Courtwood GAA Club Charity Match

Courtwood GAA club will raise funds for The Children's Hospital, Crumlin with their annual charity game on St Stephens Day

The clubs under 30s will face the over 30s with players from neighbouring clubs also taking part

It was a draw last year, this year's game gets underway from 11.30 onwards

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Club Focus on Midlands 103

This Spring we've a new feature on Midlands 103's Sunday sports show 'The Inside Line' where we'll shine the spotlight on GAA clubs across Laois, Offaly and Westmeath

The series will begin on January 7th and we'd like to hear from you. If you'd like your club to be featured email sport@midlandsradio.fm or contact us on Facebook 'Midlands Sport' or on twitter @midlandssport

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Roscrea Sports Awards

The Roscrea Community Tourism and Leisure Sports Awards winners have been announced

Kilcormac Killoughey receive the club of the year to mark their first ever Offaly and Leinster club hurling titles

Portlaoise’s Mary Mulhare wins the athletics award, she recently represented Ireland at the European Cross Country alongside her brother Michael who is a previous winner at the awards

Offaly All-Star Sheila Sullivan is the camogie winner, the soccer prize goes to Ireland underage international Val Feeney

Last season Feeney became the youngest player to represent Athlone in the League of Ireland

Coolderry’s James Masterson receives the golf award, Michael Rosney and Clodagh Jones will get special achievement prizes also in golf

The Wilmer badminton Division One team from Birr and the Under 17 Colaiste Phobal badminton team are also recognised

World championship and All-Ireland medallist Michael O’Brien of Crinkle is the handball winner, Clonaslee’s Garrett Culliton receives the Paralympics award

There’s a special recognition for St Fergal’s, Rathdowney for 75 years of sport at the Laois secondary school, the youth award goes to Borris In Ossory Kilcotton hurler PJ Scully

While Munster forward Donncha Ryan gets the rugby prize with the awards taking place at the Racket Hall on February 15th next

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Brunchtime headlines

GAELIC GAMES

Seamus Cheddar Plunkett goes before the Laois County Committee this evening for ratification as the next senior hurling manager

Plunkett, who managed the O'Moores minors last year, is expected to have Paul Cuddy as part of his backroom team

Plunkett and Cuddy had originally aiding the search for the next manager

Tony Doran and Pat Critchley will be recommended for ratification as Under 21 and Minor Hurling managers respectively


Former Kerry football manager Mick O'Dwyer's paid tribute to Paidi this morning, following the 57-year-old's death on Saturday.

Micko and Paidi came up against each other on the sideline in the summer of 2004 when Westmeath defeated Laois in the Leinster decider

Mick O'Dwyer first came across Paidí O'Sé while he was playing minor football in the 1970s - he's been remembering his sense of determination


Dr. Crokes will play Ballymun Kickhams in the All Ireland Club Football semi final.

The Kerry champions beat Tír Conall Gaels of London by 3-12 to 6 points in the quarter final in Ruislip.

Chris Brady scored two goals after Kieran O'Leary found the net for Dr. Crokes.


RUGBY UNION

Defending champions Tullamore are into the last four of the All-Ireland Junior Cup

In a repeat of last year's final the Offaly side defeated Monivea by 47 points to 17 at Spollenstown

In Division Two A of the Leinster League yesterday Roscrea won the Midlands derby with Portlaoise 19-8

The West Offaly Lions won 35-3 against Tallaght in Division Three

The draw was made for the Towns Cup's opening round at the weekend
Portlaoise will travel to Kilkenny, Mullingar host New Ross

Shield winners last year Portarlington have a home tie against Naas, Edenderry travel to Arklow and Roscrea host Boyne

Those opening round games will be played on Sunday January 27th

Tommy Bowe's return date is uncertain following the knee ligament damage he picked up against Northampton on Saturday.

Initially he was ruled out of the Six Nations but then tweeted last night to say the damage was not as serious as first thought.

The 28 year old will undergo surgery latter this week when the damage will be assessed further.

Meanwhile

We may find out today the extent of Richardt Strauss's injury, the Leinster and Ireland hooker was taken off during the early stages of the Blues loss to Clermont at the Aviva on Saturday.

The defeat means that the Champions are 8 points behind the French side in the pool with two games remaining making qualification very difficult.

Munster are also in a tough position in their pool following a 19-13 defeat to Saracens at Vicarage Road

The Reds are 3 points behind leaders Saracens while Racing Metro are second a point ahead of Munster.


SOCCER

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has accused Norwich of targeting Ireland midfielder James McCarthy during Saturdays defeat at Carrow Road.

The 22 year old had to go off at half time with an ankle injury following a challenge by Bradley Johnson,

McCarthy is likely to miss their next game against Arsenal and Martinez says "Clearly he was targeted. They got away with it. You don't want to see players injured in such a ruthless manner."

Tonight

Reading can climb off the bottom of the table if they beat Arsenal to the Majeski.
Olivier Giroud is likely to be available for the visitors after missing last week's defeat to Bradford with a back injury, Theo Walcott remains a doubt with a calf injury.

A win for the Gunners will put them fifth, kick off is at 8.


Noreside Celtic are into round three of the Counties Cup

They got their ninth win in a row and took the scalp of First Division Clonmore, winning 3-1
Wexford Youths won 2-1 against Ballinahown in the LFA Youths Cup, Clara's B team beat Emo Celtic 2-1 in the Counties Shield
St Peters won 5-3 against St Peters in the Senior Division

Athlone Town's Under 19s remain top of National Under 19 League Southern Section.

