Written By Unknown on Senin, 29 April 2013 | 23.06
Updated: Monday, 29 Apr 2013 14:40 | Comments
Aidan O'Brien could send three runners to the Qipco 1000 Guineas
Aidan O'Brien's Moth has been supplemented for the Qipco 1000 Guineas at Newmarket on Sunday.
Beaten in both starts as a juvenile, the daughter of Galileo appeared much improved when running out a most impressive winner of a Curragh maiden on her three-year-old debut at the Curragh in early April.
O'Brien revealed afterwards the first fillies' Classic of the season would be considered and she has now been added to the field at a cost of £30,000.
The master of Ballydoyle also has Magical Dream and Snow Queen in the mix.
Henry Cecil's hugely impressive Nell Gwyn scorer Hot Snap is the ante-post favourite and features among 18 confirmations.
Charlie Hills' star filly Just The Judge remains in the hunt, as does the Mikel Delzangles-trained French challenger What A Name.
Richard Hannon could saddle Fred Darling winner Maureen and Nell Gwyn runner-up Sky Lantern, but one significant absentee is William Haggas' Rosdhu Queen.
Unbeaten as a juvenile but beaten into fourth when seemingly failing to stay seven furlongs in the Fred Darling, the three-year-old is set to revert to sprint distances.
Haggas said: "We think she'll be better over shorter and we've decided to give up on the Guineas.
"She worked at the weekend and is in great form.
"I think that race (Fred Darling) has done a lot of good, but she needs to be better than that at a mile and I can't see it.
"She has a lot of speed, she is good at going fast, so let's use that as a major weapon."
Asked where Rosdhu Queen could run next, Haggas said: "I haven't got as far as that yet. I'll get there."
Leading Irish handler Dermot Weld has Big Break and Rasmeyaa in the field, while other contenders include Roz, Ollie Olga and Diaminda.
Bohemians will be hoping to bounce back from a 2-0 defeat against Dundalk
Bray Wanderers v Cork City Bray Wanderers are a side in trouble and it's difficult to see where their next win is going to come from.
Without a victory since the opening day of the season and have lose their last five league games Bray are a side in desperate need of three points.
They will attempt to end that poor run of form without the services of Kevin and Shane O'Connor who are struggling with long term injuries and expected to miss the visit of Cork.
Adam Mitchell continues to be sidelined while Gary Dempsey and Conor Earley both picked up knocks in Friday's 3-2 defeat against Bohemians and will be assessed before kick-off before any decision is made on their fitness.
While not in as precarious a position as Bray, Cork City are still a team struggling to find any sort of consistent form.
City haven't won in any of their last five league and cup games and manager Tommy Dunne admitted that his side were off the pace in Friday's 2-0 defeat against Dundalk.
"The Dundalk game was probably the worst performance we have had in quite a while. We have been playing reasonably well at times, but last night we looked like were out-muscled and outfought, and we were beaten in every aspect of the game," he told Corkcityfc.ie.
"Bray at the Carlisle Grounds will be difficult opponents for any team, but we have to look to Monday night to kick start our season, because if it continues the way it has done then we are going to have a tough year.
"We have to get going, we have to pick up three points and we have to get back to trying to dominate matches," Dunne added.
On the injury front, Daryl Kavanagh is a doubt with a tight hamstring, but his manager is hopeful that the forward will be fit. Kevin Murray remains sidelined, while namesake Dan will also miss out.
There looks to be better news elsewhere however and Darren Dennehy (throat infection) and John Dunleavy (tonsillitis) look likely to come back into the reckoning after missing the defeat to Dundalk.
Against Bray Dunne's side have the perfect chance to turn things around and while Dunne may be talking up the challenge, Cork will expect to leave the Carlisle Grounds with all three points.
Verdict: Cork
St Patrick's Ath v Bohemians Surprise package of the season St Pat's have the chance to close the gap on league leaders Sligo to three points with a victory over Bohemians tonight.
Coming into the game in a fine run of form, Liam Buckley's men will be confident they can pile the pressure on the Champions with a win against a struggling Bohemians side.
