Camogie and Ladies Football Weekend Games

In Division One of the National Camogie League on Sunday Offaly travel to Kilkenny seeking to build on last week's win over Tipperary, throw in at Lisdowney is noon

Laois' minor camogie team play Roscommon at 6pm at Mountmellick tomorrow afternoon in the All-Ireland C competition, while the O'Moores seniors face Dublin in a Division Three League top of the table clash at Rathdowney at 2.30pm on Sunday

It's a noon start tomorrow at Kinnegad for Westmeath's minors against Kildare in the All-Ireland Minor C

Westmeath's senior team face Armagh at Cullion at 1pm on Sunday, that's a meeting of the bottom two


Ballybrown plays host to the Division Four Ladies Football National League game between Limerick at Offaly at 2pm tomorrow

The Faithful are six points clear at the top of the table

Having beaten All-Ireland holders Cork last weekend Laois are away to Meath with a draw at Summerhill enough to gaurantee a semi final spot

And Westmeath, who are already into the last four in Division Two, round off their group stage campaign with a home tie against Clare.

Throw in at Kinnegad is 2pm

Read More

Local rugby fixtures over the weekend

Connacht back Tiernan O'Halloran will make his comeback from injury tomorrow when he lines out for the Connacht Eagles team against Russian side Ensei at the Sportsground tomorrow

The Eagles will be captained in the 3pm kick off by Buccaneers out half Jack Carty


Buccaneers are in Ulster Bank League Division One B action tomorrow

The Pirates welcome Belfast Harlequins to Dubarry Park for a 2.30 kick off

Buccs are fourth in the table but unlikely to catch up on second place UCD who are 13 points ahead


Tullamore have one of the biggest games in their history tomorrow as they host Richmond in the All-Ireland League Promotion Round Robin Series

The Leinster League champions go up against Munster kingpins Richmond at 2.30pm

Both teams won their opening games in the competition


Portlaoise's ladies team are up against St. Mary's College in the All-Ireland Plate Final at Clanwilliam RFC at 1pm


While Birr aim to be promoted to Division Two B on Sunday

The Division Three runners up play Swords at 3pm with the winners playing in the fourth flight next year

Read More

Friday morning headlines

GOLF

Offaly's Shane Lowry is 2 under at the Texas Open after an overnight opening round 70, that's three shots off the lead

Padraig Harrington says the tough course suits him, the Dubliner is just one shot off the lead after a 4 under 68.

Rory McIlroy hit a level par score of 72.

GAELIC GAMES

Kilkenny county board have confirmed that Brian Cody is taking a break from team affairs for a number of weeks after undergoing pre-planned cardiac surgery yesterday.

Martin Fogarty and Michael Dempsey will be taking charge of the Senior Hurling Panel and Cody is expected to be back on the sideline for the Cats Leinster Championship game with Offaly this summer

Laois football manager Justin McNulty has made three changes from the side that beat Longford ahead of Sunday's trip to Wexford in Division Two of the National Football League

Kevin Meaney comes into the midfield to replace Conor Boyle; Meaney scored two points when introduced as a half time sub in the win over Longford last time out

The other switches are in the forwards with Conor Meredith and Colm Kelly coming in and Padraig Clancy and Billy Sheehan coming out of the team

Laois need to beat Wexford combined with a Westmeath win against Derry and hope that Galway win against Armagh if they're to secure a final place

Eoin Culliton is in goal

The full back line is Peter O'Leary, Denis Booth and Paul Begley

The half backs are Darren Strong, John O'Loughlin and Padraig McMahon

Meaney and Brendan Quigley are in midfield

Ross Munnelly, Conor Meredith and Colm Begley are the half forwards

The inside forwards are MJ Tierney, Gary Walsh and Colm Kelly

While Donie Kingston has returned to the panel, Kingston left last week but has since returned and trained with the squad last night.

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

SOCCER

Athlone Town make the trip to Waterford this evening hoping for a first win at the RSC in over 5 years

Town, who are unbeaten in the First Division so far this season, are without strikers Philly Gorman and Noel McGee for the 7.45 kick off

In the Paddy Cotter Cup Quarter Finals this evening Willow Park host Stradbally at 8pm

It's being reported that Richard Dunne may not receive a new deal from Aston Villa.

The Ireland defender is likely to miss the rest of the season with the groin injury that his kept him out since last summer.

Villa boss Paul Lambert says Dunne’s injury is one of the most frustrating that he's ever scene.

