ROBIN VAN PERSIE maintains Arsenal still hold the destiny of the Barclays Premier League crown in their own hands and can use the “real blow” of recent disappointments to focus fully on delivering the title.

PRESSURE is growing on FIFA to launch a full investigation into fresh allegations that six executive committee members asked for bribes or favours, including a knighthood, in return for World Cup votes.

FINE GAEL are not hiding party leader Enda Kenny, finance spokesman Michael Noonan has insisted, dismissing such claims as ‘propaganda’.

BALL tucked tightly under his arm, Francie Bellew made his way into the Crossmaglen dressing room in Breffni Park yesterday with the broadest of smiles.

SWEDISH police have said that technical problems hindering the arrest of Julian Assange, the founder of whistle-blowing website WikiLeaks, had been overcome, and a British newspaper said he was in Britain.

SIX NATIONS champions France have remained under the radar this autumn with low-profile winning performances against Fiji and Argentina going largely unnoticed. That was before Australia arrived at the Stade de France Saturday night and dismantled their hosts 59-16.

CORK midfielder Jerry O’Connor says people “fell into the trap of classing Offaly in the same group as Laois” ahead of last Saturday’s All-Ireland SHC qualifier.

TIPPERARY boss John Evans has slammed the “poaching” of some of his top stars by American clubs.

HEAVY breathing phone calls have been par for the course for estate agent Christy Ryan these past few weeks – they’ve been mobile calls, made to him, by walkers doing the promenade around Cork’s Lough.

GAA PRESIDENT Christy Cooney yesterday rejected the suggestion that referees have begun to take a more lenient stance over the controversial handpass rule.

TYRONE manager Mickey Harte says he couldn’t contemplate leaving a fully fit Brian Dooher out of his starting 15, even though the Tyrone skipper hasn’t played since last summer.

Anyone who thought we might get past an exhilarating game like Sunday’s All Ireland senior hurling final without controversy was sadly mistaken.

FOR 81-year-old John Collins it was a day of nostalgia mixed with pride.

ANTHONY DALY has known days like this, as a player and manager with his beloved Clare.

GOVERNMENT and private sector power-brokers who have recognised the challenge posed by organisations like WikiLeaks and Cryptome are probably appalled by the publication of classified documents on the Afghan war.

THE whistle-blowing website WikiLeaks may have blood on its hands, the Pentagon has said, warning its unprecedented leak of secret US military files could cost lives and damage trust of allies.

GRAHAM CANTY inspired Bantry to a fine 0-11 to 2-4 win over Nemo Rangers in the County Division Three Football League final at Balineen on Saturday.

VETERAN Cork defender Anthony Lynch insists Sunday’s All-Ireland victory is not diminished for him by the fact he was ruled out of contention by injury.

LIVERPOOL manager Roy Hodgson felt his side earned a good point despite a disappointing performance in their goalless Europa League draw in Utrecht last night.

THE victim’s of the state fishery board’s single worst tragedy are to be remembered this weekend.