They beat Mervue 2-0 at Lecarrow on Saturday


Mario Balotelli is moving closer to the Manchester City exit door after refusing to pay a 400 hundred thousand euro fine.

It's being reported that the 22 year old striker has taken his dispute with the club to the Premier league with the case being heard on Wednesday.

City fined the striker after he missed 11 games of their 54 games last season due to suspension.


GOLF

Charl Schwartzel won the Alfred Dunhill Championship in South Africa by 12 shots.
The South African finished up on 24 under par on a final day disrupted by thunderstorms.

Peter Lawrie claimed a top 20 finish on 7 under.


BASKETBALL

Portlaoise Panthers have moved within one point of leaders Tralee Imperials in Division One of the Womens National Basketball League

The Panthers were comfortable 70-26 winners over fourth place Donegal Town


HOCKEY

In Division Four of hockey's Leinster League Mullingar drew two all with Naas, the Westmeath side are third in the table

Mullingar's seconds lost seven nil to Kilkenny, Muckross defeated Mullingar's ladies 6-1

DARTS

5-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld produced an incredible performance in his opening match at the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.

The Grand Slam winner destroyed Michael Smith 3-0 at London’s Alexandra Palace.

There were also wins for Andy Hamilton, Brendan Dolan and Gary Anderson.

Tonight, world number 3 James Wade begins his campaign against Peter Hudson.

CRICKET

England's have recorded an historic victory in India.

A draw in the final match gave them a first Test series win there since 1985.

Jonathan Trott and Ian Bell both scored centuries as the tourists posted 352 for 4 on the last day.
England won the series 2-1

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Combined Counties Football League Results Week 19

Wednesday December 12^th

Umbro FAI Junior Cup 4^th Round

Willow Park 0 (2); St Peters 0 (4) pens aet

Saturday December 15^th

O’Neill’s LFA Youths Cup 3^rd Round

Ballinahown 1; Wexford Youths 2

Under 18 Division

Abbeyleix Ath 1; Edenderry Town 3

Senior Division

Mullingar Ath 4; Mountmellick Utd 1

Sunday December 16^th

John Farrell Combined Counties Cup 2nd Round

Noreside Celtic 3; Clonmore Utd 1
Emo Celtic 1; Clara Town B 2
St.Peters 5; Clara Town 3

Combined Counties Shield 1st Round

Senior Division

Premier Division

Mullingar Town A 2; Edenderry Town A 2

All other games off due to inclement weather

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Camross and Castletown SB to host Charity Match

Camross and Castletown-Slieve Bloom GAA clubs have come together to help raise funds for Laois Hospice and St James Hospital in Dublin.

The two great rivals have been in discussion over the last couple of weeks to decide the best way to pool their reserves in an effort to raise badly needed finance and both agree that in these difficult times and at a time when demand for money is at its greatest they had to come up with something that would give something back to the supporters of the fund raiser.

They have decided to go with a hurling game with teams chosen from over forties in both clubs and they say the response has been very positive from these players. The game is scheduled for Derrynaseera on new
Years day throwing in at 1 O’Clock with Rathdowney official Pat Delaney turning back the clock.

Seventeen years ago the Rathdowney man was in charge for Castletowns biggest day that was the semi-final victory over the reigning champions Camross and led by John O’Sullivan the Noresiders under Frank Keenan went on to capture the O’Keefe cup for the first time and since then they went on to equal the Camross and Ballygeehan records of five senior titles in a row.

There will be a souvenir programme featuring some great games involving both clubs on sale at the game and at the interval there will be under age games between both clubs and both ask you to come out and
support this worthy cause.

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‘The Beautiful Game: A Football Blog’

By Dave McArdle

CCFL

Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending CK United against Pearse Celtic in the Umbro FAI Junior Cup fifth round. CK have been in fantastic form this season and they currently lead the Premier Division by three points with two games in hand on their nearest rivals. CK are a well drilled outfit and their winning mentality is highlighted by the fact that they have lost only one league game this season.

Pearse Celtic had made the long trip from Cork to Tullamore for Sunday’s game and they were under pressure from the off – CK dominating possession and winning the key battles early on. United got the game’s first goal on 17 minutes and what a goal it was. CK won a throw on the right flank and the ball was knocked out to Damien Bracken near the corner flag. Bracken let fly with a first-time volley which curled and dipped under the crossbar and into the net. This was a goal right out of the top drawer from the CK winger – if you’ re trying to picture this goal think of Marco Van Basten’s goal in the Euro ’88 final

 

Except it was further out on the wing!

Admittedly CK took their foot off the gas after they took the lead and they were looking quite comfortable, despite Pearse Celtic dominating second half possession, until they were cruelly beaten in the final minutes. Pearse Celtic’s pressure gave them an equaliser in the 84th minute after a corner and a goalmouth scramble. After conceding such a late goal, it seemed that CK would regroup and go on the attack once more in extra time. But extra time would not come to pass. Pearse Celtic broke quickly down the pitch in injury time and their winger Shane Spittore fired in off the post as the keeper advanced. And just like that CK were out. 

Such is life in cup football – Pearse Celtic and their travelling support celebrated wildly while CK were left to ponder what might have been. However, CK have shown this season that they are a team of real quality and if – as expected – they are promoted this season I have no doubt that they will pose problems for many sides in the Senior Division next season.

As the Combined Counties Football League draws to a close for 2012, there is just one more round of games before the Christmas break. Our feature game on Midlands 103’s ‘The Inside Line’ this Sunday sees me travel to Castletown as Noreside Celtic of Division 2 host Clonmore United of Division 1 in the John Farrell Combined Counties Cup 2nd round in what promises to be an entertaining game. On Saturday afternoon, Ballinahown face Wexford Youths in the LFA Youths Cup 3rd round while Boro Celtic host Portlaoise in the John Farrell Combined Counties Cup 2nd round. In the Senior Division on Saturday evening, top of the table Mullingar Athletic host Mountmellick United where they will seek to ensure that they preserve their position at the summit over the festive period.

