Westmeath team V Galway

Westmeath manager Pat Flanagan has made two changes from the side that won in Longford ahead of Sunday’s trip to Tuam to play Galway in Division Two of the National Football League

Doron Harte returns from suspension and takes Paul Sharry’s place at centre half back

With Dessie Dolan still recovering from a hamstring twinge picked up while playing for Leinster it means a start at full forward for Ciaran Curley

Westmeath XV to play Galway: 1 Gary Connaughton; 2 Mark McCallon; 3 Kieran Gavin (Captain); 4 Kevin Maguire; 5 Micheál Curley; 6 Doron Harte; 7 James Dolan; 8 Denis Cooroon; 9 John Heslin; 10 Ger Egan; 11 Callum McCormack; 12 Kieran Martin; 13 Ronan Foley; 14 Ciaran Curley; 15 Denis Glennon

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OFFALY GAA CHAMPIONSHIP DRAWS

TULLAMORE COURT HOTEL SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

Group 1

1 Clara

2 Edenderry

3 Erin Rovers

4 Ballycumber

5 St Brigid’s

6 St Rynagh’s


Group 2

1 Rhode

2 Tullamore

3 Ferbane

4 Gracefield

5 Walsh Island

6 Tubber

TULLAMORE COURT HOTEL INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

Group 1

1 Ballyfore

2 Bracknagh

3 Shannonbridge

4 Rhode

5 Clonbullogue

6 Durrow


Group 2

1 Raheen

2 Shamrocks

3 Cappincur

4 Doon

5 Kilcormac/Killoughey

6 Kilclonfert

TULLAMORE COURT HOTEL JUNIOR ‘A’ FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

Group 1

1 Birr

2 Tullamore

3 Edenderry

4 Killeigh

5 Ballycommon

6 Ballinagar

7 Shamrocks


Group 2

1 Clara

2 Daingean

3 Clonmore Harps

4 Ferbane

5 Rhode

6 Ballycumber

7 Gracefield

TULLAMORE COURT HOTEL JUNIOR ‘B’ FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

Group 1

1 Tubber

2 Raheen

3 St Rynagh’s

4 Tullamore

5 Kinnitty

6 Daingean


Group 2

1 Durrow

2 Ballyfore

3 Shannonbridge

4 Clara

5 Erin Rovers

TULLAMORE COURT HOTEL JUNIOR ‘C’ FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

One Group

1 St Brigid’s

2 Doon

3 Lusmagh

4 Walsh Island

5 Bracknagh

6 Clonbullogue


Molloy Environmental Offaly GAA Hurling Championship draws 2013

MOLLOY ENVIRONMENTAL SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP

Group 1

1 Kilcormac/Killoughey

2 Birr

3 Seir Kieran

4 Brosna Gaels

5 Tullamore

6 Drumcullen


Group 2

1 St Rynagh’s

2 Shinrone

3 Coolderry

4 Belmont

5 Kinnitty

6 Lusmagh


MOLLOY ENVIRONMENTAL INTERMEDIATE HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP

Group 1

1 Shamrocks

2 Kilcormac/Killoughey

3 Killurin

4 Birr

5 Clara

6 Shinrone


Group 2

1 St Rynagh’s

2 Coolderry

3 Ballinamere

4 Carrig & Riverstown

5 Ballyskenagh/Killavilla


MOLLOY ENVIRONMENTAL JUNIOR ‘A’ HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP

Group 1

1 Ballinamere

2 Ballyskenagh/Killavilla

3 Kilcormac/Killoughey

4 Kinnitty

5 Drumcullen

6 St Rynagh’s

7 Killeigh

8 Tullamore


Group 2

1 Crinkill

2 Edenderry

3 Seir Kieran

4 Coolderry

5 Brosna Gaels

6 Birr

7 Shamrocks


MOLLOY ENVIRONMENTAL JUNIOR ‘B’ HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP

Group 1

1 Belmont

2 Gracefield

3 Killeigh

4 Kilcormac/Killoughey

5 Crinkill

6 Killurin


Group 2

1 Raheen

2 Kinnitty

3 Lusmagh

4 Carrig & Riverstown

5 Ballinamere


MOLLOY ENVIRONMENTAL U-21 HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP

KNOCK-OUT

Lusmagh v Coolderry

Kilcormac/Killoughey v Ballinamere Gaels

Belmont v Kinnitty

Shinrone v Shamrocks


Four byes

Seir Kieran Og
St Brendan’s
Tullamore
St Rynagh’s

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The Beautiful Game: A Football Blog

By Dave McArdle

CCFL

Last Sunday I was in Tullamore for the John Farrell Combined Counties Cup fourth round tie between Premier division leaders CK United and Division 2 title contenders Dynamo Town. Dynamo, despite being the away side and two divisions below their opponents, were nonetheless confident they could cause an upset after they had enjoyed a fine 5-1 victory over Senior Division Gallen United in the previous round.

However, it was CK United who started better and they found themselves in front inside two minutes. Full-back Niall Bracken broke well up the left flank and when he dug out a cross with his right foot, striker Niall Kearns was on hand to turn the ball home inside the box to give CK the lead. As Dynamo settled into the game, they began to pose a threat – mostly from set-pieces – and they were unlucky not to have found an equaliser by the time they went further behind in the 23^rd minute. Paul Kinnarney swung in a corner from the left, Dynamo keeper Brian McCormack got his fingertips to it but the ball dropped for CK winger Stuart Carroll who powered home a header to extend the home side’s advantage.

As the first half drew to a close, CK were given the chance to put the tie to bed when Dynamo Captain Martin Mulhall fouled Niall Kearns in the box. Referee Adrian Martin had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and CK United Captain Brendan Bracken stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way, firing low into the bottom right corner to give CK a commanding lead heading into half time. As the second half got underway, Dynamo Town Player-Manager Liam Marum came on to try and help the away side get back into the game as Dynamo pressed high up the pitch in search of goals. However, with so many players pushed forward, Dynamo were left short at the back and CK were in on goal almost every time they broke down the pitch – Niall Kearns, Eddie Keenahen and Trevor Wright all should have done better with guilt-edged chances but the second half was summed up in injury time when, with three men totally unmarked in the box, CK United amazingly managed not to score as Stephen Kinnarney somehow contrived to fire over the top from only a couple of yards out. And so it finished, CK United march on into the last 8 of the cup while Dynamo Town can hold their heads up high after a fine cup run – final score from De Brun Park in Tullamore was CK United 3-0 Dynamo Town.

