coast, resulting in one fatality, did not know that the boat was overloaded with people.

An Irish gardener has won a gold medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

The restoration of the ruined home of the late Blasket Island writer, Tomas Ó Criomhthain, is expected to start soon.

There’s a sweep of estuary vista from the Great Island, Cork home called Woodside - it could as easily be called Waterview.

George Margarson is looking forward to taking one of his stable stars Rebellious Guest to the inaugural meeting at Chelmsford City tomorrow.

Here's our spoiler-free guide to the best shows on TV tonight.

Check out our spoiler-free guide to what’s good to watch on the box tonight.

The new 460 megawatt (MW) clean gas power station built by SSE Airtricity in Co Wexford is set to be fully operational in the coming months, when it will be capable of providing energy for half a million homes.

World number one Rafael Nadal dug his way out of deep trouble to gain revenge over his 2012 Wimbledon conqueror Lukas Rosol.

Ryan Giggs revealed his bitter-sweet emotions after ending his glittering playing career but also being named as Manchester United’s new assistant manager.

Dermot McElroy hopes to celebrate his call-up to the St Andrews Trophy squad by challenging for his first amateur major when the Radisson Blu-sponsored West of Ireland Amateur Open gets under way at Rosses Point today.

Usain Bolt completed another triumphant appearance at London’s Olympic Stadium as he led the Racers Track Club team to success in the 4x100 metres relay in the Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games.

Mark Cavendish believes Lance Armstrong should admit to doping for the good of cycling.

Willie Mullins took his score for the truncated Tramore festival to six when Sweet My Lord made an excellent start over fences in the Beginners Chase yesterday.

Craig Bellamy is grateful to the Olympic experience for helping to cast aside the shadow of negativity that accompanied Great Britain’s participation in the football tournament.

FIONNUALA BRITTON produced the performance of her life to win the BUPA Great Edinburgh cross-country race on Saturday, leaving the best runners from Europe and the US gasping behind her over the hilly and muddy Holyrood Park course.

Jamie Oliver is to celebrate the glories of British food with his next TV series and book, after years of celebrating world cuisine.

Gonzaga College in Ranelagh in Dublin has been listed as Ireland's top school for progression to university, according to the Sunday Times' Parent Power Survey.

IRFU chief executive Philip Browne has cast doubt on the likelihood of an Ireland Sevens team going to the Olympics in 2016.

A consistent performance from the Ireland team saw them retain the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup over Europe in a battle only decided by the final of the six races.

Alex Bogdanovic has been overlooked for a wild-card entry into this year’s Wimbledon despite being Britain’s second-highest ranked player.

THE mother of Ireland’s conjoined twins has asked for “one more miracle” for her boys who undergo high-risk separation surgery in London tomorrow.

Police manpower numbers in the North should be reviewed, the favourite for the justice ministry said today.

RORY McILROY said winning the World Cup for Ireland with his good friend Graeme McDowell this week would be an “awesome” way to end a brilliant season.

Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell are due to get the Great Britain and Ireland challenge underway at the Vivendi Trophy near Paris this morning.

GRAEME MCDOWELL and Rory McIlroy came through one of the most difficult examinations in major golf with flying colours before being hit by one of the toughest questions an Ulster man can be asked.

FIFA have given the all-clear for exclusively English football teams to represent Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympics but are expected to decide this week only under-21 players will be involved.

SENATOR John Hanafin this week became the first politician to signal an interest in standing in the European elections in two years time.

Oliver Jarvis gave Great Britain a winning start to the A1GP season with victory in the feature race in Holland.

MARK SCANLON will make his return to international cycling in a familiar green jersey when he lines up with the Subway Eat Fresh Irish team for the start of the FBD Insurance RÁS in Naas on Sunday.

AFTER the events of the last few weeks, the consolation for Irish and Leinster captain Brian O’Driscoll is he will be given time to rest and recover from a torn hamstring.

WANNABE rock god Donny Tourette has tried it on with two women in the Celebrity Big Brother house —– in less than 24 hours.

Roger Charlton's Group Captain stole the show at Windsor with a rousing victory the totesport.com November Handicap today.

John Balding paid tribute to the skills of his daughter Claire and her husband Jason Edmunds after Soba Jones notched a 10th career success at Southwell.

James Gibson and Rebecca Cooke will attempt to defend their titles after being selected to represent England at the Commonwealth Games in March.

Greg Rusedski believes his hard work in training is about to pay off as he closes in on taking over the British number one spot from Tim Henman.

Andy Murray has convinced Great Britain Davis Cup captain Jeremy Bates of his ability to succeed at the highest level individually and for his country.