Irish News

Ferguson hails Rio and now waits for Rooney

Sir Alex Ferguson hailed the performance of the returning Rio Ferdinand against Liverpool last night – then predicted the appearance of Wayne Rooney in Manchester United’s next Old Trafford outing against Middlesborough in a fortnight.

Tyrone get Injury boost

The Red Hands had three serious doubts following their semi-final win over Down. Captain Marc Cunningham, Shane O’Hagan and Brendan Boggs all succumbed to fairly serious injuries, however the four-week break has allowed the trio to make a full recovery.

O’Neill pays tribute to ‘sensational’ Clough

Martin O’Neill last night drew a parallel between Brian Clough and Muhammed Ali by suggesting his old boss would be the first to admit he was the “greatest” manager of all time.

Malone scoops bronze with a PB

Ireland collected their first medal of the 2004 Paralympics in Athens yesterday when 24-year old Derek Malone from Clare won bronze in the T38 800metres in Athens.

St Brigid’s celebrate

GAA flags have been flying high in leafy streets of South Belfast as a local team celebrates its first bit of silverware. St,Brigid’s from the Malone area, won the Antrim Junior football Championship final at Casement Park on Saturday. The Club have only been in existence for six years and this is the first year it has fielded at senior level.

News Letter

Gerrard blow

Liverpool Captain Steven Gerrard hobbled out of Old Trafford last night and could miss England’s World Cup qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Wales next month with what is feared to be a broken metatarsal bone.

Topping faces Euro Cup agony

Ulster and Ireland winger, James Topping, was due to see a specialist yesterday to assess the seriousness of a cracked bone in his tibia.

Savage Red Card Support

Birmingham midfielder Robbie Savage has revealed he has received messages of support from Aston Villa fans in his bid to have his red card against Northern Ireland overturned.

Ards off the hook at IFA

The IFA last night give crisis club Ards the go-ahead to contest the Irish league Premiership starting on Saturday. But the homeless Co.Down club were warned that patience is running thin in the corridors of power at Windsor Avenue.