Tributes paid to Cilla Black, who has died aged 72

The former singer and TV presenter Cilla Black has died aged 72.

The showbiz icon passed away overnight at her home in Marbella, Spain.

Paul McCartney paid tribute to his former collaborator, saying "such a shock to hear about Cilla's passing. She was a lovely girl who infected everyone with her great spirit."

Paul Kimmage on doping scandal: "This stuff costs lives, it ruins lives and it has to be addressed"

The main sporting news today came from The Sunday Times, where it was revealed that the results of 12,000 blood test from 5,000 athletes were examined, and they showed that one third of the medals awarded to athletes at top-level endurance events, Olympic Games and World championships were won by athletes who have recorded suspicious drug tests. 

Damien Lawlor and Paul Kimmage joined the Off The Ball to talk about this huge story, and when Adrian Barry put it to Kimmage that this was not definitive proof, but did raise plenty of suspicion, he disagreed: "For me this is absolute conclusive evidence that what we've been looking at in athletics mirrors what we've been seeing in cycling since 2001, and that is that it's totally discredited and a complete sham."

Man found with serious head injuries in Dublin has died in hospital

A man in his 60s found with serious head injuries in Dublin yesterday has died in hospital.

He was discovered yesterday morning at about 6am on Trees Road Upper in Mount Merrion and brought to St Vincent's Hospital.

Gardaí say there was nothing to suggest foul play, but are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

WATCH: John C. Reilly sings The Wild Rover in a Clare pub

AP Photo/Lionel Cironneau

Hollywood star John C. Reilly is spending a bit of time in Ireland by all accounts, as he was filmed enjoying his vacation in a pub in Clare earlier this week.

The star of movies such as Wreck it Ralph and Step Brothers is no stranger to Ireland, and has previously spoken about his love of spending his holidays here.

Denis O'Brien reported as businessman IBRC were told not to sell to

Denis O'Brien has been reported as the 'unnamed businessman' that the IBRC was allegedly ordered not to sell to.

The bank's former Chief Executive Mike Aynsley told the Banking Inquiry during the week that the Department of Finance wanted a hypothetical bid for a major asset overlooked.

While the media magnate was not identified during inquiry evidence, the Sunday Business Post says he is identified in an email between Mr Aynsley and Tom Hunerson, then head of corporate and institutional recovery at IBRC.