Saturday morning news

RUGBY UNION

Athlone teenager Rob Henshaw played the full 80 minutes at full back Connacht stunned European champions Leinster at the Sportsground last night

Naoupu, Loughney, O'Halloran, Vainikolo and McSharry scored tries for Eric Elwood's side in the 34-6 Rabo Direct Pro 12 win

SOCCER

A Sean Brosnan goal 5 minutes from time gave Limerick a 1-0 win over Athlone Town at Jackman Park last night

The win secures a return to top flight football for Limerick while Athlone have now not won in 11 games.

In the CCFL's Senior Division holders Willow Park were 5-1 winners over Mountmellick

RACING

Dundalk has been good to been good to Offaly jockey Pat Smullen this week and, after his double there on Thursday evening, he was back in the winner’s enclosure last night thanks to Al Mancilia in the Christmas Party Nights at Dundalk Handicap.

That victory gave the Rhode man his 74th success of the season and stretched his lead to two over Joseph O’Brien in the race for the jockey's championship.

Trained by Pat Flynn, Al Mancilia stayed on strongly under Smullen and edged out Elusive Express by half-a-length.

She was returned at odds of 7-1. 

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Friday morning headlines

GOLF

The European team is being led off by the Irish pair of Rory McIlroy and Graeme Mc Dowell as they face

Jim Furyk and Brandt Snedeker in the foursomes at twenty past one at Medinah

At one thirty five Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley play Luke Donald and Sergio Garcia while at ten to two Zach Johnson and Jason Dufner meet Lee Westwood and Francesco Molinari

The final pairs out at five past two sees Steve Stricker and Tiger Woods play Ian Poulter and Justin Rose.

The fourballs take place from five past six.


GAELIC GAMES

Kilkenny and Galway will name their teams today for Sundays all Ireland final re-play in Croke Park.

No changes are expected on either side.


Lar Corbett has given his backing to the appointment of Eamon O'Shea as new Tipperary manager.

Eamon Corcoran who had been linked with a backroom position in the new management set up says he has not been contacted about it but insists he could not take up a position at this time due to work and family commitments.


Seamus McEnaney has confirmed he would be interested in the Roscommon job which is currently vacant following Des Newton departure.

"Banty" stepped down as Meath manager following their Championship exit this season.

On the pitch St Galls are out for a sixth Antrim title in a row when they meet Saint Johns in the county final tonight at Casement Park, throw in is at 7.


The Mayo footballers have withdrawn from next week's FBD league final in New York.

The Mayo County Board have announced that they will be unable to compete in the game in the aftermath of an extended season that saw James Horan's side make it all the way to the All Ireland final.

The senior team's championship commitments have left a backlog in the Mayo club championship and the
County Board says it has been forced to reschedule their senior and intermediate semi-finals to ensure the involvement of Mayo clubs in the Connacht club championships.

The Mayo County Board has offered its apologies to the Connacht Council and the New York County Board and says that it deeply regrets having to take such a drastic decision.



RUGBY UNION

The derby match between Connacht and Leinster is the feature match tonight in the Rabo Direct Pro 12.
Athlone teenager Robbie Henshaw starts at full back for Connacht and Scottish fly half Dan Parks makes his debut for Eric Elwood's side

Rob Kearney will make his first start of the season for Leinster

Kick off at the Sportsground is at 8 o'clock

Ulster are also in action when they face Cardiff Blues at 7.35 at the Arms Park.
Tommy Bowe will make his return to the Ulster colours after being named on the wing


SOCCER

Athlone Town are away to table toppers Limerick in the League of Ireland's First Division this evening
Kick off at Jackman Park is 7.45

There's one game in the CCFL's Senior Division this evening as defending champions Willow Park host Mountmellick at 8 O'Clock


Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has signed a new eight-year contract at the club.

Despite their League Cup exit at the hands of Manchester United, Newcastle say that they're hoping to become a consistent top-four finisher within the next five years and that Pardew's role is central to that target.


The FAI has been given grant aid from FIFA to expand its facilities at Abbotstown in west Dublin.

FIFA have promised 500,000 dollars to the Association, while the Irish Government will donate a further half-a-million euro which the Association says will allow them to provide training facilities for elite players and underage international squads.


Blackburn will receive up to 4-million pounds in compensation following Junior Hoilett's move to QPR.

The 22-year-old left Ewood Park after his contract expired in the summer.

The Premier League club will pay an initial fee of 3-million pounds, with a further 1-million subject to appearances.

Rovers also revealed they will be entitled to a sell-on fee if Rangers move the winger on.


Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill says Lee Cattermole will keep the club's captaincy, despite another controversial sending off.

The 24-year-old was dismissed for the fifth time in his Black Cats career for a challenge on MK Dons defender Adam Chicksen during Tuesday night's League Cup victory.

The midfielder will now miss the next three Premier League games, including the derby clash with Newcastle.

Arsenal defender Andre Santos has been banned from driving for a year after admitting to speeding.

The Brazilian failed to stop as he was pursued by police and wove between lanes, travelling at speeds up to 145-miles-per-hour in rush hour traffic in August.


FORMULA ONE

Lewis Hamilton is reportedly set to announce today that he is to leave McLaren for Mercedes.

Confirmation of Hamilton's intentions will bring to an end one of F1's longest-lasting transfer sagas and is likely to see Michael Schumacher, the sport's most successful driver, retire for the second time and the appointment of Sergio Perez as Jenson Button's new McLaren team-mate for 2013.


CYCLING

World cycling governing body, the UCI, has expressed disappointment with the continued delay of the release of US Anti-Doping Agency's report into Lance Armstrong's lifetime ban from the sport.

The US agency announced yesterday that it has pushed-back the publication of its long-awaited report, which is likely to see Armstrong stripped of his seven Tour de France titles, until mid October.

UCI president Pat McQuaid has admitted that he finds it unusual that Usada still appears to be gathering evidence after delivering its verdict on Armstrong.


CRICKET

It was a dramatic day at the ICC World Twenty20 yesterday.