According to the Irish Independent LA Galaxy, New York Red Bull and Malaga are among those interested in the 33 year old who's out of contract at the end of the season.

Chelsea appear to have one foot in the semi-finals of the Europa League. Fernando Torres scored a brace and Victor Moses got the other goal as the Blues beat Russian side Rubin Kazan 3-1 in the first-leg at Stamford Bridge.

Newcastle suffered a 3-1 defeat to Benfica in Portugal - despite the Magpies taking the lead on the night.

Tottenham also have a tough task ahead of them after they were held to a two-all draw with FC Basel at White Heart Lane.

The Swiss side went two-nil up at White Heart Lane after goals from Valentin Stocker and Fabian Frei but Spurs fought-back with goals from Emmanuel Adebayor and Gylfi Sigurdsson.

Gareth Bale was stretchered off during the final stages with an ankle injury but Spurs boss Andre Villas Boas only expects the Welsh forward to miss two games.

Joey Barton has been summoned to appear before the ethics committee of the French Football Federation after launching a twitter attack on Paris St Germain's Thiago Silva.

The Marseille midfielder described the Brazilian as an "overweight ladyboy" during a trademark rant and PSG have now threatened to take legal action against him.

Former Inter Milan defender Taribo West has been accused of lying about his age throughout his playing career.

The Nigerian, who also played for the likes of AC Milan and Derby County, is listed as 39 years old, but former Partizan Belgrade president Zarko Zecevic, says that they discovered that he was actually 12 years older than he claimed to be when he was playing for them.

RUGBY UNION

Wasps welcome Leinster to Adams Park in the Amlin Challenge Cup at 8 O’Clock this evening

Head coach Joe Schmidt has made four changes to his side in the wake of last Saturday's disappointing defeat to Ulster at the RDS. Gordon D'Arcy returns to the centre where he's joined by fit-again Fergus McFadden.

The other two changes are in the pack with team captain Leo Cullen replacing Quinn Roux in the second-row, while Sean O'Brien comes into the back-row in place of Shane Jennings.

Ulster look set to have Tommy Bowe in their squad for tomorrow's Heineken Cup quarter-final against Saracens at Twickenham.

The Ireland winger has returned to training in recent weeks after surgery on a knee injury, but he wasn't expected to make his return to competitive action for several weeks.

Mark Anscombe will name his team at lunchtime, but he's now expected to hand the winger the number 23 jersey while Dan Tuohy is also set to start despite a back spasm he suffered in training and prop John Afoa has returned from New Zealand after the birth of his daughter.

Munster will also name their team to face Harlequins, Doug Howlett and Simon Zebo remain doubts for the Reds.

Clermont Auvergne head coach Vern Cotter become the latest man to rule himself out of running to succeed Declan Kidney.

The New Zealand born coach was one of the names being linked with the job and he was seen as one of the candidates that could boast of coaching experience in both hemispheres.

But Cotter has told a French radio station that he's committed to Clermont and intends to honour his contract with the Top-14 side, which currently has a year left to run.

The former Canterbury Crusaders assistant coach has also been linked with a possible return to Super Rugby at the end of next season.

TENNIS

Ireland face Finland in the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup tennis this afternoon.

The opening singles match between James McGee and Harri Heliovaara gets underway at three in Castleknock, followed by the meeting of Colin O'Brien and Jarkko Nieminen.

HANDBALL

Ireland's Olympic handballers were beaten in the first of this week's men's European qualifiers, going down 28-12 at home to Belgium last night.

They face Estonia at DCU tomorrow at 2.

SWIMMING

Lance Armstrong has withdrawn from a Masters Swimming Championship in his home town in Texas. The disgraced former cyclist was hoping to return to competitive sport at the event but has taken himself out of the field after objections from swimming's world governing body, FINA.

Armstrong had entered in three distance events because the competition isn't covered by the same drug testing rules but FINA sent a letter to organisers today - insisting that the event is under the jurisdiction of the World Anti-Doping Code.

PARALYMPICS

The family of Oscar Pistorius has denied that the Paralympic champion is already back in training as he awaits trial on charges of murdering his girlfriend.

The Blade Runner was photographed this week running on a track but a statement from his family insisted that the 26-year-old has merely been out running on a number of "isolated occasions" while his agent said that the athlete had simply been out for a jog.

RACING

There's two Grade One races at Aintree today

Sprinter Sacre and Flemenstar clash in the Melling Chase is at five past three while At Fisher's Cross is the favourite for the Sefton Novice's Hurdle at a quarter past four

Gigginstown's Road to Riches is also a contender in the race

Ahead of Saturday's Grand National, 2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Imperial Commander will carry the top weight while Ruby Walsh has chosen to partner the Willie Mullins' runner "On His Own".

