The Irish in Britain, including those of Irish descent, make up a significant part of the UK population. Here, you will find news, entertainment, events, sports and features from the local Irish Post newspaper.
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Against the head
It was a long journey back to West London after our shattering Heineken
Cup defeat in south Wales on Sunday. While our hopes were high of maintaining
our interest in the competition until at least the New Year the truth is
we were simply not good enough.more...
(Irish Post) 14 December 2005
Ballinhassig
silence Fr. Murphys big guns
Fr. Murphys interest in this year’s All-Ireland club championship ended
at Ruislip on Saturday following a seven-point defeat by Munster champions
Ballinhassig from Cork. more...
(Irish Post) 14 December 2005
Back of the net
The Christmas period is usually the benchmark to work out who is going to
be in the title shake-up at the end of the season and who is going down.
In the Premiership the Abramovich millions look to have secured another
title already for Chelsea.more...
(Irish Post) 14 December 2005
Byrne’s quarter-final
Ireland and Saracens hooker Shane Byrne is relishing the prospect of this
Saturday’s clash with his Ulster international teammates at Vicarage Road.
more...
(Irish Post) 14 December 2005
Clubs still hope
to keep Keane in Britain
Although he is believed to be almost certain to join Spanish giants Real
Madrid Roy Keane could still be persuaded to remain in Britain. Premiership
clubs Everton, Bolton and Celtic have not given up hope that Keane may still
prefer to stay in Britain.more...
(Irish Post) 14 December 2005
Irish keep
Cup romance alive and well
They say the romance is gone from the FA Cup. As a result of the best efforts
of certain clubs who no longer value the FA Cup as they once did there are
an ever-growing number of claims the magic has been slowly ebbing away from
the most famous cup competition in the world. more...
(Irish Post) 14 December 2005
GAA Hurling
All-Stars 2005
Kilkenny forwards Henry Shefflin and Tommy Walsh won their third successive
awards in the recently announced hurling All-Stars. Five counties in total
have been represented with All-Ireland champions Cork claiming six places.
The line-up also includes two sets of brothers with the Kellys (Paul and
Eoin) from Tipperary joining Cork twins Jerry and Ben O’Connor among the
top 15 players in the game.more...
(Irish Post) 14 December 2005
Long Walk stroll
for Inglis Drever
The Long Walk hurdle at Windsor is the highlight of this weekend’s racing
action and like all the staying hurdle contests this year it should prove
a procession for the outstanding Inglis Drever. more...
McGeady scoops
Young Player of the Month
Republic of Ireland international Aidan McGeady completed a sensational
comeback to the Celtic first team by scooping the SPL Bank of Scotland Young
Player of the month award for November. more...
Under-strength
attack no match for the Farneymen’s defence
A fitter, sharper, Monaghan Harps booked their place in the All-Ireland
semi-final of the junior football club championship at the expense of London
side Harlesden Harps in what was overall a fairly low-key affair in Gavan
Duffy Park in Monaghan last Sunday.more...
(Irish Post) 14 December 2005
Henderson Vows to
put Villa Blues Behind Him
One of Ireland’s hottest goalkeeping prospects is desperate to get away
from Aston Villa and prove manager David O’Leary wrong for overlooking him
in his team selections. more...
(Irish Post) 7 December 2005
Back of
the Net
Sheffield is undeniably one of the most traditional and largest football
communities in Britain although the Steel City’s two teams, United and Wednesday,
have had little in the way of success for many years.
more...
Shamrock Rovers:
Down but a Long Way From Out
Following a week of turmoil culminating in their relegation and the sacking
of manager Roddy Collins, the announcement of Pat Scully’s appointment as
Shamrock Rovers’ new boss offered much-needed comfort to the beleaguered
fans of Ireland’s most famous football club.
more...
(Irish Post) 7 December 2005
Joyce’s Momentous
Season for Irish Cricket
Ireland’s leading cricketer Ed Joyce joined a host of Irish sports stars
recently — including golfer Padraig Harrington and jockey Kieren Fallon
— for the 48th Texaco Sports Awards. more...
Harrington’s
Mysterious Withdrawal
Colin Montgomerie’s recent victory in the Hong Kong Open was somewhat overshadowed
by the late withdrawal of Ireland’s Padraig Harrington. more...
Casey Continues
to Impress
Hailed by many Premiership managers as one of the best in his position London
Irish lock Bob Casey continues to be overlooked by the Ireland team management.
more....
(Irish Post) 7 December 2005
Against the Head
It was great to get back to domestic action last weekend. Our 42-8 victory
over Saracens kept us on course for a place in the Powergen Cup semi-final
where we will meet our great rivals Leicester Tigers at the Millennium Stadium
in March. The game was much closer than the scoreline suggests after we
got off to the best possible start with two early tries including one for
Lawrence Dallaglio. more....
(Irish Post) 7 December 2005
Patience
Wearing Thin for O’Leary at Villa
It’s tough at the top. Ask Arsene Wenger, Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho.
Well, maybe not The Special One, but Wenger and Fergie will certainly tell
you it ain’t easy dealing with the pressure at the summit of the Premiership.
more....
(Irish Post) 7 December 2005
Spotthedifference’s
Cheltenham Banker
The Enda Bolger-trained Spotthedifference will be aiming for yet another
victory at Cheltenham when he tackles the banks in the Sporting Index chase
on Friday. more....
(Irish Post) 7 December 2005
GAA
Football All-Stars 2005
This year’s Football All-Stars has been confined to the three leading counties
of Tyrone, Armagh and Kerry. more....
(Irish Post) 7 December 2005
Gael
Sportstalk
The intriguing Meath football management wrangle had turned into a very
public blood-letting which is not the way business is normally conducted
in the Royal County. more....
Dual Star Hughes in a
Double Dilemma
After Tir Chonaill Gaels elimination by Salthill-Knockmacarra Britain’s
remaining interest in this year’s All-Club championship rests with Fr. Murphys
senior hurlers and provincial football champions Harlesden Harps. more....
(Irish Post) 7 December 2005
All-Star
team is announced
The big three of Tyrone, Armagh and Kerry dominated this year’s Football
All-Stars being the only three teams represented. more...
(Irish Post) 30 November 2005
Against the head
I was delighted to score my first try for Ireland on Saturday and while
I didn’t have the best of the games you have to give credit to Romania’s
front five who played really well. Ireland scored six tries and although
we came close to conceding a try I believe the team performed reasonably
well at the end of what I felt were three hard games.more...
(Irish Post) 30 November 2005
Back of the Net
It was appropriate that on the weekend of George Best’s death three of the
teams whose colours he wore during a magnificent but ultimately flawed career
produced superb performances to win.more...
Cork bid for league
and cup double
Cork City will be bidding for an historic league and cup double when they
take on Drogheda at Lansdowne Road at the weekend. more...
(Irish Post) 30 November 2005
Cleary ready to play after card
Tir Chonaill Gaels bid for an historic victory in the All-Ireland Club championship
quarter-final on Sunday received a major boost this week with the news that
talented forward Francis Cleary will be available to play. more...
(Irish Post) 30 November 2005
Gael sportstalk
The annual All-Star selections have once again attracted more than their
share of controversy and unwanted publicity. However until the selection
criteria becomes much more rigid certain selections are bound to raise eyebrows
among the critics. more...
(Irish Post) 30 November 2005
Gaels ready
to face a tough Salthill test
London champions Tir Chonaill Gaels face one of the biggest matches in their
history when they face Salthill/Knocknacarra in the All-Ireland club quarter-final
at Ruislip. more...
(Irish Post) 30 November 2005
Hickie
to slay the Dragons?
Former Leinster hooker Gavin Hickie’s rugby career has been given a new
lease of life with his move to Worcester. more...
(Irish Post) 30 November 2005
Maybury’s
dream of the Premiership and more caps
Republic of Ireland full-back Alan Maybury has mixed feelings on Brian Kerr’s
departure but the former Hearts defender hopes to benefit from Stephen Carr’s
early retirement.more...
(Irish Post) 30 November 2005
Kerr
ready to test himself in English football
Finally, after a record wait of 101 days, victory in the Premiership’s annual
sack race has gone to Portsmouth’s Alain ‘Don’t call me Reggie’ Perrin.
The first major vacancy of the new season is sure to start the managerial
merry-go-round, with other under-fire bosses beginning to look anxiously
over their shoulders hoping to dodge the dreaded vote of confidence from
the chairman.more...
Tingle Creek
Trophy ready to reveal all
The recent late defection of Moscow Flyer leaves the Tingle Creek Trophy
wide open with many more horses now entering the equation not just for Saturday
but also as possible champion chasers come March. more...
(Irish Post) 30 November 2005
Yvonne
set to make her mark with GAA in Britain
London GAA has a habit of attracting people from across the world and from
diverse backgrounds but few have a history as varied as that of Yvonne Morley.
The GAA in Britain’s first ever games promotion officer reflects with David
Thorpe on her first year in the job as she prepares to relocate to the London
GAA Centre Ruislip.more...
Salthill
on Their Way to Ruislip
Tir Chonaill Gaels (London) will host Salthill-Knocknacarra in the All-Ireland
SFC Quarter-Final at Ruislip on December 4.
more...
Gael
Sportstalk
The eagerly-anticipated rematch between new London senior football champions
Tir Chonaill Gaels and St. Brendans in the Tipperary Cup semi-final at Greenford
fell short of expectations.
more...
(Irish Post) 23 November 2005
Trabolgan
Should Prevail in Hennessy
The Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup remains one of the highlights of the jumps
racing calendar. This Saturday’s 29th Gold Cup event at Newbury also promises
to be another interesting and open race. more...
Against
the Head
The aftermath of our latest disappointing defeat against Australia was really
quite predictable. The critics are certainly entitled to question Ireland’s
poor second-half performance especially after such a promising start to
the game. more...
(Irish Post) 23 November 2005
British-Based
Hurlers to Receive Historic Accolade
Four hurlers based in Britain will be among the top players in the Tier
Three hurling championship for the inaugural Nicky Rackard Cup Supreme Team
awards ceremony in Croke Park. more....
(Irish Post) 23 November 2005
Cork City Prove
Worthy Champions
Cork City overcame the pressure before their own fans on Friday evening
to deservedly clinch this year’s Eircom League title at Turners Cross.
more....
Back of the Net
Celtic Park is one of the great theatres in world football. It is a venue
packed to the rafters every week with over 60,000 passionate fans whose
support for their idols make it an awe-inspiring place to play. more....
Where to Now
for Keane?
Roy Keane’s shock resignation from Manchester United has left football fans
and journalists alike wondering where the larger than life character will
go next, if anywhere. more....
Back of the Net
There was much gnashing of teeth and an outpouring of vitriol from several
parties when the name of Terry Venables was linked with the Republic of
Ireland manager’s job last week.
more...
Winner Take All
as Title Goes Down to the Wire
After nine months, 32 games and more twists and turns than a Wicklow country
lane the destination of this season’s Eircom League Premier Division title
will be decided over 90 minutes as the top pair of Cork and Derry face off
to resolve their season-long stand-off at Turners Cross this Friday evening.
more...
(Irish Post) 16 November 2005
Clarke’s
First Victory in a Year
Darren Clarke secured his first victory in 12 months after successfully
defending the Visa Taiheiyo Masters in Japan last weekend. more...
(Irish Post) 16 November 2005
Macklin Hopes
for a Clash With Duddy
Matthew Macklin’s recent impressive victory in Philadelphia has already
led to speculation of a possible clash with Derry’s unbeaten John Duddy.
more...
(Irish Post) 16 November 2005
Against the Head
Much has been said about our heavy defeat by the All Blacks on Saturday
but the disappointment couldn’t be more profound than that amongst the team
members. more...
(Irish Post) 16 November 2005
Ireland Take
Shot at Aussies
Irish Lions star Simon Easterby is currently enjoying the pinnacle of his
international rugby career after being handed the captaincy of his country
against the All Blacks last Saturday. more....
(Irish Post) 16 November 2005
Kicking King
Faces Top Field at Haydock
Haydock is the place to be for top-notch racing action this weekend, with
the probable clash of Kicking King, Beef or Salmon, War of Attrition and
Britain’s best hopes Ollie Magern and Kingscliff. more....
(Irish Post) 16 November 2005
Irish
Learn Harsh Lessons at Hands of All Blacks
Where does that leave us then? A 38-point hammering at the hands of the
best team on the planet can hardly be expected to have taught us that much
ahead of this weekend’s clash with the Wallabies, the Six Nations and the
World Cup in just under two years time. more....
Against the
Head
Last week went really well with the international squad and hopefully most
of the injury doubts in the team, including Simon Easterby, will all pull
through. more...
(Irish Post) 9 November 2005
Connacht Continue
to Strengthen
Connacht have signed New Zealander Gavin Williams. Although two recent European
Challenge Cup victories helped to stop a poor run of form Connacht supporters
will have been even more encouraged by news of the province’s latest signing.
more...
(Irish Post) 9 November 2005
Green Light for Ulster
Trio
Uncapped Ulster trio Rory Best, Neil Best and Andrew Trimble could be set
to make their international debuts in the autumn internationals this month.
more...
(Irish Post) 9 November 2005
Doubts
Raised Over Keane’s Managerial Qualities
If there’s one thing we know about Roy Keane, it’s that he’s never far from
the headlines. So few were surprised when his latest outburst landed him
all over the back pages. more...
Celtic Pay Tribute
to Irish Founder
A statue of Celtic’s founder Brother Walfrid the Catholic Marist Brother
from Co. Sligo brought thousands of Celtic supporters to the entrance of
Parkhead last Saturday. The monument was financed by Celtic supporters from
all over the world and was unveiled to rapturous applause as Archbishop
Mario Conti blessed the statue with Holy Water. more....
(Irish Post) 9 November 2005
Conroy Forges
Closer Irish Links with Potters
It is no coincidence that the influence of former Stoke City legend and
Republic of Ireland international Terry Conroy continues to dominate much
of the everyday life at the Britannia Ground. more....
(Irish Post) 9 November 2005
Back of
the Net
Manchester City have enjoyed an excellent start to the season under Stuart
Pearce and in young Irish midfielder Stephen Ireland they have unearthed
an early candidate for the PFA’s Young Player of The Year award. more....
(Irish Post) 9 November 2005
St. Brendans
Poised for Trophy Double
Four weeks after they met to decide the league title St. Brendans and Tir
Chonaill Gaels will lock horns once again in an eagerly-anticipated London
senior football championship final at Ruislip this Sunday. more....
(Irish Post) 9 November 2005
Resolute Harps Win
their First Provincial Title
London champions Harlesden Harps are this year’s provincial junior football
champions. A superb first-half display including a penalty save from goalkeeper
and captain Aidan McRory laid the foundation for their deserved three-point
victory over a gallant Dunedin Connollys side who were appearing in consecutive
provincial finals. more....
Gael Sportstalk
Paul McGinley had the biggest win of his career in the Volvo Masters at
Valderrama last weekend. However Colin Montgomerie’s achievement of winning
a staggering eighth Order of Merit title somewhat overshadowed the Dubliner’s
great victory after his recent tremendous performance at Wentworth where
he finished runner-up. more...
Munster and
Leinster Provide a Boston Hurling Party
While the final pairing for Sunday’s Martin Donnelly inter-provincial final
may have been well anticipated after Munster and Leinster easily accounted
for Connacht and Ulster respectively, the result of the final will be far
less predictable. more...
(Irish Post) 2 November 2005
St. Anns Make History
as they Bag League Title
A youthful St. Anns side made history at Old Bedians on Sunday by winning
their first-ever junior football championship title after a deserved three-point
victory over St. Peters. more...
(Irish Post) 2 November 2005
Against the Head
We had a tough battle against European champions Toulouse on Sunday and
I suppose in the circumstances we have to feel satisfied with a draw in
the end. Van Gisbergen kept his composure well under such pressure to still
keep us in contention in the competition. more....
(Irish Post) 2 November 2005
Strudwick’s
Fortunes
London Irish face another formidable test on their return to Premiership
action when they host Bath this Saturday. more....
