Head coach Gareth Jenkins slammed referee Chris White after Wales fell to a controversial late defeat to Italy in Rome.

A retired garda detective superintendent today claimed he had never heard of ’boxing’ - an irreverent garda term to get suspects to tell the truth.

A former garda surveillance expert was today accused of denying suspects were routinely recorded while in custody for fear scores of convictions would be overturned.

Frank Rijkaard admits Barcelona cannot afford to make another mistake if they are to reach the knock-out phase of the Champions League.

A detective sergeant threatened his Garda interviewers that he had notes and tapes of his conversations with senior officers in Donegal, the Morris Tribunal heard today.

Hundreds of revellers transformed Belfast city centre into a sea of colour today to mark St Patrick’s Day.

Police detained 300 people around France after nationwide student marches against a new labour law turned violent.

Thierry Henry insists Arsenal’s young starlets can secure a glittering future for the club – with or without him.

Iraqi President Jalal Talabani condemned the alleged abuse by British soldiers of Iraqi youths that was caught on film in 2004, describing it as “unjustified”, his spokesman said today.

New Norwich manager Peter Grant has leapt to the defence of his under-fire Birmingham counterpart Steve Bruce and branded criticism of him as "a disgrace" given his overall success at St Andrews.

Tottenham boss Martin Jol was waiting to see a replay of Didier Zokora’s dismissal during the 2-1 win over Middlesbrough before deciding whether to appeal against the decision.

The stalled P-Pars payroll system will use up €21m in taxpayers’ money this year, the Dáil heard today.

Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton has spoken of his relief after escaping a ban for baring his backside at Everton fans and expressed regret at his actions.

Floodwaters caused by heavy rains poured into two coal mines in a town in eastern China, leaving 181 miners trapped and feared dead, government officials said today.

Roy Keane has revealed he is two signings away from getting his Sunderland squad exactly the way he wants it as he looks to extend his side’s unbeaten start at Birmingham tonight.

Gardaí in Donegal used licensing laws to harass a publican, a solicitor claimed today.

Sheffield United are “considering the findings with professional advisors” after an arbitration panel dismissed their claims against the Premier League over the Carlos Tevez affair.

Ireland are sweating on the fitness of captain Brian O’Driscoll after the Leinster centre suffered a hamstring injury in yesterday’s 19-9 victory over Wales.

Leinster 13 Edinburgh 6

Eddie O’Sullivan insists Ireland will be ready for an early onslaught from Italy in Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations clash at Lansdowne Road.