This Sunday, I will be in Athlone for ‘The Inside Line’ feature game as Willow Park face up to St.Kevin’s Boys in the LFA Senior Cup 3^rd Round. Intriguingly, the winners of this game will face a glamour tie against League of Ireland side Longford Town in the next round and Willow Park will be hoping to cap their anniversary celebrations in style with a win this weekend. This weekend also sees several other interesting ties taking place across the CCFL – on Saturday in the Umbro FAI Youths Cup 4^th Round Tullamore Town host Caslebar Celtic in Leah Victoria Park while Edenderry Town travel to Limerick to face Fairview Rangers. Also on Saturday, Senior Division Killavilla United host Premier Division leaders CK United in the Paddy Cotter Cup 1^st Round in what should be an entertaining game while in the Senior Division Mullingar Athletic will be hoping to keep their title bid on track as they host Melville United. There is a wide range of cup action taking place on Sunday – as Gallen United host Stradbally Town, St. Peters host Willow Park B, Abbeyleix Athletic travel to Mountmellick United, Rosenallis host Mullingar Town, Birr Town travel to Arlington and Edenderry Town host Clara Town in Paddy Cotter Cup action. Meanwhile, in Dennis Delaney Division 2 Cup Quarter Finals 1^st Leg matches, Gentex host Dynamo Town, Noresdie Celtic face Edenderry Town B and Coolraine host Raharney. For full details of fixtures, results and league tables, visit: www.ccfl.ie

Premier League Preview

Fulham v Stoke - Saturday 12:45 – Live on Sky Sports 2

Fulham welcome Stoke to Craven Cottage in the first game of the weekend with both sides looking for a victory which would push them further towards the magical 40 point mark. Sascha Riether and Steve Sidwell are available once more for the Cottagers while Mahamadou Diarra will miss out through injury. Marc Wilson has returned to the Stoke City squad after a lengthy lay-off while Brek Shea could be in line for his Premier League debut. Cameron Jerome is expected to shake off a knock and should be okay to feature but Tony Pulis has a doubt over the fitness of striker Michael Owen.

Arsenal v Aston Villa – Saturday 3pm

Under-pressure manager Arsene wenger will be seeking a much-needed victory to prevent the vultures from circling as Arsenal welcome Aston Villa to the Emirates on Saturday afternoon. The beleaguered Arsenal manager saw calls for his head intensify after an abject performance against Bayern Munich in midweek but he will be confident his side can get back to winning ways against an Aston Villa side who are only just outside the relegation zone after a narrow victory over West Ham last time out. Arsenal will have to do without full-backs Bacary Sagna and Kieran Gibbs - with Nacho Monreal and Carl Jenkinson set to deputise - while Olivier Giroud is pushing for a start up front. Charles N’Zogbia should be fit enough to feature for the away side while Karim El Ahmadi and Gabriel Agbonlahor should also be fit after missing out last time through illness. Paul Lambert is also expected to welcome back Chris Herd following injury but Marc Albrighton and Richard Dunne will continue to miss out.

Norwich v Everton – Saturday 3pm

Norwich host Everton on Saturday with both sides in contrasting form. Norwich rose to seventh place in the league after beating Wigan last December but their failure to win any of their nine games since has seen them slide down to fourteenth in the table and only six points above the relegation zone.  Everton, on the other hand, are flying high in sixth place and their defeat against Man United last time out stands as their only defeat in their last six games. Norwich captain Grant Holt is fit and available for selection but Chris Hughton has doubts over the fitness of both Alexander Tettey and Andrew Surman. John Ruddy remains a long-term absentee for the Canaries. Victory Anichebe and Seamus Coleman are rated as doubtful for the Toffees while David Moyes will definitely have to make do without the services of full-back Tony Hibbert.

QPR v Man United – Saturday 3pm – Live on Setanta Sports 1

Harry Redknapp faces his toughest test to date as manager of QPR as the Premier League basement boys welcome league leaders Manchester United to Loftus Road. QPR are four points behind 19^th placed Wigan and seven points adrift of safety but they will take heart from fantastic performances in their defeat of Chelsea along with draws against Man City and Tottenham. United, on the other hand, are 12 points clear at the top of the table and have won 12 and drawn 2 of their last 14 games. QPR striker Loic Remy is doubtful for the R’s. Junior Hoilett and Samba Diakite are available once more while Harry Redknapp will have to decide whether to start Bobby Zamora as the striker continues his comeback from injury. Wayne Rooney is set to miss out for United along with Phil Jones and Paul Scholes while Javier Hernandez could be in line for a start up front for the Red Devils.

Reading v Wigan – Saturday 3pm

Reading host Wigan at the Madejski in what is being billed as a relegation 6-pointer. Reading have won two and drawn one of their last four in the league while Wigan are without a win in six. Jimy Kebe is in line for a return for the Royals having missed the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United last time out. Mikele Leigertwood is doubtful for Brian McDermott’s men while Jason Roberts and Alex McCarthy are both set to miss out. Antolin Alcaraz could return after a six month absence for the Latics while Roberto Martinez must decide whether to risk Ryo Miyaichi and Emmerson Boyce as both have recently returned to training following injury.

West Brom v Sunderland – Saturday 3pm

West Brom welcome Sunderland to the Hawthorns as they seek to build on an impressive victory over Liverpool last time out. That win halted an awful run of eight games without a win and the Baggies will be confident that they can win again against a Sunderland side who have been poor on their travels this season. The Black Cats have lost their last two on the bounce but they will take heart from the fact that they have not lost three in a row all season. Goran Popov serves the second of his three game ban for the Baggies while Romelu Lukaku and Youssouf Mulumbu are both set to start. Peter Odemwingie could be involved once more after being left out of the last two games following his unprofessional behaviour as he sought to force through a move to QPR on deadline day. Danny Graham could be in line for his first start for Sunderland after impressing from the bench in his last couple of appearances while Danny Rose and Lee Cattermole are both doubtful for Martin O’Neill’s side.

Man City v Chelsea – Sunday 1:30pm – Live on Sky Sports 1

Manchester City could be fifteen points behind rivals Manchester United when they host Chelsea at the Etihad on Sunday lunchtime and they will be in need of a victory to keep their slim title hopes alive. Chelsea, on the other hand, will know that they could move to within one point of City if they can record a rare away win in Manchester. City are winless in their last three in the league and Roberto Mancini will check on the fitness of captain Vincent Kompany and midfielder Gareth Barry while Joe Hart and Carlos Tevez are both expected to start after being absent last time out. Ashley Cole, Branislav Ivanovic and Frank Lampard are all expected to start after being left out against Sparta Prague last time out. Demba Ba was ineligible for their European endeavour as he is cup-tied so Rafa Benitez must decide whether to start with the Senegal international or Fernando Torres up front.

Newcastle v Southampton - Sunday 1:30pm

Southampton travel to St.James’ Park on Sunday to face a Newcastle side who only trail them in the table on goal difference. The Saints will be seeking to build on a fine victory over Man City last time out while Newcastle will be confident of recording a home win after progressing to the last 16 of the Europa League on Thursday evening. Goalkeeper Tim Krul is doubtful for Newcastle after hobbling out of the game against Metalist Kharkiv. Cheick Tiote and Davide Santon could return following illness and injury respectively while Mathieu Debuchy and Yoann Gouffran are set to return after being cup-tied for Newcastle’s Europa League exploits. Gaston Ramirez and Luke Shaw are slight doubts for the Saints while Veggard Forren and Jose Fonte will hope to come into contention.