(Irish Post) 2 November 2005
Spencer Makes
a Date With History
Jamie Spencer will make history when he collects the British Flat Jockeys’
title at the weekend by becoming only the second man to have won the flat
jockeys championship on both sides of the Irish Sea. more....
(Irish Post) 2 November 2005
McGeady Remains
Positive About Celtic Future
Aidan McGeady may have been a favourite under Martin O’Neill but the 19-year-old
Republic of Ireland striker has yet to prove himself under Gordon Strachan.
more....
Holding Role Could
be Kennedy’s Destiny
All football pundits will agree that Roy Keane is irreplaceable — but a
top priority for the new Republic of Ireland manager must surely be to recruit
a player to fill that vital midfield holding role. more....
(Irish Post) 2 November 2005
Back of the
Net
The demands for success from supporters, chairmen and shareholders in the
cash-laden world of the Premiership can mean the life of a football manager
is a high-pressured one. more....
(Irish Post) 2 November 2005
Loyal Servant Kenny
Now Considers his Club Future
Brian Kerr’s failure to guide Ireland into next summer’s World Cup inevitably
saw the end of a number of distinguished international careers — including
that of Kenny Cunningham. more...
(Irish Post) 26 October 2005
Back Of The Net
Although the doom and gloom surrounding Ireland’s failure to reach the World
Cup and dropping out of the top three seeding positions for the Euro 2008
qualifying campaign is still lingering, the performances of some of the
new young guns over the last seven days gives hope for whoever takes over
from Brian Kerr as manager of the national team.
more...
Cork Aim to Keep Ahead
of Candy Stripes
Cork have regained the lead from Derry at the top of the table and if they
defeat St. Patrick’s Athletic on Friday night they will be in a commanding
position for a successful countdown to the title.
more...
(Irish Post) 26 October 2005
No Surprise
as FAI Acts for the Future
So Brian Kerr has been handed his P45. With the greatest of respects to
the Dubliner, the FAI was left with little choice after a succession of
poor results and disappointing performances ended in Ireland’s worst qualifying
performance in 20 years. more...
(Irish Post) 26 October 2005
Countdown to the
Melbourne Cup
The Melbourne Cup is known as the race which stops the Australian nation,
and the contest on November 1 is the highlight of this week’s racing.
more...
(Irish Post) 26 October 2005
Against
the Head
We suffered our second defeat in a week at Murrayfield on Sunday which was
most disappointing. Similar to our performance at Edgeley Park a week earlier
against Sale, we simply did not play up to our true potential and didn’t
take our chances to kill off the game when we should have done. more...
(Irish Post) 26 October 2005
Bracken’s Pushing
for Call-Up
Former Connacht player Peter Bracken could have a key role to play for Wasps
in their crucial Round Two Heineken Cup tie against the holders Toulouse
at the Causeway Stadium this Sunday. more....
(Irish Post) 26 October 2005
Ireland Team on Mission
Impossible in Melbourne
Peter McGrath’s Ireland team go into the second International Rules Test
with Australia this Friday with realistically nothing more to play for apart
from their pride. more....
(Irish Post) 26 October 2005
Gael Sportstalk
Irish international football has begun its search for a successor to manager
Brian Kerr. Hopefully a vacuum will not be created by an unnecessarily long
delay in the appointment of a suitable new team manager. more....
(Irish Post) 26 October 2005
Connollys
Hold their Nerve to Edge into Final
Scottish champions Dunedin Connollys qualified for their second consecutive
provincial final after a one-point victory over Warwickshire champions Roger
Casements at Old Bedians. more....
Back Of The Net
It has been a miserable seven days for Irish football but two players who
are the future of national team both managed to finish on a high note by
getting on the scoresheet for their clubs.
more...
(Irish Post) 19 October 2005
Beattie Selection
Almost Breaks Hearts
Gordon Strachan’s faith in young Craig Beattie was justified against Hearts
when the striker helped provide Celtic with a stunning goal in the 13th
minute of the game. more...
Rule Supreme Injury
Could End Career
The career of one of the most popular horses around the Willie Mullins-trained
Rule Supreme is in serious doubt after the nine-year-old picked up an injury
on the gallops which will keep him off the track for the remainder of the
year. more...
Against the Head
We didn’t really do ourselves justice at Edgeley Park last Friday after
going down 18-10 to Sale Sharks. more...
(Irish Post) 19 October 2005
McCurtains Add Collins
Cup to Trophy Success
Having won their second trophy in as many weeks the Thomas McCurtains hurling
renaissance now appears complete following their narrow Collins Cup victory
last weekend. more....
Gael Sportstalk
What a difference a year makes in Irish football. Only 12 months ago, manager
Brian Kerr’s side had successfully negotiated the first three qualifying
games with real style and authority and looked forward to the remainder
of the campaign with genuine optimism of making it to next year’s World
Cup in Germany. more....
McBride Hoping to
ExCel on his Return
Boston-based Irish heavyweight Kevin McBride joins three of the top British
heavyweights on a star-studded bill at London’s ExCel Centre on December
10. more....
(Irish Post) 19 October 2005
McShane to maintain centre-half tradition
Stephen Ireland may have made the headlines for Manchester City in their
recent 2-0 victory over Everton but Manchester United’s on-loan defender
Paul McShane has also impressed since his move to the south coast with Brighton.
more...
Gael sportstalk
A number of world-class saves from Shay Given including a penalty save that
even surpassed that of Packie Bonner’s Italia ’90 match-winner in Genoa
prevented what would have been a disastrous weekend for Irish sport.
more...
Back of the
net
Shay Given is a player who has been lauded on many occasions in this column
and once again the man from Lifford, Co. Donegal proved just how good he
is as he almost single-handedly kept alive the Republic of Ireland’s World
Cup dream in Cyprus last Saturday. more...
Jennings
makes the right impact in Tigers back row
Former Leinster flanker Shane Jennings was one of the few successes following
Leicester Tigers’ humbling experience at Rodney Parade in their opening
round Powergen Cup defeat. more...
GAA Fixtures
Saturday, October 15: Ruislip, 2pm, Provincial LJFC Final: Heston v Tara;
3.30pm more...
(Irish Post) 12 October 2005
Dutch
‘combo’ could deny Paris Gaels double
Amsterdam-Den Haag ladies football club could deny Paris Gaels a unique
mens-ladies double in the climax to this year’s Euro GAA football league
in Holland this weekend.
more...
Champs dethroned amid controversy
Provincial champions St. Peters have been eliminated from this year’s competition
after a dramatic ending in their quarter-final tie at Pairc na hÉireann
in Birmingham last weekend.
more...
Back Of The Net
Brian Kerr will have allowed himself a wry smile ahead of next Saturday’s
vital trip to Cyprus as three of his key players shone for their sides in
the Premiership. more...
(Irish Post) 5 October 2005
Five-Star Celts
Poised to Break Hearts
Celtic delivered a stunning and flashy performance on Saturday with a sensational
five-goal spree at Almondvale Stadium against Livingston.
more...
(Irish Post) 5 October 2005
Derry to Remain
on Course for a Treble
A North-West derby always creates that special interest but when it’s a
top versus bottom clash then the stakes couldn’t be higher for both teams.
more...
St. Peters Too
Strong for Oisins
St. Peters retained their senior football title as expected when they had
six points to spare over Oisins at Old Bedians on Sunday. more....
(Irish Post) 5 October 2005
London and Britain
Take Runners-Up Honours
London and Britain both reached the finals of the inaugural Ladies International
Gaelic football tournament at Naomh Mearnog GFC grounds Portmarnock in Dublin.
more....
Gael Sportstalk
Fr. Murphys hurlers were one of the sporting stories of this weekend. Just
like underdogs Tyrone’s footballers a week ago, the Murphys found themselves
on the winners podium after relieving Robert Emmetts of their ‘A’ title
at Ruislip on Sunday. more....
(Irish Post) 5 October 2005
Against the
Head
Wasps and Ireland star Johnny O’ Connor writes exclusively for The Irish
Post. more....
Gael sportstalk
Take a bow Tyrone — this year’s worthy All-Ireland football champions. What
has surely been one of the great years for Gaelic football reached its culmination
on Sunday in the best possible way with one of the greatest finals in recent
history. more...
Back of the
net
It seems all it not well for Aiden McGeady at Celtic. The Glasgow-Irishman
had a superb start to life at Parkhead under Martin O’Neill
more...
(Irish Post) 28 September 2005
Kennelly’s
historic Grand Final victory
It wasn’t all doom and gloom for the Kingdom this weekend as former U-21
Kerry Gaelic football star Tadhg Kennelly became the first Irishman to win
a Premiership AFL title with Sydney Swans on Saturday.
more...
Are Derry
about to succeed the Reds?
Having safely secured their first silverware of the season, high-flying
Derry City entertain champions Shelbourne this Friday evening in what could
be the key game of the season. more...
(Irish Post) 28 September 2005
McGinley
on target for Ryder Cup place
Despite finishing a disappointed runner up at the recent HSBC World Matchplay
Championships at Wentworth, Ireland’s Paul McGinley is well on course for
a place in the European team
more...
GAA Notices
Warwickshire GAA are hosting a Golf Day on Saturday, October 8 at the Belfry
(Derby Course). more...
(Irish Post) 28 September 2005
Tyrone
dedicate victory to former captain
Despite achieving a second All-Ireland victory in three years an emotional
Mickey Harte delayed his celebrations to reflect on the tragic death of
the team’s previous captain Cormac McAnallen almost 18 months ago.
more...
Harte’s Canavan
Final Selection
Tyrone manager Mickey Harte faces the ultimate dilemma ahead of Sunday’s
All-Ireland final on whether or not to start semi-final winner Peter Canavan
against Kerry. more...
Kerry v Tyrone
– The Men to Watch
Known as the ‘Quiet Man’ in the Kingdom McCarthy has been one of the most
consistent defenders in the game over the last five years.
more...
(Irish Post) 21 September 2005
Gael Sportstalk
Golfer Paul McGinley came agonisingly close to becoming the Irish sports
story of the week after reaching the PGA Matchplay final on Sunday.
more...
(Irish Post) 21 September 2005
Fortune Favours
Brave Casements in Thriller
Holders Roger Casements retained their senior football championship title
at Pairc na hÉireann after a thrilling one-point victory over John Mitchells.
more...
(Irish Post) 21 September 2005
Last-Gasp Point Sets
Up Final Replay
The ladies final between Roger Casements and John Mitchells is heading for
a replay after a last-gasp Ria O’Shea point tied the game.
more...
(Irish Post) 21 September 2005
Galway Upstage
Kilkenny Again
Galway are this year’s U-21 All-Ireland hurling champions after a narrow
one-point victory over Kilkenny at Limerick. more...
Upstart Hearts
Look to Trump Old Firm
Forget the Premiership. With Chelsea already six points clear and last Sunday’s
Liverpool-Manchester United game, labelled by Sky pundit Phil Thompson as
“the biggest fixture in world football”, ending in a dire 0-0 draw, English
football is already faltering under the weight of predictability and a lack
of quality. more....
Back of the Net
Roy Keane could have kicked has last ball as a Republic of Ireland international
after breaking his foot in Manchester United’s dire 0-0 draw with Liverpool
on Sunday. more....
New hurdles
ahead for jump season trainers
A sure sign that the summer is over is when trainers start talking about
their plans for the new jumps season, and that is exactly what has been
happening this week. more...
(Irish Post) 14 September 2005
New-look
Exiles facing another major test
A disappointed London Irish team must pick themselves up quickly after their
late defeat by Worcester as they prepare to travel to Edgeley Park in Stockport
this Friday to face Sale Sharks. more...
(Irish Post) 14 September 2005
Gael sportstalk
Cork are enjoying their first back-to-back All-Ireland hurling titles since
1978 after their triumph at Croke Park on Sunday.
more...
Back of the
net
It took a moment of genius to deny the Republic of Ireland a thoroughly
deserved point against France at Lansdowne Road last Wednesday
more...
Golfing in
the Lyons’ den
With the growing popularity for golf in Ireland former Meath full back Mick
Lyons joined a number of ex-GAA stars putting their sporting passions into
the small ball business more...
Galway Unlikely
to Deny a Cork Back-to-Back Title
After another year of experimentation with the competition’s format, the
climax to this year’s hurling championship has resulted in a Cork and Galway
All-Ireland final. more...
(Irish Post) 7 September 2005
Cork v Galway –
The Men to Watch
Leading Cork this year in their bid to win their first back-to-back titles
since their three-in-a-row between 1976-78 will be wing back Sean Og O’hAilpin.
more....
(Irish Post) 7 September 2005
Gael Sportstalk
Tyrone eventually got the better of their neighbours and great rivals at
the third attempt. more...
(Irish Post) 7 September 2005
Tyrone Clinch All-Ireland
Final Date with Kerry
A pointed injury-time free-kick from former Tyrone captain Peter Canavan
finally sealed a place in this year’s All-Ireland final as the O’Neill County
defeated Ulster rivals Armagh by 1-13 to 1-12 in a pulsating game at Croke
Park on Sunday. more...
(Irish Post) 7 September 2005
Emmetts on Course
for Title
Holders Robert Emmetts are on course for back-to-back senior hurling titles
after a deserved three-point semi-final victory over Sean Treacys at Ruislip.
more...
The Other Clash of
the Ash(es)
It takes a lot to get the Irish to cheer on the English. Whether it be soccer
or rugby, tennis or tiddlywinks, there’s nothing like seeing the old enemy
have the air of expectancy squeezed from them in the most excruciating manner
imaginable. more....
(Irish Post) 7 September 2005
Catt Inspires Perfect
Start for Exiles
London Irish got off to the perfect start in their Premiership opener against
Leeds Tykes with a 27-11 victory at Twickenham on Saturday. more....
(Irish Post) 7 September 2005
Students Poised
to Lift the League Cup
UCD will have home advantage against Derry City in this year’s League Cup
final. After knocking out FAI Cup holders Longford Town in their recent
FAI Cup replay, the students will be brimming with confidence in their quest
to bring some silverware to Belfield this season. more....
(Irish Post) 7 September 2005
Back of the Net
Wednesday, September 7. The date that has been imprinted on the mind of
Ireland boss Brian Kerr ever since the World Cup qualifying fixture list
was drawn up two years ago. more....
(Irish Post) 7 September 2005
Golf’s Just Child’s
Play in Luton
The Kevin Duggan Academy was established in 2003 to introduce disadvantaged
or underprivileged children to the world of golf. Named after 19-year-old
golf-mad teenager Kevin Duggan — who was tragically killed in a road accident
— his Dublin-born father Declan was responsible for the idea of opening
the academy. more....
The race is
on for Motivator’s jockey
Derby winner Motivator remains a favourite for next week’s Irish Champion
Stakes but the team behind the Flat star have yet to name the jockey who
will get the plum ride. more...
Gael sportstalk
All-Ireland football champions Kerry are safely through to another All-Ireland
final after an easy semi-final victory over neighbours Cork at Croke Park.
more...
(Irish Post) 31 August 2005
Clancy is bidding
to be the new Tiger
Lee Clancy is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his hero Tiger Woods
and the 13-year-old from Northolt in West London has already made a fine
start to his golfing career. more...
(Irish Post) 31 August 2005
Back of the net
The biggest relief for Brian Kerr this week will be the news that none of
his Republic of Ireland players picked up any injuries at the weekend and
he should be able to choose from a full-strength squad for the World Cup
qualifier with France on September 7. more...
(Irish Post) 31 August 2005
Smith promises
a new era for Exiles
New London Irish director of rugby Brian Smith has vowed to improve on last
season’s poor campaign that saw the Exiles only just avoid relegation on
the final day of the season more...
(Irish Post) 31 August 2005
Cork head east
for dream UEFA Cup tie
Following their away goals victory over Djurgardens, Cork City have drawn
Czech side Slavia Prague in the third round of the Uefa Cup.
more...
(Irish Post) 31 August 2005
Is Meath
ready to sideline Boylan?
These are dark days for Meath football. A generation of fans, so used to
preparing for huge end-of-summer encounters, are becoming increasingly familiar
with watching success arrive elsewhere.
more...
(Irish Post) 31 August 2005
Casements into
final with John Mitchels
Roger Casements are still on course for back-to-back titles after the holders
had five points to spare over St. Finbarrs in a hard-fought semi-final at
Holbrooks, Coventry on Sunday. more...