On Sunday morning in the John Farrell Combined Counties Shield, Emo Celtic square up to Clara Town B while St.James host Frankford United. In the Premier Division on Sunday afternoon, Mullingar Town face Edenderry town while there are two fixtures in the Senior Division. After a dramatic cup game in midweek (which Peters won on penalties) both St. Peters and Willow Park are back in action on Sunday –Peters host second placed Clara Town while it’s third against fourth as Willow Park travel to play Monksland United.

Premier League Preview

Newcastle v Man City (Saturday 12:45 – Live on Sky Sports 2)

Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off sees two sides in desperate need of a victory square up to one another at St. James’ Park. Newcastle have lost five of their last six and sit just two points off the relegation places – a far cry from last season when they challenged the top four for most of the season. Man City, on the other hand, will be seeking to pick up three points which would keep them on the tails on Man United after they suffered their first league loss of the season against their rivals last weekend. Steven Taylor, Ryan Taylor, Johan Cabaye and Dan Gosling remain on the long-term injury list for the hosts while Alan Pardew also has a serious doubt over influential winger Hatem Ben Arfa after he aggravated a hamstring injury. City captain Vincent Kompany is set to miss out after he limped out of the Manchester derby with a groin injury. Roberto Mancini will be without Gareth Barry through suspension while Micah Richards remains sidelined with a knee injury.

Liverpool v Aston Villa (Saturday 3pm)

Liverpool welcome Aston Villa to Anfield with both sides in good form of late after disastrous starts to their respective seasons. Liverpool will welcome back talismanic striker Luis Suarez after the Uruguayan served a one-game suspension last time out. Brendan Rodgers has doubts over the fitness of Jose Enrique and Nuri Sahin while Martin Kelly and Fabio Borini remain sidelined for the Reds. Darren Bent has become the latest addition to the Aston Villa injury list which already includes Ron Vlaar, Richard Dunne and Gary Gardner while Paul Lambert also has a concern over the fitness of Gabby Agbonlahor.

Norwich v Wigan (Saturday 3pm)

Norwich City welcome Wigan to Carrow Road with the Canaries on their best run of form in the top flight in 25 years. Norwich are now unbeaten in nine while Wigan will be seeking to stop a run of form that has seen them drop into the bottom three. Mark Bunn will continue to deputise for the injured John Ruddy between the posts for Norwich while Chris Hughton has doubts over Steven Whittaker, Wes Hoolahan and Alexander Tettey. Ryan Bennett, Andrew Surman and Harry Kane are also expected to miss out once more for the Canaries. Roberto Martinez will once again be without a host of players as Gary Caldwell, Antolin Alcaraz, Ivan Ramis, Ben Watson, Ryo Miyaichi and Albert Crusat will all miss out for the Latics.

Stoke City v Everton (Saturday 3pm)

Stoke welcome Everton to the Britannia on Saturday afternoon and the Potters are unbeaten in six and haven’t lost a home game all season. Tim Howard is set to make his 200th consecutive appearance and he will join compatriot Brad Friedel in achieving the milestone if he plays. Tony Pulis will once more be without Marc Wilson, Rory Delap and Michael Owen through injury while Ryan Shotton will miss out through suspension after receiving his marching orders last time out. For the Toffees, Tony Hibbert and Kevin Mirallas have joined Phil Neville and Victor Anichebe on the sidelines.

QPR v Fulham (Saturday 3pm)

Harry Redknapp’s QPR welcome Fulham hoping to break the unwanted record of being the longest winless side of the Premier League era. Indeed if the R’s fail to win on Saturday they will become the longest winless top flight side since Bolton in 1902-03. Harry Redknapp will once more be without Bobby Zamora, Andrew Johnson and Hogan Ephraim while Park Ji-Sung has also joined the injury list after picking up a knee injury.  Davies and Bryan Ruiz remain sidelined for the Cottagers while Mahamadou Diarra is a serious doubt for Martin Jol’s side.

Man United v Sunderland (Saturday 3pm – Live on Setanta Ireland)

Sunderland travel to Manchester hoping for a first victory over United in 44 years. However, there hope for the Mackems as they have, in Martin O’Neill, the only manager to have won twice at Old Trafford in the Premier League (with Leicester and Aston Villa). Sir Alex Ferguson will be able to call upon Captain Nemanja Vidic once more after he stepped up his return from a knee injury. Anderson and Nani remain sidelined for the hosts while Shinji Kagawa and Jonny Evans are also expected to miss out for the Red Devils. Adam Johnson and Danny Rose are doubtful for the Black Cats while Phil Bardsley, Wes Brown and Lee Cattermole will all miss out. Martin O’Neill is hopeful that Steven Fletcher will be ok to feature as the Scottish striker continues to struggle with an ankle injury.

Tottenham v Swansea (Sunday 1:30 – Live on Sky Sports 1)

Tottenham welcome Swansea to White Hart Lane on Sunday hoping to bounce back from a cruel late defeat at the hands of Everton last time out. Swansea are in fine form with three wins in their last five in the league and they will be hoping to cause another upset in London at lunchtime on Sunday. Younes Kaboul continues to miss out for the hosts while Andre Villas-Boas has doubts over the of Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Michael Dawson, Gareth Bale and Scott Parker. Michel Vorm, Neil and Andrea Orlandi continue to miss out for the Swans while Michael Laudrup will have to make a late decision on whether to include Pablo Hernandez as he continues to struggle with a thigh injury.

