Laois team V Armagh

Laois manager Justin McNulty has named 14 of the 15 players that started last summer's All-Ireland Quarter Final with Dublin in his team to play Armagh at O'Moore Park this Saturday evening

The only change from that side that lined out against Dublin is Donie Kingston returning to team, Kingston found the net for UCD midweek in the Sigerson Cup

Eoin Culliton is in goal, Kevin Meaney is full back with Cahir Healy and Peter O'Leary in the corners

John O'Loughlin is centre half back, Laois footballer of the year Conor Boyle is left wing back with Darren Strong on the wing

Brendan Quigley and Colm Begley are in midfield

The half forwards are Ross Munnelly, Gary Walsh and Billy Sheehan

Donie Kingston comes in at right corner forward, Padraig Clancy is full forward with Colm Kelly in the left corner

Saturday's game is live on Midlands 103 with thanks to McConvilles Supervalu and Gerry Browne Jewellers Trophy Centre

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Westmeath GAA Championship Draws 2013

Westmeath GAA Championship Draws 2013.

Senior Hurling Championship:

Division 1 (First Round)

Clonkill V Castlepollard

Castletown Geo V Delvin

Division 2 (First Round)

Raharney V Crookedwood

Lough Lene gaels V St Oliver Plunketts

Top team from each group qualifies for Semi finals; second and third team quaify for Quarter final. Bottom team in each group play off with losing side relegated to Intermediate for 2014.

Intermediate Hurling Championship.

First Round:

Raharney V Clonkill

Ringtown V Turin

Fr Daltons V St Brigids

Cullion V Brownstown

Castletown Geoghegan a bye

Top 4 qualify for semi finals with 1 V 4 and 2 V 3 in Semis

Junior A Hurling Championship:

First Round only:

Lough Lene Gaels V Clonkill

St Oliver Plunketts V Raharney

Crookedwood V Castlepollard

Delvin a bye

Top 4 qualify for semi finals with 1 V 4 and 2 V 3 in Semis

Junior B Hurling Championship:

Brownstown V Fr Daltons

Turin V Ringtown

Southern Gaels V Cullion

Top 4 qualify for semi finals with 1 V 4 and 2 V 3 in Semis

Senior Football Championship

Section A                                                        Section B

Mullingar Shamrocks                                           Garrycastle

Maryland                                                          St Lomans Mullingar

Castletown Finea/C/W                               Castledaly

Bunbrosna                                                        Tyrrellspass

Athlone                                                            Coralstown/Kinnegad

The Downs                                                       Killucan

Section A (First Round only)

Athlone V CFCW

Bunbrosna V Mullingar Shamrocks

Maryland V The Downs

Section B(First Round only)

Killucan V Coralstown/Kinnegad

Tyrrellspass V St Lomans Mullingar

Garrycastle V Castledaly

Quarter finals:

(A)  Div 1 2^nd team V Div 2 3^rd team

(B)  Div 1 3^rd team V Div 2 2^nd team

Semi finals:

Division 1 Winner V B

Division 2 Winner V A

Bottom team in Division 1 & 2 in relegation play off. Loser relegated to Intermediate for 2014.

Intermediate Football Championship

Section A                                            Section B

St Malachys                                         Caulry

Tuberclair                                             Rosemount

Ballymore                                             Milltownpass

Kilbeggan Shamrocks                               St Marys Rochfortbridge

Ballynacargy                                         Ballinagore

Shandonagh                                          Tang

Section A (First Round only)

Kilbeggan V Ballynacargy

Ballymore V Tuberclair        

St Malachys V Shandonagh

Section B(First Round only)

Caulry V Tang                 

Milltownpass V Rosemount         

St Marys V Ballinagore

Quarter finals:

(C)  Div 1 2^nd team V Div 2 3^rd team

(D)  Div 1 3^rd team V Div 2 2^nd team

Semi finals:

Division 1 Winner V B

Division 2 Winner V A

Bottom team in Division 1 & 2 in relegation play off. Loser relegated to Junior for 2014.

Junior Football Championship:

Section A (Sole Junior Clubs)             Section B

Ballycomoyle                                                    Athlone

Delvin                                                               Coralstown/Kinnegad

Loughnavalley                                                   Garrycastle

Moate All Whites                                      Killucan

Milltown                                                           Mullingar Shamrocks

Multyfarnham                                                   St Lomans Mullingar

St Josephs                                                        The Downs

St Pauls                                                            St Marys Rochfortbridge

                                                                        Tubberclair

                                                                        Caulry

Section A (First Round Only)

Milltown V Ballycomoyle

Loughnavalley V St Pauls

Delvin V Moate All Whites

Multyfarnham V St Josephs

Section B (First Round Only)

The Downs V Mullingar Shamrocks

Garrycastle V Coralstown/Kinnegad

Athlone V St Marys/Rochfortbridge

St Lomans Mullingar V Caulry

Tubberclair V Killucan

Quarter finals:

(A) Section A 3^rd team V Section B 2^nd team

(B) Section B 4^th team V Section A 1^st team

Semi finals:

Section A Winner V (B)

Section A Runner up  V (A)

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Two Westmeath horses in Aintree entries