Tournament hosts, Sri Lanka needed a 'super over' to beat New Zealand after the two sides finished tied on 174 runs from their 20 overs

Eoin Morgan very nearly bailed-out England as the defending champions suffered a 15-run defeat to the West Indies - Morgan battered five sixes and four fours on his way to 71 runs off just 36 balls, but it proved to be too little too late to rescue his side.

AMERICAN FOOTBALL

The use of the so-called 'scab refs' in American football has been brought to an end.

The NFL and the Referees Association have reached an agreement to end the three-month lockout, with regular officials returning to work for last night’s game between the Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Ravens.

The Ravens won 23-16

RACING

Rhode's Pat Smullen wrestled back the lead from Joseph O’Brien in the Flat Jockeys Championship thanks to a 9-1 Dundalk double on Bracing Breeze and Mouteab which beefed up his account to 73 winners, one clear of his chief rival.
There's an eight race card at the Louth venue from 6 O'Clock this evening.

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Connacht V Leinster team news

Eric Elwood has made a number of changes to his side as they prepare to take on the European Champions Leinster tomorrow night in the Sportsground.

Athlone's Robbie Henshaw replaces an injured Gavin Duffy in the fullback position.

19 year old Henshaw earned his first competitive start in Glasgow last week and had made a notable impact from the bench in all three previous league matches.

Both Tiernan O'Halloran and Fetu'u Vainikolo return to their starting positions on the wing while Eoin Griffin joins Dave McSharry in the centre.
Dan Parks makes a welcome return to rugby and his debut for the province tomorrow night as out half.

Up front, Brett Wilkinson makes way for Denis Buckley as loosehead prop while former Leinster prop Nathan White, who also captains the side, starts again as tighthead prop.

Michael Swift, who earns his 150th league appearance on the eve of this derby game, slots back into the second row and is joined by fellow second rower Mike McCarthy.

Eoin McKeon who started the last two weeks in the number 8 position moves to blindside flanker and joins Johnny O'Connor and George Naoupu in the back row



Ireland international Rob Kearney will make his first seasonal start – and 121st Leinster appearance - and the Louth man is named in a backline which also includes Fergus McFadden who starts on the right wing.

Gordon D’Arcy will be partnered by Brendan Macken, who scored a brace of tries last weekend, with Isa Nacewa moving to the left wing. John Cooney links up with Ian Madigan at half back.

In the pack, Shane Jennings leads the team and he is joined in the pack by Ben Marshall and Quinn Roux – with the South African lock set to make his 2nd appearance for the province.

Heinke van der Merwe comes into the front row, while the province can call on an all-Ireland international front row off the bench in ex Connacht hooker Sean Cronin, Cian Healy and Mike Ross.

KO for Connacht v Leinster is 8pm in the Sportsground tomorrow.

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O'Dempseys V Timahoe reaction

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Thursday morning sport

GAELIC GAMES

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

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

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

SOCCER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

Kick off at Jackman Park is 7.45pm.


GOLF

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

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

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


RUGBY UNION

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

The game will be played on October 8th


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


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

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

Kick off at Dubarry Park is 2.30 and admission is free

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


RACING

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

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

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

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Cormac Moore 'The GAA V Douglas Hyde' Interview

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Wednesday morning headlines

SOCCER Ireland winger James McClean scored and David Meyler started as Sunderland secured their spot in the 4th round of the Capital One Cup last night, the Black Cats beat MK Dons 2-0. Seamus Coleman started for Everton who lost 2-1 to Leeds at Elland Road while Shay Given was between the sticks and Ciaran Clark was in defence as Aston Villa overcame Manchester City 4-2 at the Etihad. Mario Balotelli opened the scoring for City before a Gareth Barry own goal against his former side levelled matters in the second half, Alexander Kolorov restored the lead before Gabby Agbonlahor brought the game into extra time with his strike. Agbonlahor and Charles N'Zogbia found the net in either half of extra time to give Villa a 4-2 win. Chelsea hammered Wolves 6-0 with Victor Moses and Fernando Torres amongst the scorers while West Ham beat Wigan 4-1 and Swansea beat Crawley Town 3-2. Tonight Arsenal host Coventry, Spurs travel to Carlisle, Manchester United meet Newcastle, Norwich play Doncaster, QPR meet Reading and West Brom play Liverpool. In Scotland Gary Hooper scored 4 goals as Celtic beat Raith Rovers 4-1 in the league cup while in the Airtricity league Premier division St Pats beat Shamrock Rovers 2-1 to cut the gap on Sligo to just 6 points. Edenderry Town and Willow Park have both been handed byes into round two of the Leinster Senior Cup The competition kicks off next month GAA Eamon O'Shea has been ratified as the new Tipperary hurling manager. O'Shea, a Professor at N.U.I Galway, had been part of Liam Sheedy's backroom team when they won the All Ireland in 2010. O'Dempseys and Timahoe meet again this evening to decide the 4th semi finalist in the Laois Senior Football Championship It finished 1-9 a-piece at O'Moore Park on Saturday night and this evening's replay throws in at 7.45 The draw for the last four will take place after the game and we'll have updates here on Midlands 103 with thanks to Tynans Restaurant at the Storeyard, Kea Lew Business Park, Portlaoise In the Leinster Post Primary Schools Junior Hurling yesterday afternoon Kilkenny's St. Kieran's defeated St Brendan's Birr by 4-13 to 0-1 CAMOGIE Raharney and Lough Lene Gales meet in the Westmeath Camogie Final at Kinnegad at 4.45 this Saturday, the Gaels won last year's final between the sides Leinster Intermediate club champions The Harps defend their Laois Camogie title against Camross at Rathdowney at 5 O'Clock And Lusmagh hosts the Offaly semi finals, last year's beaten finalists Shinrone face St Rynaghs at 2.15 while holders Drumcullen play Birr at 4 RUGBY UNION Ireland head coach Declan Kidney has confirmed that he will once-again operate without a specialist backs coach this season. Kidney has failed to fill the gap left by Alan Gaffney at the end of last year's World Cup in New Zealand, with defence coach Les Kiss and kicking coach Mark Tainton taking-on more responsibility for coaching the attack. GOLF Tiger Woods has warned Rory McIlroy that he will be the target for the American team at the Ryder cup. The Ulsterman tops the world rankings going into the event at Medinah Woods says every player on the US team will be especially motivated to beat him as a result.

