An increase in business travellers helped Sir Richard Branson’s airline, Virgin Atlantic, record soaring profits last year, it was announced today.

Space shuttle Discovery and its crew of six returned to Earth through overcast skies today, ending a successful US mission that put Nasa back in the space station construction business.

Dublin 1-15 Offaly 0-9

A heartbroken Michael Essien slammed German referee Markus Merk for a “ridiculous” early booking which will keep the Chelsea star out of Ghana’s second-round clash with Brazil.

Australia coach Guus Hiddink described his team as ’lion-hearts’ after they twice came from a goal down to draw 2-2 with Croatia and qualify for the second round of the World Cup.

Croatia 2 Australia 2

Japan 1 Brazil 1

US President George Bush and European leaders urged Iran and North Korea today to give up military and nuclear ambitions that they said threaten each country’s neighbours and destabilise the world.

Iran 1 Angola 1

About 350 students chanting “Bush Go Home!” marched through Austria’s capital Vienna today to protest against a visit by US President George Bush for the US-European Union summit.

Dramatic CCTV footage of the moment when one of the alleged July 21 bombers tried to detonate his rucksack bomb and failed was revealed for the first time today.

Celtic striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink praised Steven Pressley for guiding the champions through a difficult Bank of Scotland Premier League clash with Hearts at Tynecastle.

Mick O'Dwyer has got his wish today - his new Wicklow charges will face their biggest test to date when they come up against Dublin in a unique O'Byrne Cup semi-final next Saturday.

Unionists are not going to throw Sinn Féin a lifeline in the current stand-off over support for policing, a senior MP in the Rev Ian Paisley’s party claimed today.

Goals in each half by Darren O’Dea and substitute Aiden McGeady gave Celtic a 2-0 win over Kilmarnock in their Bank of Scotland Premier League clash at Parkhead.

The Football Association is to write to Everton as it investigates allegations of racist abuse by Newcastle midfielder Emre.

Georgios Samaras put 17 games of goalscoring misery behind him to net the second-half double that allowed Manchester City to welcome the new year on a winning note at Eastlands.

Munster climbed menacingly up to fifth in the Magners League table as they defied the wind, rain and a dogged Connacht pack to secure a win at the Sportsground.

Stunned goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar admits Manchester United have let Chelsea back into the race for the Barclays Premiership title.

Overmach Parma 45 Border Reivers 37