Mexico looked beyond its drug war and looming Atlantic storms today to throw a 200th birthday bash celebrating a proud history, whimsical culture and resilience embodied in the traditional independence cry: “Viva Mexico!”

Portumna, Inniskeen Grattans, Shannon Rovers and Tourin claimed the four All-Ireland Hurling Sevens titles that were on offer in mixed weather conditions in Dublin yesterday.

Gennaro Gattuso could be facing a lengthy European ban after his headbutt on Joe Jordan took the gloss off Tottenham’s fine 1-0 win over AC Milan at the San Siro last night.

Carlo Ancelotti insisted Chelsea are not out of the Barclays Premier League title race despite watching them throw away a crucial two points in today’s breathless 3-3 draw against Aston Villa.

Michaela Harte was never happier than on the day she got married, the Harte family's local parish priest has said.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was left to count the cost of more poor defending as boos rang around the Emirates Stadium after the Gunners’ final home game of another bitterly disappointing campaign ended in a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.

Levante 1 Barcelona 1

Armagh had a comfortable nine-point win over North Dublin side Fingal in Round One of the Nicky Rackard Cup at Crossmaglen today.

The uncertainty over Togo’s involvement in the African Nations Cup was ended last night when the team failed to appear for their opening match against Ghana and they were later excluded from the tournament.

Speculation over the future of Burnley manager Owen Coyle intensified after he missed the press conference following the Clarets’ 2-1 FA Cup win at MK Dons.

Sligo 0-19 Antrim 1-11

Kerry GAA chiefs are adopting a ‘wait and see’ policy before commenting on television coverage of incidents involving defender Tomás O Sé in Sunday’s Munster SFC final as the An Ghaeltacht defender looks set to be the second high-profile Kingdom player to be slapped with a retrospective suspension this summer by the CCCC.

Nick Easter last night provided an insight into England’s true feelings after their 17-12 victory over Italy when he said: “God, that was boring”.

Newcastle boss Chris Hughton has told his players they deserve to be back in the Barclays Premier League after watching them edge closer to the Coca-Cola Championship title.

Waterford 0-20 Clare 2-5

AIB LEAGUE DIVISION 1B:

Bacary Sagna expects a “crazy game” when France travel to Dublin to face the Republic of Ireland in the first leg of their World Cup qualifying play-off on Saturday.

Armagh 0-10 Mayo 0-7

Nelson Piquet Junior claims his former team Renault had “threatened” to withdraw his contract unless he agreed to purposefully crash during the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix.

Preston boss Alan Irvine has admitted he is powerless to prevent highly-rated defender Sean St Ledger joining Coca-Cola Championship rivals Middlesbrough.