(Irish Post) 31 August 2005
London GAA
previews
London club activity resumes after a month-long break from championship
activity with a number of interesting ties this weekend at both Ruislip
and Greenford. more...
Roy to inspire
Republic in Kerr’s toughest test
Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr will have a fully-fit squad to select
his team to face France in his side’s crucial Group 4 World Cup qualifier
against France at Lansdowne Road next Wednesday.
more...
(Irish Post) 31 August 2005
Gael Sportstalk
London hurlers fulfilled their Rackard Cup final ambitions with an emphatic
victory over Louth at Croke Park on Sunday.
more...
Ireland Enters
“Dream of a Madman”
One of the great names in Irish motorsport will bid farewell this autumn
as the Jordan team departs Formula One after 15 remarkable years.
more...
Dundalk Out to Upstage
Drogheda
Dundalk return to their new all-weather pitch this Friday for the tie of
the round against former landlords Drogheda United. more...
(Irish Post) 24 August 2005
Back of the Net
Unlike Sven-Goran Eriksson and many his England players, friendlies have
always been treated seriously by the Republic of Ireland team and the Irish
public. more....
Jockeys Face Ban if
They are Dehydrated
Jockeys could be banned from riding in Ireland next year if they are found
to be dehydrated, according to proposals being considered by the Turf Club.
more....
(Irish Post) 24 August 2005
Jamie Spencer
looks odds-on title favourite
Irish star Jamie Spencer has been made the odds-on favourite to land this
year’s Flat jockey championship after his main rival suffered a broken jaw
in a horrible fall. more...
Gael sportstalk
Cork got through to this year’s All-Ireland final by the closest of margins
after a thrilling semi-final against Clare last Sunday.
more...
Back of the net
Shay Given once again produced a fine performance in a losing cause for
Newcastle on the opening day of the new season on Sunday
more...
(Irish Post) 17 August 2005
Boyle and McSweeney
qualify for final
Emerging Irish sprinters Anna Boyle and Ailis McSweeney produced superb
performances in their respective heats to reach the 100m final at the World
University Games in Izmir, Turkey. more...
(Irish Post) 17 August 2005
London seek
Rackard Cup glory
This Sunday sees London take on Louth at Croke Park in the final of the
inaugural Nicky Rackard Cup. Larry Cooney previews the action, warning that
the Exiles must be wary of complacency if they are to bring home the title.
more...
GB & I lose Walker Cup
The Walker Cup team of Great Britain and Ireland were unlucky not to have
registered cup win number four on the trot as the American team bucked the
trend in Chicago. more...
(Irish Post) 17 August 2005
Showjumpers
play out soap opera
What a difference a year makes. On August 27, 2004 Ireland celebrated its
sole medal at the Athens Olympics as Cian O’Connor surprised the country
with his unexpected showjumping gold medal.
more...
(Irish Post) 17 August 2005
Dublin
refuse to quit as Tyrone held once again
In one of the most entertaining qualifiers of recent times Dublin showed
their growing maturity by refusing to lose to a Tyrone side that yet again
refused to win. more...
Cork steal thrilling
win from brave Banner men
What a fine line there is between victory and defeat. Clare were just minutes
away from an All-Ireland final which would have precipitated a wave of expectation
in the Banner unseen since the heady days of the Ger Loughnane era.
more...
(Irish Post) 17 August 2005
Black Cats set to
take the cream
It says a hell of a lot about the Kilkenny hurlers that after last year’s
heart breaking eight-point loss to Cork in the final they’re back playing
some of the championship’s most scintillating hurling.
more...
Kerry Through to Semi-Finals
Kerry boss Jack O’Connor hit out at his side after their 2-15 to 0-18 win
over Mayo last Sunday and insists that on that showing the All-Ireland champions
go into their semi-final clash with Cork in three weeks’ time as underdogs.
more...
(Irish Post) 10 August 2005
London’s Hurlers
Fly into Rackard
London hurling boss Mick O’Dea saluted his players after their magnificent
3-13 to 1-10 win over Donegal in the semi-final of the Nicky Rackard Cup
in Letterkenny on Sunday.
more...
All-Ireland Football
Quarter-Finals
Qualifiers don’t come much bigger than this one. This encounter between
the Leinster Champions and the Ulster runners-up will tell us a lot about
the future of both sides even beyond 2005. more...
(Irish Post) 10 August 2005
Zidane Answers French
Call
Short of both Roy and Robbie Keane suffering freak injuries in the next
month, Irish football fans finally heard the news they had been dreading
last week – the best player in the world over the last decade is returning
to play international football for France. more...
Irish Stars Ready for
Premiership Party
The biggest, most exciting, most prestigious football league in the world
returns to our screens this weekend — well that is what Sky Sports tell
us anyway in their ridiculously over-the-top adverts for the Premiership.
more...
(Irish Post) 10 August 2005
Gael Sportstalk
London’s hurlers have deservedly booked their place in the Nicky Rackard
Cup final at Croke Park on Sunday week after an emphatic semi-final victory
over Donegal. more...
(Irish Post) 10 August 2005
Shels Must Avoid
Defeat
Eircom league leaders Cork City and champions Shelbourne clash in this weekend’s
key top-of-the-table clash at Turner’s Cross. more...
(Irish Post) 10 August 2005
Mixed Fortunes for
Two Top Irish Jockeys
There was mixed news from two top Irish jockeys this week with Jim Culloty
announcing his intention to begin a training career and Mick Fitzgerald
revealing he is suffering from a broken neck. more....
(Irish Post) 10 August 2005
Kerr Names Squad for
Italy Friendly
Republic of Ireland boss Brian Kerr has named a 23-man squad to take on
Italy in a friendly at Lansdowne Road next Wednesday, August 17. more....
(Irish Post) 10 August 2005
Azamour and
Motivator to battle for high Stakes
Irish speed sensation Azamour, fresh from his stunning performance in the
King George, is set to face Derby hero Motivator in the Baileys Irish Champion
Stakes in September. more...
Gael sportstalk
This year’s All-Ireland hurling championship is on a predictable course
on the evidence of last Sunday’s two remaining quarter-finals at Croke Park.
more...
(Irish Post) 03 August 2005
The Championship’s
Irish connection
With the new soccer season kicking off this weekend with the start of the
Championship, Ian McCullough looks at five young Irish players who will
be aiming to make an impact this season.
more...
(Irish Post) 03 August 2005
Cork’s march to continue
League leaders Cork City steamrollered relegation-bound Shamrock Rovers
3-0 in their last game at Turners Cross. more...
(Irish Post) 03 August 2005
O’Connor back as
Ireland finish fourth at Hickstead
Making a first international appearance since his much-publicised ban, Cian
O’Connor along with Shane Breen, Dave Quigley and Denis Lynch finished fourth
overall for Ireland more...
(Irish Post) 03 August 2005
Macklin set
to make stateside debut
Birmingham-based Irish middleweight champion Matthew Macklin will make his
American debut this Thursday evening in Atlantic City.
more...
Galway
and Kilkenny storm into semi-finals
Galway stormed to a place in this year’s All-Ireland semi-final after a
thrilling two-point victory over a shattered Tipperary team at Croke Park
on Sunday. more...
(Irish Post) 03 August 2005
London one
step from Croke Park showpiece
London’s hurlers are on the brink of their first appearance in Croke Park
for many years. Blocking their path to the Nicky Rackard Cup Final are the
formidable hurlers of Donegal. more...
(Irish Post) 03 August 2005
Hopes high in
football camp
London travel to Boyle this weekend hopeful of a victory over the hosts
that narrowly eluded them in Ruislip in May.
more...
London Hurlers
Face Toughest Challenge
London hurlers face a difficult trip to Letterkenny to play form team and
main rivals Donegal in the Nicky Rackard Cup semi-final on Sunday, August
7. more...
(Irish Post) 27 July 2005
Elite Eight Seek Place
in Quarter Finals
The field in the All-Ireland football championship has been cut to 12 teams.
Apart from the surprise elimination of Meath by Cavan and Sligo's impressive
form since the opening round, results have gone as expected.
more...
Holders Stay Focused
as Deise Misery Continues
Cork remain firmly on course to defend their All-Ireland crown following
a well-deserved five-point quarter-final victory over Waterford at Croke
Park on Sunday. more...
Cork to Spoil
Pat’s Month
St. Patrick’s Athletic’s month will end on a bright note with the news that
the Lord Mayor of Dublin Catherine Byrne has launched a scheme that could
see up to e12,000 a month injected into the club — contributing nicely towards
Johnny McDonnell’s player budget.
more...
(Irish Post) 27 July 2005
O’Connor Returns
to Lift Irish Hopes
Ireland’s faltering Nations Cup showjumping hopes will receive a boost this
weekend with the return of Cian O’Connor on Waterford Crystal at Hickstead
between July 27-31. more...
(Irish Post) 27 July 2005
Byrne Digs Deep
for National Track Title
Irish cross country champion Jolene Byrne had to call on all her experience
to claim the 1,500metres title at the Irish Track and Field championships
in Santry. more...
Gael sportstalk
Dublin’s footballers regained the Leinster Championship by the narrowest
of margins in one of the highlights of the weekend’s GAA programme.
more...
(Irish Post) 20 July 2005
Ireland
fall to Scots in ICC Trophy final
Ireland’s hopes of celebrating qualification for their first World Cup by
lifting the ICC Trophy were dashed by Scotland in the tournament final at
Clontarf. more...
Penalty miss
denies Celtic
Gordon Strachan’s manag-erial reign at Glasgow Celtic began with an entertaining
scoreless draw in a friendly at Craven Cottage.
more...
(Irish Post) 20 July 2005
This week in the
Eircom League
Boosted by their fine performance in Europe, the champions will now focus
on making strides to retain their title. Bray gave it a go when these two
met at Tolka Park two months ago, but the force of Pat Fenlon’s Reds proved
too much for the Seagulls in a 4-1 win.
more...
(Irish Post) 20 July 2005
Four-way battle
for London hurling crown
Larry Cooney reports from Ruislip on the penultimate round of the London
senior hurling championship, where the quartet of Robert Emmetts, Sean Treacys,
Kilburn Gaels and Fr Murphys proved themselves head and shoulders above
the rest. more...
(Irish Post) 20 July 2005
Pocket Rocket
has run out of fuel
Deep down, Wayne McCullough knew the fight doctor got it right. After 10
bruising rounds, the medical officer said he could not continue and Mexican
Oscar Larios had defended his WBC super-bantamweight title and become the
first man to stop the ‘Pocket Rocket’ from going the distance.
more...
(Irish Post) 20 July 2005
GAA Roundup
London brush past challenge of Kilkenny - London ladies fight for deserved
draw - GAA Fixtures more...
Wexford hope
to build on their impressive Leinster final display
Clare’s deserved victory over Waterford ensured they avoided the provincial
winners in the quarter-finals. However if Anthony Daly’s men felt they drew
the long straw in Seamus Murphy’s Wexford team, they could be in for a rude
awakening. more...
(Irish Post) 20 July 2005
Bank of ireland
all-ireland football qualifiers
After a shattering defeat to Leitrim in the opening round of the Connacht
championship, Sligo are now just a game away from a place in the All-Ireland
quarter-finals. more...
(Irish Post) 20 July 2005
Dubs win Leinster
title in dramatic finale
Dublin held their nerve to regain the Leinster title for the first time
since 2002 with a single point victory over Mick O’Dwyer’s Laois at Croke
Park. more...
(Irish Post) 20 July 2005
Carlow to face
wrath of GAA
Carlow footballers look like becoming a test-case of the new hard-line disciplinary
policy adopted by the GAA following their non-appearance at Enniskillen
on Saturday. more...
(Irish Post) 20 July 2005
O’Driscoll
begins road to recovery
Irish rugby captain Brian O’Driscoll has been released from hospital after
undergoing surgery on his dislocated right shoulder.
more...
(Irish Post) 20 July 2005
London Footballers’
Navan
London’s junior and senior footballers will be in action at Pairc Tailteann
in Navan this Saturday. more...
(Irish Post) 13 July 2005
Cork and Waterford
Must Meet Again
There can be little argument the new format of this year’s All-Ireland hurling
championship achieved its primary objective of involving the top eight counties
in the quarter-finals. more...
(Irish Post) 13 July 2005
Is an End to Dublin’s
10-Year Itch in Sight??
It’s about time the lyrics to Dublin in the Rare Auld Times were amended
to include a verse on a time when the city’s football teams were making
a serious challenge for All-Ireland titles.
more...
(Irish Post) 13 July 2005
Champions Defeated
by Slick Brendans
Holders Kingdom Kerry Gaels will have to rely on the back-door route if
they are to retain their crown following their narrow defeat to St. Brendans
at Ruislip. more...
Irish Athletes
Need a Lotto Money
As Olympic Council of Ireland President and IOC voter Pat Hickey emerged
from the gathering of his compatriots after the award of the 2012 Olympic
Games to London, the smile on his face told its own story.
more...
This Week in the
Eircom League
Cork City’s George O’Callaghan may well be the centre of attention this
week when he takes to the field at United Park. more...
(Irish Post) 13 July 2005
Gael Sportstalk
In a week that ended with such tragic human consequences for a number of
residents of London it is quite difficult to focus on any sporting achievement.
more....
(Irish Post) 13 July 2005
Murphy Deserved his
Lions’ Finale
Geordan Murphy’s final Test call-up was undoubtedly one of the few Irish
Lions success stories of a bitterly disappointing tour. more....
(Irish Post) 13 July 2005
Soldier’s
Tale is odds on to take Darley Cup
The cream of Flat talent descends on Newmarket this week for Thursday’s
prestigious £250,000 Darley July Cup with the fancied Soldier’s Tale looking
a great bet to land the first prize.
more...
(Irish Post) 06 July 2005
Gael sportstalk
A Lions three-nil Black-wash now looks inevitable if not an absolute certainty
after Sir Clive Woodward’s team’s crushing 48-18 defeat in Wellington.
more...
Pride of Lions
suffers heavy fall
And so the annihilation is complete. Whatever happens in this weekend’s
Third Test between the British and Irish Lions and New Zealand, the nagging
doubts that have surrounded the touring party since their draw with Argentina
before they even landed in the southern hemisphere have turned into the
humbling realisation that this squad just wasn’t up to the task at hand.
more...
(Irish Post) 06 July 2005
Added Time
Steve Staunton’s playing career could be over. Coventry have withdrawn their
offer of a new contract after the former Ireland star failed to turn up
for pre-season training.
more...
Harrington Magic
Claims US Title
Ireland’s Padraig Harrington was celebrating one of the finest victories
in his professional career this week as he claimed his second US PGA Tour
title of the year. more...
Big Money to be Won
in Curragh’s Richest Race
Ambitious plans have been unveiled for what will be Ireland’s richest ever
race day, with a staggering total of €2.6million in prize money on offer
over the course of a single afternoon. more...
Defiant O’ Driscoll Pledges
Full Recovery
Ireland’s Brian O’ Driscoll has vowed to make a full recovery following
his horrific spear tackle in the second minute of the Lions ill-fated first
Test in Christchurch. more...
(Irish Post) 29 June 2005
Ireland’s Amateurs
Hopeful at Southport
Ireland’s amateur golf team swings into action at Hillside in Southport
this week and includes newly-crowned Amateur Champion Brian McElhinney.
more...
Candy Stripes Take
on Champions
The clash of the champions and the Candy Stripes never fails to disappoint
and it is undoubtedly the match of the weekend. more....
(Irish Post) 29 June 2005
Harte Set for Return to
England
Former Leeds defender Ian Harte is ready to return to England after his
club Levante were relegated from the Spanish top flight. more....
(Irish Post) 29 June 2005
Hero Kicking
King lines up big pay out
Cheltenham hero Kicking King will claim a stunning £1million bonus next
season if he can win the Gold Cup and King George VI Chase again plus the
inaugural Betfair Chase. more...
(Irish Post) 22 June 2005
Welsh rescue package
saves Celtic League
Next season’s Celtic League competition has been saved following an offer
of a significant financial contribution by the Welsh Rugby Union.
more...