St Pats have not lost a Dublin derby against Bohemians in their last seven encounters, winning three and drawing four times since they last lost to the Gypsies in 2010.
Despite the two teams' contrasting form, Buckley believes that Bohemians will still offer a stiff challenge.
"Dublin derbies are always big occasion and games with Bohs are always special as both sides have good support and add greatly to the occasion. As a result, the group are looking forward to the game as there should be a good crowd and atmosphere," he said.
"Aaron has put together a good competitive squad this season and has some very good young players so it'll be a tricky game for us. They play decent football so it should be a good game watch. As it's a back-to-back game, it is a chance for both sides respectively to move up the table, so we'll be looking to take advantage of that."
Buckley will be without Wexford born midfielder Greg Bolger as he serves a one match suspension after picking up his fourth yellow card of the season in the 1-1 draw with Derry.
Otherwise, Pats have a full squad to select from meaning that up to six former Bohemians players within the Saints' squad could line-up against their former side.
Bohemians have been slow to start this season but a 3-2 win against Bray on Friday evening may hint at better things to come from the Dalymount side.
"We're going over there more confident as result of that win," said manager Aaron Callaghan.
"But Pats are also in better form than when we were due to meet them last month. They have a good squad, they're on a good run and they have shown they can contend for the title."
Several Gypsies' players have picked up injuries and will face late fitness tests. Derek Pender (calf) and Dave Scully (hamstring), who were crucial to Bohs' efforts on Friday, are among the doubtful starters.
Stephen Paisley (knee), Conor O'Brien (ankle) have joined Owen Heary (knee) on the injury list.
Friday's victory against a Bray side with only four points to their name may prove to be a boost for Bohemians but St Pat's should still have enough about them to claim victory and extend their unbeaten streak against the Gypsies.
Joe Schmidt's familiarity with the provincial game in Ireland is a plus, according to Eddie O'Sullivan
Audio
Former Irish coach Eddie O'Sullivan was adamant that Schmidt was the right man to coach Ireland, but cautioned that people should perhaps not expect him to replicate his success at provincial level.
"There is no question he is the right man for the job. The fact that he is coaching here in Ireland, and not coming in and starting fresh, is a huge advantage because he knows the provinces, he knows the players and he knows the system here."
"To all intents and purposes it's an internal appointment because he is a provincial coach and I think that's very, very good."
"It was generally thought that if Declan (Kidney) were to step down Joe would be the favourite. He distanced himself from that, as you would expect, for a long time but once he said that it was up to Leinster as to whether he would go forward (for the Irish job) everyone assumed it was a done deal.
"Leinster were never going to stand in his way of moving up to the next level."
"Everyone is hoping to see Ireland play the same style as Leinster, but it is different challenge (at international level).
"Coaching a national team is not like coaching a provincial team on a week-in week-out basis. You get very small blocks of time (with the players), which are very intensely packed together, and you have got to get results in that time. You don't have the same wiggle room for experimentation."
"There are possibly 10 or 11 games per year, and you have got to try and win every one of those games.
One of those might be against a tier two nation, but most of them are tough games to win. It's a different dynamic and Joe knows that."
"He is a very intelligent coach and he knows what he is stepping into."
Former Irish international Hugo MacNeill welcomed the appointment.
"Joe Schmidt was the outstanding candidate, not just on the national level but on the international level. If you had your choice he would be the person," he said speaking to RTÉ.
"He has taken on the Leinster project and built on them being European Champions. He has worked with an outstanding group of players to set standards of consistency and excellence in achievement that is so strong."
"He is a very intelligent coach and he knows what he is stepping into" - Eddie O'Sullivan on Joe Schmidt
RTÉ's rugby commentator Michael Corcoran was also positive about Schmidt taking the reigns
"It's a huge boost for Irish rugby that Joe Schmidt is now going to turn his attention to the international game having been so successful with Leinster.
"It's a really welcome appointment. He has been the stand-out candidate simply because of his track record. He has led Leinster to two Heineken Cup wins and the final of the Amlin Challenge Cup. They are also just one win away from securing a home semi-final in the RaboDirect PRO12 this season.
