Some of the UK’s best-known fashion brands could be returned to private ownership after details of a £400m (€568m) takeover move emerged today.

US-led forces conducting a crackdown on al-Qaida killed a senior member of the insurgent group who was responsible for the high-profile kidnappings of several Westerners, a military spokesman said today.

Political parties will begin final whistle-stop tours of marginal constituencies today in a bid to muster extra votes ahead of polling on Thursday.

Cork 2-14 Limerick 0-07

A witness at Canada’s inquiry into a 1985 Air India plane bombing has testified that militants offered him a suitcase of cash to blow up an aircraft, but that he instead informed police about the plot months before the explosion.

Centre forward Dan Shanahan was ecstatic with Waterford's historic league win yesterday, but far from taking personal plaudits, he was keen to praise the performances of his team mates during the 0-20 to 0-18 victory over Kilkenny.

The Football Association will launch a full-scale investigation into yesterday's pitch invasion by Leeds fans at Elland Road.

The English Football Association have sent an official complaint to UEFA following racist abuse directed at England Under-21 players from Serbia fans and players at the European Under-21 Championships.

FIFA have today rejected a submission on behalf of Cork City FC requesting permission for midfielders Gareth Farrelly and Colin Healy to play for the club pending an appeal of their work status.

Reading 2 Sunderland 1

One of Britain’s most exclusive clothing chains won a landmark case today after it claimed Dunnes Stores copied its design.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez claimed Peter Crouch was provoked into his two-footed challenge on Chelsea midfielder Mikel John Obi which earned him a red card last night.

Chelsea full-back Ashley Cole is unlikely to face a Football Association charge over allegations he made a gesture towards Arsenal fans at the weekend.

Aston Villa 2 Fulham 1

Celtic 5 Hearts 0

Eddie O’Sullivan believes Ireland’s flawed 23-20 victory against Italy has provided his side with a crucial “wake-up call” ahead of the World Cup.

Ireland 23 Italy 20

Geordan Murphy will start Ireland’s final World Cup warm-up trying to put a four-year-old heartbreak to the back of his mind.

Portsmouth 1 Fulham 0

Just over three weeks after his training ground bust-up with a fellow panellist, Graham Geraghty made an inspiring comeback for Meath this afternoon as he helped them beat Galway 2-14 to 1-14 in their All-Ireland third round qualifier clash.