(Irish Post) 22 June 2005
Woodward
facing the ultimate test
The British and Irish Lions first defeat by the New Zealand Maori proved
to be a long-overdue reality check for Sir Clive Woodward’s team.
more...
(Irish Post) 22 June 2005
Morrison left
out on a limb
Birmingham City striker Clinton Morrison has experienced contrasting fortunes
with club and country in the past season.
more...
(Irish Post) 22 June 2005
FAI boost
for Dublin
The FAI and Fingal County Council have announced a pioneering approach to
the development and promotion of football in north Co. Dublin.
more...
Gael sportstalk
It was a weekend of mixed fortunes for our British-based sides in Ireland.
London’s footballers met an inevitable fate although Noel Dunning’s side
didn’t deserve a 12-point defeat.
more...
(Irish Post) 22 June 2005
Dublin made
to earn place in Leinster final
:Dublin are back in the provincial final for the first time since 2002
after a deserved four-point victory over Wexford. But the Allianz NFL Division
1 finalists made Paul Caffrey’s team fight all the way for their victory.
more...
(Irish Post) 22 June 2005
GAA roundup
Hurlers grind out late victory - Warwicks rally fails to overhaul Monaghan
- Footballers are outplayed after brave performance- Eire Og overcome Gaels
in a thriller. more...
Dettori missing
out on Royal Ascot rides
The richest feast of Flat racing in the calendar got under way this week
with the start of Royal Ascot at York, though champion jockey Frankie Dettori
was only conspicuous by his absence. more...
Sick as a parrot
or over the moon?
The 2004/05 season was full of ups and downs and for some a campaign to
forget. Ian McCullough looks at some of the players who will be looking
for an improved 2005-06. more...
(Irish Post) 15 June 2005
Back of the net
After the disappointing performance and result against Israel, Brian Kerr’s
Republic of Ireland side returned to winning ways against the Faroe Islands
in difficult conditions at the Torsvollur Stadium in Torshavn.
more...
McElhinney
leads Irish golf team
Brian McElhinney, recent winner of the British Amateur Championship at Royal
Birkdale, heads the Ireland team for the European Team Championship.
more...
(Irish Post) 15 June 2005
Gael sportstalk
Irish boxing is celebrating one of its most famous victories in the last
20 years after Saturday’s sensational result in Washington.
more...
(Irish Post) 15 June 2005
GAA Roundup
:Holders live to fight another day - Leitrim make Galway fight all the
way - Cork too hot for Clare more...
(Irish Post) 15 June 2005
GAA big Week end Irish showdowns in Rackard Cup for London and Warwicks - Manager O’Dea
has his selection problems. more...
(Irish Post) 15 June 2005
No title
fight in sight for McBride
Ireland’s new boxing hero Kevin McBride may have to wait some time before
even being considered as a likely world heavyweight title contender.
more...
(Irish Post) 15 June 2005
Televised racing
faces crisis talks
Saturday racing on British television will never be the same again if an
agreement isn’t reached over the Channel 4 situation — that’s the stark
warning this week from presenter John McCririck.
more...
(Irish Post) 08 June 2005
Gold leaves
London Irish to return home
London Irish has announced that the club has agreed to part company with
its head coach, Gary Gold, who is returning home to take up a position with
Western Province. more...
(Irish Post) 08 June 2005
O’Kelly forced
to return with injury
Munster’s Donnacha O’Callaghan replaced injured international team mate
Malcolm O’Kelly in Saturday’s opening victory of the Lions tour at the International
Stadium in Rotorua. more...
Strachan begins
rebuilding Celtic
Gordon Strachan returns home to Scotland for what could be the biggest test
of his managerial career. Richard Purden considers how he might fare.
more...
(Irish Post) 08 June 2005
Gael sportstalk
What does a London team or any GAA team outside Ireland have to do to get
the recognition it deserves in Ireland?
more...
(Irish Post) 08 June 2005
GAA roundup
Dublin on target in quest for title - Derry masterclass - Cavan win replay
- Tipperary beginning to silence their critics as they qualify for Munster
final. - Saffrons timely return to form more...
A historic repeat
or new son of Clones?
On a week when Barry McGuigan reflects on the 20th anniversary of his famous
world featherweight title victory over Eusebio Pedroza, fellow Clones native
and heavyweight Kevin McBride steps into the ring of the MCI Centre, Washington
on Saturday evening to take on Mike Tyson.
more...
(Irish Post) 08 June 2005
Republic looks
to Roy’s inspiration
Having squandered two more precious home World Cup qualifying points against
Israel on Saturday, the Republic of Ireland will be hoping to bounce back
with a victory in the Faroe Islands.
more...
(Irish Post) 08 June 2005
Motivator’s
Derby hopes take a jolt
Motivator's near-perfect run-up to Saturday’s Epsom Derby suffered a serious
setback this week with the news that jockey Johnny Murtagh has picked up
a ban.more...
(Irish Post) 01 June 2005
Irish Lions set
to play a minimal part in Tests
The British and Lions begin their six week-long tour of New Zealand this
Saturday at the International Stadium, Rotorua with what looks like an easy
warm-up fixture for the tourists.
more...
GAA Roundup :
Laois late show sees them into semis - Stalemate at Breffni Park - Kildare
edge out Westmeath - Clare go through after a tough game - Kerry too hot
more...
(Irish Post) 01 June 2005
Brave London upstage
a lucky Roscommon
A seemingly complete mismatch on paper provided one of the best games in
years at Ruislip on Sunday as visitors Roscommon escaped with the luckiest
of victories. more...
(Irish Post) 01 June 2005
London in
pole position to take Nicky Rackard Cup
The final part of this year’s new hurling championship format considers
the hopes of the remaining 12 counties that comprise Tier Three (The Nicky
Rackard Cup) of the 2005 Guinness Hurling Championship. more...
(Irish Post) 01 June 2005
Victory essential
for Ireland to progress
Next week represents the biggest seven days in Brian Kerr’s reign as Republic
of Ireland manager and will dictate the success or failure of his 18 months
in the hotseat so far. more...
(Irish Post) 01 June 2005
Back of
the net
Liverpool’s stunning European Cup victory over AC Milan last week was one
of the most amazing recoveries in the history of the game and the credit
that Rafael Benitez and his players have received has been fully deserved.
more...
London have
to learn how to win
“London must learn how to win.” That was the view of London manager Noel
Dunning after his side’s sensational performance in last Sunday’s narrow
Connacht championship defeat by Roscommon at Ruislip.
more...
Irish jump stars
scoop season's top honours
The incredible strength of Irish jump racing has been emphasised again as
three of our finest took the top prizes at the British Horseracing Board’s
2005 Awards.more...
(Irish Post) 25 May 2005
Quins hold on to
Irish stars
Harlequins have ann-ounced the Irish trio of Gavin Duffy, Simon Keogh and
Mel Deane will be retained at The Stoop next season despite the club’s relegation
from the Zurich Premiership. more...
Sportbriefs
All-weather track gets go-ahead - O’Connor gets Barbarians call - Dunne
could get European title shot - Carlow recall for legendary Nevin
more...
(Irish Post) 25 May 2005
Linfield oust
Shels for Setanta Cup win
Linfield claimed the inaugural Setanta Cup after upstaging their hosts Shelbourne
at Tolka Park on Saturday. First-half goals from Glen Ferguson (27) and
Peter Thomson (37) deservedly took the cup north of the Border.more...
(Irish Post) 25 May 2005
Irish eyes smile
on a season to be savoured
The 2004-05 soccer season was full of thrills, spills, excitement and controversy.
Like any other campaign there were Irish players and managers who will remember
it more fondly than others. ian mccullough casts an eye over some of those
who had a year to remember.more...
(Irish Post) 25 May 2005
GAA Roundup
Cork overpower champs Waterford - Supersub Sweeney rescues Tipperary - Derry
force replay as Antrim progress - Leitrim deliver a shock to Sligo - Canavan
returns to inspire Tyrone. more...
Injury fails
to stop Harrington’s Irish Open challenge
After overcoming the threat of an neck injury ahead of the start of the
tournament, Padraig Harrington still managed to finish as the best-placed
Irishman at the Nissan Irish Open at Carton House Golf Club in Maynooth,
Co. Kildare on Sunday.more...
Gael Sportstalk
There was no shortage of drama on a number of sporting fronts at the weekend.
From Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium and Limerick’s Gaelic Grounds on Saturday
to Semple Stadium, Thurles and Fir Park Motherwell on the following day,
it was a weekend of fluctuating fortunes that will be talked about for many
years.more...
Brennan Aims for Cup
Treble
Forgotten man Trevor Brennan becomes the first Irish player to appear in
three successive European Cup finals when his club Toulouse take on Stade
Francais in this year’s Heineken Cup final on Sunday.
more...
Gael Sportstalk
This year’s hurling championship got off to an exciting start when neighbours
Tipperary and Limerick ended all-square after a thrilling Munster championship
match at Semple Stadium on Sunday. more...
St. Josephs Lower Hexton’s
Banner
Popular Luton Irish venue St. Josephs in Gardenia Avenue has celebrated
a surprise victory for its local football club. more...
(Irish Post) 18 May 20055
Back of the Net
The news that Malcolm Glazer has secured the 75 per cent shareholding he
needed to take full control of Manchester United has been greeted with widespread
fury by supporters of the club. more....
Derby Favourite Gypsy
King is in Fine Form
One of the most intriguing sights in racing this year was that of Aidan
O’Brien’s Sadler’s Weld-sired Gypsy King — early favourite for the Derby
on June 4 — move out to 100/1 in some quarters after a rumour on the betting
exchanges was instigated about the well-being of the Dee Stakes winner.
more....
(Irish Post) 18 May 2005
Munster Sweat on O’Gara
Injury
Munster could be facing Llanelli Scarlets in this Saturday’s Celtic Cup
final at Lansdowne Road without Lions fly-half Ronan O’Gara.
more...
(Irish Post) 11 May 2005
Rugby News
The achievements of London Irish Colts, a combination of the club’s U-18
and U-19 teams, were among the highlights of the season’s London Irish Amateur
RFC. more...
(Irish Post) 11 May 2005
Munster’s Last
Chance of Glory
A last-minute converted try from Munster captain Anthony Foley secured a
dramatic 23-17 semi-final victory over Leinster to set up a Celtic Cup final
clash with Llanelli Scarlets.
more...
(Irish Post) 11 May 2005
Macklin is Hoping
for a Perfect Return
English-based second-generation Irish boxers Matthew Macklin and Michael
Monaghan are set to contest the vacant Irish middleweight title this Saturday
at Dublin’s National Stadium. more...
Gael Sportstalk
London hurling manager Mick O’Dea has injury concerns ahead of his team’s
opening Ulster championship fixture in Casement Park this Sunday.
more...
Back of the Net
The Sky Sports publicity machine never tires of telling us just how magnificent
the Premiership is and that it is the best football league in the world.
more...
(Irish Post) 11 May 2005
Double’s on for
O’Brien’s Footstepsinthesand
A superb all round display, including a magnificent personal tally of 0-10
from Steven McDonell, ended Wexford’s bid for a national league title at
Croke Park on Sunday. more...
(Irish Post) 11 May 2005
Pitman Backs
Kicking King for Further Glory
Legendary trainer Jenny Pitman has made a successful transition into a best-selling
writer. The First Lady of Racing reveals to Enda Brady her surprise at the
popularity of her writing and tells why she highly rates Ireland’s Kicking
King. more...
(Irish Post) 11 May 2005
On-Form Kicking
King is Gold Cup Favourite
Bookmakers have reacted to Kicking King’s sensational victory in the Guinness
Gold Cup at Punchestown by reducing his odds for next year’s Cheltenham
Gold Cup. more...
Irish Quins Face
Uncertain Future
The consequences of Irish fly-half Jeremy Staunton’s missed 80th-minute
penalty attempt for relegated Harlequins are expected to be known later
this week. more...
(Irish Post) 04 May 2005
Rugby News
Cardiff Blues will not be seeking the release of their three Lions players
for the crucial Heineken Cup play-off match in Italy later in the month.
more...
(Irish Post) 04 May 2005
Shels on Course for
Setanta Cup Final
Shelbourne look set for a place in the inaugural Setanta Cup final after
a narrow 1-0 victory over Cork City at Tolka Park on Monday.
more...
(Irish Post) 04 May 2005
London Host All-Stars
Gala
This year’s British Universities ladies and men’s GAA All-Stars will be
feted at a gala evening in Ruislip on Saturday, May 7.
more...
(Irish Post) 04 May 2005
Gael Sportstalk
The vagaries of sporting fortunes couldn’t have been better illustrated
than the final week of rugby’s Zurich Premiership season.
more...
(Irish Post) 04 May 2005
Wexford no Match
for Armagh Masterclass
A superb all round display, including a magnificent personal tally of 0-10
from Steven McDonell, ended Wexford’s bid for a national league title at
Croke Park on Sunday. more...
(Irish Post) 04 May 2005
St. Pats to
Frustrate Cork at Turners Cross
Not so long ago, this was a battle of past love, a battle of wits and pay-back
time for Pats fans who remained bitter following Pat Dolan’s departure.
more...
(Irish Post) 04 May 2005
Back Of The Net
The belief that money does not guarantee success has been proved to be a
complete fallacy by Chelsea who deservedly lifted the Premiership last Saturday
— albeit after splashing out £200million since Roman Abramovich sauntered
into Stamford Bridge two years ago. more...
(Irish Post) 04 May 2005
Exiles’ Bonus Point
Guarantees Survival
A seven-point defeat by Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park ensured London
Irish gained the bonus point necessary to guarantee their Premiership survival.
more...
(Irish Post) 04 May 2005
We’ll be alright!
London Irish coach Gary Gold insists his team will beat the drop from the
Premiership following their heartbreak home defeat against Bath.
more...
Woodward Sets Out
His Vision at Summit
Clive Woodward set-out his vision for the 2005 British & Irish Tour to New
Zealand as the squad of 44 players met for the first time at a two-day get-together
near Cardiff recently. The purpose of the meeting was to bring the four
nations together as one squad and also build the best-prepared team in Lions
history. more...
(Irish Post) 27 April 2005
Another Crucible
Heartbreak for Doherty
Ireland’s Ken Doherty was left to ponder the remainder of his season after
another agonising 13-11 defeat in the Embassy World Snooker Championship
at the Crucible last weekend.
more...
(Irish Post) 27 April 2005
Rugby News
Ireland’s Ronan O’Gara may have to settle for a place on the bench in the
opening Test, according to Welsh Grand Slam-winning coach Steve Ruddock.
Stephen Jones is the man who should wear the No. 10 jersey this summer according
to Ruddock. more...
(Irish Post) 27 April 2005
Murphy backs
Toulouse to Win the Heineken Cup
Following their Heineken Cup defeat by Toulouse Leicester Tigers and Ireland
full-back Geordan Murphy has admitted that his club have a tough task ahead
of them if they are to win any silverware this season in the wake of their
comprehensive defeat.
more...
Gael Sportstalk
London Irish are still not out of the wood as their fight for Premiership
survival goes right to the wire on the last day of the season this Saturday
at Newcastle Falcons. more...
(Irish Post) 27 April 2005
Armagh’s Superiority
to End Wexford’s Dream
This year’s Allianz NFL Division 1 title will add a new name to the roll
of honour after Armagh joined surprise team Wexford in Sunday’s first major
final of the year. more...
(Irish Post) 27 April 2005
Waterford Bid to
Keep Pace With the Leaders
It’s a tough one to call in the RSC this Friday. A mid-table battle that
neither side will want to lose. Johnny McDonnell saw his team defeated 3-1
in their last away outing and on that night in Tolka Park the Saints lost
Keith Fahy through injury. more...
(Irish Post) 27 April 2005
Back Of The Net
Promotion back to the Premiership for Sunderland was greeted with delight
on Wearside last Saturday and no bigger smile would have been seen in the
north east than that of manager Mick McCarthy. more...
Murray’s Going Pro
With The Irish Post
Ireland’s latest boxing sensation Andrew Murray has teamed up with The Irish
Post ahead of his second professional fight on Saturday, May 14. more...