"It's expected he will sign a three-year contract which will take him up to the end of the 2015/2016 season, which will take in the 2015 World Cup and the 2016 Six Nations.
"The IRFU have gone through a pretty rigorous interview process over the past few weeks, but I think it was narrowed down to two people, Joe Schmidt and Les Kiss, and there is a distinct possibility that Les Kiss could form part of the new backroom team.
"This year was a rather disappointing one from an international point of view, but he will inherit a squad of players many of whom have played international rugby two or three years ahead of what was anticipated."
"I think he is the right man, in the right place, at the right time."
The IRFU have confirmed one of the worst kept secrets in Irish rugby by naming Joe Schmidt as the new Ireland head coach.
The current Leinster head coach, who has led his side to the final of this season's Amlin Challenge Cup, is expected to take the Ireland hotseat in time for the Autumn international series.
The New Zealander has been an unqualified success in his time in charge of Leinster, guiding them to back-to-back Heineken Cup triumphs in 2011 and 2012.
Schmidt succeeds Declan Kidney who parted company with the IRFU after a disappointing Six Nations campaign in which Ireland finished fifth and dropped to ninth in the IRB World Rankings.
Schmidt is thought to have been offered a three-year contract that runs until 2016 - a tenure that will include the 2015 World Cup hosted by England.
There will be an IRFU press conference at 4pm in the Aviva Stadium in which the organisation's Chief Executive Philip Browne is expected to reveal more details on Schmidt's appointment.
Schmidt is understood to have beaten off competition from Ireland defensive coach Les Kiss and Queensland Reds head coach Ewen McKenzie for the Ireland job.
Kiss, who has been operating as Ireland's caretaker head-coach since the departure of Kidney, still looks likely to lead the summer tour to the United States and Canada.
The autumn internationals against Samoa, Australia and New Zealand are expected to be Schmidt's first matches in charge.
Attention will now turn to Leinster who are tasked with replacing a head coach who enjoyed a hugely successful reign.
The Blues have been linked to Leicester Tigers head coach Matt O'Connor, who has reportedly already held talks with the province.
Former Irish international Hugo MacNeill welcomed the appointment.
"Joe Schmidt was the outstanding candidate, not just on the national level but on the international level. If you had your choice he would be the person," he said speaking to RTÉ.
"He has taken on the Leinster project and built on them being European Champions. He has worked with an outstanding group of players to set standards of consistency and excellence in achievement that is so strong."
RTÉ's rugby commentator Michael Corcoran also welcomed the IRFU's decision.
"It's a huge boost for Irish rugby that Joe Schmidt is now going to turn his attention to the international game having been so successful with Leinster.
"It's a really welcome appointment. He has been the stand-out candidate simply because of his track record. He has led Leinster to two Heineken Cup wins and the final of the Amlin Challenge Cup. They are also just one win away from securing a home semi-final in the RaboDirect PRO12 this season.
"It's expected he will sign a three-year contract which will take him up to the end of the 2015/2016 season, which will take in the 2015 World Cup and the 2016 Six Nations.
"The IRFU have gone through a pretty rigorous interview process over the past few weeks, but I think it was narrowed down to two people, Joe Schmidt and Les Kiss, and there is a distinct possibility that Les Kiss could form part of the new backroom team.
"This year was a rather disappointing one from an international point of view, but he will inherit a squad of players many of whom have played international rugby two or three years ahead of what was anticipated."
"I think he is the right man, in the right place, at the right time."
Dawn Approach will bid to raise the spirits of those in the Godolphin operation this weekend
Long-time favourite Dawn Approach tops 14 colts confirmed for Saturday's Qipco 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.
The Jim Bolger-trained colt has dominated the betting for the mile Classic after ending his 2012 campaign unbeaten in six starts, culminating in an impressive victory over stablemate Leitir Mor in the Dewhurst Stakes.
Victory for the Dawn Approach could provide owner Godolphin with a little comfort after a torrid few days following the Mahmood Al Zarooni drugs scandal.
Leitir Mor is also among the contenders for the Guineas, with Aidan O'Brien having the pick of four from Cristoforo Colombo, George Vancouver, Lines Of Battle and Mars.
