According to Sean Ryan of Bear Stearns, there have been only 23 since 1984, of which just four (including Bank of New York's acquisition of Irving Bank in 1988) succeeded.

ECONOMIST: Buy, buy

Those sitting courtside included actor Robert DeNiro (who sat next to Hornets owner Tom Benson), Baltimore Ravens receiver Jacoby Jones, Saints coach Sean Payton and new Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.

NPR: Bryant, Lakers Roar Back Against Hornets, 108-102

Richie McCarthy and Sean Tobin both scored four points for Limerick with James Ryan and Donal Og Grady both contributing three scores.

BBC: Down 2-11 1-15 Limerick