(Irish Post) 27 April 2005
Brave Inca to Deliver
Punchestown Promise
Punchestown is the place to be this week as the cream of Irish jump racing
crosses swords once more with their adversaries from across the Irish Sea.
more...
(Irish Post) 27 April 2005
Irish Race Heroes
to Clash at Punchestown
The Punchestown Festival gets under way on Tuesday with Cheltenham and Aintree
heroes battling it out over four days for a total of just over e2million
in prize money. more...
(Irish Post) 20 April 2005
Fallon Looks Set
for Ouija Board Reunion
Leading Flat trainer Sir Michael Stoute has been speaking about the day
Kieren Fallon told him he was quitting to become stable jockey for Aidan
O’Brien’s Ballydoyle operation.
more...
(Irish Post) 20 April 2005
Selection is Right
to Tackle the All Blacks
Eleven Irish players have made their way into the Lions squad to take on
the All Blacks this summer. Former Lions and London Irish coach Dick Best
runs the rule over their form.
more...
(Irish Post) 20 April 2005
Lacey is Confident
of Overturning the Deficit
Connacht's Matt Lacey is relishing this weekend’s trip to Stockport despite
his side’s seven-point deficit after their European Rugby Challenge Cup
semi-final first-leg defeat by Sale Sharks in Galway three weeks ago.
more...
(Irish Post) 20 April 2005
British Delegates
Welcome Vote
British-based GAA delegates Sean Hackett and Tommy Harrell have welcomed
the amendment to GAA’s Rule 42 at the Annual GAA Congress in Croke Park.
more...
(Irish Post) 20 April 2005
Sonia’s Battling
Performance
Sonia O’Sullivan confirmed her athletics career is far from over with an
impressive eighth place finish in last Sunday’s London marathon.
more...
(Irish Post) 20 April 2005
Gael Sportstalk
Although the weather did its best to spoil the sports programme in Ireland
on Sunday, many sports-loving people agreed it was nevertheless a tremendous
weekend for Irish sport. more...
Yellow Card Rule
Scrapped
As was widely predicted the unpopular Yellow Card rule introduced at the
beginning of this year’s national leagues has been scrapped. That rule permitted
a player dismissed for a yellow card offence to be substituted. more...
Mexican Experience
Should Enhance Kelly’s Ambitions
Dubliner Kevin Kelly is hoping his outstanding performances for Team Ireland
in the recent ice hockey World championships in Mexico will be a springboard
to a possible professional career.
more...
(Irish Post) 13 April 2005
Back of the Net
There were no fewer than five Republic of Ireland players on display at
White Hart Lane on Saturday where Tottenham, boosted by Andy Reid, Stephen
Kelly and late substitute Robbie Keane, beat a Newcastle side containing
Stephen Carr and Andy O’Brien 1-0.
more...
(Irish Post) 13 April 2005
Derry City
Setting the Early Pace
Although they lost their 100 per cent record to Shelbourne in a 0-0 draw
at the weekend, Derry City — along with leaders Waterford United — are among
this year’s early title contenders.
more...
O’Sullivan Set for
London Test
Sonia O’Sullivan will be the only Irish interest in the elite athletics
category of this year’s London Marathon on Sunday.
more...
(Irish Post) 13 April 2005
Kilkenny,
Clare and Galway Set The Pace in NHL
After being humbled by Clare recently, Kilkenny spelt out their league ambitions
with a 1-14 to 1-11 victory over All-Ireland champions Cork in Pairc Ui
Caoimh on Sunday. more...
(Irish Post) 13 April 2005
Hardy Eustace
Set to Miss Punchestown
There was double disappointment for top Irish trainer Dessie Hughes this
week with the news that Hardy Eustace is to miss the Punchestown Festival
and Timbera has had to be put down.
more...
(Irish Post) 13 April 2005
Big name Irish
Owners in Rich List
Glancing down the Irish part of proceedings there were plenty of big name
owners from the world of racing right up there at the top of the Celtic
cash pyramid. more...
(Irish Post) 13 April 2005
Clash of the Kings at Punchestown
Festival
Cheltenham hero Kicking King is in line for a high profile clash with Kingscliff
in the valuable Guinness Gold Cup at this month’s Punchestown Festival.
more...
(Irish Post) 6 April 2005
Mixed start to
season after Roche’s shock defection
The news early that Nicolas Roche, son of the 1987 Tour de France winner
Stephen Roche and one of Irish cycling’s most exciting prospects, has decided
to declare for France comes at a mixed time for the sport in Ireland.
more...
(Irish Post) 6 April 2005
Back of the net
China’s visit to Lansdowne Road on Tuesday was a welcome opportunity for
Brian Kerr to look at his side in action for the second time in three days,
but he would have learnt little from what he saw that he didn’t already
know. more...
London Tipp Gaels
hail hurling legend
Former Tipperary hurling legend Jimmy Doyle was the toast of the London
Tipperary Association at their annual dinner dance last weekend.
more...
(Irish Post) 6 April 2005
Gael sportstalk
What a depressing month it has been for Irish rugby after weekend defeats
for Munster and Leinster put paid to our Heineken Cup hopes for another
season. more...
Grounds for compromise?
As Lansdowne Road hosts its final few fixtures ahead of extensive remodernisation
this autumn, the pressure has never been greater for the Gaelic Athletic
Association to relax its Rule 42 and permit Ireland’s rugby and soccer teams
to play at Croke Park. more...
Monty’s Pass ready to
reclaim his title
Irish star Monty’s Pass is in “great shape” ahead of his bid to reclaim
his Aintree Grand National title, according to trainer Jimmy Mangan.
more...
Partying till
dawn despite result
‘Duffer’s’ last-gasp deflection that rattled the crossbar at the end where
the 4,000 Irish fans were amassed raised hopes of a victory snatched from
the jaws of parity. However, here in Tel Aviv, the draw was an ultimately
disappointing result after the lads in green dominated the game for long
periods. more...
(Irish Post) 30 March 2005
Back of the net
Hands up all of those of you who experienced déja vu last Saturday when
Matt Holland came on as a substitute late in the game as Ireland desperately
clung on to their 1-0 lead against Israel in Tel Aviv?
more...
Gael sportstalk
So near and yet so far! At least a point was better than no points from
Tel Aviv and is some consolation after Israel’s last-gasp equaliser against
the Republic of Ireland in Saturday’s World Cup qualifier.
more...
(Irish Post) 30 March 2005
Munster can restore
Irish pride
Donnacha O’Callaghan will be a key man for Munster in their Heinken Cup
quarter-final clash with Biarritz this Sunday. Ian McCullough caught up
with the big Corkman to find out his thoughts on the clash with the French
giants. more...
(Irish Post) 30 March 2005
O’Gara injury blow
for Irish cup hopes
Irish rugby hopes in this year’s Heineken Cup have been dealt a severe blow
after Munster lost Ronan O’Gara for their quarter-final clash with Biarritz
on Sunday. more...
(Irish Post) 30 March 2005
Cheltenham
rivals set to renew battle
Irish rivals Hardy Eustace and Harchibald are set to renew acquaintances
at Punchestown next month after their epic battle at Cheltenham last week.
more...
Gael sportstalk
A great week of Irish success at Cheltenham helped somewhat to ease the
disappointment at the huge anti-climax of this year’s rugby Six Nations
Championship at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.
more...
(Irish Post) 23 March 2005
Niblock’s dismissal
ends London’s hopes of victory
Trailing by five points at the interval, London were left to ponder what
might have been had influential captain Johnny Niblock not been yellow-carded
in the 23rd minute against Fermanagh at Enniskillen.
more...
(Irish Post) 23 March 2005
End of a golden era at
London Irish
London Irish have bid farewell to one of their finest servants as Conor
O’Shea brought down the curtain on 10 glorious years at Sunbury.
more...
(Irish Post) 23 March 2005
Irish dreams shattered
Wales rolled back the years at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium on Saturday
to deservedly win their first Grand Slam since 1978.
more...
(Irish Post) 23 March 2005
Give Israel the respect
they deserve
Phil Campion talks to Republic of Ireland captain Kenny Cunningham ahead
of the crucial Group 4 World Cup qualifying match against Israel.
more...
(Irish Post) 23 March 2005
Back of the net
Republic of Ireland boss Brian Kerr will be keeping his fingers crossed
this week that none of his key men pick up knocks in training that will
keep them out of Saturday’s vital World Cup qualifier with Israel in Tel
Aviv. more...
(Irish Post) 23 March 2005
Kicking King can be
a Gold Cup legend
Trainer Tom Taaffe reckons Cheltenham hero Kicking King has the ability
and the stamina to go back to Prestbury Park and win a Gold Cup treble.
more...
Another defeat for
London
Two spurned glorious goal-scoring chances ultimately cost London another
victory in their Allianz NHL Division 2B game against Wicklow at Arklow
on Sunday. more...
(Irish Post) 17 March 2005
Gael Sportstalk
Harrington’s dramatic victory in th Honda Classic at Palm Beach in Florida
on Sunday provided the story of the weekend. After Ireland’s rugby defeat
by France on the previous day it was a welcome boost for Irish sport.
more...
(Irish Post) 17 March 2005
Shels still look the
cream of the crop
European success for Eircom League winners Shelbourne in last season’s Champions
League as well as that of Cork City in the Intertoto Cup has meant that
this year’s Eircom League of Ireland will command its highest ever profile
since the competition was established in 1921.
more...
(Irish Post) 17 March 2005
Back of the net
The mind games have already started ahead of Ireland’s vital World Cup qualifier
against Israel in Tel Aviv on Saturday, March 26, with the home side’s manager
Avraham Grant claiming his side will win and that he has already worked
out how Brian Kerr’s team will play. more...
(Irish Post) 17 March 2005
There is a Grand Slam in
this team
In the aftermath of Ireland’s shattering defeat by France last Saturday,
Shane Byrne talked to Larry Cooney ahead of his side’s Six Nations championship
decider at the Millennium Stadium this Saturday.
more...
(Irish Post) 17 March 2005
Harrington ranked
sixth in the world
Padraig Harrington's first victory on the PGA Tour in Sunday’s Honda Classic
was the only real bright note of a generally depressing weekend for Irish
sport. more...
Munster out of the
reckoning
Munster’s 30-20 defeat at Cardiff Blues along with Neath-Swansea Ospreys
16-12 victory over Leinster at Donnybrook has effectively ended Irish interest
in this season’s Celtic League.
more...
Gael Sportstalk
Irish athletics took centre stage last weekend with two surprise gold medals
at the Indoor World Championships in Madrid.
more...
(Irish Post) 9 March 2005
Double gold medal
triumph for Ireland
Ireland celebrated an unprecedented double success at the European Indoor
Athletics Championships in Madrid as first David Gillick and then Alistair
Cragg won gold medals in the 400 and 3,000 metres finals respectively.
more...
(Irish Post) 9 March 2005
Back of the net
Sam Hammann is a character who has never veered too far away from the media
spotlight and this week he was back in the news with the shock sale of Cardiff’s
captain Graham Kavanagh to promotion-chasing Wigan.
more...
(Irish Post) 9 March 2005
Tim is top of the form
Ahead of the Cheltenham Festival Enda Brady talks to in-form jockey Timmy
Murphy about his hopes and how he rates the opposition.
more...
(Irish Post) 9 March 2005
O’Driscoll
heralds Irish renaissance
Brian O’Driscoll is the man hoping to lead Ireland to a first Grand Slam
since 1948 and currently recognised the best rugby player in the world.
Ian McCullough spoke to the player at the heart of the Irish rugby renaissance.
more...
(Irish Post) 9 March 2005
D’Arcy is ready to face
the French
Ireland rugby manager Eddie O’Sullivan looks set to recall Gordon D’Arcy
for the crunch Six Nation match against France this Saturday at Lansdowne
Road. more...
Johnson’s Cheltenham Booster
As the Cheltenham Festival draws ever closer, jockey Richard Johnson talks
to Enda Brady about his hopes for one of the Champions Hurdle favourites
Rooster Booster. more...
(Irish Post) 3 March 2005
Leeds will make it tough
for Exiles
London Irish travel to Headingley on Sunday hopeful of avoiding a third
consecutive defeat by Leeds Tykes this season. The sides clash in this Sunday’s
eagerly awaited Powergen Cup semi-final with the form of both teams almost
identical. more...
Republic star
guests at awards evening
Republic of Ireland legend Stephen Staunton was accompanied by his Coventry
City team mates Mick Doyle and Graham Barrett at the inaugural Irish Post
sponsored Warwickshire Schools GAA Awards evening in Birmingham last week.
more...
(Irish Post) 3 March 2005
Sligo IT take Sigerson
Cup
Sligo IT and Letterkenny IT took the honours in last weekend’s Third level
Colleges GAA titles at Dundalk IT. more...
(Irish Post) 3 March 2005
Power behind QPR
It has often been said, usually in dreamy tones, by many a football supporter,
that they would give money to the club they love and support when they win
the lottery. more...
(Irish Post) 3 March 2005
Back of the net
An action-packed week culminated with Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho hogging
all the headlines just like he had at the start of it as the Blues secured
the first trophy under the publicity-hungry Portuguese’s tenure with victory
over Liverpool in the Carling Cup final.
more...
(Irish Post) 3 March 2005
Gael Sportstalk
Ireland’s Grand Slam ambitions are still intact after a memorable 19-13
victory over World champions England at Lansdowne Road last Sunday.
more...
(Irish Post) 3 March 2005
Ballydoyle considers
‘best available’ policy
The stable jockey saga at Ballydoyle took a fresh twist this week as top
owner Michael Tabor revealed they might decide to operate a ‘best available’
policy and not recruit anyone permanently.
more...
(Irish Post) 23 February 2005
Redskins too good
for Team Ireland
Streatham Redskins hosted Team Ireland in an international ice hockey challenge
and thoroughly deserved their three-goal victory on Sunday evening. But
what the scoreline does not reveal is how well the Irish team battled after
falling behind 3-0 with just eight minutes on the clock.
more...
(Irish Post) 23 February 2005
Back of the net
Perennial under-achievers Spurs look to be heading in the right direction
under boss Martin Jol and there is a distinct Irish feel now to the side
with Andy Reid joining Robbie Keane at White Hart Lane. But it is another
Dubliner Stephen Kelly who is making people sit up and take notice.
more...
Gael Sportstalk
London’s hurlers got their Division 2B Allianz NHL programme off to a flying
start with a deserved three-point victory over Meath at Navan on Sunday.
more...
(Irish Post) 23 February 2005
London Irish
ease relegation worries
London Irish’s recent try drought ended spectacularly at Vicarage Road,
Watford on Sunday when they enjoyed their third victory over Saracens this
season. more...
(Irish Post) 23 February 2005
Irish must be wary
of the world champions
Harlequins full-back and try-scoring Six Nations debutant Gavin Duffy tells
Larry Cooney he is eagerly awaiting the possibility of a meeting with some
of his fellow Zurich Premiership opponents on the England team — but warns
the faltering world champions should not be underestimated.
more...
Injury fears eased
for England clash
Fears concerning the non-availability of a number of key Irish players for
this Sunday’s crucial game against England at Lansdowne Road have eased
considerably. more...
(Irish Post) 23 February 2005
O’Neill races against
Cheltenham deadline
Top trainer Jonjo O’Neill is facing a desperate race against time to get
his best horses ready for Cheltenham as his Gloucestershire stable continues
to struggle with an illness. more...
Back of the net
It has been some week for Roy Keane. Inspirational for Manchester United
in their epic 4-2 victory over Arsenal last Tuesday; on target for United
in the 2-0 win over Birmingham on Saturday with his 50th goal for the club
and then promptly withdrawn from the Ireland squad for the friendly with
Portugal on Wednesday. more...
Let there be light
Following Dublin’s poor showing in last season’s All-Ireland Championship,
new manager Paul Caffrey has joined the ranks of the optimists, speaking
liberally of the light at the end of the tunnel.
more...
(Irish Post) 16 February 2005
Sackey in shock switch
to Wasps
London Irish will prepare for their crucial Zurich Premiership game against
Saracens at Vicarage Road this Sunday (kick-off 3pm) without the services
of winger Paul Sackey. more...