Richard Hannon appears to have a strong hand with Craven Stakes victor Toronado and last year's Racing Post Trophy second Van Der Neer.
Hannon has, however, taken out Craven Stakes runner-up Havana Gold.
Free Handicap winner Garswood is set to represent Richard Fahey, while Greenham third Moohaajim is Marco Botti's sole contender.
Correspondent, Dont Bother Me, Glory Awaits and the Henry Cecil-trained Kyllachy Rise complete the list of possible runners.
Joe Schmidt has signed a three-year contract as Ireland head coach
By Tadhg Peavoy
New Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has revealed that he will attempt to convince Brian O'Driscoll to play on for another season.
Speaking at his unveiling at a press conference at Aviva Stadium, Schmidt stated that he wants O'Driscoll to play on in the green of Ireland, but that the decision ultimately lies with the former Ireland captain.
He said: "He's put some pressure on me, so I'd certainly like to put some pressure on him. The one thing with Brian is he's very much his own man, he'll make his own decision.
"But at the same time it doesn't stop you trying to push him toward one, and so I'd like to see him continue.
"I'd love to see him named tomorrow, and I think that would be a continuation of a stellar career, and hopefully not the end of one."
The New Zealander also stated that he hopes to assemble his back room team over the next four to six weeks as he finishes off his coaching duties with Leinster in the RaboDirect PRO12 and Amlin Challenge Cup.
"The one thing with Brian [O'Driscoll] is he's very much his own man, he'll make his own decision" - Joe Schmidt
"I've just got my own details today, so it's a little bit hard to predict anything further ahead at this stage," said Schmidt.
"We [Leinster] had a pretty big game on Saturday [in the Amlin Challenge Cup semi-finals] and that was a massive focus for me last week.
"At this stage, being new in the role, I'd like to take the next four to six weeks, because even in that four to six weeks we'll still have a number of things that we'll have to do in a Leinster framework."
Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 27 April 2013 | 23.06
Updated: Saturday, 27 Apr 2013 09:33 | Comments
The Showgrounds is the venue as the home side bid to go four points clear at the top of the table
by Ed Leahy
Sligo Rovers appeared to get over their mini slump by defeating Drogheda United in Monday night's Setanta Sports Cup semi-final second leg.
And while the 1-0 victory was not enough to overturn the first-leg deficit, the performance pleased manager Ian Baraclough who described it as the 'the best we've produced in a number of weeks'.
Baraclough's side take on Drogheda for the third time inside two weeks and while Mick Cooke's side progressed to the Setanta Cup final, thanks to a 2-1 aggregate win, it will surely be the league champions who will go into tonight's clash at The Showgrounds as favourites.
The league leaders set a scorching pace to the start of their title defence, winning their first eight games, although their defeat to St Patrick's Athletic last week allowed Derry City and Liam Buckley's Saints to stay in touch at the top of the table.
But Sligo will go into tonight's game full of confidence and expecting a victory after their impressive performance midweek.
"During our run of wins, I wasn't saying it for effect that we were not playing well and that there is more to come from the team," said Baraclough.
"It took two defeats to take us out of our slumber up until Monday when our performance was the best we've produced in a number of weeks."
"They are strong, fit, put us in dangerous areas and are a very organised team with some very good players. We took the game to Drogheda on Monday night and created chances. I thought we were worthy winners over the 90 minutes.
"We wanted to stop the two-game run and get a clean sheet as well. It wasn't enough for a place in the final so it is back to the league now and a very important period.
"At the league launch, I spoke about how seven or eight teams in this division can be considered challengers for the top positions in the country. My opinion has not changed and you have to be ready for each battle you face in the league and that will be the case on Saturday night."
The return of Joseph Ndo is likely to give the home support a timely boost ahead of tonight's encounter.
The creative midfielder played for an hour on Monday night in the Setanta Sports Cup and is likely to get the nod to start, which will be his first league appearance since the opening game of the season.
Baraclough will, however, have to plan without the in-form Raffaele Cretaro as he is recovering from a thigh problem, while Seamus Conneely remains out of contention with a knee injury.