West Ham v Tottenham – Monday 8pm – Live on Sky Sports 1

West Ham welcome Tottenham to Upton Park on Monday evening for a London derby which promises to be an entertaining spectacle. The Hammers come into the game in poor form having lost three of their last four in the Premier League while Spurs will be confident having won their last two in the league along with a last minute goal on Thursday evening which saw them through to the last 16 in the Europa League. Joey O’Brien, George McCartney and James Collins are all doubtful for the hosts while Dan Potts will definitely miss out. Jermaine Defoe is expected to miss out for Spurs, who will also be without Younes Kaboul and Sandro. Tom Huddlestone is working his way back to fitness and Andre Villas-Boas may decide to leave him out once more.

Fantasy Football

The main point to consider in gameweek 27 is the blank gameweek for both Liverpool and Swansea. Due of Swansea’s participation in the Capitol One Cup Final on Sunday, both these sides had a double gameweek last week to make up for the blank fixture this week. For those of us that had three double gameweek players or more last week, squad strength comes to the fore this week. It is during weeks like these when your squad is thin on the ground that your lesser players become important. If your cheaper players who normally warm the bench are regular starters for their clubs and can give you the potential of points, they can be the difference between having 11 players playing versus 8 or 9.

The main contenders for the captain’s armband this week are Robin Van Persie and Theo Walcott. United travel to bottom side QPR on an unbeaten run of fourteen games in the league and with Alex Ferguson’s assertion that Wayne Rooney is unlikely to recover from a sinus problem, Van Persie is surely set to lead the line against QPR. And as the leading Fantasy Premier League performer this season, Van Persie will surely get the nod by many managers. Another intriguing prospect for captaincy this week is Theo Walcott. Walcott has been in excellent form of late and if he can retain his starting berth up front, then he could produce an explosive haul against an Aston Villa rearguard that has leaked a staggering amount of goals this season. Another strong candidate for the captaincy comes in the form of Gareth Bale. The Welshman has been in superb form of late and he has shown that he can produce the goods in any game, so the short trip across London to face West Ham will not faze him in the slightest.

In terms of a transfer in this week (along with the three captain contenders above), Newcastle face Southampton at home and Moussa Sissoko and Papiss Cisse look particularly inticing prospects. Cisse has failed to live up to his amazing form of last season but since Demba Ba’s departure to Chelsea, Cisse has played consistently in the centre forward position and looks to be coming back to form. Sissoko, on the other hand, has made an immediate impact since his move in the January transfer window with 25 points from just 3 appearances so far and he looks a real candidate for selection until the end of the season. Also worth considering is that Newcastle’s fixtures are good in the short term with a run of Southampton and Stoke at home along with away trips to Swansea and Wigan in their next four games which should harvest plenty of points. Another contender for a cheeky budget transfer this week could be Adam LeFondre. Coming in at just in the FPL game and with 30 points in his last 5 appearances, LeFondre has shown that he is a strong budget option that can score points and free up funds for big-hitters elsewhere in the team. Home clashes with Wigan and Aston Villa in two of Reading’s next three fixtures should provide the Royals with plenty of chances and if they are to score a few goals, LeFondre is bound to be in the thick of things.

Liverpool and Swansea (as mentioned above) do not have a game this week so they have been left out of my consideration. Man City versus Chelsea seems too close to call and this is why I have not recommended any of their players. Also, a big point worth considering is that due to certain club’s progress in the FA Cup and other club’s progress in Europe, there will be at least four teams with a blank week in gameweek 29 – with Man City, Man United, Wigan and West Ham all facing a blank. Arsenal’s game with Everton is also under threat and is likely to be postponed if Everton can overcome Oldham in their FA Cup replay. With this massive blank only a couple of gameweeks away, it would be wise to start preparing for it now by saving transfers, resisting transferring in players from the above mentioned teams and possibly even transferring out players from the above teams. This large blank, and the subsequent massive double gameweek that is likely to be announced in the coming weeks, could be pivotal in this season’s game and could be the difference in many a mini-league.

Also, I can’t finish this week without alluding to the fact that I am now top of the Midlands Sport league. I refer to this now because by the time I write my blog next week, I may well be back down the pecking order once more. There is plenty of competition in this league and there are plenty of interesting times ahead – but I have to say I am glad to be on top (even if it’s only for one week!)

Join me again next week for more news and views from the world of football.

You can follow Dave McArdle on Twitter: @DaveMidlands103  

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Leinster Football Panel

Laois' Kieran Lillis and Westmeath duo Dessie Dolan and John Heslin named in the Leinster football panel for Sunday

Full panel

Stephen Cluxton - Dublin
Kieran Lillis - Laois
Michael Quinn - Longford
Graham Molloy - Wexford
Ger Brennan - Dublin
Adrian Flynn - Wexford
John Heslin - Westmeath
Paul Flynn - Dublin
Redmond Barry - Wexford
Michael Darragh Macauley - Dublin
Paddy Keenan - Louth
Joe Sheridan - Meath  
Bernard Brogan - Dublin
Cian O Sullivan - Dublin
Neil Gallagher - Louth
Sean McCormack - Longford
Dessie Dolan - Westmeath
Barry Gilleran - Longford
Brian Malone - Wexford
James Stafford - Wicklow
Brendan Kavanagh - Carlow
Brendan Murphy - Carlow
Graham  Reilly - Meath

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MORNING HEADLINES

GAELIC GAMES

Sigerson hosts Athlone IT have qualified for finals weekend

AIT will face UCC in next Friday's semi finals following an 0-11 to 1-4 win over Cork IT in Athlone last night

The Midlands students, who were without injured Roscommon midfielder Cathal Shine, built up a 0-6 to 0-1 lead at the interval thanks to the point taking of Westmeath trio Alan Coffey, Kieran Martin and Ger Egan and a stunning score from captain Frankie Burke from Galway

Egan and Martin put over frees in the opening ten minutes of the second half to stretch their lead to 0-8 to 0-2

Cork's Ciaran Sheehan fisted a goal into the Athlone net 15 minutes from time to give Cork IT some hope but Athlone finished strongly with Longford's James McGivney and Meath's Dan Queeney popping over late points in the 0-11 to 1-4 success

St Brigids have been  handed a boost ahead of their AIB All-Ireland Club Semi Final with Crossmaglen tomorrow

Veteran goalkeeper Shane Curran has been passed fit to start, he's been nursing a quad injury in recent weeks

Crossmaglen defeated Brigids' neighbours Garrycastle in last year's All-Ireland Final