(Irish Post) 16 February 2005
James Stephens
lead the way for Kilkenny
Leinster champions James Stephens booked their place in the senior final
with a comfortable 0-17 to 1-6 victory over Antrim side O’Donovan-Rossa
at Parnell Park. more...
(Irish Post) 16 February 2005
Galway set to defend
crown
Holders Galway begin the defence of their Allianz National Hurling League
title this Sunday. Former Galway All-Star goalkeeper and winner of two All-Ireland
medals John Commins assesses this year’s title contenders. more...
(Irish Post) 16 February 2005
Gael sportstalk
The green rugby juggernaut appears to have finally clicked into the gear
after Ireland’s scintillating 40-13 victory over Scotland at Murrayfield
last Saturday. more...
(Irish Post) 16 February 2005
Injured stars still
centre of attention
After a worryingly slow start to their five-match programme, Ireland’s eventual
40-13 victory over Scotland at Murrayfield last weekend appears to have
given their RBS Six Nations campaign a welcome impetus.
more...
(Irish Post) 16 February 2005
Baracouda and McCoy
will be the ones to beat
Punters looking for a Cheltenham dead cert will have been buoyed by remarks
made this week by French trainer Francois Doumen who reckons there is simply
no stopping his stable star Baracouda this year. more...
Back of the net
It has been some week for Roy Keane. Inspirational for Manchester United
in their epic 4-2 victory over Arsenal last Tuesday; on target for United
in the 2-0 win over Birmingham on Saturday with his 50th goal for the club
and then promptly withdrawn from the Ireland squad for the friendly with
Portugal on Wednesday. more...
(Irish Post) 9 February 2005
Mission
Impossible for Robert Emmetts
Robert Emmetts hurlers travel to Ireland to face Carrickshock from Kilkenny
in this Sunday’s All-Ireland Club Semi-Final at Thomastown or Callan. more...
(Irish Post) 9 February 2005
Wexford renaissance
claims another scalp
Surprise victories for Wexford in Division 1B together with Cork, Dublin
and Offaly in Division 1A were the main talking points of the opening round
of the Allianz National Football League last weekend. more...
(Irish Post) 9 February 2005
Gael Sportstalk
The Six Nations championship got off to an unpredictable if not exciting
start last weekend. more...
(Irish Post) 9 February 2005
Exiles close
to relegation zone
London Irish return to Vicarage Road the scene of their recent Powergen
Cup triumph against Saracens on Sunday week desperate for a similar result
to rescue their Premiership season. more...
(Irish Post) 9 February 2005
Irish must be wary of
the threat from Scots
Ireland travel to Murrayfield this Saturday to play Scotland in the Six
Nations championship, where Eddie O’Sullivan’s team will be expected to
beat a resurgent Scottish side. Former London Irish coach Dick Best gives
a neutral view of Ireland’s chances and their potential Grand Slam hopes. more...
(Irish Post) 9 February 2005
Injury blow means
Plan B against Scots
The curse of the favourites’ tag appears to have beset Irish rugby once
again after their hard-fought 28-17 Six Nations victory over Italy in Rome
on Sunday. more...
Back of the net
Republic of Ireland boss Brian Kerr gets the opportunity to link-up with
his players once again next week when they travel to Dublin to prepare for
the arrival of Portugal ahead of next Wednesday’s friendly at Lansdowne
Road. more...
(Irish Post) 2 February 2005
Pars look to disrupt
Celtic’s ambitions
Celtic’s forthcoming match with Dunfermline remains significant due the
competitive spirit between the sides that can be traced back to the early
1960s. more...
(Irish Post) 2 February 2005
Kerry face a stern
test to retain title
Having displaced the leading Ulster counties at the top of Gaelic football,
2004 double winners Kerry appear to be among the leading contenders for
at least a share of the honours in the coming season. more...
(Irish Post) 2 February 2005
Gael Sportstalk
After all the shadow-boxing of the O’Byrne Cup, Dr McKenna Cup and a number
of the lesser competitions early in the New Year, the serious business of
the National Football League gets underway this weekend. more...
Exiles hoping for
a double over Sharks
London Irish take on Sale Sharks this Sunday in their first fixture at the
Madejski Stadium since their shattering defeat by Northampton Saints just
after Christmas. more...
(Irish Post) 2 February 2005
Ireland must deliver
under title pressure
Ireland’s growing reputation garnered through their success over the previous
two seasons has earned them the unusual status of being leading contenders
for this year’s Six Nations championship. more...
(Irish Post) 2 February 2005
Irish are fighting fit
for Six Nations bid
Ireland manager Eddie O’Sullivan will have a near full-strength squad to
pick from for the opening game of their Six Nations championship campaign
in Rome. more...
(Irish Post) 2 February 2005
Fallon signs on for
season with Stoute
Top jockey Kieren Fallon has ended months of speculation about his future
by revealing that he will ride for English trainer Sir Michael Stoute next
season. more...
(Irish Post) 27 January 2005
Moscow Flyer set
to run at Punchestown
Irish fans will get the chance to run the rule over one of the country’s
leading Cheltenham hopes at the end of the month when Moscow Flyer goes
at Punchestown. more...
(Irish Post) 27 January 2005
Mapletoft wins Exiles
semis spot
Not even in the original line-up, fly-half Mark Mapletoft was the toast
of London Irish fans after he scored all his side’s points in Sunday’s thrilling
Powergen Cup quarter-final over Saracens at Vicarage Road. more...
Laois overcome Westmeath
A depleted Laois team were far too strong for Westmeath in a disappointing
O’Byrne Cup final at Mullingar last Sunday. more...
(Irish Post) 27 January 2005
Back of the net
The sight of Thierry Henry racing up to Shay Given and patting him on the
back at half-time during Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Newcastle last Sunday was
not only a fine sporting gesture from the Frenchman, but also an acknowledgement
of a stunning performance from the Donegal man. more...
(Irish Post) 27 January 2005
Top accolade for Shelbourne
boss
Having guided his Shelbourne team to the Third Qualifying Round of the Champions
League in 2004, while managing back-to-back titles for the first time in
the club’s 109-year history, Pat Fenlon(...) more...
(Irish Post) 27 January 2005
St. Marys’ historic
breakthrough
British Universities GAA celebrated their first decade in style both on
and off the field in 2004. Another magnificent weekend of top quality football
was the main talking point of the annual championship tournament in Pairc
na hÉireann on February 13-15. more...
(Irish Post) 27 January 2005
Gael Sportstalk
London Irish took full advantage of their three-week break to book their
place in the Powergen Cup semi-final. more...
(Irish Post) 27 January 2005
Exiles in Cup semi-final
dress rehearsal
London Irish’s Zurich Premiership game against Leeds Tykes this Friday could
be a dress rehearsal of their Powergen Cup semi-final clash on March 5-6. more...
(Irish Post) 27 January 2005
Hardy Eustace
aims for Cheltenham goal
Bookies’ favourite Hardy Eustace is set to run at Leopardstown this weekend
— subject to favourable conditions — as a pre-Cheltenham Festival warm-up. more...
(Irish Post) 19 January 2005
Back of the net
The race for the Premiership title is beginning to bubble up nicely with
the nouveau riche sloanes from Stamford Bridge under the leadership of the
admirable Jose Mourinho... more...
(Irish Post) 19 January 2005
Eircom clubs’ European
adventure is top drawer
As the sporting public reflect back upon 2004 as the year in which Roy Keane
made a return on the international scene, for the footballing purists of
real Irish football, the year will be remembered for other outstanding achievements
on the hallowed turf. more...
(Irish Post) 19 January 2005
London Irish hope
Gold(en) touch brings Cup success
London Irish take on Saracens in the Powergen Cup Quarter-Final this Sunday,
hoping to get their season back on track with a victory in the competition
they won three years ago. Larry Cooney spoke to Exiles coach Gary Gold. more...
(Irish Post) 19 January 2005
Leinster and Munster
carry Irish cup hopes
It was a weekend of mixed Irish fortunes in European rugby action. Leinster
maintained their 100 per cent record to deservedly take the top Pools position
and earn a home quarter-final tie against former winners Leicester Tigers
on Saturday April 2. more...
(Irish Post) 19 January 2005
Laois into O’Byrne
final
This year’s O’Byrne Cup final will be a repeat of the 2004 Leinster final.
Last Sunday’s semi-finals results ensured the prospect of another encounter
between Leinster champions Westmeath and former champions Laois. more...
A year of dynamic
change
Parnells continued to dominate ladies football in London. After a less than
impressive performance against their old rivals Fr Murphys in the final
Parnells, narrowly retained their title. more...
(Irish Post) 19 January 2005
Camogie flies the flag
2004 proved to be a successful year for camogie in London, which was fitting
since it was the Centenary Year of the Camogie Association. Here are just
some of the notable events that took place throughout last year. more...
(Irish Post) 19 January 2005
Gael Sportstalk
Last weekend’s sports agenda was dominated by Irish remaining interest in
the European rugby competitions. Munster fans were once again a credit to
the nation by flocking to Twickenham in their thousands as they did five
years ago. more...
(Irish Post) 19 January 2005
Premiership
stars set for Connacht return?
While successful Heineken Cup qualifiers Leinster and Munster may have stolen
all the limelight last weekend, Connacht have quietly qualified for yet
another European Challenge Cup semi-final. more...
(Irish Post) 19 January 2005
Culloty’s cup challenge
January is a month when people set personal targets they would like to achieve
in the New Year, but talk of goals for 2005 is a one-way conversation when
you are speaking to Jim Culloty. more...
(Irish Post) 12 January 2005
Tsunami appeal funds
swell
Figures released last week by bookmakers Coral, Ladbrokes and Totesport
indicated that their customers’ contribution to the appeal exceeded £100,000
in the immediate aftermath of the Tsunami disaster. more...
(Irish Post) 12 January 2005
Back of the net
The news that Nottingham Forest have appointed Gary Megson on Monday as
their new manager puts another interesting twist to the on-off saga of Andy
Reid’s future at the City Ground. more...
(Irish Post) 12 January 2005
Leinster are through
– Munster set to join them
A late Malcolm O’Kelly try at Bath last Saturday enabled Leinster to maintain
their100 per cent record and so become the first qualifiers for the 2004/2005
Heineken Cup quarter-finals. more...
(Irish Post) 12 January 2005
Burke bids to add
to Quins’ misery
Munster travel to London next weekend to play Harlequins at Twickenham for
a place in another Heineken Cup quarter-final. more...
(Irish Post) 12 January 2005
Kildare overcome Meath
Legendary Meath football figures Graham Geraghty and Ollie Murphy returned
to the fold for the O’Byrne Cup quarter-final clash with Kildare at Newbridge
last Sunday. more...
(Irish Post) 12 January 2005
Gael sportstalk
Last week’s sports headlines were dominated by the Tottenham Hotspur ‘goal’
that didn’t count against Manchester United at Old Trafford three days into
the New Year. more...
Hope of New Year’s honours
Irish jockeys and trainers have plenty to look forward to in a New Year
that could bring some of racing’s major honours to the Emerald Isle. more...
(Irish Post) 4 January 2005
High hopes for a
year of achievment
The start of a new year brings with it new hopes and in many cases a make
or break time in the world of football. IAN McCullough looks at some of
the names that will be in the news in 2005. more...
(Irish Post) 4 January 2005
Gael Sportstalk
A year embroiled in controversy for Irish equestrianism has now ended on
an equally sour note with Olympic gold medallist show jumper Cian O’Connor
being awarded the show jumper of the year accolade by the show jumping club. more...
(Irish Post) 4 January 2005
Leinster –
Munster eye Heineken quarter-finals
The remaining qualifying rounds of the Heineken Cup resume next weekend
with all three Irish provinces still in contention for a quarter-final place
in April. more...
(Irish Post) 4 January 2005
Welcome interlude
for beaten Exiles
After their recent two-match holiday programme, that included a last gasp
home defeat to Northampton Saints, London Irish now enjoy a three-week break. more...
(Irish Post) 4 January 2005
Paralympians
look ahead to Manchester
Ireland’s hosting of the Special Olympics was undoubtedly one of the highlights
of the Irish sporting year in 2003. Since then Ireland has won four medals
in the Paralympics in Athens. Darryll Adler looks ahead to Ireland’s possible
appearance in the Paralympic World Cup in Manchester this May. more...
Grabbing the headlines
in a year of celebration
Treble completes great year for Casements - Heston on the brink of even
more success - Bros Pearse celebrate Golden Jubilee in style - Dunedin Connollys
boost for Scotland. more...
Moscow Flyer’s
take-off due at Leopardstown
Jessica Harrington ended the speculation about Moscow Flyer’s Christmas
arrangements last week when she confirmed her charge will not be running
in the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day. more...
(Irish Post) 15 December 2004
Shock as Best Mate slips
down the ratings
Best mate is now only the fourth best chaser in Britain and Ireland. That’s
the view of the experts according to new official BHB ratings revealed last
week. more...
(Irish Post) 15 December 2004
Ferdy’s tip for the top
Ferdy Murphy believes Your a Gassman is potentially the best horse he has
ever trained. The gelding proved himself to be a top novice chaser when
easily beating Gingerbread House at Kelso recently. more...
Sport IN BRIEF Golf: Harrington upstaged by Tiger Woods - Soccer: Republic
set to play Celtic in testimonial -GAA: Jamesie calls time on inter-county
career. more...
(Irish Post) 15 December 2004
Munster peaking for
Twickenham visit
After another great weekend for Irish teams in Europe, Munster and Leinster
still remain on course for Heinken Cup quarter-final qualification. more...
(Irish Post) 15 December 2004
Exiles hoping for good
Former Powergen Cup winners London Irish will be hoping to get this year’s
campaign off to a satisfactory start at Worcester next Saturday. more...
(Irish Post) 15 December 2004
Rebel Roche
Leeds-born Irishman and former professional boxer Derek Roche is hardly
a houshold name outside Yorkshire or even in sporting circles. more...
(Irish Post) 15 December 2004
St. Patrick’s win
Glasgow Primary Schools Sevens
St. Patrick’s are the new holders of the Glasgow primary schools ‘Drug Free’
Sevens Cup following their 3-5 to 3-3 victory over St. Mungo’s. The Anderson-based
school just about had the edge in a memorable final at the Bellahouston
Leisure Centre. more...
Gael sportstalk
After Kingdom Kerry Gaels (KKG) heroics last weekend, it was hoped that
intermediate provincial champions St. Peters from Manchester would also
give the visiting Pomeroy team from Tyrone an equally hard time in their
All-Ireland quarter-final last weekend. more...
(Irish Post) 15 December 2004
GAA Hurling All-Stars
2004
The 2004 Vodafone GAA All Stars have been announced. This week The Irish
Post presents the Hurling recipients. more...
(Irish Post) 15 December 2004
Six appeal for Larry’s
final term at the helm
London GAA will be looking for new chairman in 2006. Before successfully
securing a sixth consecutive term in office, Chairman Larry O’Leary had
already stated in his opening address that it would be his last term at
the helm of London GAA. more...
(Irish Post) 15 December 2004
We’re gunning for glory!
London can win the Nicky Rackard Cup. That’s the view of London GAA County
Secretary Tommy Harrell who wasted no time in the aftermath of last Sunday’s
Annual Convention in putting a procedure in place to appoint a new manager
for the county team. more...
Our Vic is the bookies fancy
for Gold Cup
Our Vic is the one to watch in Saturday’s £110,000 Bonusprint.com Gold Cup
at Cheltenham where trainer Martin Pipe goes looking for another high profile
success. more...
(Irish Post) 8 December 2004
Exiles can progress
to quarter-finals
London Irish are still in contention for a quarter-final place as they take
on Pau in the second leg of their European Challenge Cup tie at The Madejski
Stadium next Sunday. more...
(Irish Post) 8 December 2004
GAA Football All-Stars
2004
The 2004 Vodafone GAA All Stars have been announced. This week The Irish
Post presents the Football recipients. more...
(Irish Post) 8 December 2004
Mitchels title
among the Warwickshire highlights
Warwickshire GAA secretary George McGuigan singled out John Mitchels first
provincial hurling title in 33 years as one of the major GAA highlights
in the Midlands in the past year. more...
