TÁNAISTE Mary Harney denied yesterday that Government ministers were aware of a VAT loophole which builders used to evade paying up to 1 billion in tax.

Bolton 2 Newcastle 0

SHE faces a similar challenge tomorrow to the one faced by her twin brothers last Sunday - tackling the defending All-Ireland champions.

MARK JACKSON made sure of one last souvenir to remind him of his days at Leeds - Harry Kewell’s number 10 shirt.

KIERAN McGEENEY is likely to be available for the crucial second test against Australia in the Fosters International Rules Series in the MCG Grounds next Friday.

THE State could face massive civil actions from victims of crime claiming their right to privacy had been infringed by garda leaks, Justice Minister Michael McDowell said yesterday.

TURKEY defender Alpay has claimed England captain David Beckham spat on the badge of his national team shirt during the ill-tempered Euro 2004 qualifier in Istanbul.

WITH hand on heart James Masters admitted that his last-ditch attempt to secure victory for Cork in yesterday’s highly dramatic Munster football final was right to be disallowed.

OLYMPIC 100m champion Justin Gatlin must serve a minimum drugs ban of four years, says the world governing body.

Brass clocks and grey sofas are all part of the mix chosen by Esther N McCarthy.

Gale force winds and torrential rain showers couldn’t dampen the spirits in Collins Barracks yesterday as more than 1,000 singers joined forces for the Nation’s Voice.

Goal chief executive Barry Andrews has defended the aid agency after it emerged that the Department of Foreign Affairs is withholding almost €3m in funding from the charity.

Ulster’s coaching team are only too well aware that they will need to improve their overall game if they are to get their Champions Cup venture off to a winning start at Bordeaux-Begles on Sunday.