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HEADLINES

GAELIC GAMES The newly crowned All Ireland Football Champions Donegal will be greeted to a heroes welcome tonight when they arrive home at around 8 O’Clock. The Tir Conaill men have the Sam Maguire for only the second time in the county's history. They beat Mayo by 2-11 to 13 points at Croke Park yesterday to win their first All Ireland since 1992. Timahoe and O'Dempseys are set to meet again on Wednesday in a Laois Senior Football Championship Quarter Final Replay The teams were locked at 1-9 a piece at full time on Saturday Arles Kilcruise eased past Graiguecullen by 1-14 to 0-4 Portlaoise and St Josephs were the first two teams to book their places in the semi finals on Friday Champions Portlaoise held Stradbally to just 2 second half points in a 3-8 to 1-5 win in the game between the big and little towns Josephs surprised Portlarlington with a 0-11 to 0-8 win in the opener Lusmagh are set to return to the Offaly Senior Hurling Championship Benny Kelly's team defeated neighbours St Rynaghs by 4-12 to 2-14 in a thrilling Intermediate Final at O'Connor Park yesterday afternoon St Malachys have been relegated from the Westmeath Senior Football Championship Killucan won Saturday's playoff by 2-11 to 0-5 Paul Greville and James Nugent found the net LADIES FOOTBALL Timahoe have been crowned Laois Ladies Football champions for the 5th time in 7 years. They produced a second half comeback to defeat rivals Sarsfields by 2-10 to 2-9 at Crettyard. Park Ratheniska got the better of St Conleths in the Junior decider. SOCCER Midlands teams St Peters, Edenderry Town, Willow Park and Arlington have advanced to the second round of the LFA Junior Cup In the CCFL's Senior Division Gallen defeated Monksland 3-1 and it was a one all draw between Melville and Mountmellick Athlone Town's winless streak now stretches to 10 games Town lost 3-0 to Mervue on Friday night Athlone's Under 19s won 2-0 against Galway United while the Under 17s were knocked out of the LFA Youths Cup John Terry's FA hearing is under way at Wembley. The Chelsea defender is appearing in front of a four man panel on claims he racially abused QPR's Anton Ferdinand. He's already been cleared of any criminal offence. The Former England captain retired from International football last night claiming the FA made his position "untenable". Liverpool's Martin Kelly will be out of action until next year. The England defender limped off with a knee injury during yesterdays 2-1 defeat at home to Manchester United. RUGBY UNION Athlone teenager Rob Henshaw played the full game at outside centre for Connacht in their 27-17 loss to Glasgow on Friday night His Buccs' clubmate Jack Carty came on to make his debut Buccaneers have finished 3rd in the Connacht Senior League A depleted Pirates side lost 37-26 to Sligo on Saturday Birr's Shane Delanhunt captained Leinster's Under 19s to 30-16 win over Ulster at Old Belvedere Peter Dooley also played in what's Leinster's second win of the Inter Pro campaign Tullamore's Emer McManamly has been named in the Leinster Women's squad for the new season Brian Geraghty scored a brace of tries as Tullamore won 25-10 away to Dundalk to remain top of Division One A of the Leinster League Edenderry defeated Birr in the Midland J1 Trophy Final CRICKET Ireland and the West Indies go head to head in Colombo at 3pm today in a winner takes all shootout at the World Twenty20. Both sides were beaten by Australia in Group B which means the winner will go through to the Super Eights. Ireland have a full squad to choose after six of the players recovered from a from a virus they picked up over the weekend. GOLF Brandt Snedeker is 11 and a half million dollars richer after winning the Tour Championship in Atlanta. The victory saw the American finish top of the Fed Ex Cup standings ahead of Rory McIlroy. Both players now turn their attention to the Ryder Cup which gets underway in Medinah on Friday. RACING It was a good weekend for Rhode jockey Pat Smullen. He was aboard the winner Captain Ramius in the Ayr Gold Cup on Saturday and won the last race at Gowran Park yesterday evening to close the gap on Joseph O'Brien in the jockey's championship to one.

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Park Ratheniska - Laois Ladies Senior B Champions

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Timahoe are Laois Ladies Champions

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Jim McGuire post Graiguecullen

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Eoin Kelly on Lusmagh's success

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Brian McCarthy interview

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Friday morning headlines

GAELIC GAMES

Donegal have named an unchanged team for Sunday's All-Ireland Football final against Mayo at Croke Park.

Ryan Bradley is selected in the half forward line despite concerns over a shoulder injury he sustained in the semi-final win over Cork.

Mayo are expected to name their side later today.

The Connacht champions could be without wing back Colm Boyle.

Clonaslee St Manmans have been relegated to the Laois Intermediate Football Championship for next year

The Heath won the relegation playoff at Portarlington by 2-8 to 2-5

This evening O'Moore Park hosts the first two Sparrow Insurance Laois Senior Football Quarter Finals

It's St Josephs against Portarlington at 6.45 while it's Portlaoise against Stradbally at 8

LADIES FOOTBALL

Timahoe and Sarsfields meet in the Laois Senior Ladies Football Final for the 6th year in a row tomorrow evening

Sarsfields are the current holders of the Lulu Carroll Cup but Timahoe have had the edge in the meetings in recent years winning 4 of those 6 finals

The final throws in at 6 O'Clock at Crettyard

Park Ratheniska and St Conleths meet in the curtain raising Senior B Final at 4 O'Clock

SOCCER

Liverpool got their Europa League campaign off to a winning start, but Newcastle and Tottenham both had to settle for draws.

Liverpool won 5-3 away to Young Boys of Switzerland.

Jonjo Shelvey came off the bench to score twice for the Reds.

Tottenham and Newcastle were both held to scoreless draws.

Spurs were at home to Lazio where three players were subject to racist abuse from the away support while Newcastle were away to Maritimo

Athlone Town seek to put the disappointment of last week's drubbing by Wexford behind them when they host Mervue this evening

Town, who haven't won in 10 games, can call upon Stephen Relihan and Garvan Broughall who both impressed before a stint in the United States

Captain Noel McGee remains sidelined with injury but his former St Peters strike partner Mark Sherlock returns for the 7.45 kick off

There's one game this evening in the CCFL's Premier Division

Willow Park B host Mullingar Athletic B at 8 O'Clock

Sligo Rovers can move one step closer to a first top flight title since 1977 tonight.