Danny North is in light training but remains unavailable. Ciaran Kelly is out with a fractured sternum.
This season Drogheda have maintained the impressive form that brought them a second-place finish in the last year's league campaign.
Mick Cooke's side are fifth in the current standings as a result of Dundalk's renaissance under Stephen Kenny and Derry City and St Pat's excellent form.
But Drogheda are playing a very attractive brand of football and certainly believe that they are more than a match for any side in the league.
Cooke had a full squad to choose from for the trip to the northwest as Alan Byrne, Gary O'Neill and Brian Gannon have all proved their fitness over the past week.
Drogheda assistant manager Robbie Horgan said: "I think for the first time this season we trained last night with a full squad and it's going to be a bigger problem of who not to select. Everyone wants to be involved and they are all pushing for a starting place."
Nice headaches for the management team to have going into an away clash with the champions, but a rejuvenated Sligo side should take the points.
Alexander Noren made a vital birdie on the final hole
Sweden's Alex Noren will take a one-shot lead into the final round of the Ballantine's Championship after a slow third day labelled "an absolute joke" by former Open champion Paul Lawrie.
Noren carded a 69 to finish nine under par in the weather-delayed event at Blackstone Golf Club, making a birdie on the 18th to edge ahead of Scotland's Peter Whiteford (69) and Spain's Pablo Larrazabal (68).
The Swede's group took almost five and a half hours to complete their rounds, with Lawrie furious about the slow pace of play.
Lawrie, who was on the edge of contention before dropping four shots in his last six holes, wrote on Twitter: "5 hours 16 mins to play today, absolute joke as ever, how many players penalised or fined - Zero #unacceptablepaceofplay."
Noren, who won the last of his three European Tour titles on home soil in 2011, said: "I made a lot of par putts and they were very important. I struggled a little with the driver but it's more important to hit these greens.
"The really tough thing here is to judge the wind on the second shots, it was tricky for the mind. I am really exhausted, it was a grind out there today.
"It's so much fun to have a chance to win on Sunday and it's going to be a good day tomorrow. When I was leading the first time in Portugal I thought it's not good if I lose this, but somebody shot six under and wins. You have to just play your game and if you make more birdies than the other guy you win."
Pablo Larrazabal's 68 was the lowest score of the third round and gives the 29-year-old the chance of a third European Tour title.
"I hit the ball beautifully today," he said. "I'm very happy with the round and to be in the fight again. I only missed one green in regulation which was something special.
"It will be good to be in the final group again, it's been a long time."
Whiteford was one of the players who had to complete their second rounds this morning after weather delays on Thursday and Friday, the Scot playing 28 holes in total.
"I was on the 5am bus, first bus in, last bus out it looks like," Whiteford said. "It's been a long day but that's the job every now and then.
"My form has been pretty average, poor to be honest. I was hitting it half decent on the range and just not taking anything to the golf course, but this week has been better."
Australian duo Brett Rumford and Marcus Fraser are two shots off the pace on seven under, Rumford finishing in style with five birdies in succession as both players hailed the influence of compatriot Adam Scott.
"With Adam winning the Masters it has inspired us all," said Rumford, who was two over for the day before his brilliant finish.
"The last couple of days have been interesting. It's been pretty frustrating but rewarding at the same time. Hopefully tomorrow I can just eliminate all the silly errors."
World number seven Louis Oosthuizen, the pre-tournament favourite, is four off the lead after carding his second consecutive 71 to finish five under.
Will Neil Lennon exit the club this summer? The manager certainly hasn't ruled it out.
Neil Lennon will hold talks about his future as Celtic manager after the Scottish Cup final.
The Northern Irishman has guided the club to the Clydesdale Bank title this season in fine style and could secure the double with victory over Hibernian at Hampden on 26 May.
But Lennon admits he is not sure what the future holds after that and has not ruled out an exit from Celtic Park this summer.
When asked where his future lies on the BBC's Football Focus programme, Lennon said: "I don't know."
He added: "I've got magnificent support from chief executive Peter (Lawwell) and the board, I've got a great club here and a great group of young players.