Last year's Irish grand national winner Lion na Bearnai, bred in Tubberclair in Westmeath, is among 84 entries for the Aintree Grand National on April 6th

Castletown Geoghegan trainer Martin Lynch has also entered Oscar Time, who was second last year

Willie Mullins has seven entries and Gordon Elliot has six

The JP McManus owned On His Own is the early favourite for the race while the weights will be announced on Tuesday week

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Westmeath team V Louth

Westmeath manager Pat Flanagan has named his starting 15 to play Louth in the Division Two of the National Football League this Sunday (coverage on Midlands 103 with thanks to Heavins Expert Hardware)

1  Gary Connaughton
2  Mark McCallon
3  Kieran Gavin (Captain)
4  Kevin McGuire
5  Michael Curley
6  Paul Sharry
7  Doron Harte
8  Paul Bannon
9  John Heslin
10 Ger Egan
11 Callum McCormack
12 Kieran Martin
13 Ronan Foley
14 James Dolan
15 Denis Glennon

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Cesarewitch Sponsorship boost for Mullingar Greyhound Stadium

Mullingar Greyhound Stadium has received a boost ahead of hosting the first classic of the year, the Cesarewitch.

The 600 yards race will be sponsored again by Gain, the classic will start on Saturday March the 16th and the final is on Sunday April 7th has a winner's prize of 8,500 Euro with a total prize fund of over 19,000 Euro.

Mullingar Greyhound Stadium's Commercial Manager.Sean Fogarty says he's delighted that Gain have decided to renew their sponsorship and has thanked the company for their support in recent years.

There will also be a special trainer's prize of 1,000 Euro to the handler of the winner.

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Racing News Thursday Evening

Vinny Grennan reports

Thursday's race meeting at Thurles has been cancelled following the adverse weather in recent days.

A statement from the Turf Club said 'The fixture for Thurles January 31st has been cancelled due to the present ground conditions at the venue and an adverse weather forecast in the coming days'.


The Boylesports.com Tied Cottage will be the feature race on Sunday at Punchestown and the entries are headed by Sizing Europe. Henry De Bromhead's stable star has won his three starts this season and looks to be geared towards this weekends race ahead of his return to the Cheltenham festival in March.

There are six other entries for the Grade two event with Foildubh, Kylebeg Krystle, Imperial Shabra as well as the Willie Mullins trained trio Twinlight Call The Policw and Blazing Tempo who complete the line up.

Midlands radio 3 will be broadcasting commentary of the Tied Cottage as well as the Grade 2 Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle which sees Don Cossack, Bright New Dawn,Shrapnel, Twigline among the twelve entries at today's five day declaration stage.

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AIT see off Carlow IT in Sigerson

Athlone IT have advanced to the second round of the Sigerson Cup with a 1-13 to 0-6 win over IT Carlow this afternoon

Tubberclair's Alan Coffey scored 5 points for AIT while Roscommon midfielder Cathal Shine scored 1-2

Wexford attacker Ben Brosnan kicked four first half frees for IT Carlow

Shine's goal came from a long range free that was fumbled to the net by Carlow back up 'keeper Tom Hughes, IT Carlow's corner back Joe Kinahan was sent off for an off the ball incident in the aftermath of the AIT goal while John Mulligan of AIT was shown a straight red card late on

Athlone scorers - Alan Coffey (0-5), Cathal Shine (1-2, 1f), Ger Egan 0-3 (all fs), John Mulligan 0-1, Frank Burke 0-1, James McGivney 0-1

IT Carlow scorers - Ben Brosnan (0-4, all fs), Eoin Walsh 0-1, Brian Hurley 0-1

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Sunday Racing Review

By Vinny Grennan 

Hurricane Fly was the star attraction on today's card as he very impressively won the Irish Champion Hurdle for the third year in a row at very prohibitive odds of 1/6 fav. The weather turned really nasty as the Foxrock venue was battered by atrocious weather conditions as wind, snow and sleet arrived just before the start of the race but that didn't deter the 2010 Cheltenham Champion Hurdle winner putting a breathtaking performance and stamp himself as a serious contender to regain his throne in March. Thousand stars set out to make all and jumping the third last Ruby Walsh crept a little closer on the favourite and as they turned for home he was sent on effortlessly to open up a six length lead over his stable mate heading to the last. Tony McCoy aboard 2011 champion hurdle winner Binocular attempted to close at this point but the heavy underfoot conditions took it's toll and he was quickly under pressure. A very tidy jump at the last from the Fly saw him canter up to the line to land the spoils with his stablemate Thousand Stars running a very gallant race to hold of Binocular for second. After the race winning trainer Willie Mullins told reporters that " Ruby said he's as good ever he saw him. He gave him a squeeze turning off the last bend and he said it was like he jumped in. I've had faith in him all year and he seems to be in the sort of form he was two years ago.This was  Hurricane Fly's 14th Grade1 hurdle win.

Hurricane Fly was completing the third leg of a Willie Mullins 35/1 four timer as Glens Melody (9/2) Pont Alexandre(4/7) and Ruprt Lamb (5/2) also won at the Foxrock Venue. Pont Alexandre will be many peoples idea of an Irish banker come cheltenham as he gave a very polished performance in the 2m4f Novice Hurdle building on his reputation as he trounced the opposition in impressive fashion. Rupert Lambs victory saw Ruby Walsh complete a treble on the card when making every yard of the beginners chase and Paul Townend aboard Glens Melody completed the four timer when he overturned the odds on favourite Zuzka in the Listed mares hurdle.