The Airtricity League Premier Division leaders are away to Bray Wanderers at 7.05.

Elsewhere tonight Bohemians host Cork City, Derry City and UCD meet at the Brandywell and Shelbourne make the trip to Dundalk

Those three games kick off at 7:45.

RUGBY UNION

Rob Henshaw's club coach Hendre Marnitz feels tonight's Rabo Direct Pro 12 start will be an important step in the centre's development

Henshaw makes his first competitive start for Connacht in this evening's game away to Glasgow

Marnitz is delighted that coach Eric Elwood has handed the 19 year old a start

Connacht Eagles defeated Munster A 19-15 at Garryowen last evening

Tadhg Leader was Connacht's chief scorer with the boot while Jerome Harimate also scored a try

Buccaneers players Conor Finn, Callum Boland, Danny Qualter, Eoghan Grace and Dave Heffernan were involved with the Eagles

While Birr's Shane Delahunt will captain Leinster Under 19s against Ulster at Old Belvedere tomorrow

Peter Dooley also starts in the front row

Portlaoise's womens team open their All-Ireland League Division Two South campaign against Galbally on Sunday

Kick off at Togher is 2pm

GOLF

Rory McIlroy is three shots off the lead after the first round of the Tour Championship in Atlanta.

The world number 1 finished up on 1 under par.

One of his rivals for the Fed Ex Cup series, Tiger Woods has a share of the lead on 4 under alongside Justin Rose.

Offaly's Stephen Grant is targeting a round of 67 in order to progress at the European Tour Qualifying School event in Germany

The former pro footballer is 2 over after 3 rounds having shot a level par 72 yesterday

Niall Kearney is well placed to advance, he goes into today at 2 under

NFL

Eli Manning produced another superb display as the New York Giants thumped the Carolina Panthers 36-7 in Charlotte last night

Manning completed completed 27 out of 35 passes for 288 yards with one touchdown pass for Martellus Bennett.

RACING

Rhode's Pat Smullen has two rides at Listowel this afternoon as he looks to further close the gap on Joseph O'Brien in the flat jockey's title race

O'Brien currently leads by 2 winners, the 8 race card gets underway at 5 to 2 with the going still soft to heavy

This afternoon's meeting at Ayr goes ahead after the track passed a 6.30am inspection.

Thursday's meeting at the Scottish venue was abandoned due to a waterlogged track but conditions have improved sufficiently to race today.

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Win for Connacht Eagles against Munster A

Connacht Eagles have defeated Munster A 19-15 at Garryowen RFC

Tadhg Leader was Connacht's chief scorer with the boot while Jerome Harimate also scored a try

Buccaneers players Conor Finn, Callum Boland, Danny Qualter, Eoghan Grace and Dave Heffernan were involved with the Eagles

While Birr's Shane Delahunt will captain Leinster Under 19s against Ulster at Old Belvedere tomorrow afternoon

Peter Dooley also starts in the front row

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Athlone Town team news ahead of Mervue game

Athlone Town captain Noel McGee is out for three more weeks

McGee's calf injury rules him out of tomorrow night's home game with Mervue, Stephen Last, Neil Harney and Eric Molloy are also definitely out while Barry O’Mahoney and Damien Rushe are both doubtful

Sean Skelly serves the last match of his suspension

But manager Padraig Moran should be able to call upon Stephen Relihan, Garvan Broughall and Mark Sherlock as Town aim to end a run of 10 games without a win

Kick off at Athlone Town Stadium is 7.45

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Henshaw handed Connacht start

Athlone teenager Rob Henshaw is set to make his first Rabo Direct Pro 12 start for Connacht

The former Marist student has been selected at outside centre by coach Eric Elwood for tomorrow night's game away to Glasgow

Henshaw replaces the injured Eoin Griffin in one of eight changes from the side that lost to the Scarlets in Galway last weekend

Mark McCrea and James Loxton replace Fetu’u Vainikolo and Tiernan O’Halloran on the wings and Matthew Jarvis comes in for Miah Nikora at scrum half

Willie Faloon, who made his Connacht starting debut last weekend, starts in the all-new back row trio which sees Johnny O’Connor move from Openside to Blindside Flanker

And Buccaneers Ireland Under 20s capped fly half Jack Carty is among the replacements

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Thursday morning headlines

SOCCER

Chelsea blew a two-goal lead as their defence of the Champions League with a 2-2 all draw with Juventus.

Oscar scored a stunning brace to put Chelsea 2-0 up after 33 minutes but Arturo Vidal pulled a goal back before the break and Fabio Quagliarella came off the bench to equalise 10 minutes from time.


Michael Carrick's 7th minute goal gave Manchester United a 2-0 win over Galatasary.

It was the England midfielder's first goal in the competition for three years.

United missed yet another penalty, their third of the season, through Nani.

Celtic were held to a goalless draw by Benfica in their Group G opener at Parkhead.


Three Premier League sides are in Europa League action later.

Tottenham host Italian side Lazio at White Hart Lane, Liverpool begin their campaign in Switzerland against Young Boys and Newcastle are in Portugal to face Maritimo.


Damien Duff no longer has 100 caps for the Republic of Ireland according to today's Star.

The Fulham winger captained his country in the final group game of Euro 2012 to mark his 100th appearance.

But Duff is now stuck on 99 caps due a problem with the friendly with Hungary in Budapest before the Euro's.

The game on the 4th of June doesn't count as a full international because of the referee.

Kenn Hansen from Denmark wasn't appointed correctly by the Hungarian FA according to FIFA.


GAELIC GAMES

Clonaslee St Manmans and The Heath battle to beat the drop in the Laois Senior Football Championship tonight

Portarlington hosts the relegation playoff at 7.45


Maurice Horan's been handed another two years as manager of the Limerick footballers.
Horan's been in charge for two years already and will remain on until end of the 2014 championship.

He'll be ratified at a full county board meeting next month.


Galway manager Anthony Cunningham has played down comments from Joe Canning in relation to Henry Shefflin.