But champion jockey Tony McCoy has opted to ride Colbert Station.

Last year's runner-up, Sunnyhillboy has been loaded with an extra 10-pounds this year, which appears to have swayed McCoy's mind.

Sam Waley Cohen will be on board Castletown Geoghegan horse Oscar Time

Oscar time, trained by Martin Lynch, was second to Ballabriggs in the race in 2011

Read More

Mark Can Get The Job Bunn!

Scott Gaynor 

Earlier this week Norwich City goalkeeper Mark Bunn expressed his disappointment at being overlooked for a call-up to the Republic of Ireland squad for last month’s World Cup qualifiers against Sweden and Austria.

"It was disappointing not to make the squad for the last two games, but all I can do is continue to do my best for Norwich and hope I get a call-up next time," said Bunn (28).

"I have a very strong Irish connection. My dad's mum is from Maynooth, my dad considers himself Irish and so do I," he added.

"I know it would mean a lot to my grandmother to see me play for Ireland."


"She always talks about it and she's always hoped that her grandson could play for the Irish team."

I personally must admit that I was unaware of Bunn’s eligibility prior to this week’s news like, I speculate, many others were. Maybe ‘Il Gaffer’ Giovanni Trapattoni was too. But didn’t Bunn come out a few months ago to declare for Ireland? Perhaps you’ll forgive me for my oversight, but the Italian maestro
couldn’t possibly call for similar sympathy.

Way back on December 21st, the 6 foot stopper declared:

“I have always said it that if I managed to get into the team here I would want to push for the Irish squad as well,” he said. “It is something I am really working towards. It would be a massive honour to play for Ireland. Wes loves playing for Ireland. I don’t know what Pilks thinks. If he gets a call-up I think he would go. As long as I keep on doing well I would hope to be involved in the next game. My Nan and my Dad are Irish. We have a lot of family over in Ireland so there are some strong links.

“Now that Shay Given has retired as well there is a good chance because the other keepers are not really playing. As long as I keep doing well for Norwich, then I want to play for Ireland. (Keiren) Westwood has not really played this season. He is a really good goalkeeper and you have (David) Forde at Millwall but apart from that there are not many others in the mix.”

City boss and former Irish player and coach Chris Hughton has also vouched for the one-time Blackburn net-minder.

“Yes I think so,” he said. “I think he is somebody that because of where he has been (he appreciates the chance). He was second choice keeper at Blackburn, he came here as understudy to John and from what I’ve seen he has done great. I presume to a lot of people he has still got things to prove. He wants to prove that he is worthy of a number one spot but from what I have seen and the abilities he has, then I don’t see any reason why not.

I think what has helped perhaps is that he has come into a team that has been on a decent run so I think that always helps."



“You have also got to have good enough ability and you’ve got to have good enough confidence in your own ability. Because of the position he plays, it is a tough position to come into. If you are coming into a team that is doing okay then it can be more comfortable, but it is a tough position to come into and I’ve been delighted with him.”

The London born custodian has played 17 times for Norwich City this season in the Premier League with 3 more appearances coming via the less fashionable Carling Cup. With highly regarded John Ruddy suffering with injuries this campaign, Bunn has grabbed the opportunity to play more regularly with both hands, (like, I suppose, a ‘keeper should be doing) and has been earning rave reviews at Carrow Road.

Out of Favour: Westwood

When Shay Given sadly announced his retirement from International Football, Keiren Westwood assumed control of the number 1 jersey. However, his playing time has been limited to 3 Carling Cup games for Sunderland this season due to the good form of Belgium international Simon Mignolet. David Forde got the nod for the Poland friendly at the Aviva Stadium earlier in the year and was deemed the better option for the crunch qualifiers ahead of Westwood, with Bunn not considered. Galway native Forde acquitted himself
quite well, it has to be said, but I would still have question marks over his kicking ability and at 33, whether he is the long-term solution in that area.

David Forde: The man in the hot seat

Unproven: Randolph & Elliot

Darren Randolph, currently at Motherwell, has been in and around the Irish set-up at u21 and senior level for a while but he still has everything to prove and isn’t playing at the top level. Another English born option lies in Rob Elliot (26) who has recently stepped in for the injured Tim Krul at Newcastle, but having played for Ireland at youth level, he is remaining coy on his international future.