On the undercard there were victories for Legal Exit (12/1) in the opening race for trainer Jim Cullouty as he jumped past the short priced favourite Urano  at the last to win eased down at the line while the Colm Murphy trained (7/2)  followed up his Xmas victory when given a fine ride by Robbie Power to land the tote (81-123) rated Handicap Hurdle.

Co.Meath trainer Tony Martin may have unearthed a high class animal in the shape of Blackmail (6/4) as he was the mightily impressive winner of the 'Pro/Am' flat race when easily winning under a very confident Robbie McNamara ride and can go on to better things in the years ahead while the finale on the card was a tricky handicap chase and it produced the finish of the day as Tony McCoy got up in the shadow of the post on morning gamble (8/1 -4/1)

Competitive Edge returned the 10/3 favourite to deny the long time leader Quaretto by a head and send punters home happy.

Indeed listeners to Niall Colbert In Play show on Sat evening will have been handsomely rewarded if they followed our racing correspondent Vinny Grennan advice as he tipped up Glens Melody won (9/2) and each way bets  Thousands Stars second at (9/1) and Our Vinnie third at (9/2) to continue his rich vein of form an and made it 13 winning selections in recent weeks from 15 selections.          

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On the Inside Line Today

On the show today we have live commentary from Blackwater as Wexford host Offaly in the quarter finals of the Walsh Cup

We’ll also have regular updates from Westmeath against DIT and Laois versus Antrim

Irish basketball legend Timmy McCarthy and Athlone Town defender Brian McCarthy are in studio from 3.30pm

A look back on Tullamore’s All-Ireland Junior Cup Semi Final win in Cork yesterday, former Ireland number 8 Noel Mannion will discuss Robbie Henshaw’s Wolfhounds debut, Dan van Zyl on Leinster youths InterPro win, Dave Connellan about Jonny Sexton’s move to France and Niall Moran discusses junior rugby on the opening weekend of the Towns Cup

Our feature CCFL game sees Arlington take on Senior Division pace setters Mullingar Athletic

Racing with John Hackett at 4 O’Clock, Club Focus with Birr GAA Club at 4.15

CCFL at 5.30, and a look at the new state of the art Indoor facility at Athlone IT  

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Three Midlands Golds at National Boxing Finals

It's been an excellent day for Midlands boxers at the National Novice Finals with three gold medals collected at the National Stadium

Spartacus Gym Tullamore teenager Grainne Walsh, who plays for Shamrock Rovers in the Womens National League, won the women's light welterweight title with a 16-10 victory against Siobhan O’Leary of Corpus Christi

There was a welterweight double for Portlaoise boxing club, Caroline Holland defeated Rachel Carey in the women's final

While the men's gold went to Christian Elihal, he won the fight of the day on a countback against Colin Lowrie

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Upcoming Live GAA on Midlands 103

Sunday January 27th

Walsh Cup Quarter Final

Wexford  V Offaly – Blackwater –  2pm - Commentary

Walsh Shield

Laois V Antrim – Rathdowney - 2pm - Updates – Sponsored by Peigs Bar, Portlaoise

Westmeath V DIT – Kinnegad - 2pm - Updates – Sponsored by Eugene O’Neill, Castlepollard


Tuesday January 29th

Sigerson Cup

Athlone IT V Carlow IT – Athlone –  2pm – Updates


Saturday February 2nd

National Football League Division Two

Laois V Armagh – O’Moore Park - 7pm – Commentary – Sponsored by McConvilles Supervalu and Gerry Browne's Trophy Centre


Sunday February 3rd

National Football League Division Two

Westmeath v Louth – 2pm – Cusack Park – Commentary - Sponsored by Heavins Expert Hardware

National Football League Division Four

London v Offaly – 2pm – Ruislip, London – Commentary – Sponsored by Guy Clothing, Gallagher’s Manor Tullamore and Carroll’s Cuisine


Thursday February 7th

Ryan Cup

Athlone IT V Trinty College – 2pm - Updates


Saturday February 9th

Leinster Club Hurling Championship

Kilcormac Killoughey (Offaly) V Thurles Sarsfields (Tipperary) – Portlaoise – 2pm – Commentary - Sponsored by Newton Plant Hire and Aut Even Hospital Kilkenny


Sunday February 10th

National Football League Division Two

Longford v Westmeath – 2pm – Commentary - Sponsored by Heavins Expert Hardware

Derry v Laois – 2pm – Commentary - Sponsored by Gerry Browne's Trophy Centre

National Football League Division Four

Offaly v Limerick – 2pm – updates

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All-Ireland Hurling Championship proposals

For Congress 2013 - Liam Mac Carthy Cup 2014 - 15 Teams

Munster Championship – as is currently; 5 counties

Cork, Tipperary, Limerick, Waterford, Clare

One quarter final, two semi-finals, Munster Final

Leinster Championship – 10 Counties

Laois, Antrim, Carlow, Westmeath, London in a “qualifying” group

·        Played on a round robin basis

·        Each team plays four games

·        Top two teams qualify for Leinster Quarter Finals

·        4th placed team plays Christy Ring Winners in promotion/relegation play-off

