Only way is up for vibrant St Pat's

Their 47-year wait for an away victory in Europe over, Dublin side St Patrick's Athletic FC travel to face Hertha BSC Berlin in the UEFA Cup as underdogs but with the ambition to pull off a "phenomenal" upset.

Another UK tour operator goes bust

A second British tour operator has gone bust days after the collapse of XL Leisure sent the travel industry into turmoil, the aviation regulator confirmed today.

XL collapse sees rivals prosper on FTSE

The collapse of a rival operator buoyed holiday giants TUI Travel and Thomas Cook today as the FTSE 100 Index surged nearly 2% in the final session of the week.

XL travel rivals see shares rise on FTSE

UK holiday giants TUI Travel and Thomas Cook were experiencing strong gains today as investors digested the collapse of rival operator XL.

More tour operators expected to go under

The collapse of tour operator XL is the latest blow to the UK air travel industry, which has endured a torrid summer with a number of companies closing down.

Sibierski set for Latics return

Wigan manager Steve Bruce expects Antoine Sibierski to return to the club when his loan spell at Norwich ends next week.

Future of rugby and soccer at Croker 'in hands of congress delegates'

GAA President Nickey Brennan has refused to rule out the playing of non-GAA sports at Croke Park after the opening of the redeveloped Lansdowne Road in 2010.

Zenit need to lower Arshavin asking price, says Agent

Zenit St Petersburg will have to lower their inflated demands for wantaway star midfielder Andrei Arshavin if they are to strike a deal with Arsenal during the transfer window.

Drogs get more time to solve financial problems

Drogheda United will now have extra time to sort out their financial issues, following developments this afternoon.

Duffy included in Connact squad

Connacht coach Michael Bradley has been able to select Ireland international Gavin Duffy in his 25-man squad for the Magners League clash against the Scarlets at The Sportsground on Friday (6.30pm).

Cork City blocked from talking to McIlory by Morecambe

Cork City have been blocked from talking to former Northern Ireland boss Sammy McIlroy by his current club.

Injured trio back for Munster

Munster have been boosted by the return from injury for captain Paul O'Connell, Denis Leamy and Tomas O'Leary in a 28-strong Munster squad for the Magners League game against Ospreys in Swansea on Friday night.

Trap: Door open for Ireland

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has insisted the door remains open for Stephen Ireland to return to the international fold.

The Commons touch sees Derby stun United

Derby 1 Manchester United 0
Derby will take a surprise lead to Old Trafford in two weeks’ time after Kris Commons’ superb goal gave the Rams a 1-0 victory in their Carling Cup semi-final first leg in front of watching new manager Nigel Clough.

Cork chairman urges hurlers to return to action

Cork GAA chairman Jerry O'Sullivan urged the striking Cork senior hurlers to return to action by issuing an open letter to the 2008 squad on Wednesday night.