Gaels pay the penalty as
‘Cross’ edge win
Ulster club champions Crossmaglen had to rely on two late points from Oisin
McConville to see off a gallant challenge from Kingdom Kerry Gaels at Ruislip. more...
(Irish Post) 8 December 2004
Gael sportstalk
After a very challenging year and at times quite an embarrassing one, the
smile is back on the face of London football at last. more...
(Irish Post) 8 December 2004
Here we go!
Following Kingdom Kerry Gaels tremendous performance in last weekend’s All-Ireland
Club (SFC) quarter-final, attention now turns to St. Peters who are in action
in the All-Ireland Club (IFC) quarter-final at Old Bedians RFC next Sunday,
throw-in 1.30pm. more...
(Irish Post) 8 December 2004
Gold Cup victory earns
Murphy glowing praise
Irish rider Timmy Murphy received very favourable comparisons with champion
jockey Tony McCoy after his sensational Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup victory
on board Celestial Gold at Newbury last weekend. more...
(Irish Post) 1 December 2004
Irish trainers
look ahead to Cheltenham
Punters with an eye on the Cheltenham Festival in March will have been closely
monitoring news this week from the various Irish trainers with horses fancied
to produce big performances come the spring. more...
(Irish Post) 1 December 2004
The voice of racing
To say that Sir Peter O’Sullevan has forgotten more about the world of the
racehorse than most people will ever learn is to do the man a disservice. more...
(Irish Post) 1 December 2004
TREBLE CHANCE!
Ireland’s hopes of further Heineken Cup progress are sure to depend on the
impressive form of Ronan O’Gara, Denis Hickie and David Humphreys when the
competition resumes this Friday, December 3. more...
Back of the net
Great number of adjectives could be used to describe the relatively short
career of Richard Dunne but consistency would not be one of them. more...
(Irish Post) 1 December 2004
The Lisbon Lions continue
to roar
Celtic were the first British team to win the European Cup and remain the
only club to clinch the prize with 11 players from their own country. more...
(Irish Post) 1 December 2004
Emmetts crowning glory
Robert Emmetts qualified for the All-Ireland Club (IHC) semi-final after
a deserved three-point victory over Ulster champions Carey Faughs at Ruislip. more...
Heston take title
after an early scare
Heston Gaels added the provincial title to their London crown after a comfortable
if somewhat flattering nine-point victory over St. Anns (Lancashire) at
Pairc na hÉireann on Sunday. more...
(Irish Post) 1 December 2004
Irish saviour O’Gara
in Lions form
A last-gasp drop goal from Ronan O’Gara made it three out of three victories
for Ireland in the last of their autumn internationals. more...
(Irish Post) 1 December 2004
Murpy is looking
for some divine inspiration
JOCKEY Timmy Murphy goes looking for more success on board Paddy Power Gold
Cup winner Celestial Gold this weekend in the £120,000 Hennessy Cognac Gold
Cup at Newbury. more...
(Irish Post) 24 November 2004
Exiles win sets up top
four table bid
After their dramatic late victory over Newcastle Falcons at the Madejski
Stadium last Sunday, London Irish will be bidding for a top four place from
their visit to Bath next Sunday. more...
(Irish Post) 24 November 2004
Back of the net
The 1-0 victory over Croatia last Tuesday was a triumphant end to a successful
year for Brian Kerr but the Ireland boss will know that his reign as manager
will be judged on how his side perform in 2005. more...
(Irish Post) 24 November 2004
Kelly’s ambitions
still on course
It has been quite a year in GAA circles and next year could see the most
significant milestone in its 120-year-old history with the possible amendment
of Rule 42. more...
(Irish Post) 24 November 2004
Sport in Brief
After being widely tipped to succeed Conor Hayes at the helm of Galway hurling,
Mattie Murphy sensationally withdrew his candidature after failing to win
sufficient support from the clubs last Tuesday evening. more...
(Irish Post) 24 November 2004
Dunedin Connollys
bid to boost Scottish GAA
Edinburgh-based Dunedin Connollys GFC are hoping to crown a tremendous year
for the club by becoming the first Scotland team to win a provincial title. more...
Heston eye provincial
title
Heston Gaels are the new London junior football champions after a deserved
nine-point victory over Reading-based St. Anthonys at a damp Ruislip last
Saturday after noon. more...
(Irish Post) 24 November 2004
It’s last-minute
heartache for John Mitchels
A Brendan McDermott goal in the last minute of normal time clinched an All-Ireland
club (JHC) semi-final place for Glenarm — Shane O’Neills at Pairc na hÉireann
last Sunday. more...
(Irish Post) 24 November 2004
Gael Sportstalk
While many believe it may not be the best of times for London GAA as they
begin their search for a new football manager and possibly a hurling manager,
it has been quite a productive week for Croke Park off the field. more...
(Irish Post) 24 November 2004
Bring on the pumas
Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan is expected to name the same team that faced
South Africa ahead of Ireland’s final Autumn international against Argentina
this Saturday, KO 5.30pm. more...
(Irish Post) 24 November 2004
Best Mate set to star
in William Hill Chase
TRIPLE Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Best Mate makes his much-anticipated seasonal
debut on Friday in a race that is sure to attract plenty of attention. Henrietta
Knight’s stable star is the red-hot favourite for the William Hill Chase,
run over 2m 7f chase at Exeter. more...
(Irish Post) 17 November 2004
Sport in Brief EQUESTRIANISM: Further concern for Cian O’Connor. Following
the inevitable positive test of the ‘B’ sample from Ireland Gold medal winning
horse Waterford Crystal early last week, concerns about whether or not show
jumper Cian O’Connor would eventually forfeit his medal were feared following
Germany’s third positive dope test which means almost certainly being stripped
of a third equestrian gold in Athens. more...
(Irish Post) 17 November 2004
O’Sullivan bloods
new faces after historic win
Following Ireland’s impressive 17-12 victory over South Africa last weekend,
manager Eddie O’Sullivan has not hesitated introducing further players to
his panel for the upcoming game against the American Eagles (USA) this weekend. more...
(Irish Post) 17 November 2004
Gael sportstalk
Eddie O’Sullivan’s Ireland team have certainly earned pride of place at
the top of this week’s Irish sportscene. A magnificent 17-12 victory over
Tri-Nations champions South Africa must now rank Ireland among the elite
of world rugby and augurs very well for the Five Nations Championship and
Ireland’s Grand Slam ambitions. more...
(Irish Post) 17 November 2004
Sutton’s revenge
mission
Chris Sutton is ready to fire Celtic back to the top of Old Firm supremacy.
Just 10 days after missing Celtic’s first loss to Rangers since March 16th
2003, Sutton has been thrust into a revenge mission much earlier than was
first feared. more...
(Irish Post) 17 November 2004
Sanchez gets vote
for president
Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez has accepted an invitation to become
Honorary President of the newly formed London Northern Ireland Supporters’
Club (London NISC). more...
(Irish Post) 17 November 2004
Ulster storm to historic
27th win
Ulster deservedly won their 27th provincial football title after a five-point
victory over Leinster in Paris last Saturday. However, apart from the historical
significant of the occasion at the Stade Yves du Manoir on the Stade Colombes
Complex., the only other real talking point from the game was the poor attendance
who witnessed Ulster’s impressive perfromance. more...
(Irish Post) 17 November 2004
Magnificent
Mitchels end 33 long years of hurt...
A Mick Ryan goal midway through the second-half helped end John Mitchels
33-year wait for a provincial title. After an entertaining provincial hurling
final the Warwickshire champions thoroughly deserved their seven-point victory
over London champions Bros. Pearse at Ruislip last Sunday. more...
(Irish Post) 17 November 2004
Ryan mighty!
Tipperary man Mick Ryan was among the heroes of John Mitchels historic winning
hurling team on Sunday. Magnificent Mick helped Warwickshire champions beat
Bros. Pearse by 1-10 to 0-6 at Ruislip to win their first provincial hurling
title in 33 years. more...
(Irish Post) 17 November 2004
Dreams of
an Irish winner for Paddy Power Gold Cup
IRISH trainers head for Cheltenham this week for the valuable three-day
Open Meeting hoping to record a first Irish-trained winner of the £110,000
Paddy Power Gold Cup since 1980. more...
Roy Keane enters the
Hall of Fame
FORMER Republic of Ireland and Manchester United captain Roy Keane was officially
confirmed one of the British game’s greats last week. The Republic of Ireland
midfielder will be inducted in the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame. more...
(Irish Post) 10 November 2004
Equestrianism: O’Connor’s
respite from media glare
CIAN O’CONNOR was making the right kind of headlines last week when he rode
Denis Flannelly’s Gaindotcom to victory in The Buggyman 1.30m Open at the
Equestrian Surfaces Leinster Indoor Championships. more...
(Irish Post) 10 November 2004
The long journey
from Dún Síon to Croke Park
Following the launch of his highly acclaimed autobiography From Dun Sion
To Croke Park, RTÉ broadcaster Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh speaks to Graham
Clifford about his distinguished life as one of the most colourful and leading
figures in Irish sports media. more...
(Irish Post) 10 November 2004
Exiles move up table
after another victory
London Irish secured their fourth league victory of the season against Premiership
debutants Worcester Warriors at the Madejski Stadium last Sunday. more...
(Irish Post) 10 November 2004
Meath champions
Skryne progress
Powered by Meath football legend Trevor Giles, Skyrne advanced to play either
Rathvilly or Wexford’s Starlights in the Leinster semi-final after a narrow
1-8 to 1-7 victory over Allenwood. more...
Gael sportstalk
While Irish football fans have every reason to be happy with the current
progress of the international team under the management of Brian Kerr, they
certainly deserve better that the men who are currently holding office at
the Football Association of Ireland. more...
(Irish Post) 10 November 2004
The parting of the
ways
THE GAA in London was facing a fresh crisis this week after the shock resignation
of its football manager. John McParland announced he was stepping down just
two weeks after a statement had been issued saying he would remain in charge
of the London County team for the forthcoming season. more...
(Irish Post) 10 November 2004
Ireland facing
a formidable opener
Following South Africa’s 38-36 victory over Wales at the Millennium Stadium
last Saturday, Ireland manager Eddie O’Sullivan got a useful insight of
what his side face this Saturday at Lansdowne Road. more...
(Irish Post) 10 November 2004
St. Peters
edge it in semi-final thriller
St. Peters qualified for their second provincial final in three years after
a dramatic last minute penalty-kick victory over St. Clarets at Pairc na
héireann last Sunday. more...
Dunedin Connollys
win after extra-time drama
Extra-time was also required in provincial football semi-final last Sunday
before St. Peters (Lancashire) and Scotland’s Dunedin Connollys finally
emerged victorious to qualify for next Sundays final in Beeston, Leeds. more...
(Irish Post) 3 November 2004
Paris face-off
Ulster will defend their Martin Donnelly Interprovincial football crown
against Leinster in Paris on Saturday week, November 13. The holders easily
overcame a poor Connacht team by 0-15 to 1-6 at Castlebar last Sunday. more...
(Irish Post) 3 November 2004
Why grand ‘Master’
John is still the Mighty Quinn
A former Sean Treacys and London All-Ireland medal-winning hurler has just
completed his 23rd competitive season with a dream appearance in the Tipperary
senior county final. more...
(Irish Post) 3 November 2004
Back of the net
Football is a results business, and the general consensus is that Brian
Kerr has done a thoroughly decent job since taking over as Ireland boss
from Mick McCarthy in difficult circumstances, although.... more...
(Irish Post) 3 November 2004
Barrett defends
title against Bosworth
EEC Light Welterweight title holder Francis Barrett will make his next defence
against Alan Bosworth at Wembley Conference Centre on Friday week, November
12. more...
Beef or Salmon
heads for a feast of racing
DOWN ROYAL is the place to be on Friday as the Northern Ireland Festival
of Racing gets under way — and a few Irish hopes for Cheltenham 2005 will
be hoping to go there and impress. more...
Blue skies ahead for
Doyle
Michael Doyle is making a big impression at Coventry City, despite a less
than impressive start to the Sky Blues season. IAN McCULLOUGH travelled
to Highfield Road to catch up with him. more...
(Irish Post) 27 October 2004
Satisfactory
start for Irish provinces
Munster recorded their fourth European success over Harlequins in five meetings
at a rain-lashed Thomond Park last Saturday afternoon. First-half tries
from Anthony Horgan and Denis Leamy were crucial in securing a deserved
15-6 Heineken Cup victory. more...
(Irish Post) 27 October 2004
Gael sportstalk
The International Rules series came to an inevitable conclusion before an
attendance of 60,000 short-changed spectators at Croke Park last Sunday.
more...
(Irish Post) 27 October 2004
Future third test
for London?
The anticipated Australian backlash in last Sunday’s second International
Rules match failed to produce even a consolation victory for a poor visiting
side. more...
(Irish Post) 27 October 2004
Munster set to meet Connacht in Interprovincial hurling final
The hurling semi-finals of the former Railway Cup produced two very one-sided
games last weekend when Munster and Connacht qualified for the Martin Donnelly
Memorial Interprovincial Cup final on November 7. more...
(Irish Post) 27 October 2004
Emmetts
storm to historic first title
Robert Emmetts are the new kings of London hurling. On the greatest day
in the club’s 56-year history they deservedly relieved the holders Fr Murphys
of their title with six points to spare after an entertaining final at Ruislip
last Sunday. more...
(Irish Post) 27 October 2004
Fallon concedes
jockey title to Dettori
IRISH star Kieren Fallon may have all but relinquished his championship
to Frankie Dettori but he has warned the Italian to expect a fight to the
wire next time round as he attempts to reclaim a title he has come to consider
his own. more...
(Irish Post) 20 October 2004
Where are they now?
In 1998, Ireland won their first ever major football tournament when they
beat Italy 2-1 in the final of U-16 Uefa Championships. more...
(Irish Post) 20 October 2004
Exiles’ defeat takes
shine off for Gold
London Irish’s erratic home form once again reared its ugly head last Saturday
as Leeds Tykes recorded a narrow 16-12 victory at the Madejski Stadium. more...
(Irish Post) 20 October 2004
Munster set to face
Quins
Another Heineken Cup competition gets under way next weekend with high hopes
of further Irish success in Europe. more...
(Irish Post) 20 October 2004
O’Leary pledges his
future to Villa
David O’Leary is set to end speculation about his future as Aston Villa
boss by agreeing to a new three-and-a-half year contract with the club.
more...
(Irish Post) 20 October 2004
Carney named for
Tri Nations
Brian Carney has been named in the Great Britain squad for the forthcoming
Tri Nations Rugby League series with New Zealand and Australia. more...
(Irish Post) 20 October 2004
Eddie hopes for Brazilian
win double
Eddie Jordan returns to the venue of one of his team’s finest moments when
they race in the final Grand Prix of the year at Interlagos in Brazil on
Sunday. more...
Clarets and Towers
set to contest final
Following their respective victories over Harlesden Harps and Moindeargh
at Ruislip on Sunday, St. Clarets and Round Towers will contest the Intermediate
football championship final at the same venue this Saturday. more...
(Irish Post) 20 October 2004
Laois battle to keep
O’Dwyer
The Dublin County Board have strongly denied that Laois football manager
Mick O’Dwyer is set to take over from Tommy Lyons as the county’s new senior
football manager for the next season. more...
Racing world mourns
for Fitzgerald
CHAMPION jockey Kieren Fallon led the tributes this week to Yorkshire-based
Irish trainer Jimmy Fitzgerald who has died at the age of 69. more...
Sale win boosts
Exiles’ confidence
London Irish go into this Saturday’s clash with Leeds Tykes at the Madejski
Stadium (kick-off 3pm) in confident mood after their second successive victory
against league leaders Sale at Edgeley Park on Friday night. more...
(Irish Post) 13 October 2004
Jordan’s dismal
run continues
Jordan’s disappointing season continued on Sunday in the penultimate Grand
Prix of the season in Japan with Nick Heidfeld and Timo Glock finishing
13th and 15th respectively. more...
(Irish Post) 13 October 2004
Setanta boosts
Ireland’s hopes
Recently returned former Cork hurling star Setanta O’hAilpin is relishing
the prospect of playing for Ireland in the forthcoming International Rules
series against Australia. more...