A chance to play reigning All-Ireland Champions St Mary's Edenderry is the reward for the winners of this afternoon's Leinster Colleges Senior Football Quarter Final between Knockbeg and Marist College, Athlone

The last eight all Midlands clash throws in at 2pm at Rosemount

CAMOGIE

Its third level finals weekend in camogie

In the blue ribband Ashbourne Cup it's holders WIT against UCD and UL versus NUIG in tomorrow's semi finals

IT Carlow take on St Mary's in the Fr Maher at 11.30 tomorrow morning while on Sunday it's Athlone IT against IT Tralee in the Fr Maher Shield decider

Laois, Offaly and Westmeath get their Under 16 Leinster campaigns underway on Sunday

Laois and Westmeath meet at Rosenallis at 1pm on Sunday, Kilkenny against Offaly throws in at 1pm at Johnstown

SOCCER

Chelsea and Tottenham both won the first legs of their Europa league last 32 ties

Last year’s Champions League winners Chelsea beat Sparta Prague 1-0 in the Czech Republic.

Oscar scored the winner 8 minutes from time not long after he came off the bench.

Gareth Bale scored two free kicks for Tottenham in their 2-1 win at home to Lyon.

Bale's first goal was on the stroke of half time and he got the winner in second half injury time.

Samuel Umtiti scored an away goal for the French side.

Liverpool will have to overcome a 2-0 deficit against Zenit Saint Petersburg in the return leg at Anfield.

Zenit scored twice in the last 20 minutes through Brazilian International Hulk and substitute Sergei Semak

Newcastle were held to a scoreless draw at home to Metalist Kharkiv

In the Leinster Senior League at 7.45 tonight Edenderry Town are away to Glebe North in the Sunday Senior Division

That game is a meeting of two of the bottom four

Tomorrow evening leaders Portlaoise Athletic host Seafordrock at 6.30 in the Sunday Premier Division

On Sunday morning second from bottom Tullamore Town are away to third from bottom Ballyouster in the Sunday Major Division, there's an 11am kick off there

In the O’Neill’s LFA Under 19s Cup tomorrow Tullamore Town host Collinstown at Leah Victoria Park, Ballinahown have a home tie against Crumlin with both those games at 2pm

Also in the John Farrell Combined Counties Cup 3rd Round tomorrow Longford Wanderers versus Ericcsons and Grange Utd play St.Aengus

CCFL Senior Division high flyers Mullingar Athletic play Mostrim United at 7pm in Round Four

Also at 7 in the Counties Shield it's Derry Rovers B against Colmcille Celtic

On Sunday there are four games in round four of the Counties Cup

In the 11am kick off it's Gracefield against Monksland

Premier leaders CK Utd host giant killers Dynamo Town at 2

Clara Town play Rosenallis and St Peters face Edenderry

And there's one game in the Senior Division where Gallen host Kilavilla at 2

RUGBY UNION

Two Irish provinces are in Rabo Direct Pro 12 action this evening

Ulster, who have a seven point lead at the summit, will be targetting a bonus point victory when they host basement side Zebre

Kick off at Ravenhill is 5 past 7

While it's a 7.45 kick off in Galway where Connacht entertain last year's champions Ospreys

Athlone teenager Robbie Henshaw returns from international duty to start at full back for Connacht

Buccaneers travel to Stevenson Park to face Dungannon in the Ulster Bank League Division One B tomorrow afternoon

John O'Brien, Shane Layden and Danny Qualter are all definitely out for the Pirates while Kolo Kiripati and Mark Dolan are doubts

Following their draw with Blackrock a couple of weeks ago Buccs are currently 4 points behind second placed Dublin University

Kick off tomorrow is 2.30

Also tomorrow afternoon Portarlington begin their Towns Plate campaign with an away tie against Dundalk at 4pm

In the Towns Cup on Sunday Mullingar host All-Ireland Junior Cup winners Tullamore

Roscrea travel to Athy while Edenderry are away to Naas

In the Plate it's Navan against Portlaoise

All of Sunday's matches are at 3pm 

GOLF

David Higgins is eight shots off the lead on three under after two holes on day two of the Africa Open

Gareth Maybin is two over going into today’s round while Damien McGrane is three over.

Matt Kuchar has a one shot lead on 7 under after the opening day of the Northern Trust Open in California.

Padraig Harrington is 6 over while Graeme Mc Dowell is two over.

BOXING

The semi finals of the National Elite Boxing Championships get underway in Dublin tonight

We'll have to wait until tomorrow for the Midlands boxers to take to the ring,

Hugh Joyce takes on Chris Phelan in the flyweight semi finals in the second bout of the evening at the National Stadium

At lightweight David Oliver Joyce faces George Bates in the lightweight last four

2008 Olympian John Joe Joyce goes up against Willie McLaughlin at welterweight

And Moate's Joe Ward will find out his opponent for the lightheavyweight final

Ken Egan and Davy Joe Joyce meet in tomorrow's semi final

ATHLETICS

The AIT arena hosts the National Senior Indoors this weekend

Among the top athletes competing in Athlone is Cork’s Rob Heffernan who was fourth in the Olympics last year, he’s in 5000 metre walk action tomorrow afternoon

Eleven time National Indoor Champion Derval O’Rourke competes in the 60metres hurdles on Sunday

European Cross Country Champion Fionnuala Britton is in the 1500 metres also on Sunday, while Europe’s top 400 metres sprinter this year Brian Gregan is in the 200 metres

SNOOKER

Ken Doherty has advanced to quarter finals of the Welsh Open with a 4 frames to 3 win over Tom Ford but Antrim's Mark Allen lost 4-2 to Ding Junhui

Doherty faces Stuart Bingham this afternoon

HOCKEY

Mullingar's firsts, who are now third, are away to Glenanne tomorrow in the Leinster Hockey League Division Four where there's a 1pm start

At the same time Mullingar's struggling seconds face Glenanne's thirds in Division Six

It's an 11 O'Clock game for Mullingar's Ladies; they're away to Clontarf in Division Eight

In Ladies Division Six it's Tullamore against Suttonians at the Harriers at 11am

Tullamore's seconds play St Brendan's at the Royal College of Surgeons at 1pm

South East Division Two leaders Portlaoise travel for an 11 O'Clock game versus second placed Wexford on Sunday

AFL

Portlaoise's Zach Tuohy set up a goal but was on the losing side in the Carlton Intra-Squad game in the early hours of this morning

Tuohy was on the navy side that lost to the whites by 73-58

That match was part of the Blues preparations for the NAB Cup which gets underway next week

RACING

Cheltenham Champion Hurdle entry Steps To Freedom is the star attraction at Dundalk this evening where there's an eight race card on the all weather from 10 to 6

He goes up against course specialist Akaska and French recruit Rich Coast in the concluding Crowne Plaza Leading Jockey and Trainer Race

Also Cheltenham bound Gordon Elliott-trained Carlito Brigante runs in the 10 to 9

Yesterday Birr trainer Phillip Byrne had the fifth winner of his career as Mioqen took the Beginners Chase at Thurles

Top weight Tidal Bay, who has been the best backed horse since the weights for the Grand National were announced on Tuesday, is out of the big race.