·        Bottom placed team automatically relegated to Christy Ring Cup

Leinster Quarter Finals (x3) – 4 from Kilkenny, Galway, Offaly, Wexford, Dublin, + 2 from qualifying group

2 x semi-finals (Leinster Champions Bye to semi-final)

Leinster Final

Qualifiers and All Ireland Series

Rd 1: 5 Leinster, 3 Munster Teams (that don’t qualify for Provincial final) - 4 Fixtures

(Seeded draw: Bowl 1 – 3 x Leinster + 1 x Leinster Qualifier (or team beaten by them in Leinster Quarter or Semi Final)                 Vs             Bowl 2 – 3 x Munster + 1 Leinster Qualifier or team beaten by them in Leinster Quarter or Semi-Final)

Rd 2: 4 winners from Round 1 – 2 fixtures

Quarter Finals: Beaten Prov finalists v Rd 2 Winners (as currently)

Semi-Finals: as currently.

All Ireland Final

Promotion/Relegation Play-off – Ring Cup Winners v 4^th place Leinster “Group” team

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‘The Beautiful Game’ – A Football Blog

By Dave McArdle

Uefa Euro 2020

Uefa have released some fascinating news this afternoon after revealing that Euro 2020 will be hosted in 13 different cities across Europe. While this may, at first glance, seem like a logistical nightmare and highly expensive for fans – it also throws up the exciting possibility that Ireland (should they qualify) may be able to play European Championship games on home soil. Uefa have confirmed that 13 different cities in 13 different countries will be chosen to host the Euros – with Dublin, Glasgow, Cardiff and London all said to be firmly in the mix. With the competition expanded to 24 teams for France 2016 and beyond, 12 cities would theoretically host three group games and one knock-out game each, while both the semi-finals and the final would be hosted in the thirteenth venue – likely to be Rome, Berlin, Madrid, London or Istanbul. However, because of the amount of potential host nations involved, no country who hosts the tournament would be guaranteed automatic qualification. On the other hand, the exciting thing about this move by Uefa is that Dublin may well host three group games and one knock-out game in Euro 2020 and should Ireland qualify for the tournament, they would be guaranteed at least two group games on home soil. This is something which would be massive for sport and tourism in this country and let’s all hope the FAI get their act together and make a proposition to UEFA which is impossible to refuse.  

Hazard’s FA Charge

Another piece of interesting football news has emerged this afternoon with the FA’s decision to charge Chelsea’s Eden Hazard over the incident in Wednesday night’s Capitol One Cup semi-final in which he appeared to kick Swansea ballboy Charlie Morgan. The move has come of something of a surprise with many managers, ex-pro’s and colleagues of Hazard in agreement that the incident was not mailicious and that at least part of the blame should be placed on the ballboy for his behaviour. Sympathy for Charlie Morgan appeared to dissipate in the aftermath of the incident after it emerged that he was in fact 17 years of age (not a young boy as had been reported) and after a tweet was circulated from him before the game which stated that he was “#needed #for #timewasting”. However, the FA have deemed a three match ban to be too lenient for Hazard and have stated that the incident “constituted violent conduct whereby the standard of punishment that would otherwise apply was clearly insufficient”. The debate is sure to rumble on but Robbie Savage was first out of the blocks on twitter to give his views (which I’m sure will be echoed by many in the days to come) : “Laughable FA charge Hazard…3 games was surely enough”.

Transfer News

Manchester United have today confirmed the signing of Wilfried Zaha from Crystal Palace for £12 million, potentially rising to £15 million. Originally from the Ivory Coast, Zaha made his full debut for England in November 2012 and under the terms of the transfer, the 20-year-old will be loaned straight back to the Championship club for the remainder of the season as they seek to push for promotion to the Premier League.

The French Revolution continues at Newcastle. Alan Pardew has signed three more Frenchmen this week which takes the total number of first-team French players at the club to nine. Defenders Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and Massadio Haidara have joined Mathieu Debuchy (who signed earlier this month) to boost the Newcastle rearguard while up front, French Under-21 international Yoan Goufrann has signed from Bordeaux. Incredibly, Gouffran is said to allergic to grass! Make of that what you will but to me it’s like hiring a postman who is allergic to paper. However, Pardew is confident the new signings have made an immediate impact at the club: “The most important thing for a Premier League team is competition. It’s not necessarily about the players who come in. It’s about the effect that they have on the players that we have”.

With less than a week to go until the transfer window slams shut, the rumour mill is in overdrive. Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has once more rejected speculation that Mario Balotelli will leave the club. Arsene Wenger has dismissed reports that the club are about to sign Barcelona striker David Villa while QPR boss Harry Redknapp has stated that no bids have been made for goalkeeper Julio Cesar. One player who will not be signing for Redknapp, however, is Jann M’Vila. The French international, who was heavily linked with a move to Loftus Road, has instead joined Rubin Kazan. Meanwhile, Wesley Sneijder, who not so long ago was one of the hottest properties in European football after winning the treble with Inter Milan and guiding Holland to the World Cup final – has signed for Galatasaray for a knock-down fee of 7.5 million Euros. Sneijder, who had not played for Inter Milan since before Christmas due to a contract dispute, has nonetheless fallen from grace quite spectacularly by moving to Turkey – with many potential suitors reportedly being turned off by his excessive contract demands.