West Brom v West Ham (Sunday 4pm – Live on Sky Sports 1)

High-flying West Brom welcome West Ham to the Hawthorns on Sunday afternoon with both sides having suffered defeats in their last Premier League outings. The Baggies will be boosted after Ben Foster, Liam Ridgewell and Claudio Jacob returned to training but Craig Dawson continues to miss out with an eye injury. For the Hammers, George McCartney is the latest to join an injury list which already includes Mohamed Diame, Yossi Benayoun, Alou Diarra, Jack Collison, Ricardo Vaz Te and Andy Carroll.

Reading v Arsenal (Monday 8pm – Live on Sky Sports 1)

Reading will be seeking a much needed victory on Monday evening as they currently languish in the drop zone a full six points from safety. Arsenal are in indifferent form and they will be seeking to bounce back after an embarrassing defeat against Bradford in the Capitol One Cup in midweek. Alex McCarthy and Sean Morrison continue to miss out for the Royals while Hal Robson-Kanu, Jimmy Kebe, Jem Karacan, Pavel Pogrebnyak and Jason Roberts are all rated as doubtful. Lukasz Fabianski, Andre Santos, Ignasi Miquel and Abou Diaby are all expected to miss out for the Gunners while Arsene Wenger has doubts over Laurent Koscielny and Theo Walcott.

Fifa Club World Cup Final (Sunday 10:30am – Live on BBC2)

Chelsea face Corinthians on Sunday morning hoping to win the Club World Cup for the first time in their history against Brazilian side Corinthians. After a comfortable victory against Mexican side Monterrey last time out, the Blues will be confident of adding the title to their trophy cabinet. Rafa Benitez will be hoping Fernando Torres can continue his fine form under the interim Chelsea manager and secure Benitez his second Club World Cup title (he also won with Inter Milan after only a couple of months in charge). Chelsea will also have the chance to see reported transfer target Paulinho up close as the midfielder is the Brazilian side’s main most impressive talent.



Fantasy Football

Undoubtedly the main point to consider in Gameweek 17 is the blank fixture for both Chelsea and Southampton, which is due to Chelsea’s participation in the Club World Cup Final. Fantasy managers will now have to bench any Chelsea or Southampton players in their squads – which is exactly why having backup players who at least start regularly begins to become important. The clear favourites for the Captain’s armband come in the shape of Robin Van Persie (Home to Sunderland) and Luis Suarez (Home to Aston Villa). However, the emergence of Wayne Rooney in recent weeks as a big- hitter again in fantasy terms means that he also now has to be seriously considered for a transfer in and also for the captaincy.

In terms of clean sheets this week, Man United and Liverpool, with the above fixtures, look the main contenders for shut-outs while Norwich (Home to Wigan), Stoke (Home to Everton) and Tottenham (Home to Swansea) should also be considered. In terms of fixtures in the next six games, United, Tottenham and West Brom look strong in the weeks ahead. United have home games with Sunderland, Newcastle, West Brom and Liverpool while away games against Swansea and Wigan should hold little fear for the Red Devils. Spurs have home games against Swansea, Stoke and Reading along with away games against Aston Villa, Sunderland and QPR which should produce plenty of points. And West Brom have strong possibilities of clean sheets in home games against West Ham, Norwich and Fulham along with away games against QPR and Reading – the only really difficult game for the Baggies in the short-term being the Gameweek 20 fixture at Old Trafford.

In our own Midlands Sport league, Alan Holohan’s side ‘FC Twente Benson’ continue to lead the way with 936 points and with his side sitting inside the top 2000 in the overall game Mr.Holohan must be very happy indeed. Snapping at his coat-tails in second place is Liam Dugdale’s side ‘Hardly Athletic’ on 925 points but Dugdale will miss his Chelsea players this week – with both Juan Mata and Fernando Torres having to be either transferred out or benched. My own team currently lie in third place but with only 10 points separating third and ninth I will not be taking my position for granted. Many fascinating gameweeks are surely ahead in the fantasy game.

Enjoy this weekend’s football action and I’ll be back again next week.

You can follow Dave McArdle on Twitter @DaveMidlands103

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Schools GAA results

Athlone Community College have won the North Leinster Schools Post Primary Senior Football League title

Athlone overcame St Mels, Longford by 2-13 to 0-11 in today's final at Kiltoom

Gallen Community School, Ferbane set up a meeting with Cnoc Mhuire, Granard in the Leinster Vocational Schools Junior Football decider

Gallen won 1-18 to 1-10 against Carnew

While Colaiste Choilm Tullamore exited the North Leinster Post Primary Schools Senior Football B League at the semi final stage, losing out to Kilcock by four points this afternoon

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Leinster Rugby Team News

Leinster have made two changes to their front row for tomorrow's crunch Heineken Cup game with Clermont

South African prop Heinke van der Merwe and now Irish hooker Richardt Strauss come into the team with flanker Shane Jennings, who came on last week, is handed a start on the openside

Eoin Reddan starts at scrum half while Jennings inclusion sees Sean O'Brien move to 6

Leinster V Clermont


15: Ian Madigan
14: Fergus McFadden
13: Gordon D'Arcy
12: Andrew Goodman
11: Isa Nacewa
10: Jonathan Sexton
9: Eoin Reddan

1: Heinke van der Merwe
2: Richardt Strauss
3: Mike Ross
4: Leo Cullen CAPTAIN
5: Damian Browne
6: Sean O'Brien
7: Shane Jennings
8: Jamie Heaslip