The Tribesmen's star forward caused a stir after he appeared to accuse Shefflin of unsportsman-like behaviour during their drawn All-Ireland final earlier this month.

But Cunningham says the only thing Canning did wrong was use a poor choice of words and he was actually complimenting Shefflin's leadership qualities.


RUGBY UNION

Four Mullingar players have been selected on the Leinster Under 18 Clubs team to play Ulster at Donnybrook on Saturday

Niall Hannon and Andrew Purcell are in the pack with Conor O'Brien at fly half and Anthony McGivney on the right wing

Tullamore's Karl Dunne starts at full back with the team captained by Gorey centre James Nolan

Abbeyleix's Rory Maloney and his Cistercian Roscrea classmate Oisin Heffernan played for Leinster Under
18 Schools 61-3 win over Connacht at Donnybrook yesterday evening

The win saw Leinster crowned Inter Pro champions


GOLF

Rory McIlroy's in action later today at the Tour Championship in Atlanta.

The World number 1 goes into the tournament at the top of the FedEx Cup standings and will win more than 10 million dollars in prize money if he ends up top of the pile.

Tiger Woods goes into the finale in second place while Nick Watney, Phil Mickelson and Brandt Snedeker could also finish top of the standings with a win this week.

Birr's Stephen Grant goes out at 2 over par on day three of the European Tour Qualifying School in Germany

The former pro footballer has been struggling with a back injury during the event
Grant is back out at 10 past 12


BOXING

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr could lose his $3m purse after testing positive for marijuana following last weekend's points loss against Sergio Martinez.

Chavez Jr, son of the Mexican boxing legend, lost his WBC middleweight title despite dropping Martinez in the last round in Las Vegas, but his first defeat could be even more painful if Nevada boxing chiefs take severe action.

Chavez Jr is no stranger to controversy as he was suspended for seven months after testing positive for a banned diuretic after his 2009 win over Troy Rowlands, which was changed to a no-contest.


RACING

The €40,000 Guinness Handicap Hurdle is the highlight of the eight race card on day 5 of the Listowel Festival

The going is heavy on the Flat course and heavy, soft to heavy in places on the National Hunt track ahead of the 2.05 start

Rhode jockey Pat Smullen is three winners behind Joseph O'Brien in the race for the flat jockeys championship going into the meeting

The first day of Ayr's William Hill Gold Cup meeting has been abandoned due to a waterlogged track.

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MORNING HEADLINES

SOCCER

Former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo sank Manchester City with a dramatic late winner in their Champions League Group D opener against Real Madrid.

City looked like they might snatch a clash in which they had been outplayed when Aleksandar Kolarov struck late on.

But Madrid responded to the delight of the Bernabeu as Karim Benzema levelled and Ronaldo won it at the death.

The visitors had taken a 1-0 lead against the run of play through substitute Edin Dzeko in the second half but Marcelo quickly cancelled out the strike.

In the other game in the group Robert Lewandowski's 87th-minute goal gave Borussia Dortmund a 1-0 victory over Ajax.

Arsenal got their Group B campaign off to a winning start after coming from behind to beat Montpellier 2-1 in France.

Lukas Podolski and Gervinho were on target for the Gunners while Schalke opened up with a 2-1 victory over Olympiakos in Greece

Elsewhere,

Paris St Germain won 4-1 against Dynamo Kiev at Parc des Princes, Porto won the other Group A match 2-0 away to Dinamo Zagreb.

Malaga began their first ever Champions League campaign in perfect fashion as two stunning goals from Isco guided them to a 3-0 Group C win over Zenit St Petersburg at La Rosaleda.

AC Milan's struggles continue in a 0-0 home draw against Anderlecht.

Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa are likely to be recalled for Manchester United's home match with Galatasary in Group H tonight

Holders Chelsea host Serie A champions Juventus in group E

Celtic host Benfica, all those games are at 7.45

Blackburn stay top of the Championship after coming from behind to beat Barnsley last night.

Rovers have now gone five league games without defeat.

Blackpool are still a point behind Blackburn after thrashing Middlesbrough 4-1 last night.

The side contained six changes after the draw at Barnsley at the weekend.

Rangers lost on penalties to Queen of the South in the quarter finals of the Scottish Challenge Cup.

GAELIC GAMES

Reports are suggesting that Mayo defender Colm Boyle may not be fit enough to start Sundays All Ireland final against Donegal in Croke Park.

Boyle missed the semi final through illness but it's hoped he may play some part this weekend.

Clare senior hurling manager Davy Fitzgerald is tipping Galway to dethrone Kilkenny in next week's All Ireland final re-play.

The Tribesmen have already beaten the Cats this year after their dramatic Leinster final success and their late equaliser in this year's All Ireland final means that they're unbeaten in their last two outings against Brian Cody's side.

Fitzgerald believes that the Galway players' belief will be strengthened by those performances

The details of the Westmeath Senior Football Semi Final replay have been confirmed

St Lomans and Mullingar Shamrocks will meet again on Sunday September 30th at 5pm at Cusack Park

The winners will go on to play Garrycastle in the final next month

  

RUGBY UNION

Cistercian Roscrea classmates will go head to head as Leinster and Connacht face off in the Under 18 Schools InterPros this afternoon

Abbeyleix native Rory Moloney captains Leinster into the game with Oisin Heffernan selected in the front row

Their Roscrea schoolmates Ciaran Gavin and Mark Kelly are in the Connacht pack while Dwayne Corcoran is inside centre

Marist College, Athlone have three players in the Connacht backs, Sean Dempsey, Brian Gilligan and Sean Doyle while Jack Codyre from Garbally College wears number 8

Kick off at Donnybrook this afternoon is 2.30

GOLF

There were 6 birdies for Birr's Stephen Grant in a two under par second round at the European Tour Qualifying School in Germany.

He's now 2 over, while playing through a back injury, which is on the qualifying mark for the next stage

CRICKET

Ireland begin their World Twenty20 campaign this morning.

