IRELAND made a winning start to the defence of their R&A Trophy in the Boys Home Internationals over the Royal and St David’s links at Harlech yesterday — but they were made to fight hard for victory over hosts Wales.

HALF a million people are expected in Waterford for the return of the Tall Ships Race giving the city a €35 million boost next year, it emerged yesterday.

Half a million people are expected in Waterford for the return of the Tall Ships Race giving the city a €35m boost next year, it emerged today.