REPLACEMENTS:
16: Sean Cronin
17: Cian Healy
18: Michael Bent
19: Devin Toner
20: Kevin McLaughlin
21: Isaac Boss
22: David Kearney
23: Andrew Conway




Mullingar's Conor Gilsenan is on the bench for Leinser A's British and Irish Cup match with Jersey tomorrow

Eoin O'Malley is set to make his seasonal debut at outside centre

Leinster won 16-12 against Jersey last weekend

Leinster A V Jersey 

15: Cathal Marsh
14: Adam Byrne
13: Eoin O'Malley
12: Brendan Macken
11: Fionn Carr
10: Noel Reid
9: John Cooney
1: Jack McGrath CAPTAIN
2: Aaron Dundon
3: Jamie Hagan
4: Ben Marshall
5: Tom Denton
6: Rhys Ruddock
7: Dominic Ryan
8: Leo Auva'a

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Thomas Sexton
17: Jack O'Connell
18: Tadhg Beirne
19: Conor Gilsenan
20: Luke McGrath
21: Jordan Coghlan
22: Steve Crosbie

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Defeat for Christy Joyce in Russia

There was disappointment for Mullingar youngster Christy Joyce this morning as the referee brought an end to his European Under 23 quarter final in the second round

The St Michaels Athy clubman took a heavy hit while on the ropes in the second round against Ukraine's Gevory Manukyn

A win for Christy would have secoured a bronze medal

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Friday morning headlines

RUGBY UNION

Connacht aim to pull off a shock in the Basque country tonight as they travel to play Biarritz in the Heineken Cup at 8 O'Clock

Eric Elwood's side travel with confidence following last weekend's win over the French giants at the Sportsground

Biarritz welcome back their captain Imanol Harinodoquy

Harlequins currently lead Pool 3 by six points and will be expected to get a bonus point win over Zebre this weekend



Following last weekend's narrow defeat away to Clermont, Leinster welcome the French giants to Lansdowne Road this Saturday afternoon

Clermont go into the game with a five point lead over Leinster in the Pool, Leinster will name their team at lunchtime



Connacht Eagles host Cross Keys at Dubarry Park, Athlone at 2 O'Clock tomorrow in the British and Irish Cup

Buccaneers Eoghan Grace will captain the team on his home clubground as the Eagles aim to reverse last week's defeat to the Welsh side

Jack Carty will start at out half with David Gannon in the second row and Mark McCrea on the right wing

The Leinster A team to face Jersey will be named later today


Wasps beat Bayonne by 30 points to 16 in their Pool 3 match in the Challenge Cup.

In Pool 5, Stade Francais beat Cavalieri by 29 points to 6.


SOCCER


Frank Lampard says he's probably on the way out of Chelsea, the 34 year old midfielders contract runs out at the end of the season and he admits he has not been approached for talks on a new deal.

Neither Lampard or Cole are expected to be offered new deals by the club.

Staying with Chelsea and

Rafa Benitez believes Fernando Torres is getting his confidence back.

The Spainard has scored 5 goals in 3 matches, including one in yesterday's 3-1 Club World Cup win over Monterrey

They'll play Corinthians in the final on Sunday.




In the Airtricity league

Kevin Kilbane is the latest to be linked with the job as Limerick manager.

Kilbane has become a realistic contender this week after retiring from playing, Phil Brown is no longer a possibility after withdrawing his interest.

The Arsenal Supporters Trust say that they expect the club to be good to their word in January, and provide plenty of money to bring in new players.

After a meeting with Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis, the Trust have been told that there are "considerable resources" for manager Arsene Wenger to spend.


UEFA has banned two Serbia coaches for two years for their part in the recent brawl during an Under-21 international against England.

The Serbian FA has also been fined 80,000 euro after racist chanting by their supporters towards some of the England players.

Four Serbian players have also been banned, while England's Steven Caulker and Thomas Ince have also been suspended.


Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Jones has signed a new contract with the club.

The Australian is understudy to regular stopper Pepe Reina, and stood in for the Spaniard earlier this season.


Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry has been given a one-match ban after admitting to using abusive and or insulting words towards a match official.

The incident occurred during Sunday's Premier League defeat to Manchester United. Barry has also been fined 8-thousand-pounds.


The case to decide the future of Portsmouth continues this afternoon

It's after the club's current administrators asked the judge for more time - following a development with their case

The two day hearing at the High Court is to decide how much the Portsmouth Supporters Club will have to pay for Fratton Park from ex-owners Portpin.



ATHLETICS

It's being reported that David Gillick will be to be cut from the sports carding scheme from next year while Derval O'Rourke will have her funding severely reduced, that's according to the Irish Daily Mail.

The paper says that in a bid to prepare younger athletes for Rio 2016 funding will be reduced and in some cases cut to certain competitors.





GAELIC GAMES

Henry Shefflin has committed himself to the Kilkenny panel for next year.

The 34-year-old has declared himself available for a tilt at a 10th All-Ireland medal with the Cats, while Noel Hickey has also informed Brian Cody that he wants to continue playing in 2013.