Trainer Paul Nicholls has confirmed he has a slight leg injury and needs a months box rest.

He'll also miss a possible tilt at the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at Cheltenham.

It means the weights for the Aintree spectacular on the 6th April are certain to rise.

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Athlone Town Squad for 2013 Season

Athlone Town Squad for 2013 Season

Goalkeepers
Paul Skinner
TJ Forde
Craig Sexton

Defenders
Neil Harney
Roddy Collins Jnr
Robbie Clarke
Sean Byrne
Aidan Collins
Conor McMahon
Kevin Farragher

Midfielders
Ryan Coombes
Niall Lanigan
Marc Hughes
Stephen Relihan
Garvan Broughall
Brian Gill
Lee Dixon
Barry Clancy
Jonathan Kelty
Tzee Mustapha

Forwards
Noel McGee
Phillip Gorman
Owen Humphries

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Leinster Colleges Senior Football Quarter Finals Details

Leinster Council have confirmed the details of this week's Leinster Colleges Senior Football Quarter Finals

On Thursday afternoon the St Brigids Club in Kiltoom will play host to the meeting of Athlone Community College and reigning All-Ireland champions St Mary's, Edenderry, there's a 1.30 throw in time there

While at Rosemount at 2pm on Friday it's the Marist, Athlone versus Knockbeg College

The winners of those ties will meet in the semi finals

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Extra time defeat for Athlone IT

Athlone IT have lost out 3-2 to DIT after extra time in the semi finals of the Umbro CUFL Cup

DIT were 2-0 up at half time but Athlone drew themselves level at the end of normal time thanks to goals from Willow Park's Sean Brennan and Athlone Town's Brian Gill

The Dublin students scored the only goal in the extra half hour at Coolock and will go on to face either Carlow IT or DCU in the final


Following a pitch inspection this afternoon Athlone Town's Under 19s final league of the season against Mervue goes ahead at Lecarrow at 8pm this evening

Town have already secured the league title

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Ger Leech scouted at AFL European Combine

AFL scouts are casting their eye over Westmeath youngster Ger Leech at the European Talent Combine this afternoon

The Coralstown Kinnegad clubman was part of St Mary's Edenderry's All Ireland Schools winning team last year

24 players are being tested at Dublin City University with two going through to the AFL Combine later this year

Laois' Zach Tuohy has made a successful switch to Aussie Rules in recent years becoming a key defender for Carlton

Fellow O'Moore men Conor Meredith, Brendan Quigley and Colm Begley also made the move to play football in Oz

While Westmeath's John Heslin was brought in as a rookie by Richmond but has since returned to Ireland

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Competition today

We are starting a new weekly competition today on The Inside Line with thanks to Medipharm.ie

Every comment on Facebook and twitter @midlandsport or text into 083301103 will be entered into a draw to win a 25€ voucher for sports supplement products on medipharm.ie. We will announce the winner live on the show at 5.45pm

We have live coverage on the show today of Westmeath v Longford, Laois v Derry and Offaly v Limerick.

Today on the show!

Interviews with Shane Lowry and John Joe Nevin
We have reaction from Athlone's Rob Henshaw & Birr's Peter Dooley following the Irish u20's win on Friday night.

We look back on Tullamore's win yesterday in the All Ireland Junior Cup Final.
We also feature Alison Miller's hat trick of tries for the Irish ladies against England yesterday.

We also look back on Kilcormac Killoughey's win against Thurles Sarsfields in the All Ireland Club SHC.

We have post match reaction on Ireland v England with Leinster Junior Rugby Coach Niall Moran & former Bucc's and current Garryowen player Dave Connellan.

Old Wesley Prop Forward and former Bucc's player Davie Henshaw Jnr is our guest in studio today!

We will also be talking about Westmeath owned Horse Sir Deschamp on winning the Gold Cup yesterday.

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The Beautiful Game: A Football Blog

By Dave McArdle

Fri 08/02/13

CCFL

Last Sunday, I was in Birr for the CCFL Division 1 match between Highfield and Shinrone. Shinrone travelled the short distance into Birr knowing that a victory in their game in hand would see them move to within two points of Temple Villa at the top of the table. However, it was Highfield who started brightest – Stephen Kelly sent in a long throw after just three minutes and Martin Gallagher was first to react in the box to power home a header. Highfield felt they should have been awarded a penalty after half an hour when Eric Smith went down under a challenge from Shinrone keeper Jason Ryan – but the referee incensed the home support by waving play on. Shinrone began to carve out chances with increasing regularity and they were rewarded with an equaliser on 57 minutes. Incredibly, the Shinrone goal was almost a carbon copy of the Highfield goal – this time Michael Cordial sent in the long throw and Pio Fitzpatrick rose highest in the box to head home.

Shinrone were ahead midway through the second half. A Ray Cordial free kick was only half cleared to substitute Niall Cleary. Cleary produced a magnificent cross-field pass to pick out Philip Murphy – and Murphy kept his composure to fire into the bottom right corner of the net and give the away side the lead they so desperately sought. Four minutes later, however, and Highfield were level once more – they won a free-kick outside the box and Barry McEvoy stepped up to curl a super effort over the wall and into the back of the net. There was still time for one last decisive moment in this game though, and it came with just over ten minutes remaining. As Highfield pressed for a winner, they lost the ball high up the pitch and Philip Murphy broke at pace down the right wing for Shinrone. Murphy got to the by-line and produced a cross which fell to Derek McLoughlin – and McLoughlin made no mistake as he volleyed powerfully past Highfield keeper James Hartnett to give the away side a valuable 3-2 victory and keep them on course for the Division 1 title.

This week, I will be in Walsh Island for ‘The Inside Line’ feature game as Walsh Island Shamrocks host Killeigh Ramblers in the Dennis Delaney Division 2 Cup Quarter-finals. This promises to be an entertaining cup tie and is made all the more interesting by virtue of the fact that both these sides are at the top of the table contesting the Division 2 title. Possibly the biggest game of the weekend comes on Saturday evening as Mullingar Athletic host St.Peters in the Senior Division. Mullingar will be looking to get their title bid back on track after losing to Arlington – but they will face a tough test against a well-drilled St.Peters outfit. Another potentially exciting game takes place on Sunday afternoon in the O’Neill’s LFA Junior Cup fourth round as Willow Park take on Swords Celtic in Athlone while there are cup ties across the divisions as the sides who are not competing for league titles look to salvage something from the season.

