There is little pause for the security forces this weekend as the successful Queen's visit ends, and the trip of US President Barack Obama comes into view.

Neil Lennon hit back at Walter Smith for suggesting the Parkhead club initiated a controversy-filled season by questioning the authority of match officials.

Brian O'Driscoll today demanded that Ireland ensure their RBS 6 Nations does not finish without a home victory.

Stand-in captain Nick Easter warned England will have to produce their best ever performance if they are to win the Grand Slam against Ireland tomorrow.

Crossmaglen Rangers 2-11 St. Brigid's 1-11

Roberto Mancini has told his Manchester City players not to throw caution to the wind tonight as they strive to overturn a two-goal deficit in their Europa League clash with Dynamo Kiev.

It was the bookmakers who were all smiles despite a virtual Irish monopoly on day two of the Cheltenham Festival.

Bayern Munich 2 Inter Milan 3 (3-3 on aggregate, Inter win on away goals)

Shaun Wright-Phillips has admitted it was inevitable Manchester City would end up being paired with Manchester United in their first FA Cup semi-final for 30 years.

Roberto Mancini looked ahead to a “great semi-final” against FA Cup opponents Manchester United before admitting it will be next year before his Manchester City side can compete at the same level as their neighbours.

South Down and Longford were winners in Division 4 of the Allianz Hurling League, while Tyrone and Fermanagh drew in the other game.

Keith Earls has added his voice to the chorus of discontent led by Brian O’Driscoll by describing Ireland’s 19-13 RBS 6 Nations defeat by Wales as “sickening”.

It has been a difficult 12 months for Wayne Rooney, but the sight of Antonio Valencia returning to action at Old Trafford yesterday has put a big smile on the Manchester United striker’s face.

Arsene Wenger expects Arsenal and Manchester United will both be out to prove they are made of the right stuff when going head to head in this evening’s FA Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford.

Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist was today set to decide on a course of action after being handed a two-match misconduct ban for his altercation with Celtic boss Neil Lennon in last week’s ill-tempered Scottish Cup fifth-round replay at Parkhead.

Arsene Wenger will launch a stern defence when he faces up to a UEFA disciplinary charge next week, but could be facing heavier sanctions after blasting Europe’s governing body as arrogant and a “dictatorship”.

Neil Lennon and Ally McCoist are both set to watch next week’s Co-operative Insurance Cup final from the stand after being handed touchline bans by the Scottish Football Association following their altercation at the end of last week’s ill-tempered Old Firm derby.

Everton boss David Moyes insists he was not surprised by John Heitinga’s delightful equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Birmingham last night – even though the Holland international had never scored for the Toffees before.

Manchester City 2 West Ham 1

Dublin 0-22 Kilkenny 1-7