(Irish Post) 13 October 2004
C’est Magnifique!
Saturday, October 9 could well prove to be a significant date in the history
of Irish football. more...
Murphys prove
too strong for gaels
Reigning champions Father Murphys were simply too strong for an under-par
Kilburn Gaels side at Ruislip on Sunday as they cruised into the final against
Robert Emmets with a comprehensive victory. more...
(Irish Post) 13 October 2004
Emmets edge out plucky
gabriels
A very workmanlike display in the first half, highlighted by two brilliant
goals from corner-forwards Colm Buckley and Gary Fenton set Robert Emmets
on the road to victory on Sunday to set up a clash with.... more...
(Irish Post) 13 October 2004
Kelly’s Croke Park plea
GAA President Sean Kelly has called upon the Association’s members to allow
Croke Park to open its doors and let the IRFU and FAI to use the stadium
while Lansdowne Road undergoes re-development. more...
(Irish Post) 13 October 2004
Cunningham:
We’ve done nothing yet
Republic of Ireland skipper Kenny Cunningham has told his team-mates that
last Saturday’s excellent performance in the 0-0 draw with France in Paris
should be consigned to the memory banks. more...
(Irish Post) 13 October 2004
Allez les verts
SATURDAY’S World Cup qualifier against France in Paris is undoubtedly manager
Brian Kerr’s toughest game since his side’s first visit to Basel almost
12 months ago. more...
Marksman Clinton
gunning for France
Clinton Morrison leads Ireland’s goalscoring chart in their World Cup qualifying
group and has his eyes set firmly on France on Saturday. He spoke to IAN
McCULLOUGH about the big game. more...
A close call for Ireland’s
Gomez
A sixth round stoppage of Russian opponent Leva Kirakosyan ensured a successful
defence of WBU super-featherweight champion Michael Gomez’s title defence
at the MEN Arena last Friday evening. more...
(Irish Post) 5 October 2004
No medal joy for Sonia
Sonia O’Sullivan failed to build on her impressive performance in the recent
annual BUPA Great North Run in Newcastle when she missed out on the medals
at IAAF World Half-Marathon Championships in New Delhi last weekend. more...
(Irish Post) 5 October 2004
Welcome victory for
Exiles
After three consecutive defeats, London Irish got back to winning ways with
an emphatic 20-3 victory over Saracens at the Madejski Stadium last Sunday. more...
Gallagher
winning French admirers
IRISH jockey Dean Gallagher is winning frends in France for his work-rate
since returning to racing after completing an 18-month drugs ban. more...
(Irish Post) 29 September 2004
Beef or Salmon set for
Limerick
TRAINER Michael Hourigan has revealed that Beef or Salmon is being lined
up for a shot at the Munster National in Limerick on October 10th. more...
(Irish Post) 29 September 2004
Murphy ready for
Inca’s return
Brave Inca’s trainer Ferdy Murphy has confirmed that last season’s undefeated
novice hurdling champion will return to action at Down Royal or Punchestown
in November. more...
(Irish Post) 29 September 2004
Reid back in action
after Kinnear feud
Republic of Ireland midfielder Andy Reid made a winning return to the Nottingham
Forest side on Sunday after patching up his differences with boss Joe Kinnear. more...
(Irish Post) 29 September 2004
Exiles’ errors punished
Facing the European and Premiership champions away from home was never going
to be an easy task for Gary Gold’s side and despite a spirited display the
Exiles fell short and slipped to their third successive defeat. more...
(Irish Post) 29 September 2004
Back of the net
The terms genius and world class are over-used in modern-day sporting commentary
especially among sections of the English daily press in reference to their
over-hyped international team. more...
(Irish Post) 29 September 2004
Gael sportstalk
Kerry are back on top of the Gaelic football world after winning last Sunday’s
very disappointing All-Ireland final against a very poor Mayo team. more...
Cooper shows his class
to crush helpless Mayo
KERRY claimed a record breaking 33rd All Ireland Football title as they
made it 53 years of hurt for the faithful followers of Mayo with a devastating
display at Croke Park. more...
(Irish Post) 29 September 2004
St. Leger win sets
up Vinnie’s cup challenge
TRAINER Dermot Weld has revealed that history-making Vinnie Roe could now
be set to make an appearance at next month’s Melbourne Cup after landing
a fourth Irish Field St. Leger at The Curragh. more...
(Irish Post) 21 September 2004
Fans flock to
Knight’s stables open day
AROUND 6,000 National Hunt fans descended on the picturesque Oxfordshire
village of West Lockinge at the weekend for the annual open day at Henrietta
Knight’s stables. more...
(Irish Post) 21 September 2004
London GAA round-up: Play
it again Tara
THE FORM book went completely out the window at Ruisip last Sunday when
holders Tara and KKG defied all the odds to qualify for this year’s London
senior football championship. more...
(Irish Post) 21 September 2004
Miserable home start
for Exiles
All London Irish’s pre-season optimism was put firmly in perspective after
a crushing 17-point defeat by Leicester Tigers at the Madejski Stadium last
Sunday. more...
(Irish Post) 21 September 2004
Irish play their
part in Ryder Cup glory
Ireand’s’ three Ryder Cup representatives all played their part in Europe’s
emphatic 18.5 to 9.5 victory over America at Oakland Hills, Michigan late
on Sunday evening. more...
(Irish Post) 21 September 2004
Will Brosnan solve
midfield problems?
Although Kerry will start favourites against Mayo in next Sunday’s eagerly-awaited
All-Ireland football final, the Kingdom certainly have their selection problems
ahead of their attempt to win their 33rd title. more...
Kerry ready to rule
again
MICKEY HARTE, manager of last year’s All-Ireland football champions Tyrone,
assesses Sunday’s All-Ireland football finalists and predicts that Kerry
will spoil Mayo’s hopes once again of ... more...
(Irish Post) 21 September 2004
Moynihan’s ready
After much speculation about his availability and match fitness, Seamus
Moynihan looks set to take his place in the Kerry squad for Sunday’s All-Ireland
final against Mayo more...
(Irish Post) 21 September 2004
O’Neill joins Clough
tributes
The football world was saddened to learn of the death of legendary manager
Brian Clough from stomach cancer last Monday. more...
(Irish Post) 21 September 2004
McCoy planning
to appeal against ban
CHAMPION jump jockey Tony McCoy is planning an appeal against the 10-day
ban he was hit with by stewards at Bangor for failing to ride out for third
place last week. more...
(Irish Post) 15 September 2004
Kinane
scoops Irish Champion Stakes
MICK KINANE was the toast of Leopardstown at the weekend when he took the
valuable Baileys Irish Champion Stakes with the 8-1 shot Azamour. more...
(Irish Post) 15 September 2004
Error-prone
Exiles slump to defeat
After a perfect start to their Premiership campaign at Twickenham, London
Irish were brought right back down to earth with a disappointing defeat
at Gloucester last Saturday. more...
(Irish Post) 15 September 2004
Gael sportstalk
Kilkenny’s bid for a coveted three-in-a-row of All-Ireland hurling titles
ended in a shattering defeat by Cork last Sunday. more...
Dunne back on
Ireland duty soon?
The surprise ommission of defender Richard Dunne from Brian Kerr’s last
squad against Cyprus and Switzerland raised considerable doubts about the
Manchester City player’s international future. more...
Gallagher back
to warm welcome
GREAT to see jockey Dean Gallagher back in action on English soil after
his well-documented troubles off the track. more...
(Irish Post) 9 September 2004
Exiles
perfect launch to a new season
London Irish had the distinction of recording the first victory of the new
season at Twickenham last Saturday. After being in control for most of their
game against Harlequins, they deservedly won by six points. more...
Irish prove world
class
The Irish cycling team of Phillip Deignan, Paidi O’Brien and Tim Cassidy
finished the Tour of Britain in the streets of Westminster last Sunday with
a sound performance that sees them clearly in the top league of professional
cycling. more...
(Irish Post) 9 September 2004
Kennelly
in Grand Final appearance?
AUSSIE RULES star Tadhg Kennelly played a starring role last weekend as
the Sydney Swans demolished the West Coast Eagles to reach the AFL semi-final
against St Kilda. Kennelly has also been named in the recent Ireland International
Rules squad for the games against Australia next month. more...
(Irish Post) 9 September 2004
Gael sportstalk
The Republic of Ireland got their World Cup qualifying programme off to
the best possible start with a deserved 3-0 victory over Cyprus at Lansdowne
Road last Saturday. more...
Cork set to steal
Cats’ cream?
There is no doubt that next Sunday’s All-Ireland hurling final will involve
two of the greatest power-houses in hurling down through the years. Both
counties have 28 titles and when they do lock horns neither county will
want to be overtaken in the roll of honour. more...
Inquiry
delay boosts Fallon’s title chances
CHAMPION jockey Kieren Fallon has been told that the Jockey Club inquiry
into race-fixing allegations made against him by a tabloid newspaper has
been put back by two months. more...
(Irish Post) 31 August 2004
Gallagher
back racing after getting all clear
DEAN GALLAGHER will be back racing in France this week after getting the
all-clear to resume his riding career after serving an 18-month ban for
cocaine use. more...
(Irish Post) 31 August 2004
The big face off
The performances of new signings Mike Catt (London Irish) and Jeremy Staunton
(Harlequins) will be just one of the features of the eagerly-awaited opening-day
showdown between the London Premiership... more...
(Irish Post) 31 August 2004
Ireland looking
for the perfect start
Ireland begin their road to Germany 2006 this Saturday when Cyprus visit
Lansdowne Road and it would be a major upset if they do not get off to the
perfect start against one of Europe’s so-called footballing minnows. more...
(Irish Post) 31 August 2004
Northern Ireland form shows some marked improvement
Northern Ireland will be hoping to extend their unbeaten run to seven games
by claiming the scalp of Poland in their opening World Cup qualifier at
Windsor Park on Saturday afternoon. more...
(Irish Post) 31 August 2004
Kerry favourites
to lift Sam Maguire
Kerry will start slight favourites to win their 33rd title in this year’s
All-Ireland final. However, as as the Kingdom prepare for their clash with
Mayo on September 26, they have learned they will have do without Dara Ó
Sé. more...
(Irish Post) 31 August 2004
Gael sportstalk
What a great end to a generally disastrous Irish performance at the Olympics.
Just when we all thought Ireland would be coming back from Athens empty-handed,
show-jumper Cian O’Connor delivers an unexpected gold medal. more...
(Irish Post) 31 August 2004
Kings of the castle
Kerry rediscovered their old flair to easily qualify for yet another All-Ireland
final at Croke Park last Sunday. Kerry will now meet Mayo in a repeat of
the 1997 decider on September 26. more...
(Irish Post) 31 August 2004
Kerry and Mayo:
Play it again, sam
Kerry and Mayo have set up a repeat of the 1997 All-Ireland football final
after they qualified last weekend for this year’s Sam Maguire decider on
September 26. more...
Power
hoping to build on impressive Olympics
So far the Olympic Games have brought mixed fortunes for the Irish team,
with more disappointments than big performances, but Irish professional
Ciarán Power certainly exceeded expectations. more...
Camogie
Round-up:London camogie team head for dublin
Preparations are well underway for the London County Camogie team to take
part in a Camogie International Tournament which, is being staged in Dublin,
between October 14-17, as part of the Centenary Celebrations. more...
(Irish Post) 25 August 2004
Lancashire GAA
Round-up: Lawrences sweep to final The finalists for the Pennine League were decided last Thursday evening
at Turn Moss as St. Lawrences brushed aside a poor St. Peters performance
to cruise into the final for the third year running. more...
Is Fermanagh draw
their final fling?
Connacht champions Mayo and surprise All-Ireland semi-finalists Fermanagh
must meet again after their intensely-contested encounter ended level at
Croke Park last Sunday. more...
(Irish Post) 25 August 2004
Banner are Boston-bound
Clare are the inaugural Tommy Murphy Cup winners after a three-point victory
over Sligo at Croke Park last Sunday. more...
Gael sportstalk
The amazing story of the Fermanagh footballers’ quest for a place in the
All-Ireland final has been prolonged for at least another week after another
tremendous semi-final performance by the Ernesiders at Croke Park . more...
Title race heading for a
red-hot finish
IRISH star Kieren Fallon is gearing up for a red-hot title fight over the
course of the next few weeks as he battles to retain his prized jockeys
championship. more...
(Irish Post) 12 August 2004
World’s richest
greyhound race
The Irish Greyhound Board has announced details of the draw for the World’s
richest greyhound race — the e280,000 Paddy Power Irish Greyhound Derby.
more...
(Irish Post) 12 August 2004
Ulster’s big guns silenced
The quiet Fermanagh football revolution over the past couple of seasons
claimed its greatest ever scalp last Saturday when joint All-Ireland favourites
Armagh were sensationally dumped out of this year’s championship at Croke
Park. more...
Gardiner injury could
upset Rebels’ cause
Surprise Leinster hurling champions Wexford will be bidding to prevent a
repeat of last year’s All-Ireland final when they on an improving Cork team
in the second All-Ireland semi-final at Croke Park this Sunday. more...
Kilkenny’s
class prevails after a tense encounter
Kilkenny’s hurlers took full advantage of their lucky reprieve in the drawn
game to deservedly book their place in the All-Ireland semi-final at Thurles
last Saturday. more...
(Irish Post) 6 August 2004
Depleted
London miss golden opportunity
NEWLY crowned Ulster champions Down duly booked an All-Ireland JHC final
date with Meath after an impressive semi-final victory over a depleted London
side at Páirc Esler, Newry last Saturday evening. more...
(Irish Post) 6 August 2004
Dublin
earn quarter-final date with the Kingdom
The Dublin football renaissance is almost complete. The Dubs’ earned themselves
a quarter-final date in the Bank of Ireland All-Ireland SFC against Kerry
on Saturday August 14. more...
(Irish Post) 6 August 2004
Kerr boost over
Keane injury
Ireland’s World Cup qualifying hopes have been given a boost with the news
that Robbie Keane will only be sidelined for a month having sustained ankle
ligament damage. more...
Qualification
for the skills competition final
Bishop Challoner student Becky Daly from Birmingham, who became the first
English-born girl to win an All-Ireland Skills title, continues her personal
account of the Annual Feile. more...
(Irish Post) 6 August 2004
Young guns hoping
to add some fizz to Ireland
IAN McCULLOUGH looks at five players from outside the Premiership who will
be looking to push their names into Brian Kerr’s international plans when
the Coca Cola Championship kicks off this weekend. more...
(Irish Post) 6 August 2004
Fallon heads
a strong team in Shergar Cup
TOP Irish rider Kieren Fallon leads a vastly experienced team of jockeys
representing Great Britain and Ireland into battle at Ascot this weekend
for the annual Blue Square Shergar Cup. more...
Florida Pearl retirement
I’M sure Irish racing fans everywhere will join me in wishing a very happy
and enjoyable retirement to Florida Pearl after a fabulous career that brought
four Irish Hennessy Gold Cup wins and two Cheltenham Festival victories. more...
(Irish Post) 6 August 2004
Cody's insatiable Cats
The draw for the quarter-finals of the Guinness All-Ireland SHC was made
last Sunday evening, with a distinct possibility of a repeat of the 2002
All-Ireland final on July 25. more...
(Irish Post) 14 July 2004
The future’s
orange for buzzing Armagh
This year’s amazing football championship race has taken yet another twist
after a comprehensive victory by Armagh over Donegal in last Sunday’s Ulster
final at Croke Park. more...
Gael sportstalk
It was another weekend of surprise results and developments in the GAA championship
in both hurling and football. more...
(Irish Post) 7 July 2004
DUFF NOT AMONG
CHELSEA EXODUS
The future of Republic of Ireland and Chelsea winger Damien Duff has been
the subject of much close-season speculation. more...
(Irish Post) 7 July 2004
Fermanagh defeat
unlikely to end Boylan’s ‘Royal’ reign
In the aftermath of Fermanagh’s narrow victory over Meath in last Saturday’s
All-Ireland qualifier, speculation over the future of legendary Meath manager
Sean Boylan has once again begun to surface. more...
