BERTIE AHERN and Fianna Fáil were last night forced to defend the Bertie Bowl debacle after the Progressive Democrats blew the final whistle on the Taoiseach’s pet project.

Ireland A 28

The pressure is mounting on Tyrone to deliver the elusive All-Ireland title, with many pundits believing this may be the breakthrough year. But Cormac McAnallen has endured the expectation before and now he is taking things one game at a time. Mark Gallagher reports.

Naomh Abán 1-12, An Cheartrú Rua 0-8

AIB IS to set up a confidential whistle-blowers' helpline to avert further scandals. Chief executive Michael Buckley admitted there was a culture of self-censorship in the bank.

WARREN GATLAND had absolutely no sympathy for Munster as they tumbled to yet another defeat in the closing stages of the Heineken Cup. Nor would he entertain any suggestion that his side carried a cynical attitude into yesterday’s game.

Doon C.B.S.1-12 Abbey C.B.S.2-7

A SENIOR garda officer yesterday indicated that the force is willing to set up a whistleblowers’ charter that will allow officers to report malpractice.

FAVOURITISM matters little on All-Ireland final Sunday if Noel Skehan is to be believed.

PAUL O’CONNELL and Brian O’Driscoll into the action from the first whistle but no place in the Munster side for John Hayes.

Cork City 2 Shamrock Rovers 2

LEEDS chairman John McKenzie has insisted he is not at war with manager Peter Reid.

Middlesbrough 0 Sunderland 2

WHENEVER the former Liberal Democrats leader Charles Kennedy was challenged on his drinking habits, he’d deflect by saying that just because he was Scottish and enjoyed the odd dram.

THERE are two Ballyduffs in Waterford, one a well-known hurling stronghold, both on the map; there are two Ballyduffs in Kerry, one a well-known hurling stronghold, both on the map.

Can EPA be sure about accident despite delay in getting to the site, writes Political Reporter Mary Dundon.

TWELVE months ago, in Clones, it was so different. Tyrone’s historic breakthrough in winning their first ever Allianz National Football League title was celebrated in style on the field after the final whistle had been sounded by the same referee who officiated in Croke Park yesterday.

AS Aston Villa manager — before he became a villain — Ron Atkinson once said the best thing about international friendlies was the final whistle.