"But you just don't know what's around the corner and what challenges lie ahead for you, not just in your professional life, but in your personal life as well.
"So we'll take stock of everything after the Cup final, have a sit down and see what we do for next year."
Robert Clune touches down for a try for the winners
First half tries from Robert Clune and Scott Deasy laid the platform for Cork Constitution's third Ulster Bank Bateman All-Ireland Cup success, as they overcame home club St. Mary's College at Templeville Road.
Cork Con started the game in positive fashion, forcing the Dubliners onto the back foot.
Indeed, good persistence paid off for them with just four minutes on the clock when out-half Johnny Holland comfortably slotted a 25-metre penalty after St. Mary's were penalised for not releasing during a particularly threatening passage of play.
The Templeogue outfit struggled to get a stranglehold in the early stages, but they responded well to the concession of this score. Reliable full-back Gavin Dunne was on hand to gain parity for his side when he converted superbly from a penalty close to the left touchline.
Following this effort, the game started to even out to a certain degree, but further indiscipline by the St. Mary's defence on 15 minutes gave Holland the chance to reclaim the lead for Constitution, and he made no mistake with his close range kick.
As the action moved beyond the opening quarter, Cork Con started to become more forceful in their play, and a smart move from a scrum six minutes later - instigated by scrum half and captain Gerry Hurley - eventually found its way to Cronan Healy, who produced an inch perfect pass for right winger Robert Clune to touch down in the right corner.
Holland's conversion attempt was wide of the mark on this occasion, but Constitution nevertheless were starting to settle into their stride.
St. Mary's were never going to be dismissed lightly though, and Dunne reduced the gap after 25 minutes with a successful place-kick from a tight angle.
Holland stepped forward to successfully negotiate another routine three-point attempt, but Dunne quickly replied with his third penalty of the contest. With just five points separating the teams, the game was always likely to be finely balanced.
However, Cork Con's hopes of securing the silverware on offer were greatly increased two minutes before the interval, when outside centre Scott Deasy drove over the whitewash for a converted try after the excellent Holland has produced a neat offload.
St. Mary's applied some pressure in the closing moments of the opening period, but the compact Con rearguard held firm to take a 21-9 cushion into the second half.
At this point, it looked like the Temple Hill side were in control of their own destiny, but their opponents emerged from the dressing room with renewed vigour.
As the hosts' pack started to exert plenty of influence, they began to make considerable inroads into the Constitution 22.
A relentless period of pressure eight minutes after the restart enabled them to break through for their only try of the day, as bustling flanker Gareth Austen powered over at the end of a strong maul on the right flank.
Dunne's bonus effort from the wing was once again on the money, as Hugh Hogan's charges began to force their way back into the reckoning.
Matters became even more interesting with 25 minutes remaining. Dunne split the uprights magnificently from a distance of 40 metres to leave just two points between the teams during a crucial juncture in the decider.
Last year's Ulster Bank League champions had dominated the play up to this point in the half, and they continued to take the game to the Leesiders, who had struggled to maintain the momentum they had developed before the break.
Cork Con's defence was performing admirably in the face of adversity, however, and they were dealing effectively with much of what St. Mary's were throwing at them.
As the tie moved into the final ten minutes of play, Constitution eased any tension they might have been experiencing with the aid of some smart tactical kicks into opposition territory.
St. Mary's continued to press for the scores they needed to force the outcome in their direction, but their fate was finally sealed as a result of Holland's outstanding drop goal kick from distance three minutes into time added on.
Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure lifted the post-title gloom for Manchester City with a couple of outstanding goals to defeat West Ham 2-1.
Last season's elation at Eastlands has been replaced by the grim realisation that the red enemy from down the road are back in their familiar position of champions.
Manager Roberto Mancini has already demanded that the summer transfer business should not drag on like last year.
But the City chief clearly has plenty of quality at his disposal already, and the delightful efforts of Aguero and Toure underlined the fact they remain a force.
There was an unexpected post-script to the day though, with Joe Hart's mistake allowing Andy Carroll to net an injury-time consolation amid fears the England keeper had suffered an injury himself.
