A remarkable collection of world leaders and royalty rubbed shoulders today at John Paul’s funeral, with only an alphabetical seating plan to divide heads of state whose relations could be frosty or even non-existent.

Liverpool’s man of the match Jamie Carragher stressed that the team could not afford to bask in the glory of beating Chelsea 1-0 to reach the final of the Champions League as they had to go on and win the trophy.

The O’Riada collection, which contains instruments, original scores, correspondence, possessions and 2000 books belonging to one of the country’s most important traditional musicians, is today being presented to the Taoiseach on behalf of Ireland.

Aston Villa 0 Manchester United 1

Andriy Shevchenko believes Liverpool were destined to claim the Champions League but still praised their “winning mentality”.

Blackburn 0 Arsenal 1

Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy admitted his side lacked the quality required to overcome Gillingham after being held to a 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light.

Athenry 0-14 James Stephens 0-19

Stade Francais 20 Biarritz 17

Angry Sunderland fans clashed with police at the Stadium of Light after their relegation-haunted side slipped to defeat against Blackburn.

Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren is backing his in-form strikers to rescue the club’s UEFA Cup dream.

Arsenal 0 Birmingham City 0

New Zealand 40 France 13

Argentina coach Marcelo Loffreda has taunted Welsh rival Mike Ruddock ahead of the second Test in Buenos Aires on Saturday.

Leeds caretaker-boss Eddie Gray believes his players have finally found the courage and belief to play – now roll on Manchester United!

Portugal star Luis Figo admits the hosts need three points to settle their nerves against Greece in Saturday’s opening match of Euro 2004, the biggest sports event that the country has ever staged.

Football stars from the past and present today united to pay their final respects to goalkeeping legend Ronnie Simpson.

Wasps second row Simon Shaw has been given the green light to play in Sunday’s Heineken Cup semi-final showdown with Munster.

Dozens of anti-nuclear campaigners rallied outside Mordechai Vanunu’s prison today, a day ahead of his release, praising the former nuclear technician as a hero for revealing Israel’s nuclear secrets 18 years ago.

David Beckham warned Switzerland that England are ready to take out the anger and frustration from their defeat by France in tomorrow’s clash to revive their Euro 2004 qualifying hopes.