"I don't want to be arrogant and say which country I would like to play for. I don't want to get too far ahead of myself at the moment."

He added: "To be honest, I think it is far too early to talk about stuff like that. I just want to make a name for myself with Newcastle in the Premier League and anything that comes from there would be fantastic."

With a glamour friendly coming up for the Republic against England at the end of May, and the not-so-glamorous fixtures against Georgia and Wales (Bale might add a touch to be fair) coming either side of the Faroes qualifier, Trapattoni must not miss out on casting his eye over a Premier League talent like Bunn. I for one think the squad and country have suffered enough due to Trapattoni’s apparent unwillingness to give Norwich City players a chance quick enough.

If John Ruddy returns to full fitness and Bunn suffers the same plight as Westwood at Sunderland, you’d have to go with Forde, the man playing week-in and week-out at Milwall. The former Derry City man might even have an F.A. Cup medal to go with his hat to throw at top-corner destined pings come the big games against Sweden and Austria.

But last time out, against Sweden especially, the effect that an all Premiership back four had on the team was clear to see, and with added Premier League know-how supporting from behind, I think Ireland would be all the better for it. Over to you Trap.

Read More

Westmeath team to play Derry

Westmeath manager Pat Flanagan has made 10 changes from the side that beat Armagh ahead of Sunday’s trip to Derry in Division Two of the National Football League

Eoin Carberry, Damian Dolan, Paul Sharry, Doron Harte, Darragh Daly, Declan Mullen, Paul Bannon, Ronan Foley, Lorcan Smith and Dessie Dolan come into the side

Derry need only a draw to join the Lake County in the Division Two Final at the end of the month  

1 Eoin Carberry

2 John Gaffey

3 Kieran Gavin

4 Kevin Maguire

5 Damian Dolan

6 Paul Sharry

7 Doron Harte

8 David Duffy

9 Darragh Daly

10 Declan Mullen

11 Paul Bannon

12 Denis Corroon

13 Ronan Foley

14 Lorcan Smith

15 Dessie Dolan

SUBS:

16 Gary Connaughton

17 Mark McCallon

18 Jason o Toole

19 James Dolan

20 John Heslin

21 Ger Egan

22 Callum McCormack

23 Ciaran Curley

24 Denis Glennon

Read More

Morning headlines

SOCCER

Longford Town have suspended one of their players as part of an investigation into alleged match fixing.

The players were interviewed after last night's Leinster Senior Cup win over St Kevin's Boys

The FAI's Diciplinary Control Unit has now opened an investigation and the association says it's shared all the relevant information with UEFA, FIFA and an Garda Siochana.

Paris Saint Germain and Barcelona played-out a thrilling 2-all draw in the first-leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

PSG needed an injury-time equaliser to stay in the tie after 3 goals were scored in a frantic closing 15 minutes.

Barca took the lead at the Parc des Princes when Lionel Messi latched onto a superb pass from Dani Alves.

The home side equalised in the 79th minute, even though Zlatan Ibrahimovic was in an offside position.

The Spanish side restored their lead in the 89th minute when Xavi converted a penalty but PSG ensured that the tie remains alive ahead of the return leg when Blaise Matuidi's injury-time shot took a slight deflection on its way into the net.

Bayern Munich have taken control of the other quarter-final after a 2-0 win over Juventus at the Allianz Arena.

The German side will travel to Turin full of confidence after goals in either half from David Alaba and Thomas Mueller sealed a comfortable victory.

There were also two games tonight in the Airtricity League Premier Division.

Shamrock Rovers remain unbeaten at the start of the new season, but the Hoops will be frustrated with their fifth draw so-far after they were held 1-all by Limerick FC at Thomond Park.

A 9th minute goal from Sean O'Connor put Rovers ahead but Limerick equalised through Craig Curran.

In the other game, Dundalk continued their impressive run of form with a 2-1 win over St Pats at Richmond Park. Goals from John Dillon and Kurtis Byrne have helped the Lilywhites to cement their hold on third place in the table.

In the Championship, Watford have re-ignited the battle for the automatic promotion places after a 1-0 win over their hosts, Hull City at the KC Stadium.

In the Champions League tonight Malaga host Borussia Dortmund while Real Madrid meet Galatasaray.

Kick off in both games is at 7.45

RUGBY UNION

IRFU Chief executive Philip Browne says he doesn't know how long it will take to get a replacement for Declan Kidney but they will take as long as is necessary to get the right candidate.