UNDERAGE GAA

Gallen Community School play Colaiste Bhride Carnew at Portarlington at 1 O'Clock this afternoon in the semi finals of the Leinster Vocational Schools Junior Football Championship

Cnoc Mhuire Granard await in the final


Colaiste Choilm Tullamore travel to the Dunganny Astroturf to meet Kilcock in the semi finals of the North Leinster Post Primary Senior B Football League at 12.30


While the St Brigids club in Kiltoom plays host to the meeting of Athlone Community College and St Mels Longford at 1.30 in the North Leinster Post Primary Schools Senior Football League Final

Yesterday afternoon St Leo's Carlow won the Leinster Colleges Ladies Football Junior Final

Leo's defeated St Mary's Edenderry by 7-7 to 3-4



GOLF

Birr's Stephen Grant is well placed going into day two of Alps Qualifying School in Spain

The former Sunderland and Shamrock Rovers player shot a one under par round of 71 on the America Course at La Cala yesterday and lies fifth overall going into today's final round of first stage qualifying

Rory McIlroy says he wants Paul McGinley and Darren Clarke to captain Europe in the next two Ryder Cups.

The World number one says Paul McGinley should skipper the team at Gleneagles in 2014 while Clarke would be his ideal candidate to lead the side in America 2 years latter.

Yesterday the USA confirmed Tom Watson as it's next captain.

BOXING

Mullingar boxer Christy Joyce is in quarter finals of the European Under 23s in Russia later today

A win over Ukraine's Gevory Manukyn would secure at least a bronze medal for the St Michaels Athy clubman

Joe Ward and David Oliver Joyce are both in World Series of Boxing action in London tonight

Moate's Ward has his second bout for the British Lionhearts as he takes on the undefeated Kevin Künzel at light heavyweight

David Oliver makes his debut for Germany Eagles on the same card in a lightweight contest against Sam Maxwell

CYCLING 

World cycling's governing body, the UCI, have recruited auditors KPMG to carry out a full review of its governance in the wake of the Lance Armstrong doping scandal. UCI president Pat McQuaid and his predecessor Hein Verbruggen have come in for fierce criticism for a number of perceived failings following the findings of the US Anti-Doping Agency.

DARTS 

Adrian Lewis begins his defence of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship in the opening night of action tonight.

The world number 2 from Stoke takes on Holland’s Gino Vos in his first round match at the Alexandra Palace in London.

Lewis has had an indifferent year in the other major tournaments, and admits he’s got a tough job to retain his title for a third year running.

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Rugby team news

Connacht head coach Eric Elwood has made one change ahead of tomorrow evening's Heineken Cup clash with Biarritz

Johnny O’Connor comes into the back row to replace Willie Faloon

Robbie Henshaw starts at full back, Mick Kearney is in the second row beside Mike McCarthy while Danny Qualter on the bench


Tullamore's Emer McManamly is on the Leinster bench for the Women's Interpro decider with Munster at Ashbourne on Saturday afternoon

Walsh Island's Niamh Kavanagh starts on the wing for Munster

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Thursday morning headlines

RUGBY UNION

Connacht Chief Exec Tom Sears says the transfer of Mike McCarthy to Leinster will not benefit Irish rugby in the longer term.

The province are unhappy at what they call the 'persistent targeting' of their players by Leinster.

Sears says he can't see how the movement of the best players away from Connacht will help our national team


In better news for Connacht, Athlone's Robbie Henshaw is set to sign a contract until the summer of 2015

The 19 year old has enjoyed a remarkable debut season as a pro so far
playing every game for Eric Elwood's side

Former Marist student Henshaw has secured the full back spot ahead of
Connacht captain Gavin Duffy


SOCCER


St Peters are through to play Ballymun in the 5th round of the FAI Junior Cup

Peters defeated their Athlone rivals Willow Park 3-1 on penalties last night after the teams were locked at 0-0 after extra time


Swansea are into the English League Cup semi-finals.

They were handed the only goal of their quarter-final at home to Middlesbrough less than 10mins from the end.

Boro defender Seb Hines headed into his own goal to gift the Swans a 1-0 win and put them through to a first major semi-final in almost 50 years.


Celtic were made to sweat but they did manage to edge past Arbroath of Division Two in the Scottish League Cup 4th Round replay.

Adam Matthews with the only goal - his first for the club - for a 1-0 win.

Raith Rovers await in the next round.


Conference side Mansfield will face Premier League Liverpool in the third round of the FA Cup at Field Mill.

The Stags came through a replay 2-1 against Lincoln last night.


UEFA are due to rule today on the violence and claims of racism which marred England Under 21s' game with Serbia in October.

Sunderland's Danny Rose claimed he was the subject of racial taunts throughout the match.

Fighting broke out between the sides at the final whistle with players and coaching staff from both nations clashing on the pitch.

Serbia face charges of racism, while both associations have to answer a case of failing to control players.


GOLF

Birr's Stephen Grant is in action on the first stage of the Alps Tour Qualifying School today

The former professional footballer will play the La Cala Resort's America Course in Spain

Ireland’s Gareth Shaw was the Order the Merit winner on the Alps Tour last year


BOXING

Ireland head coach Billy Walsh says they need new facilities in order to continue their success.

The boxers, including Mullingar's John Joe Nevin, won 7 medals in the last two Olympic games and Walsh who was named Philips sports manager of the year says they need redeveloped or new facilities if that level of success is to continue.


Walsh has also revealed that he and Zaur Antia will sign a new deal in the coming weeks that will keep them with the Irish team for the Rio Olympics in 2016.

The coaching teams future has been uncertain since the Summer .

SWIMMING

Athlone swimming club youngster Brendan Gibbons says taking a year out to concentrate on the sport has reaped rewards

Gibbons, Midlands 103 Sports' Performance of the Week winner, smashed three national records at the recent National short course championships

Those performances earned him two gold and one silver medal on the back of his European Championship debut last month

Having completed his leaving cert last year Gibbons has opted to delay his move to college by a year and he feels the extra pool and gym time has helped him improve


RACING

Athlone father and son Tom and Rory Cleary teamed up to win the Crowne Plaza Hotel Race and Stay Handicap at Dundalk last night.