Premier League Preview

Tottenham v Newcastle – Saturday 12:45 – Live on Sky Sports 2

After three draws in their last four league games, Tottenham will be looking to win once more on Saturday lunchtime when they welcome Newcastle to White Hart Lane. Spurs remain in fourth place but with Everton and Arsenal hot on their heels, they will be looking to extend their advantage this weekend. Newcastle, however, have enjoyed a resurgence of late and will be confident of causing an upset in London. Boosted by the French Revolution in the January transfer window, Alan Pardew’s side have won their last two on the bounce and are climbing up the table once more. Jermain Defoe joins Younes Kaboul and Sandro on the sidelines for the hosts while Emmanuel Adebayor is back from African Cup of Nations duty but he is not expected to feature as he recovers from his exertions. Alan Pardew has no new injury worries but he will still miss five players as Danny Simpson, Ryan Taylor, Hatem Ben Arfa, Haris Vukcic and Dan Gosling remain sidelined.

Chelsea v Wigan – Saturday 3pm

Saturday afternoon’s game at Stamford Bridge sees two sides meet who have been struggling of late, albeit at opposite ends of the table. Chelsea have won just two of their last six in the league to see their title challenge fade away while Wigan have won just one of their last twelve and they are firmly involved in the relegation battle. Chelsea have doubts over Petr Cech and Demba Ba – the former with a broken finger and the latter with a broken nose – but both are expected to be fit to play. Oriol Romeu remains sidelined for the Blues but Rafa Benitez can welcome back Eden Hazard after he completed the 3-match ban he picked up for his altercation with Swansea ball boy Charlie Morgan. The Latics have problems in defence with Adrian Lopez, Emmerson Boyce and Antolin Alcaraz all expected to miss out while captain Gary Caldwell is rated at 50/50. However, some good news for Roberto Martinez concerns striker Arouna Kone, who has returned from the African Cup of Nations fit and available for selection.

Norwich v Fulham – Saturday 3pm

Fulham travel to Norwich with both sides searching for a much-needed victory. Chris Hughton, who was Martin Jol’s assistant manager at Tottenham, will be desperately hoping to get his Norwich side back on track after a winless streak that has stretched to eight matches. Meanwhile, Fulham have won just three of their last seventeen games and are without a clean sheet in eleven matches. Anthony Pilkington and Alexander Tettey are doubtful for the Canaries but Ryan Bennett should be fit enough to feature while John Ruddy remains a long-term absentee for Chris Hughton’s troops. Mahamadou Diarra, Karim Frei and Eyong Enoh will all miss out for the Cottagers while Martin Jol will assess the fitness of Dimitar Berbatov before deciding if he can participate.

Stoke v Reading – Saturday 3pm

Two sides in contrasting form meet at The Brittania on Saturday as Stoke, who are without a win in 2013, face up to a Reading side who have won four of their last six in the Premier League. Brek Shea could make his debut for the Potters after signing from FC Dallas during the transfer window while Tony Pulis only major injury concern surrounds Marc Wilson, who has stepped up his rehabilitation from a broken leg and could be set to feature in the coming weeks. Goalkeeper Alex McCarthy and striker Jason Roberts remain sidelined for the Royals while Noel Hunt has recovered from injury and should be okay to feature.

Swansea v QPR – Saturday 3pm

Swansea will be hoping to bounce back from defeat against West Ham last time out when they welcome QPR to the Liberty Stadium on Saturday afternoon. QPR have drawn their last three in the league but Harry Redknapp will de desperately hoping to convert draws into wins if he is to keep the R’s in the Premier League. Neil Taylor and Kemy Agustien will miss out for the Swans while Michel Vorm and Leon Britton are doubtful. Junior Hoilett, Hogan Ephraim and Andrew Johnson will all miss out for the R’s while Nedum Onuoha and Loic Remy are doubtful.

Sunderland v Arsenal – Saturday 3pm – Live on Setanta Ireland

Arsenal travel to the Stadium of Light on Saturday with the Champions League places still firmly in their sights. The Gunners, who have won 10 of their last 18 meetings with the Mackems, could leapfrog Everton in fifth place with a win on Wearside. Wes Brown, Lee Cattermole and James McClean are all expected to miss out for the hosts while Carlos Cuellar may be fit enough to feature. Kieran Gibbs and Thomas Vermaelen will definitely miss out for Arsenal while Lukasz Fabianski and Laurent Koscielny are doubtful. Gervinho has returned from African Cup of Nations duty but he is not expected to participate.

Southampton v Man City – Saturday 5:30 – Live on ESPN

Man City travel to St.Mary’s searching for a victory which would move them (at least temporarily) to within six points of leaders Man United. Southampton, who are still winless under new boss Mauricio Pochettino, will be looking to pick up the points which their performances have merited in the last number of games. Jose Fonte, Gaston Ramirez and Guly Do Prado are all expected to miss out for the hosts while Luke Shaw and Nathaniel Clyne are doubtful. Vincent Kompany could return from injury for the visitors but Micah Richards remains sidelined. However, Roberto Mancini will be boosted by the returns of Kolo and Yaya Toure from the African Cup of Nations.

Aston Villa v West Ham – Sunday 1:30 – Live on Sky Sports 1

Aston Villa will be desperately hoping for a victory which could lift them out of the relegation zone. Villa are winless in their last eight matches but Paul Lambert and his troops will be hoping they can come out with a victory against a West Ham side who have only picked up one point in their last seven away games. Richard Dunne, Chris Herd, Marc Albrighton and Gary Gardner are all expected to miss out for the hosts while Ashley Westwood and Karim El Ahmadi are doubtful. James Collins, Daniel Potts and George McCartney will miss out for the Hammers but Sam Allardyce will be able to call upon Modibo Maiga once more after his return from African Cup of Nations duty.

Man Utd v Everton – Friday 4pm – Live on Sky Sports 1

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side will look to stretch their unbeaten run to 14 in all competitions as they welcome Everton to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. The Toffees will be confident of causing an upset, however, as they defeated United 1-0 earlier in the season through a Marouane Fellaini goal. Darren Fletcher remains the only major absentee for United while Phil Jones, Michael Carrick and Ashley Young should be fit enough to feature. Tony Hibbert and Seamus Coleman will both miss out for David Moyes’ side while Marouane Fellaini is expected to shrug off a knock and should be fit enough to feature.

Liverpool v West Brom – Monday 8pm – Live on Sky Sports 1

Liverpool, who have drawn their last two games from winning positions, will be hoping for better fortunes when they welcome West Brom to Anfield on Monday night. Martin Kelly and Jon Flanagan will miss out for the hosts while Brendan Rodgers may also have to do without Phillipe Coutinho as he is still not up to full match fitness. Daniel Sturridge, however, is expected to shake off a knock to his groin and should start. The Baggies, who have lost three of their last four in the Premier League, will once more be without Zoltan Gera and George Thorne while Goran Popov sits out the first of three games through suspension after spitting at Kyle Walker in their last game against Tottenham.