They go up against Australia in Colombo at 11am

There's inside knowledge in the Irish camp in former Aussie fast bowling coach Craig McDermott

RACING

It's Kerry National Day at the Listowel Festival this afternoon with the big race off at 5 past 4

The first of eight goes to post at 5 to 2, with the going heavy on the flat and heavy to soft on the jumps course

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New sports shows on Midlands 103

Our Sunday sports programme becomes 'The Inside Line' (2-6pm) on Sunday October 7th. A new 4 hour Saturday sports show (5-9pm) will commence on Saturday October 6th

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John Joe Nevin interview

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Morning headlines

GAELIC GAMES Leinster champions Garrycastle are into the Westmeath Senior Football Final for the 5th year in a row Eoin Monaghan scored two goals and Paddy Mulvihill and James Dolan also raised the green flag in their 4-10 to 0-12 win over Maryland The other last four clash was a thrilling Mullingar derby, St Lomans and Shamrocks will meet again on Sunday week following their 1-12 all draw St Rynaghs and Kilcormac Killoughey will contest the Offaly Senior Hurling Final on October 7th Sub Killian Leonard hit a last gasp winner as the double Ks defeated Birr by 1-11 to 0-13 in the opener at O'Connor Park A brace of goals from Stephen Quirke and one from Gary Conneelly helped St Rynaghs to a 3-12 to 0-15 win over Shinrone It's Rynaghs’ first final in over a decade Clough Ballacolla and Rathdowney Errill, who have shared the last 4 Laois hurling titles between them, will meet in the final Clough Ballacolla produced a late rally to see off a spirited Borris Kilcotton side by 1-17 to 2-11 Rathdowney Errill were comfortable 1-18 to 0-13 winners over the Harps in the second match at O'Moore Park last night The Champions of Limerick and Waterford have both been knocked out of their respective championships. In Waterford Ballygunner lost 16 points to 2 - 8 against Mount Sion while in Limerick Na Piarsigh lost 4-24 to 4-13 against Kilmallock who'll face Adare in the final. In Cork Bishopstown and Sarsfield will meet in the final following wins over Ballymartle and C.I.T. Cork hurler Pa Cronin scoring 11 points for Bishopstown in their 1-13 to 12 point victory. Tuam Stars and Salthill Knocknacarra will play each other in the Galway football final after wins over Corofin and Killererin. In Sligo Curry beat Tourlestrane in the semi final. LADIES FOOTBALL Ireland underage football international Jenny Byrne found the net as Garrycastle were crowned Westmeath Ladies Football Championships in yesterday's final with Coralstown Kinnegad, Killucan won the intermediate decider Offaly senior champions St Rynaghs and junior winners St Vincents both advanced in the Leinster Championship CAMOGIE Wexford completed a historic 3 in a row yesterday by beating Cork in the All Ireland senior camogie final at Croke Park. 3-13 to 3-6 the final score. Ursula Jacob scored 2-7 for the Yellow Bellies Holders Lough Lene Gaels are into the Westmeath Senior Camogie Final following Friday's win over Cullion Raharney play Clonkill under lights in Kinnegad at 7.30 in the second semi final tomorrow In the Offaly Senior Camogie League there were weekend wins for Shinrone, Drumcullen, St Sinchalls and Naomh Bhrid GOLF Shane Lowry collected a cheque for 22 thousand Euro for his 13th place finish at the BMW Italian Open yesterday That top 20 finish moves him close to the top 60 on the Race to Dubai standings Gonzalo Fernandez Castano won the event at 24 under SOCCER Arlington defeated table toppers Willow Park 1-0 in the CCFL's Senior Division yesterday afternoon Melville are second following their 4-1 win over Gallen Mullingar Athletic defeated Monksland 3-2 to move into third, Clara defeated Mountmellick 3-2 and Killavilla defeated St Peters 2-1 In the Premier CK won 2-0 against Willow's B team to continue their 100 per cent start to the new season Birr Town had a 9-1 win over Stradbally, Abbeyleix defeated Mullingar Town 2-0 and Mullingar Athletic's B team were 4-0 winners against Derry Rovers. Athlone Town are down to 6th place in the League of Ireland's First Division Wexford Youths defeated Town 3-0 at Lissywollen on Friday night Athlone's Under 19s beat Wexford Youths 3-1 yesterday In the Premier league Everton will go third in the table if they beat Newcastle at Goodison Park this evening Kick off is at eight o'clock. Tonight in the F.A.I Ford cup quarter final re-play Drogheda host St Pats. Derry City, Dundalk and Shelbourne have already made the final 4 with the draw taking place tonight. RUGBY UNION Galweigans are favourites to win the Connacht Senior League following Saturday's 15-11 win over Buccaneers at Crowley Park Tullamore got off to a perfect start in Division One A of the Leinster League The All-Ireland Junior champions ran in 6 tries in a bonus point 35-0 win over Wanderers at Spollenstown Birr and Edenderry into the Section B Final in the Midlands J1 Trophy, Birr were handed a walkover by the West Offaly Lions Edenderry won 43-0 against the Midland Warriors in their other semi yesterday Rob Henshaw came on as a second half sub in Connacht's disappointing 24-11 home loss to the Scarlets in Galway on Saturday Heineken Cup champions Leinster needed a late drop goal from Jonny Sexton to get a narrow 19-18 win away to Treviso Treviso defeated Leinster two years ago in one of Joe Schmidt's first game in charge Ulster now have three wins from three having defeated Munster. Birr's Peter Dooley and Shane Delahunt both played in the front row for Leinster Under 19s in their 32-13 win over Munster at Garryowen, that's Leinster's second win of the series. They play Ulster next weekend where a win would secure the series Buccs' Conor Fitzgibbon, Barry Dibgy, Aiden Connaughton, Brian Tape and Paul Maxwell all featured for Connacht Under 20s in their 9-7 loss to Ulster at Dubarry Park CRICKET Ireland have registered a win against Bangladesh in their Twenty 20 World cup warm match in Colombo. Phil Simmons side set a target of 165 but Bangladesh could only make 159 for 9. Paul Stirling top scored for Ireland with 71 RACING It’s the second day of the Listowel Harvest Festival takes place on Monday where the first of seven races is due off at 2.35pm. The going is heavy on the Flat course and heavy, soft to heavy on the National Hunt track. After winning a richly-deserved People Of The Year award on Saturday night, popular RTE personality and Moate native Colm Murray will be hoping that Sweet My Lord, whom he has a share in, can land the John F. McGuire Novice Steeplechase under Ruby Walsh. Walsh and Willie Mullins also team up with Chiltern Hills in the I.T.B.A. Fillies Scheme Novice Hurdle but the Paul Nolan-trained Rising Time might have her measure. The most valuable contest on the card is the opening €30,000 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Premier Nursery Handicap where Count Of Limonade and Impound catch the eye most.

