Ireland duo Brian O’Driscoll and Paul O’Connell are undergoing examination after sustaining injuries in today’s 43-31 RBS 6 Nations Championship defeat by France.

Ireland centre Gordon D’Arcy is disappointed he will not be facing Yannick Jauzion on Saturday but insists whoever France select in midfield will pose a major threat.

A senior criminal lawyer who represented the McBrearty family was the whistleblower who helped uncover shocking corruption and negligence among gardaí in Donegal, it was confirmed today.

Newcastle 2 Middlesbrough 2

West Ham 1 Chelsea 3

Hearts 2 Celtic 3

Aston Villa 0 Arsenal 0

The owner of fashion chains including Oasis and Karen Millen looked set to meet profits hopes today after an upturn in sales over Christmas.

London Irish 25 Leicester 28

Clyde 2 Celtic 1

Paul McGinley has simply been itching to get back into major championship action for the best part of a year. Now the chance has come.

The Donegal publican framed for a murder that never was today hit out at a decision to transfer five gardaí named in damning Morris Tribunal reports to Dublin.

Pierluigi Collina’s continuation as a Serie A referee was confirmed on Wednesday when he was included on the officials list for next season.

Hundreds of anti-capitalist demonstrators took to the streets of Scotland’s capital today in a series of protests ahead of the G8 summit.

Jose Mourinho’s troubled relationship with football authorities continued today when his appeal against a fine for improper conduct was dismissed.

Faroe Islands 0 Republic of Ireland 2

The great musical legacy of Sean O’Riada will live on for many generations to come, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said today as he received the entire O’Riada collection on behalf of the nation.

Japan became the first country to book their place at next year’s World Cup finals, other than hosts Germany, with a 2-0 win over North Korea today.

The O’Riada collection, which contains instruments, original scores, correspondence, possessions and 2000 books belonging to one of the country’s most important traditional musicians, is today being presented to the Taoiseach on behalf of Ireland.

Clare 1-20 Wexford 0-12