CCFL

Last Sunday, I was at Frank O’Connell Park in Birr as Birr Town faced Edenderry Town in the John Farrell Combined Counties Cup third round. Birr Town got off to the best start possible as Kevin Brummell received a pass from Alan Corboy before stepping inside and firing home to give the home side the lead inside a minute. Edenderry levelled the game in the 33^rd minute as an Alan Farrell corner was met by the head of Frankie McGuinness who powered home the equaliser. Chances were few and far between in the second half with much of the game played in midfield and so, the tie headed for extra time. In the 99^th minute, Edenderry were ahead as Barry Moore picked up the ball in midfield, took a couple of strides and unleashed a piledriver which beat Birr keeper Darren Brown all ends up. Two minutes into the second half of extra time and Birr were level – Kevin Brummell curled in a low corner from the right and veteran Alan Corboy was on hand to turn the ball home from a couple of yards out. However, with the game seemingly destined for a penalty shoot-out, there was still time for more drama in the dying minutes. Edenderry’s Sergio Kamara pumped a deep free kick into the box and as it dropped, centre-half Sean Marshall was quickest to react and he fired the ball home to send the home side out of the cup. A disappointing result for Birr but they can take positives. Birr have a young team with Craig Shortt, Justin Joyce and Kevin Brummell impressive going forward – if they could find a muscular target man to hold up the ball and bring that trio into play more regularly, Birr Town could certainly challenge for the Premier Division title next season. However, it is Edenderry Twon who go through to the fourth round of the cup and you would have to say they deserved it on the day.   

Tomorrow afternoon, I will be in the Sports Park in Tullamore as this weekend’s Midlands 103 feature game is the Under 19 Division top of the table clash between Ballinahown and Tullamore Town. With Tullamore Town 2 points behind Ballinahown with a game in hand and with the league drawing to a close, this game will have a huge bearing on who clinches the title – so an entertaining game is in prospect. Two games of note in the Division 1 Cup this weekend include leaders Temple Villa against bottom-side Moate Celtic while it’s second against second-from-bottom as Clonmore United face Clonaslee United. In the Senior division, the race for the title continues as Willow Park travel to Mountmellick United while leaders Mullingar Athletic travel to play Arlington. In the Premier Division, table-toppers CK United travel to Edenderry while in Division 2, runaway leaders Killeigh Ramblers take on Raharney. And in one of the most interesting games of the weekend, the top two go head to head in Division 3A as Ballybrittas square up to Portlaoise.

The FA Cup

The Premier League gives way to the FA Cup this weekend as the world’s oldest cup competition is down to the last 32. Premier League strugglers Aston Villa travel to League 2 side Millwall tonight for the first game of the cup weekend –and Paul Lambert’s side will expect nothing less than a hot reception at the Den. The first game tomorrow is an all Premier League clash as Man City travel to the Brittania to take on Stoke (live on ITV at 12:45pm).

In the 3 o’clock games, Championship side Bolton host Everton, Gus Poyet’s Brighton take on Arsenal, 13^th-placed Championship side Derby host 14-placed Blackburn, it’s two more all-Championship affairs as Huddersfield take on Leicester and Hull square up to Barnsley. Blue Square Bet Premier side Macclesfield Town (the lowest ranked side left in the competition) have a home tie with Wigan, League 2 side Aldershot travel to Championship Middlesborough, Blue square Bet Premier side Luton travel to Carrow Road to take on Norwich, Harry Redknapp’s QPR host League 1 side MK Dons and League 1 Sheffield United travel to Reading.

It’s another all Premier League affair in the evening game with Manchester United taking on Fulham (live on ESPN at 5:30pm) as Dimitar Berbatov returns to Old Trafford. In Sunday’s first game, League 1 Brentford host European Champions Chelsea (live on ESPN at midday). On Sunday afternoon, Championship side Leeds United host Tottenham (live on ESPN at 2pm) and in the final game of the weekend, League 1 side Oldham host Liverpool (Live on ITV at 4pm).

Fantasy Football

While there are no Premier League fixtures this weekend due to the FA Cup, there is a full programme of fixtures in midweek to consider. In terms of clean sheets in gameweek 24, Everton (at home to West Brom), Man United (at home to Southampton) and Stoke (at home to Wigan) stand out while Sunderland (at home to Swansea) and Chelsea (away to Reading) should not be ignored. In terms of transfers in, Leighton Baines or Marouane Fellaini should be considered – Everton have West Brom, Aston Villa and Reading at home in the next five along with a trip to Norwich, but fantasy managers should be weary of a trip to Old Trafford in gameweek 26. Interest in Liverpool’s assets looks set to decline as they face both Arsenal and Man City away in their next two matches – however, the fixture list looks much brighter from that point onwards.