Rory was on board 20-1 shot Curl Cat, trained by Tom, which saw off the challenge of Cash or Casualty to win by three-and-a-half lengths

And there was a first ever win for Rhode trainer Patrick Harney in the concluding Christmas Races and Dine Maiden as Johann Bach raced for home on the final furlong and won by three lengths

Harney is training two horses and only took out his license in the summer

This afternoon Patrick Mullins continues his efforts to land the most winners in a year by an amateur by racing at Gowran Park

Mullins is only three winners away from the record going into the seven race meeting which gets underway at 12.35, the going is soft

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Schools wins for Heywood and AC Clara

Heywood Community School are into the final of the Leinster Post Primary Schools B Hurling

The Laois school overcame Grennan College by 0-12 to 2-5 this afternoon

While Ardscoil Chiarain Clara secured the North Leinster Post Primary schools Juvenile D Football crown with a 4-11 to 2-5 win over Mullingar Community College

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Schools titles for Marist and Roscrea

Midlands schools have won Senior Schools rugby league titles either side of the Shannon this afternoon

The Marist College Athlone successfully defended their Connacht League crown with a 13-0 win over Sligo Grammar at Ballyhaunis

While Cistercian College Roscrea came back from 14-10 down to see off Gonzaga 18-14 at Donnybrook in the Leinster Final

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Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Cup draws

The draws have taken place for this year's third level Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Cups 

Athlone IT is set to host finals weekend in the Sigerson and they've drawn at home to fellow Midlands College IT Carlow in the opening round 

DCU open the defence of their title away to UL with the winners hosting Queens in the quarters, the winners of the Athlone versus Carlow will meet either Cork IT or GMIT in the last eight 

Today's draw also threw up a Colours match between Trinity College and University College, Dublin 

Preliminary Round – Jan 29^th/ 30^th 2013

- UL in Preliminary Round v Unseeded Team as only Division 2 Senior League Club in Sigerson.

- Unseeded Teams: 8.DCU, 9. IT Carlow, 10.GMIT, 11.NUIG, 12. UUJ, 13.IT Tralee, 14. NUI Maynooth, 15. Trinity College

First Team Named has Home Advantage

(A) UL     V DCU   

Round 1 – Jan 29^th/ 30^th , Feb 5^th/6^th 2013:

(B)     Athlone IT              v  IT Carlow

(C)    Cork IT                     v GMIT

(D)    UCC                          v UUJ

 (E)    IT Tralee                  v  St.Marys Belfast

(F)     UL / DCU                v  QUB

 (G)   Trinity                       v  UCD

(H)    NUIG                                  v DIT

(I)      IT Sligo                      v NUI Maynooth

Quarter-Finals – 13.02.13/14.02.13

First team named has Home Advantage

(J)     B       v        C

(K)    D       v        E

         

(L)    F        v        G

(M)    H       v        I

Semi Finals -22.02.13 – Athlone IT

J        v        K

L       v        M

                                     

 Final – 23.02.13 – Athlone IT

League finalists Carlow IT have been handed a difficult group in the Fitzgibbon, they've been drawn alongside Waterford IT and Cork IT

The top two of the three teams in the round robin group will go through to the quarter finals with GMIT set to host this year's finals weekend 

Round Robin – 13 Teams

Four  Seeds:

1.UL, 2. IT Carlow, 3.UCD , 4.GMIT (host)

Eight Unseeded :

5.St Pats/Mater Dei,  6.WIT, 7.DCU, 8.LIT, 9.UCC, 10.Cork IT, 11.DIT 12. NUIG

4 Groups:

-1 Group of 4 teams ( 1 Seed, 2 Unseeded, Mary Immaculate)

-3 Groups of 3 teams (1 Seed, 2 Unseeded)

Top 2 teams in each group qualify for quarter finals.

Group A  

1. GMIT        2. UCC    3. NUIG

4. Mary Immaculate

Group B

1. IT Carlow        2. WIT        3. Cork IT

Group C

1. UCD   2. LIT   3. DCU

Group D

1. UL   2. St. Pats/ Mater Dei   3. DIT

Round 1 - Thursday, 31^st January 2013

All Groups

Team 1   v           Team 2

Group A

Team 3 v Mary Immaculate

Round 2 - Thursday, 7th February 2013

All Groups

Team 3  v  Team 1

Group A

Mary Immaculate v Team 2

Round 3 - Tuesday, 12^th February 2013

All Groups

Team 2   v Team 3

Group A

Team 1 v Mary Immaculate

[E.T. if necessary in Knock-Out Stages]

Quarter Finals – 19.02.13/20.02.13

Group Winners Have Home Advantage

A       Winner A            V        Runner Up B

B       Winner B            V        Runner Up C

C       Winner C            V        Runner Up D

D       Winner D               V     Runner Up A

Semi-Finals – Friday 01.03.13 - GMIT

E                          A                 v                 C

F                          B                 v                 D

         

Final – 02.03.13 - GMIT

In the Ryan Cup Athlone IT will be at home to Trinity, the winner of the tie will travel to LIT Tipperary in round two while the losers will face either IT Tralee or UUJ 

IRISH DAILY MAIL RYAN CUP 2013

 [E.T. if necessary]

LIT Tipperary Bye to Round 2 as Division 2 League Winners

Round 1 – 07.02.13

First Team Named has Home Advantage

A    NUI Maynooth v Queens

B   Athlone IT v Trinity

C   IT Tralee v UUJ

Round 2-  13.02.13/ 14.02.13

Where possible, home advantage is given to a team who was not drawn at home in Round 1, unless stated. Otherwise first team named has Home Advantage.