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Offaly Hurling Reaction

St Rynaghs and Kilcormac Killoughey will contest the Offaly Senior Hurling Final on October 7th Sub Killian Leonard hit a last gasp winner as the double Ks defeated Birr by 1-11 to 0-13 in the opener at O'Connor Park A brace of goals from Stephen Quirke and one from Gary Conneelly helped Rynaghs to a 3-12 to 0-15 win over Shinrone

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Garrycastle into Westmeath Final

Leinster champions Garrycastle are into the Westmeath Senior Football Final for the 5th year in a row Eoin Monaghan scored two goals and Paddy Mulvihill and James Dolan also raised the green flag in their 4-10 to 0-12 win over Maryland Garrycastle boss Paul Clancy says their strong finish to the game was the difference between the sides:

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Thursday morning headlines

GOLF

Shane Lowry is out for his second round at the BMW Italian Open at 5 to noon this morning

Lowry is well placed in day two at 2 under par, that's 6 shots off the lead

A double bogey on the fourth which was followed by two birdies in a row means Gareth Maybin is 6 under midway through his second round and best of the Irish

GAELIC GAMES

Dublin youngster Ciaran Kilkenny is expected to join Laois' Zach Tuohy as the second Irishman at Carlton

Kilkenny, who scored three points in the Dubs loss to Mayo, has completed a one week trial with the Blues and Dublin teammate Denis Bastick says that if Kilkenny pursues a career Down Under he'll come back a stronger player in the future.

While All-Ireland Club hurling boss P J O'Mullan has withdrawn from the race to became the next Antrim hurling boss.

Clare have named an unchanged side for tomorrows Bord Gais energy under 21 final against Kilkenny in Thurles

The Cats have included 4 senior panel members including Cillian Buckley at wing forward, Richie Doyle at centre back  Willie Phelan at full back and Walter Walsh at corner forward.

CAMOGIE

The first Westmeath Senior Camogie Championship semi final takes place at St Lomans this evening

Cullion play holders Lough Lene Gaels at 6pm

SOCCER

It's 5th against 6th in the League of Ireland's First Division as Athlone Town host Wexford Youths

Town are without captain and top scorer Noel McGee for the 7.45 kick off at Lissywollen, he has a calf injury

There's 4 F.A.I ford cup quarter finals tonight.

Bohemians host Dundalk, Derry City welcome Mervue to the Brandywell, St Pats take on Drogheda in Richmond park and Shelbourne face Shamrock Rovers at Tolka Park.

The games in Dalymount Park and Tolka kick off at 8 while the other two start at 7.45.

Rovers will be under caretaker manager Stephen Glass for the first time

Reports this morning are suggesting that Norwich manager Chris Hughton wants to bring Robbie Brady too the club on loan.

According to the Star the 20 year old is also sought by Wigan, Brady has not featured for Manchester United yet this season and manager Alex Ferguson is considering another loan move.

The Dubliner scored on his senior debut in Tuesdays 4-1 win over Oman.

Celtic captain Scott Brown is confident of an imminent return to action for Celtic and Scotland.

The midfielder missed Scotland's World Cup double header due to a hip injury.

But after two weeks of rest he could return for the Hoops' SPL match this weekend.

RUGBY UNION

Ulster host Munster in the Rabo direct Pro 12 this evening at Ravenhill.

Kick off is at five past seven.

Ulster have made seven changes for that match while Munster welcome back Donncha O'Callaghan , Dave Kilcoyne and  BJ Botha to the pack.

Dubarry Park, Athlone plays host to Connacht Under 20s Interpro match with Ulster this evening

4 Buccaneers players will start on home soil, Aidan Connaughton and Paul Maxwell start at 6 and 7 respectively, Barry Digby is at scrum half while Connor Fitzgibbon is selected on the right wing.

Kick off is 5pm

EQUESTRIAN

Olympian Joseph Murphy is in action at the Johnson & Perrott Land Rover International Horse Trials in Cork this morning, where there's a 50 thousand Euro purse for the winner this weekend

Ballymore native Murphy partners the eight year old DHI Top Story, who he admits is a year away from best form, against 31 rivals with the dressage competition kicking things off at 10 O'Clock

BOXING

Ricky Hatton is due to announce details of his return to the ring later.

The Manchester boxer is holding a news conference to outline his plans to make a dramatic comeback.

Since his last fight in 2009, Hatton's been running a boxing promotions company.

RACING

Today's action is on Down Royal with the first off at 4.

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Birr youngster to captain Leinster 19s

Birr native Shane Delahunt will captain the Leinster Under 19 rugby team against Munster tomorrow evening 

The UCD student will start at tighthead prop with his fellow Birr man Peter Dooley at loosehead

Tomorrow's match at Garryowen rugby club kicks off at 6.30pm 

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Thursday morning sports headlines