Manchester United’s fixtures look particularly strong at the moment as they face five of the bottom eight sides in their next six games – the likes of Robin Van Persie (if there is anyone out there who still doesn’t have the Dutchman in their team) and Rafael seem good picks but it is difficult to predict what midfield players will play along with who will partner RVP in attack. Man City’s fixtures also do not seem too bad as they face QPR, Southampton and Villa away along with home clashes against Liverpool, Chelsea and Wigan. Sergio Aguero is the main man to consider here but on recent form, the likes of David Silva, Edin Dzeko and Pablo Zabaleta should not be ignored. Also, if anybody has Eden Hazard in their teams, it might be wise to transfer him out. The FA have charged him with violent conduct and so, he will miss out for a minimum of three games (and he will probably miss far more than that and suffer a steep decline in player value). Finally, if anyone still has their Winter Wildcard, you must use it before the 2^nd February or you will lose it altogether.

Enjoy the weekend and I’ll be back next week with more of the same.

You can follow Dave McArdle on Twitter @DaveMidlands103

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Leinster Colleges Football Draw

The draw for the quarter and semi finals of the Leinster Colleges Football Championship were made at Midlands 103's studios this evening

Quarter Finals (Saturday 9th February) 

Athlone CC V St Mary's Edenderry
Marist, Athlone V Knockbeg College

Colaiste Eoin V Good Counsel College
St Peters Wexford V St Pats, Navan

Semi Finals (Saturday 23rd February) 

Athlone CC or St Mary's Edenderry V Marist, Athlone or Knockbeg College

Colaiste Eoin or Good Counsel College V St Peters Wexford V St Pats, Navan

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Offaly team V Wexford

Offaly hurling manager Ollie Baker has named his starting 15 to play Wexford in the Bord na Mona Walsh Cup this Sunday afternoon 

Kinnitty's James Dempsey is in goal, last year's captain David Kenny is full back with Pat Camon and David King in the corner back positions 

Kevin Brady is centre half back, Derek Morkan is right wing back with Lusmagh's Sean Gardiner on the left wing 

Dermot Mooney and Rory Hanniffy are in midfield 

Shane Dooley is selected at centre forward with Brian Carroll and Tom Carroll on the wings 

And the inside line is Odhran Kealey, Derek Molloy and Joe Bergin 

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“The Hard Yards"

By Podge O’Donnell

Sometimes maybe.. Being a big fish in a small pond can pay off!

For me, the take away point from proceedings so far this week has to be that, playing rugby at the highest level is more important to where you play it.  This was evident, not only from Declan’s Kidney’s 39 man training squad named last week, but also, the team he has chosen to take on the English Saxon’s tonight.

It was much speculated during the week that Connacht and Buccaneers Robbie Henshaw would be named at full back, along with Connacht team mate Dave Mc Sharry in the centre. Today those young men’s careers take a major step toward full Irish honours as they line out for the Wolfhounds.

Carr‘s Now In Reverse!

As these young pro’s careers take a major step towards senior international honours, Fionn Carr has made a major U-turn (Sorry for the lousy car puns but it’s fitting) back to Connacht in hope of revitalising his career. This move to Leinster comes very soon after his one-time team mate Mike McCarthy moves in the opposite direction.

Fionn Carr left Leinster to join Connacht at the end of the 2008 season after failing to break into the professional ranks. Carr was plying his trade in the AIL first with UCD, then later with Blackrock College. His years in Connacht saw him fast become one of the best finishers in the Celtic League, scoring  34 tries in 73 games and becoming Connacht’s leading all time try scorer. During his time in Connacht he earned 2 caps at Ireland A level. At the end of the 2011 season, Carr turned down a lucrative offer from Connacht and returned to Leinster to what he believed was to kick on his career further. This in my opinion was a very brave move at the time, and I do admire him for taking on a challenge and to try make it at his home province yet again.

However, the dream move for Carr would turn out to be a bit of a disaster. Carr has been a very much a bit part player for Leinster, playing only 33 times scoring 7 times and confined to mainly Rabo appearances. It must be highlighted also, he was not the only player to make the move East and not see the benefits. Jamie Hagan has made minimal progress and is way down the food chain it seems, while Sean Cronin and Ian Keatly’s (Munster) progress has plateaued somewhat also since leaving.

One must also admire Carr’s decision to return West, tail between legs a bit may be.. It’s seems a good move for everybody involved. Carr may be limited defensively and can be prone to an odd drop or two. Putting this aside, he is still a player that can turn games and his blistering pace will be a welcome addition to Pat Lam’ side adding some proven experience.

Connacht’s success this week in the format of Henshaw & Mc Sharry shows that players (If good enough) can get international honours playing in Connacht. Heineken Cup rugby of course has been a huge help to the Connacht cause. It is a real shame that we may not see it for a while in Galway, as players like the two mentioned are very capable at this level, along with other quality young players such as Browne, Marmion, McKeon, Griffin and O’Halleron. These players are making the Connacht brand very attractive and fashionable, along with key play maker Dan Parks.

It was very interesting to listen during the week to comments from certain people, both in the media and not. One question that was raised interested me. Should Robbie H have signed for Leinster, Munster or Ulster if he is as good as everyone says?

I was intrigued to hear the response from Noel Mannion & Gerry Thornley on OTB Wednesday night. Both laid home the point I am trying to make here and on air previous about the lure of Leinster and the other provinces for young Connacht players.