Joe Schmidt, Conor O'Shea, Jake White, Mike Ruddock, Vern Cotter, Ewen Mc Kenzie and Graham Henry are all being lined with the role

The tour of North America will be led by interim Head Coach Les Kiss who will be assisted by Gert Smal and Anthony Foley.

GAELIC GAMES

Laois boss Justin McNulty is reportedly attempting to lure Donie Kingston back into his panel.

Kingston is believed to have quit the panel after he was left out of the starting side for their last 3 games - having to settle for a substitute's appearance in each of them. Having already lost the services of Cahir Healy to the Laois hurlers, McNulty will be hoping that he can convince Kingston to stay.

Barry Moran and Cathal Freeman have been ruled out of Mayo's final Allianz League Division 1 clash with Cork in Pairc Ui Chaoimh. Both players sustained injuries while on club duty over the weekend and adds to the injury headache for manager James Horan ahead of this Sunday's game, with Keith Higgins, Andy Moran and Alan Dillon also out of action.

Longford clash with Kildare in the Cadbury under 21 Leinster football Championship final at O'Moore Park.

Throw in is at 7.30

In the Ulster semi finals Cavan meet Down at the Athletic grounds while Donegal face Derry in Omagh.

Throw in is at 8.

GOLF

Shane Lowry will tee off at the Valero Texas Open at 10 past 8 in the evening Irish time tomorrow

The winner in San Antonio will gain a spot at the Masters next week

World number two Rory McIlroy has also decided to play in Texas to fine tune his game ahead of the major, the field also includes Padraig Harrington

RACING

Downpatrick stages one of its biggest meetings of the year, featuring the €25,000 Toals Bookmakers Ulster Grand National this afternoon

The prestigious event is due off at 5.05pm and is run over a stamina-sapping trip of three miles and four furlongs. Colourful Castleblayney trainer Oliver Brady took the race last year with Duroob and this time around he is represented by Shabra Charity.

The seven-race card at Downpatrick begins at 3.35pm. 

There is also Flat action under the floodlights at Dundalk with a seven race card from 6.20pm

There is a lucrative six-furlong handicap, worth €20,000 in prize-money, and the Damian English-trained Cash Or Casualty will bid to win his fourth race in five starts under Athlone jockey Rory Cleary

Friends of injured jockey JT McNamara say that he was planning to retire from racing after the Punchestown Festival at the end of this month.

The 37-year-old has been told that he's paralysed from the neck down after he fractured two vertebrae in his neck during a fall at the Cheltenham festival last month.

On Eater Monday Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary donated 200,000 Euro to a fund for McNamara after one of his horses won a race at the Grand National meeting at Fairyhouse.

Read More

Midweek Predictions

*late posting due to Davie Henshaw*

Davie Henshaw

PSG 1-2 Barcelona
Munich 2-1 Juventus
Malaga 1-1 Dortmund
Madrid 3-0 Galatasary

Chelsea 2-0 Kazan
Spurs 2-1 Basel
Benfica 3-0 Newcastle
Fenerbache 1-1 Lazio

POD

PSG 1-2 Barcelona

Bayern 1-1 Juventus

Malaga 1-2 Dortmund

Madrid 2-0 Galatasary

Chelsea 1-0 Kazan

Spurs 2-0 Basel

Benfica 1-1 Newcastle

Fenerbache 0-1 Lazio

WOC

PSG 1-1 Barcelona

Bayern 2-1 Juventus

Malaga 2-2 Dortmund

Madrid 3-1 Galatasary

Chelsea 2-0 Kazan

Spurs 3-1 Basel

Benfica 1-0 Newcastle

Fenerbache 1-1 Lazio

Colbert

PSG 1 Barcelona 2

Bayern 2 Juventus  1

Malaga 0 Dortmund 1

Madrid 3 Galatasary 0

Chelsea 2 Kazan 0

Spurs 1 Basel 1

Benfica 1 Newcastle 0

Fenerbache 0 Lazio 0

B Mac

PSG 1 V Barcelona 2

Bayern 3 V Juventus 2

Malaga 0 V Dortmund 1

Madrid 4 V Galatasary 0

Chelsea 2 V Kazan 1

Spurs 3 V Basel 0

Benfica 1 V Newcastle 0

Fenerbache 2 V Lazio 2

Scott

PSG 1-2 Barcelona

Bayern 2-1 Juventus

Malaga 0-2 Dortmund

Madrid 3-1 Galatasary

Chelsea 1-0 Kazan

Spurs 3-1 Basel

Benfica 1-0 Newcastle

Fenerbache 2-2 Lazio

Read More