GAELIC GAMES Joe Canning has sparked controversy with his comments regarding Kilkenny ahead of the All Ireland Final Replay on Sunday September 30th. Canning claims that Henry Shefflin behaved in an unsporting way in last Sunday's draw adding that in one instance Shefflin ran 30 or 40 yards to give out to the referee Barry Kelly for a free. The Portumna clubman says "that's the way it goes - t hat's probably the experience they have" Old rivals Stradbally and Portlaoise are set to meet in the quarter finals of the Laois Senior Football Championship Stradbally defeated The Rock by 2-13 to 0-13 points in a closely contested third round tie at O'Moore Park last night County forward Colm Kelly continued his fine form for his club accounting for 1-10 of Stradbally's total GOLF Clara's Shane Lowry is to travel to Florida next month to take part in PGA Qualifying School in an attempt to gain a tour card for the lucrative PGA Tour The former Irish Open Champion says "I’ve nothing against the European Tour, I love playing in Europe but I just feel I need to give it a chance, especially as this is the last year for Tour School." Lowry is 1 under after 9 holes of his opening round of the BMW Italian Open The early leaders are 4 under SOCCER Reports are suggesting that the FAI will make around 4 million euro from their two friendly fixtures with England. The two will meet at Wembley in May of next year with a return fixture due in November of 2014. The third and final day of trials for this seasons CCFL FAI Youths Interleague competition has been set for this coming Sunday, the 16th of September at 3pm at Leah Victoria Park, Tullamore. Clubs are requested to forwards player names and positions to Eamonn Brady on (086) 8240767 and players are to have trainers available for use on the all weather facility in the event of inclement weather preventing the use of the grass pitches. RUGBY UNION Leinster's Under 18 Schools team will secure the InterPro series if they defeat Connacht next Wednesday Cistercian Roscrea lock Rory Moloney was among the tries as the Blues defeated Munster by 34 points to 12 at Donnybrook yesterday afternoon Roscrea prop Oisin Heffernan also played the full game for Leinster Connacht lost out 23-0 to Ulster at the Sportsground in yesterday's other match RACING Noel Meade has confirmed that Muirhead will run in the Kerry National at Listowel next week after landing the Ryans Cleaning Chase at Galway last evening Muirhead will go up against last year’s Paddy Power Chase winner Cross Appeal at Listowel The feature Guinness Handicap Chase at Galway went the way of 11-4 favourite Fosters Cross Laytown hosts its annual meeting tonight with the going standard, the first goes to post at 20 to 5 CRICKET Ireland have posted a total of 181 for 5 against Zimbabwe after their 20 overs in a warm up match for the Twenty 20 World cup in Sri Lanka. Phil Simmons' side open their World Cup group campaign against Australia on September 19th but before that face Bangledesh in their final warm up on Sunday. ATHLETICS Athlone hosts Ireland's fastest half marathon the Flatline half marathon this Saturday There's free parking with registration between 8.30 to 10.30am in St Aloysius College, Athlone The race starts at 11am, early online entry is 20 Euro while it' 25 on the day which includes a t-shirt and medal For more information see athlonehalfmarathon.com

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Joe Canning talks Henry Shefflin

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Gerry Culliton interviewed in 1997

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Passing of Gerry Culliton

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Monday morning headlines

GAELIC GAMES Galway manager Antony Cunningham says they're delighted to still be in the Championship following yesterdays All Ireland final draw in Croke Park. Kilkenny 19 points Galway 2-13 the final score, Joe Canning scored 1-9 for the Leinster Champions while Henry Shefflin scored 12 points for the Cats, 11 of which were from placed balls. Dublin and Tipperary will meet again in the minor final following the first drawn final since 2004. Tipperary 2-13 Dublin 1-16 the final score. Both games will be re-played on September 30th. Holders Portlaoise have been drawn against the winners of the round three game between The Rock and Stradbally in the quarter finals of the Laois Senior Football Championship Portarlington, who won against Mountmellick on Friday night will play St Josephs O'Dempseys set up a last eight clash with Timahoe with a 2-9 to 1-5 defeat of Arles Killeen Arles Killeen were held to just one point in the second half And the final quarter final is a repeat of a round two tie as Graiguecullen play local rivals Arles Kilcruise. Kilcruise defeated Killeshin by 2 points at O'Moore Park The Heath and Clonaslee will contest the relegations playoff Crettyard defeated The Heath by 2-5 to 0-7 in their semi final while the other semi saw Ballylinan edge out Clonaslee by 3-9 to 2-7 David Martin scored a brace of goals for Maryland as the former Celebrity Bainisteoir kingpins defeated Castledaly by 2-9 to 2-8 in last night's Westmeath Senior Football Quarter Final Replay Maryland face Garrycastle in the semi finals, while the other semi is a Mullingar derby between Lomans and Shamrocks The relegation playoff went to a replay between St Malachys and Killucan SOCCER Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattonni says he has accepted James McClean's apology for tweeting his frustration at not being brought off the bench during Fridays 2-1 win in Kazakhstan. Trap says the Sunderland winger was "mortified" and if he could he would have eaten his words. Ireland play Oman in a friendly tomorrow at Craven Cottage. Ahead of the game West Ham goalkeeper Stephen Henderson has been called into the squad in place of Kieran Westwood who's returned to his club. Willow Park are four points clear at the top of the CCFL's senior division following their 8-0 win over Clara Town Second placed Monksland won 4-1 away to Mountmellick, Arlington defeated Melville 2-1 and Kilavilla won 1-0 against Mullingar Athletic on Saturday evening Finn Harps boosted their chances of a top four finish with a 2-0 win over Athlone in the League of Ireland's First Division The Donegal side are now unbeaten in 9 games RUGBY Buccaneers continued their 100 per cent start to the new season with a 46-32 win over Corinthians in the Connacht Senior League yesterday Athlone's Rob Henshaw came on as a second half sub in Connacht's 30-17 win away to Zebre in the Rabo Direct Pro 12 on Friday night Tiernan O'Halloran was among the tries for Eric Elwood's side GOLF Rory McIlroy says he won last night despite being in better form last week when he won the Deutsche bank. The 23 year old secured his second title in a row and sixth on the PGA tour last night when he finished 2 clear of Lee Westwood and Phil Mickelson on 20 under following a final round 67 to win the BMW Championship in Indiana. He's the first player since Tiger Woods in 2009 to win in consecutive weeks on the PGA TOUR , McIlroy says some tweaks following his third round 69 seemed to work. TENNIS Serena Williams has won her fourth women's singles title at the US Open . She beat world number one Victoria Azarenka 6-2 2-6 7-5 in front of her home crowd. Later Andy Murray will be aiming for his first Grand Slam title - he meets Novak Djokovic in the men's final at Flushing Meadows. RACING Rhode's Pat Smullen remains just one win behind Joseph O'Brien in the race for the Irish flat jockey's championship, they had one win each at the Curragh yesterday O'Brien steered Breeders Cup bound Up to the Blandford Stakes while Smullen was on board Famous Name for Dermot Weld's seven year old's 20th career win Today's action is in Galway with the first off at five past four.

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Padraig Moran interview post Longford

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