Noel Mannion:

“It’s not the be all and end all, I mean there is a lot of backs up there in Leinster at the moment, they have their own academy players coming through all the time, he has found his niche down here, he is comfortable with the players he is playing with and he is comfortable with the set up that he is. So it’s not all about moving to Leinster all the tim as regards being a back”

Gerry Thornley reiterated the point I am making above about Hagan, Carr & a little lesser perhaps, Cronin.

Gerry Thornley:

“The grass isn’t always greener when you leave Connacht”

Big Fish Small Pond?

I know I know… hindsight is always great. I must however play devil’s advocate too! I wonder if Fionn Carr wishes he could change the decision he made a couple of season back, along with Jaime Hagan? Perhaps it isn’t entirely the players fault solely and maybe some people in branch office  have some answering to do here perhaps! That’s for another day!

The only way now for them to change their decision unfortunately is to get the lend of the DeLorean from Doc Brown and Marty McFly and “Go back To The Future”, sit down with Gerry Kelly and Co and sign the dotted line.

I might be wrong, but I bet they would stay have loved to lead Connacht into the two greatest seasons in their history. This is unfair I know, and they have done better than some of the other players who went East from the West. Can anybody remember South African Stephen Knoop? He did similar to Jaime Hagan with similar results. 

Would Carr & Hagan be playing tonight, in his “home” ground with the brightest new talents in Irish back play at the moment? Who knows?

That’s both the beauty and beast of pro sport, things change so fast, some decisions and gambles can pay off, sometimes they don’t. However, it appears that the biggest decision a young rising talent must consider at the moment is. Where am I going to be in the shop window the most?

Let me also be clear too. Connacht has made great strides in the last couple of years, developing and grooming young talent. U20 Inter Pro wins back this up. Connacht players making the Full Irish Schools from the Marist in Athlone, also backs this up further. Winning 3 Heineken Cup pool games adds further basis to progress.

Strides are also being made down West! Let me make it very clear to on the flipside! In the past they have failed on numerous occasions to bring talent through and many players were right to leave or not join Connacht!

An ex-pro, who will remain nameless, once said to me that Connacht was referred to as “an elephant’s grave yard” amongst some players. This point was made on the basis that promising players careers were also halted when playing in the sports ground. There is some basis to this point alright and I can see the evidence to suggest this too. This can be said of all provinces but very often this happens in Connacht and I have to example to spring to mind personally.

Players of great underage prowess such as Aidan Wynne (Ferbane Irish Schools, U20, Youths) never got the backing his talents warranted. I watched Aidan punch toe to toe with Jean De Villers against South Africa for Connacht one evening and come out with his head high.

Another player, Danny Riordan (Irish u21’s 2003 Ireland A) was let go after making numerous Ireland A appearances, after fine performances for Connacht under Michael Bradley, later embarrassingly to be picked up by Munster, and even more embarrassingly Leinster for a brief stint. Danny is one of the greatest natural talents I have ever personally witnessed on a rugby pitch and it really bugs me to see him not still playing pro.

In the meantime, Leinster continues to churn out talented back after back and Munster are producing some nice forwards too. Young talented players such as Brendan Macken, Andrew Conway and Noel Reid may have to wait and sit tight in the highly competitive Leinster ranks, while Connacht rattle the apple cart further perhaps! Remember there are only 15 spots on a rugby team and the shop window is very small.  Reports this morning also link former Ireland 20s winger Andrew Conway with a move from Leinster to Munster, it'll be interesting to see whether a move south could provide him with more gametime...

Sometimes maybe.. Being a big fish in a small pond can be pay off!

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Wedmesday morning headlines

SOCCER

Donegal's Carl McHugh played his part as Bradford knocked Aston Villa out of the league cup to reach Wembley for next months Final.

Villa won last night's semi final second leg 2-1 but Bradford won 4-3 on aggregate.

That means the league two side are the first team from the fourth tier to reach a major final since 1962.

Shay Given, Ciaran Clark and Stephen Ireland all started the game for Villa.

Tonight Swansea host Chelsea in the second semi final second leg.

The Welsh side lead 2-0 going into that tie.

In the Premier league Arsenal host West Ham.

In the Championship, Blackburn were held to a one-all draw by Brighton at Ewood Park.

In Scotland

Celtic are 12 points clear at the top of the SPL following a 4-0 win over Dundee United at Celtic Park.

Gary Hooper grabbing a brace their while Victor Wanyama and Scott Brown also scored.

Alex Ferguson and Andre Villas Boas were in attendance as Wanyama is linked with Man United and Spurs are reportedly joining the chase to sign contract rebel Hooper

In the Africa Cup of Nations the focus was on Group D yesterday.

In the opening game, Arsenal's Gervinho scored a late winner as the Ivory Coast beat Togo by two goals to one. In the late kick-off, Tunisia and Algeria played-out a nil-all draw.

Chelsea have confirmed that Ashley Cole has signed a one-year contract extension.

The 32-year-old England full-back was out of contract at the end of the season, but he's now understood to have agreed a lucrative extension that is rumoured to be worth 200,000 pounds per week.

Bordeaux striker Yoan Gouffran has tweeted he'll join Newcastle today.