Fantasy Football

The biggest point to consider in gameweek 26 is undoubtedly the double gameweek for Swansea and Liverpool. Liverpool’s schedule is particularly appealing with two home games against West Brom and Swansea while Swansea have a home tie against QPR along with the aforementioned away fixture with Liverpool.

The main man to consider this week and the runaway captain choice is Luis Suarez. Suarez, who has 17 goals, five assists and 22 bonus points in his 24 league starts this season, must be backed to produce significant attacking returns from two home games against West Brom and Swansea. The only thing which could go against Suarez’ potential is that he may be played out wide to accommodate Daniel Sturridge in the striking position. However, fantasy managers who do not have Suarez this week could be severely punished by leaving him out of their teams if the Uruguayan produces anything close to what he is capable of in the double.

In defence, clean sheets are a distinct possibility from two home games for Liverpool. The main protagonists from an attacking perspective come from Jose Enrique (5.8) and Glen Johnson (6.5). Andre wisdom (4.3) was a serious contender for a budget transfer but his start now looks far from assured after the return of Jose Enrique from injury. In midfield, Steven Gerrard has been in fantastic form of late with 75 points accrued over his last 9 starts (8.33 points per game) and should be a serious consideration for the double. Jordan Henderson (5.4), Stewart Downing (5.7) and Raheem Sterling (5.4) could all be considered as budget options in midfield but none come close to matching the attacking output of Steven Gerrard. Up front and while Suarez is the runaway favourite for a transfer in, Daniel Sturridge is also a major consideration for fantasy managers. Sturridge has been in fantastic form since joining Liverpool in the January transfer window and at 7.7 million, his price tag is certainly appealing. The only thing potentially going against Sturridge’s acquisition is the injury he picked up against Man City last time out. However, with the game against West Brom not being played until Monday, Sturridge will be given every chance to prove his fitness and the signs are positive that he will feature.

For Swansea, the main man to consider is definitely Michu. With 13 goals, 2 assists and 11 bonus points accrued over his 24 league games this season, Michu has shown that he is well capable of producing attacking returns. Despite the fact that he has not scored in his last 6 games, many a fantasy manager will be counting on the Spaniard to return to form in the double gameweek. In defence, Ben Davies (4.6) and Angel Rangel (4.7) look the best options in terms of the potential of attacking returns. Pablo Hernandez (5.9), Wayne Routledge (5.5) and Nathan Dyer (5.2) are differential budget options in the wide midfield positions but uncertainty over which two of the trio will play limits the potential of all three. Another budget option in midfield lies with Jonathan De Guzman. The American has been pushed further forward in recent weeks to support Michu up front and his share of set pieces makes him a contender for a transfer if money is tight in the budget.

However, for those thinking of stocking up on the assets of Liverpool and Swansea, beware of the blank fixture for both sides in gameweek 27. If you have four double gameweek players in gameweek 26, you can transfer one player out next week and still field 11 players but if you have more than four double gameweek players, you will not be able to field a full 11 in gameweek 27 without spending valuable points on transfers.

Outside of the double gameweek sides, there are some other fixtures which stand out this week. Despite the fact that Chelsea have only won two of their last six, their home clash with Wigan looks appealing and the likes of Juan Mata should be seriously considered. Man City’s game away to Southampton also looks like a fixture which could produce the goals and any one of David Silva, Edin Dzeko, Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero could be primed for big attacking hauls, while Tottenham’s home tie against a resurgent Newcastle could be a great chance for the in-form Gareth Bale to extend his fine run of form.

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

You can follow Dave McArdle on Twitter @DaveMidlands103

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Schools GAA results

Heywood Community School have been crowned Leinster Colleges Senior Hurling B Champions

The Laois school defeated Colaiste Eanna by 0-13 to 0-7    

But there was disappointment for Portlaoise CBS as they lost 1-16 to 2-7 to Naas CBS in the South Leinster Schools Senior Football B Final

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John Joe Nevin out of National Championships

Olympic silver medalist John Joe Nevin won't be defending his national bantamweight title due to a wrist injury

Paddy Barnes has also pulled out of the National Championships due to illness and a hand injury has ruled Con Sheehan out of defending his super heavyweight title

There's an Midlands clash in the heavyweight opening round this evening

Moate's Ken Okungbowa takes on Bernard O’Reilly of Portlaoise Boxing Club

Also in the heavyweight division this evening it's Christy Joyce against Jimmy Sweeney of Drimnagh

Last year's bantamweight runner up Michael Nevin gets his campaign underway tomorrow with Hugh Joyce also in action

David Oliver Joyce has his opening bout in lightweight tomorrow evening against Jason Conroy

Moate's Joe Ward is already through to the light heavyweight final  

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MORNING HEADLINES

GAELIC GAMES

Laois manager Justin McNulty has kept faith with the 15 players that started against Armagh for Sunday's National Football League Division Two trip to Derry

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

Darren Strong and Conor Boyle both got on the scoresheet last week and start on the wings with John O'Loughlin centre half back

Colm Begley and Brendan Quigley are in midfield

Ross Munnelly, who scored seven points against Armagh, is right wing forward with Billy Sheehan on the other wing and Gary Walsh at centre half forward

Padraig Clancy is full forward with Donie Kingston and Colm Kelly named to start in the corners

We'll have commentary from Celtic Park on Sunday with thanks to MW Hire and Gerry Browne Jewellers Trophy Centre

Kerry manager Eamonn Fitzmaurice has made three changes for Sundays Division One clash with Dublin in Killarney.

Tomás Ó Sé who makes his first start of the new campaign has been named at centre back so Peter Crowley moves to the corner in place of Shane Enright.

Bryan Sheehan takes over from Johnny Buckley in midfield and Barry John Keane comes in for Conor Cox at corner forward.

Michael Shields, Graham Canty, Alan O'Connor and Ciaran Sheehan all return to the Cork starting fifteen for their game with Kildare.

Shields and Canty come in at full back and centre back respectively while O'Connor joins Aidan Walsh in midfield in place of Andrew O'Sullivan. Sheehan is included in the half forward line alongside Fintan Goold and Pearse O'Neill.

Sean Cavanagh, Peter Harte, Stephen O'Neill and Mark Donnelly have all been included in Tyrone's team for Sundays trip to Castlebar to face Mayo.

In Hurling

Athlone IT are into the quarter finals of the Ryan Cup following a 1-9 to 0-7 win over Trinity College, Dublin 

Raharney's Danny Riggs scored 1-1 for Athlone

DIT, Cork IT, Mary Immaculate and UCD all enjoyed Irish Daily Mail Fitzgibbon cup wins yesterday.

NUIG and GMIT played out a dramatic draw, 2-13 each the final score.