E       LIT Tipperary              v                 Winner B  LIT Tipperary at home

F       Winner A                      v                  Winner C            

G       Loser B                         v                  Loser C                                

H       Loser A                         Bye                              

Quarter-Finals – 19.02.13/20.02.13

First team named has Home Advantage    

J        Loser E                         v                 H                         

K       Loser F                         v                 Winner G

Semi-Finals – 01.03.13 - GMIT

Winners E and F Seeded – Repeat fixtures to be avoided if possible.

Draw will be confirmed after Quarter-Finals.

                  

Final – 02.03.13 - GMIT

IRISH DAILY MAIL TRENCH CUP 2013

 [E.T. if necessary]

Round 1- 29.01.13/30.01.13

(Open Draw  - IT Blanchardstown given bye as Division 2 League Winners):

1.WIT, 2.St. Pats Drumcondra, 3.LIT, 4.DkIT, 5.UU Coleraine, 6.IT Tallaght, 7.BMC, 8.Letterkenny IT, 9.Mary Immaculate 10. Marino

First team named has Home Advantage.

A   LIT v IT Tallaght

B  WIT v St.Pats, Drumcondra

C  Mary Immaculate v  Letterkenny IT

D   Marino v BMC

E   UU Coleraine v DKIT

Quarter-Finals – 13.02.13/14.02.13

 First team named has Home Advantage.

F    IT Blanchardstown v  A

G     B                               v  C

H     D                               v  E

Semi-Finals – 22.02.13 – Athlone IT

J        BU GAA Champions   v                 F

K                 G                          v                 H

         

                  

Final – 23.02.13- Athlone IT

IRISH DAILY MAIL FERGAL MAHER CUP 2013

 [E.T. if necessary]

Round 1 – 29.01.13

St.Mary’s Belfast bye to Quarter-Finals

Seeds:  1.I.T Tallaght, 2. GMIT Letterfrack 3. St.Pats Thurles, 4. Marino 5.IT Sligo

Non-Seeds: 6.Froebel, 7. CCFE, 8. Galway TI, 9. DkIT, 10. IT Blanchardstown

First Team Named Has Home Advantage

A       DKIT v GMIT Letterfrack

B       IT Sligo v Froebel

C       IT Blanchardstown v Marino

D       Galway TI v IT Tallaght

E       St.Pats Thurles v CCFE

                                     

Qtr-Finals: 20.02.13

First team named has Home Advantage

F      St.Mary’s Belfast         v        A

G       B                                    v        C

H       D                                    v        E

Semi-Finals – 01.03.13 - GMIT

I                            Napier (BUGAA Champions)        v                Winner F

J                           Winner G                                v                 Winner H

         

                  

Final – 02.03.13 -GMIT

IRISH DAILY MAIL CORN NA MAC LÉINN 2013

 [E.T. if necessary]

Round 1: 29.01.13/30.01.13

(Open Draw)

1.LIT-Tipperary, 2.GMIT Castlebar, 3.Mater Dei, 4.UUM, 5.Law School, 6.GMIT Letterfrack,7. RCSI, 8.Cavan Institute, 9. NWRC, 10. SRC, 11. Froebel

First team drawn has Home Advantage

A  Law School v  SRC

B  NWRC v UU Magee

C  Cavan Institute v GMIT Castlebar

Quarter-Finals: - 13.02.13/14.02.13

(Open Draw)

Remaining teams and Winners Round 1 A,B,C.

First team drawn has Home Advantage

E       GMIT Letterfrack v Froebel

F       Winner B              v RCSI

G       Winner C              v Mater Dei

H       Winner A              v LIT Tipperary

Semi-Finals – 22.02.13- Athlone IT

J                           E                 v                 F

K                          G                v                 H

                            

Final – 23.02.13 – Athlone IT

IRISH DAILY MAIL CORN PADRAIG MAC DIARMADA 2013

[E.T. if necessary]

Minimum of 13-a-side

Confirmed Entries:

1.Letterkenny IT, 2. UUC/Magee, 3..GMIT Castlebar, 4. SRC, 5. Carlow IFE

Round 1 – 07.02.13

First team drawn has Home Advantage

F  GMIT Castlebar v UUC/Magee

G Carlow IFE v Letterkenny IT

Quarter-Finals – 14.02.13

Round 1 Winners, Team not drawn in Round 1, and Losers of A,B,C,D,E, (Losers Round 1 Fergal Maher Cup)

First team named/drawn has Home Advantage

H      F                v   Loser (A) (Fergal Maher)

I       G                v  Loser (E)

J   Loser (C)       v  Loser (B)

K  Loser (D)        v SRC

Semi-Final – 20.02.13

First team named/drawn at Home

L       H         v     I

M      J          v     K

Final – 01.03.13 – NUIG

IRISH DAILY MAIL CORN COMHAIRLE ARDOIDEACHAIS 2013

[E.T. if necessary]

Quarter-Finals – 30.01.13

(Open Draw)

1.Colaiste Ide, 2..O’Fiaich College, 3.Carlow IFE, 4.Drogheda CFE., 5. NCI, 6. Cadet College, 7. St.Pats (Thurles), 8. Galway T.I.

First team drawn has Home Advantage

A  St.Pats Thurles v Drogheda CFE

B  Carlow IFE     v        Cadets

C  Coláiste Íde    v    Galway TI

D  NCI                 v O’Fiach College                                             

Semi-Finals – 13.02.13

G                          A                 v                 B

H                          C                v                  D

Final – 22.02.13 – Athlone IT

J                           G                v                 H       

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