In his program notes, Mancini implored his players not to feel sorry for themselves, the loss of their title five games before the end of the season has to be a source of regret.
For the last month, the Blues have been the best side in the Premier League. Yet their dominance has come far too late.
Few teams are capable of the move that brought Aguero their opener.
Yaya Toure first exchanged passes with Samir Nasri before the France midfielder played a sublime one-two with David Silva inside the Hammers box.
Nasri crossed low to the near post, where Aguero turned home his 15th goal of the season.
It was brilliant stuff, if simple in its execution.
But where was this form at Southampton, Sunderland, QPR or any of the other random venues where the Blues have inexplicably dropped precious points?
They nearly made it two almost immediately as Jussi Jaaskelainen failed to hold Nasri's 20-yard strike and Pablo Zabaleta closed in.
The Argentina star seems certain to be named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year tomorrow and must have thought he was going to mark the occasion with a goal.
Jaaskelainen redeemed himself though, turning away Zabaleta's shot from point blank range.
Other than that, the first half was a fairly lacklustre affair.
Applause for Marc-Vivien Foe, a respected figure at both clubs, who died 10 years ago, punctuated long periods of near silence.
Returning after three matches out with a hamstring injury, Silva did his best to prompt City into life, setting Aguero up with a chance he would normally have buried but instead scuffed into the ground and onto a post.
For their part, West Ham played like a side whose return to the top flight has been consolidated by a secure mid-table finish.
But it did not prevent Sam Allardyce blowing his top at the fourth official when referee Howard Webb opted not to allow the Hammers to re-take a free-kick he appeared to be preventing but the visitors took anyway, only for Matt Jarvis to be immediately flagged offside.
Allardyce could have done with his players showing similar passion and though they did return with a sense of purpose, it was City who nearly extended their lead at the start of the second period as Carlos Tevez's shot was blocked by Winston Reid.
The opportunity was provided by a superb piece of skill from Nasri who, like so many in blue, failed to reach the heights on a consistent basis this season. Silva is another, Aguero also.
Yet the Argentina forward set up compatriot Carlos Tevez with an astute cut-back, only for Joey O'Brien's last-ditch tackle to deny the hosts.
Tevez turned provider for Nasri shortly afterwards but, with the goal gaping, the man who left Arsenal two years ago and won a title at the first time of asking attempted to prod home with his right foot and missed the ball altogether.
On the touchline, Mancini's face was a picture as he slumped into his seat.
Frustration turned to elation 10 minutes from time as Toure provided another moment of magic, creating space for himself on the edge of the area before smacking a clinical effort into the top corner.
In its own way, it was as wonderful as City's opener.
And City nearly added further gloss to their day when Aguero was inches away from turning home the loose ball after Jaaskelainen had parried Zabaleta's shot.
The last action involved Hart, though, who had gone down with an injury a couple of minutes earlier and still seemed to be bothered by it as he inexplicably allowed Carroll's shot to roll through his legs.
Leinster dethroned defending Amlin Challenge Cup champions Biarritz 44-16 to move within one win of their third European title in as many seasons.
Joe Schmidt's men ran out comfortable five-try winners at a sold-out RDS, where the province will host Stade Francais in the Challenge Cup final on May 17.
Two tries from man-of-the-match Jamie Heaslip book-ended a evenly balanced first half, with Leinster's precise passing and finishing being the difference at the break.
Dimitri Yachvili's third penalty in the 37th minute left Biarritz just 10-9 behind, only for Leinster to dazzle in the Dublin sunshine with two late tries.
Jonathan Sexton and Heaslip went over in a blockbusting three-minute burst, the former adding the conversions for a sudden 24-9 interval advantage.
The sin-binning of Takudzwa Ngwenya, early in the second period, signalled the death knell for Biarritz who will miss out on Heineken Cup rugby next year.
Isa Nacewa and Brian O'Driscoll added two more tries for the runaway winners of this semi-final, with Arnaud Heguy's consolation score cutting the margin to 28 points.
The hosts had to absorb a bright early spell from Biarritz, but a well-worked lineout move caught the Basque side out for Heaslip's opening try, five minutes in.
