Thursday morning sport

GAELIC GAMES

It's O'Dempseys against Arles Kilcruise and St Josephs face holders Portlaoise in the semi finals of the Sparrow Insurance Laois Senior Football Championship

Dempseys booked their place in the last four with a 2-11 to 0-11 quarter final replay win over Timahoe at O'Moore Park last night, Michael Finlay and Ed Kelly with the goals in either half

Trials for next year's Laois minor football team will take place at 11 O'Clock at the Heath GAA Grounds on Sunday morning

SOCCER

The Capital One Cup last 16 draw has thrown up a heavyweight game with Chelsea at home to Manchester United.

Wayne Rooney made his comeback from injury in United's 2-1 win over Newcastle at Old Trafford last night.

Holders Liverpool will continue their defence against Swansea at Anfield, Nuri Sahin scored both goals last night as the Reds came from behind to beat West Brom 2-1.

Arsenal, who put 6 goals past Coventry, go to Reading and Spurs visit Norwich. Paolo di Canio's Swindon are at home to Aston Villa.

Southampton must travel to Leeds, while there's a local derby for Sunderland and Middlesbrough and Wigan will welcome Bradford.

A verdict is expected in John Terry's Football Association hearing later today. It's into a fourth day, where the former England captain is accused of using racist language towards QPR's Anton Ferdinand.

He denies the charge, after being cleared in the criminal case.


Athlone Town travel to First Division leaders Limerick tomorrow night aiming to get a first win in 11 games. 

Shane Dunne was sent off in Athlone's 3-0 defeat to Mervue last weekend and is suspended while Noel McGee, Eric Molloy and Stephen Last are all out with injury.

Kick off at Jackman Park is 7.45pm.


GOLF

The European and US teams will get a chance to get some more practice in on the eve of the Ryder Cup at Medinah.

Captains Jose Maria Olazabal and Davis Love III will reveal their pairings later today for the opening session.

Rory McIlroy is expected to play alongside Graeme McDowell for the foursomes tomorrow morning. 


RUGBY UNION

Westmeath school St Finians College have been handed a home draw against Portmarnock in the opening round of the Leinster Junior Development Cup

The game will be played on October 8th


Wilson Hospital School Multyfarnham's Andrew Coade, Arthur Brabazon, Daniel Buckley and Ricky Martaise played for Leinster A Schools team in their 22-13 win over Munster at Musgrave Park


Buccaneers kick off their All-Ireland League campaign this Saturday afternoon with a home match against Ballynahinch

The Pirates have started promisingly the past couple of seasons before dropping off in the second half of the season

Kick off at Dubarry Park is 2.30 and admission is free

It's Friday Night Lights for Buccs ladies tomorrow as they host Tuam at 7.30 in the Connacht League


RACING

The race for the flat jockey's championship continues this afternoon as Dundalk's all weather track hosts an eight race card from 5 past 2

Offaly's Pat Smullen is one winner behind Joseph O'Brien on the standings with both booked on fancied horses today

There was a fire at O'Brien's Ballydoyle home last night but no one was injured

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