The Magpies are also reportedly close to signing Montpellier defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and Nancy defender Massadio Haidara.

There's already a healthy contingent of French players at the club, including internationals Yohan Cabaye and Mathieu Debuchy.

RUGBY UNION

Irish internationals Rory Best and Simon Zebo have been long-listed for the ERC European Player of the Year award. Best is joined on the 15-player list by his Ulster team-mate Ruan Pienaar.

Following the conclusion of the pool stages of the Heineken Cup and the Amlin Challenge Cup, French club Clermont Auvergne are the best represented side with three players; Julien Bonnaire, Wesley Fofana and Morgan Parra.

Ulster coach Mark Anscombe has revealed that Stephen Ferris could return to first team action by mid-February.

The Ireland and Lions flanker has been sidelined since November with an ankle injury, but Anscombe has hinted that he could still play a part in the closing stages of Ireland's Six Nations campaign.

Northampton flanker Calum Clark looks almost certain to miss all of England's rugby union Six Nations campaign.

He'll have an operation on a shoulder injury tomorrow.

Clark had only just returned to the squad after serving a 32-week ban for breaking the elbow of an opponent.

Out half Ian Keatley and Prop Stephen Archer have both signed new deals with Munster.

According to the Irish Independent both players have penned two year deals however BJ Botha could leave as he's only been offered a one year contract.

The 33 year old former Ulster forward is subject to offers from the Bulls and Toulon.

GAELIC GAMES

Laois welcome Antrim to Rathdowney in the Bord na Mona Walsh Shield this Sunday afternoon

It'll be the 8th game between the sides since 2009 with Laois coming out on top in three of the last seven meetings

In the National League last year the Saffrons came on out on top by two points following a late rally

New Laois boss Seamus Plunkett saw his side narrowly defeated by University College, Dublin last weekend but says his players having been working hard in the last fortnight

We'll have updates on Sunday's match with thanks to Peigs Bar, Portlaoise

The Cork and Kildare county boards have both agreed long-awaited sponsorship deals

After Kildare announced a link-up with Brady Family Ham on Monday night, the Cork county board have called a press conference at Pairc Ui Chaoimh today where they will announce Lucozade Sport as their official sports drink.

There's an all Midlands clash in round two of the Leinster Colleges

Senior Football Championship this lunchtime

Knockbeg College take on St Josephs Rochfortbridge at Dr Cullen Park

at 1 O'Clock, elsewhere Athlone Community College travel to Celbridge

to play the Salesian College at the same time

The meeting of Portmarnock and holders St Mary's Edenderry will now be

played on Friday

Yesterday Mountmellick Community School were crowned South Leinster

Junior Football C Champions yesterday

The Laois youngsters got the better of St Kevin's by 0-13 to 2-3

While Colaiste Iosagain got the better of Mountrath Community School

in the South Leinster Senior Football Semi Finals winning 0-9 to 0-7

BASKETBALL

Colaiste Choilm Tullamore go in search of All-Ireland Schools glory

this morning

They take on Palmerstown Community School at the National Stadium in

Tallaght at 10.30 in the All-Ireland Under 19 B Basketball Final

GOLF

Donegal manager Jim McGuinness has confirmed that he has been in touch with new Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley about a possible role with the European team at Gleneagles next year.

McGinley was the person who introduced McGuinness to Dermot Desmond, which eventually led to the All Ireland winner's recruitment to the Celtic coaching staff.

He says he’s now willing to help out the European team in anyway that he can and that they've already agreed to sit down and talk about what kind of contribution he could make.

TENNIS

Serena Willams is out of the Australian Open, the American lost her quarter final this morning to Sloane Stephens 3-6, 7-5, 6-4.

Victoria Azarenka is through after a straight sets win over Svetlana Kuznetsova.

Andy Murray has beaten Jeremy Chardy in straight sets 6-4 6-1 6-2.

BOXING

Westmeath boxers Joe Ward and David Oliver Joyce are among the top ranked boxers in the World Series of Boxing ahead of their break from the series for the National Championships

Moate's European champion Ward is currently second in the light heavyweight standings have won all three of his bouts for the British Lionhearts so far

And David Oliver Joyce, who is representing the Germany Eagles, has two wins from two at lightweight including a victory over his St Michael's Athy clubmate Eric O'Donovan last time out

Those two could meet again when the Nationals get underway on February 8^th

RACING

Leopardstown have announced changes to their racecards for this weekend's two-day meeting.

The Ryan's Event Cleaners Beginners Steeplechase has been transferred from the Saturday card to the Sunday card and The Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle Novice Steeplechase (Grade 1) has been switched from Sunday to Saturday.

Hurricane Fly bids for a hattrick of wins in the BHP Insurance Champion Hurdle this Sunday

There's going to be strong competition from either side of the Irish sea with the 2010 Cheltenham Champion Hurdle hero Binocular also among the entries

Hurricane Fly's trainer Willie Mullins has Zaidpour entered but he expects Thousand Stars to run instead

A horse owned by Alex Ferguson has been entered for the Grand National. Harry The Viking is in contention for the race on Saturday the sixth of April.

That's the same day that Ferguson's Manchester United team are due to take on Premier League title rivals Manchester City.

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