THE State’s stubborn refusal to cover the legal costs of the McBrearty family, the whistle blowers in the Donegal garda scandal, is perplexing.

EVERYWHERE else in Ireland, yesterday was a grey, damp day but not in the vast Garryspillane hinterland, in the villages of Knocklong and Galbally, where many of the Limerick SHC- winning team were born and raised.

A CABINET post of Minister for Public Expenditure should be established to tackle huge overspends in publicly funded projects, chairman of the Dáil Public Accounts Committee Michael Noonan said last night.

Real Madrid 0 Arsenal 1

THE SQUALLS had returned when Leinster convened for their long day of training in Donnybrook on Monday but Eric Miller wasn’t for clouding over.

St. Flannan’s 1-11Tralee CBS 0-13

Sixmilebridge 2-13 Blackrock 1-15

THE positive approach adopted by the younger members of the Nemo Rangers team was a key factor in their All-Ireland success in Croke Park on Monday, according to former star Denis Allen.

DAVID KEANE is odds on to replace Eamonn Cregan as Limerick hurling coach after steering the county’s U21s to an historic three-in-a-row of Munster titles.

Fulham 3

RUUD VAN NISTELROOY is set to become the first victim of the ‘Battle of Old Trafford II’ but probably not the last after the FA launched an investigation into Sunday’s ‘soupgate scandal’.

MEMORIES of lost leads and late collapses loomed large for Tipp coach Michael Doyle at Croke Park yesterday, even though they ultimately cruised into the semi-final of the Guinness All-Ireland championship.

CHELSEA midfielder Joe Cole has denied he is a “diver” after being accused of feigning a foul during the 2-0 victory over Portsmouth on Saturday.

ITALIAN soccer referee Pierluigi Collina was yesterday awarded an honorary degree to mark his contribution to the sport.

Chelsea 4 Barcelona 2

NOT since the US Open Championship at Shinnecock Hills in 2003 has Pádraig Harrington finished in the top ten of a major championship.

MICHAEL JACKSON may face new charges if his claims that he was manhandled by police proved to be false, officers said.

EPI TAIONE of Sale Sharks has been cited by match commissioner Iain Goodall for an alleged biting incident in Saturday’s Heineken Cup game against Munster at Thomond Park.

THOSE who complained that this World Cup lacked drama got their answer yesterday. It is typical of the Irish that they should provide it.