First time Leinster and Munster champions clash at O'Moore Park tomorrow in the semi finals of the AIB All-Ireland Club Hurling Championship

Offaly's Kilcormac Killoughey made the breakthrough in Offaly, lifting the Sean Robbins Cup for the first time, before conquering Leinster in December

While Tipperary's Thurles Sarsfields got the better of De La Salle in the Munster decider

Sarsfields can call upon Tipperary stars Lar Corbett, Pa Bourke, Michael Cahill and Paudric Maher but Double Ks manager Danny Owens says it won't necessarily be a star player that will make the difference in Portlaoise tomorrow

We'll have full live commentary on Midlands 103 from 2pm tomorrow with thanks to Aut Even Hospital, Newton Plant Hire and The Colour Yard, Tanyard, Tullamore

In the Leinster Colleges Senior Hurling B Final this afternoon it's Heywood Community School against Colaiste Eanna at Dr Cullen Park at 2pm

Portlaoise CBS' South Leinster Post Primary Schools Senior Football B Final against Naas throws in at 2.15 at Hawkfield, Newbridge

Colaiste Choilm Tullamore take on Scoil Dara Kilcock in the North Leinster Post Primary Schools B Final at St Lomans at 5.30 this evening

Also at 5.30 it's Killina Presentation Secondary School against Mountmellick in their North Leinster Post Primary Schools C Football Semi Final Replay at Rhode GAA Club                               

RUGBY UNION

Ireland head coach Declan Kidney isn't expected to make any changes to his team to face England on Sunday.

Gordon D'Arcy and Keith Earls appear to have got over their injuries and will be ready to play with D'Arcy in the centre and Earls on the bench.

England will announce their team at 10.15

In Rabo Direct Pro 12 Rugby

Three Irish provinces are in action this evening, Ulster host Ospreys at five past seven while at 7.30 Cardiff welcome Leinster and the Scarlets meet Connacht.

Ireland's Under 20s welcome reigning Six Nations champions England to Dubarry Park, Athlone this evening

It's a big night for two local players, Birr loosehead prop Peter Dooley is set to start for the 20s for the first time while Athlone's Robbie Henshaw starts at full back

Henshaw was a centre at international schools level last year while he's played primarily at full back for Connacht this season

This evening's game kicks off at 7.35 at Dubarry Park and we'll have updates on Midlands 103

Last year's Town Cup winners Enniscorthy and the reigning All-Ireland Junior Cup champions Tullamore meet in the All-Ireland Junior Cup Final at Cill Dara tomorrow afternoon

Leinster League champions Tullamore are unbeaten in the last three meetings between the teams and are considered favourites to retain the Cup

Fromer Wilson's Hospital School Multyfarnham student Ivan Poole will start in the centre for Enniscorthy

Tullamore have defeated Kanturk, Monivea and Ballymoney en route to the final and head coach John Moylan says backs coach John Burns has helped them add new attacking options

Kick off at Cill Dara tomorrow is 2.30 and we'll have commentary of the second half

SOCCER

Athlone Town play their second friendly of pre season this evening

Town travel to Hunky Dorys Park to Drogheda at 5.45

Athlone lost to UCD last week and have upcoming matches against Sligo and Bohemians

Edenderry Town host Mount Merrion in the Leinster Senior League's Sunday Senior Division at 7.45 tonight

Edenderry are currently second from bottom after 15 games

In the O'Neills Polikoff Cup Tullamore Town host Transport FC tomorrow while Portlaoise AFC take on St Pats in the Lummy O'Reilly Cup

At 7 O'Clock tomorrow evening CCFL Senior Division title hopefuls Mullingar Athletic play St Peters

Willow Park have a home tie against Swords in round four of the LFA Junior Cup at 2pm on Sunday

The Billy Hyland Premier Division Cup gets underway with two games also at 2, Mullingar Town face Willow Park B and it's league leaders CK United against Birr Town

At 11am in the Michael Dolan Division One Cup it's Clonaslee against Clonmore and Clonbonney versus Mostrim

In the second leg of the opening round of the Women's Cup it's Clara Town against Killeigh at 2pm

And there are three games in the Senior Division, Arlington host Killavilla, Mountmellick play Gallen and it's Clara against Monksland

Those matches are all at 2

GOLF

Padraig Harrington is 6 shots off the lead after the first round of the PGA Pro Am at Pebble Beech, Russell Knock and Hunter Mayhan are tied for first on 6 under.

Damien McGrane is four shots off the lead on 5 under heading into his second round at the Joburg Open, Trevor Fisher Junior leads at10 under

BOXING

The weigh ins for the National Elite Boxing Championships are taking place in Dublin this morning with the draws for the opening round at lunchtime

There's plenty of Midlands interest in the Championships, Hugh Joyce is competing at flyweight

Olympic silver medalist John Joe Nevin defends the bantamweight title, he's going for 6 in-a-row. Also in that division is John Joe's Portlaoise cousin Michael who reached the final last year.

David Oliver Joyce, who has been in excellent form in the World Series of Boxing, is competing at lightweight

2008 Mullingar Olympian John Joe Joyce has been an unlucky loser in recent years, he lost out to Adam Nolan in a thrilling final last year at welterweight

Christy Joyce is entered at middleweight, European champion Joe Ward defends the Light Heavyweight title while David Joyce is also in that division.

Moate's Ken Okungbowa, Athy's Christy Joyce and Portlaoise's Bernard O'Reilly will be going in search of the heavyweight title

ATHLETICS

Athlone IT plays host to the Woodie's DIY AAI Master Indoor Championships tomorrow

Tullamore Harriers' Pauline Curley, who won the Masters Cross Country last week, will be going for the gold in the 3000 metres and 1500 metres

The athletes will be hoping to prove their form ahead of the European Master’s Indoors in Spain next month

BASKETBALL

Portlaoise Panthers look to bounce back from last week's loss away to NUI Galway when they host Tralee Imperials in the Women's National League tomorrow evening

That defeat saw the Panthers slip to second place and the Imperials go into the 7.30 game at St Mary's with a one point lead at the top of the table

HOCKEY

Mullingar's firsts hockey team will be targetting a win in tomorrow's Leinster League Division Four clash with Clontarf

Mullingar are currently second in the table while Clontarf prop up the division

Mullingar's struggling seconds team face Trinity in Division Six with both those games at 1pm

Tullamore are up against University College, Dublin at 11am in Ladies Division Six while it Division Eight it's Mullingar against Botanic at the same time

RACING

There's a bumper eight race card at Dundalk this evening with the first race on the all weather at 10 to 6

Reigning flat jockey champion Joseph O'Brien will partner El Salvador from his father Aidan's stable in the bookings@dundalkstadium.com Maiden

The Madden family will be hoping for more success with their Dundalk specialist, Shake The Bucket in the Crowne Plaza Stay And Race Handicap at 7.20

Rhode's Pat Smullen is aboard Core Element in the same race

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