As well as the personal loss we suffer when loved ones die, this year we lamented a great many public figures we felt we knew

Elsewhere, an outstanding history of IRA attempt to kill Thatcher, and two riveting books on louche killer Malcom Macarthur

Set of six shirts worn by Argentinian during 2022 World Cup campaign could set record for sports tops if bids go over $10.1m

News that a National Hurling Action Plan Workgroup had its first meeting earlier this month is a welcome development.

A chocolate sweetener for the FAI, loyal sponsors never die - they just evolve for the Cats and Guinness signs 'Groundbreaking' deal for Six Nations Championships.

Cop28 was a capitulation to special interests where the world's most vulnerable people will pay the heaviest price for the richest folks' folly, writes Pádraig Hoare

Former Australia and England coach Jones - who has previously denied holding talks with Japan while he was still in charge of the Wallabies - attended a final interview in Tokyo last week with the Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU).

Messi and Ronaldo, who have faced each other more than 30 times in their careers, have won 13 Ballon d'Or awards between them, with the Argentine leading that race eight to five.

The prolific Norwegian missed the Premier League win at Luton on Sunday.

Arundell cannot be picked by Steve Borthwick due to the Rugby Football Union’s rule.

The referee hit the floor and was kicked several times in the ensuing melee.

Syd was first and foremost a rugby man who, despite his very strong allegiance to Ulster, always did what was best for Irish rugby, writes Donal Lenihan.

Make no mistake, La Rochelle have proved the bane of the Leinster players lives for three years now, especially with a certain Ronan O’Gara at the helm.

With Ardie Savea on board, will the money on offer for a shorter season in Asia attract more elite European-based players?

The defending champions face Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday.

O’Brien knew his time at Sandy Park was coming to an end so the offer of a deal with Munster was music to his ears.

“There’s a lot of boys who have gone into coaching and have been very successful off the back of it. That speaks to the culture of that Munster team."

The six nominees are Rory McIlroy, Stuart Broad, Frankie Dettori, Mary Earps, Katrina Johnson-Thompson and Alfie Hewett.

For Manchester United, the worst-case scenario is that they lose to Bayern and finish bottom of the group with only one win and one draw to their name – leaving them out of Europe all together.

The Old Trafford side face Bayern Munich on Tuesday evening.