Eoin Reddan believes Ulster have not been afforded the respect they deserve this season and warned the Heineken Cup final in Twickenham will not be the procession many predict for Leinster.

BRIAN O’Driscoll is ready to take his 11th shot at the All Blacks this weekend.

Yesterday, the Irish team were afforded a day off. Most of the media, however, weren’t.

The German national side has long since shed its reputation for grey efficiency on the pitch and the circus surrounding Joachim Löw’s squad as they count down to their opening game at Euro 2012 is proving to be just as colourful.

Dunaden is raring to go ahead of the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot before a potential return to the Berkshire track and a clash with Camelot.

The thousands who witnessed yesterday’s tour of the Olympic torch were indicative of public interest.

Touch-screen, app-enabled technology is revolutionising life, unifying phones, tablets laptops, TV and domestic appliances says Ed Power

Perhaps it was coincidence, perhaps not, but Giovanni Trapattoni last night responded to Aiden McGeady’s suggestion Ireland’s players are jaded by giving his men a day off.

Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre has called Wigan chairman Dave Whelan a “comedian” and claims he conducted a “sideshow” during their recent search for a new manager.

Mike Ruddock intends to keep his victorious Ireland U20 side on an even keel following their sensational win over hosts South Africa by concentrating minds on Friday’s must-win IRB Junior World Championship pool clash with England.

Ireland Test captain Brian O’Driscoll led the congratulations for the U20s following their famous first win over South Africa at the Junior World Championships.

It hasn’t been a bad season for Rob Kearney, even by his own high standards.

For those who thought Tiger Woods’ run as the world’s best golfer was over, the 747-sized roar that emanated from the 16th green at Muirfield Village likely shocked them to their senses.

Uncapped Ulster tighthead Declan Fitzpatrick is set for a baptism of fire against the All Blacks with Mike Ross being confirmed as a major doubt for the first test at Eden Park on Saturday.

Accuracy will be key if Ireland are to create history by beating New Zealand for the first time in history in Auckland this Saturday.

Les Kiss is relishing the prospect of facing the All Blacks on their home turf over the coming weeks.

It has been a marathon season for Eoin Reddan and his Irish teammates but the Leinster scrum-half is not for making excuses ahead of a daunting three-test series with the world champions.

No one can be more qualified than Marco Tardelli to under-stand the pressures on players in a major tournament — and the twists of fate that separate triumph from disaster.

Jack Charlton believes that guiding the Republic of Ireland into the knock-out stages of Euro 2012 would be an achievement to rank alongside Giovanni Trapattoni’s greatest in a distinguished career.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen faces a public backlash after naming scrum-half Piri Weepu in his 30-man squad for this month’s three-test series with Ireland.