Richardt Strauss threw deep to Devin Toner who palmed the ball down for the onrushing Nacewa to charge over the 10-metre line and Heaslip's timely support run saw him cross to the left of the posts.
Sexton converted but as Leinster pressed during a high-tempo spell, the fit-again out-half badly hooked a penalty that went wide to the left.
Sexton was back in the thick of the action on the quarter hour, setting up a brisk O'Driscoll break and getting the return pass - only for Ngwenya and Jean-Pascal Barraque to hold him up past the try-line.
Ngwenya soon burst into life in attack, charging downfield to set up an 18th minute penalty that Yachvili comfortably converted for 7-3.
Biarritz, with the breeze behind them, make further inroads, capitalising on a stuttering Leinster lineout as Imanol Harinordoquy, Thibault Dubarry and Pelu Taele made the hard yards.
Their tight driving led to Yachvili's second successful penalty, however Leinster quickly returned the favour - Cian Healy carrying effectively before a close-in Sexton penalty punished a Biarritz offside.
Good feet from Heaslip, carrying more in the injury-enforced absence of Sean O'Brien, saw him break Biarritz's hold on possession and territory as he powered over halfway.
Leinster won a subsequent penalty but Sexton's instinctive punt to the left corner for Nacewa was knocked on under pressure by the winger.
A sweetly struck penalty from Yachvili, whipping the ball over from distance, made it a one-point game until Leinster found an extra gear in the closing minutes of the half.
O'Driscoll and Rob Kearney combined smartly to unlock the visitors' defence and put Sexton stepping over for the province's second try.
The third followed in injury-time, Heaslip reacted quickest to a loose ball at the side a ruck and his angled run from the 22 doubled his try tally.
Biarritz watched Yachvili miss a long range penalty on the resumption, and the title holders' hopes were soon extinguished by Ngwenya's sin-binning and Leinster's ruthlessness on the ball.
Ngwenya chased back hard to deny Ian Madigan a certain try after an interception, however the American international failed to roll away and earned a yellow card.
Leinster took immediate advantage of the extra man, showing their potency again and again from turnover ball. Sexton popped over a penalty and then a delightful interchange between Sexton and Nacewa outfoxed three covering defenders and produced a deserved try for the latter.
Sexton's withdrawal allowed Madigan to slot back in at out-half, and the recent Ireland debutant kept the scoreboard running in Leinster's favour with a well-hit conversion and penalty.
Rob Howley headed up the watching Lions party and he would have been pleased to see O'Driscoll nab a try, finishing off some good work from Nacewa and deceptively quick replacement Sean Cronin.
The performances of Heaslip and Sexton, and possibly the versatile Madigan, will also give the Lions management food for thought ahead of Tuesday's squad announcement.
Biarritz battled on and with 13 minutes left hooker Heguy broke free from a ruck on the Leinster 22 to register their lone try.
Leinster: R Kearney; F McFadden, B O'Driscoll, I Madigan, I Nacewa; J Sexton, I Boss, C Healy, R Strauss, M Ross, L Cullen (capt), D Toner, K McLaughlin, S Jennings, J Heaslip.
Replacements: S Cronin, J McGrath, J Hagan, Q Roux, R Ruddock, J Cooney, A Goodman, A Conway.
Biarritz: M Bosch; T Ngwenya, B Baby, D Traille, A Brew; JP Barraque, D Yachvili; T Scnaeghel, A Heguy, B Broster; E Lund, P Taele; T Dubarry, R Lakafia, I Harinordoquy.
Replacements: B August, E Van Staden, F Gomez Kodela, M Marie, W Lauret, Y Lesgourgues, S Burotu, T Thomas.
Written By Unknown on Jumat, 26 April 2013 | 23.06
Updated: Friday, 26 Apr 2013 12:23 | Comments
Keith Earls returns to the wing
Munster have made one change to their side for the Heineken Cup semi-final clash with Clermont tomorrow at 5pm.
A fit again Keith Earls starts at right wing in place of Denis Hurley, who is named on the bench.
There are two changes on the bench with John Ryan in for the injured Stephen Archer (wrist), while the knee injury Donncha O'Callaghan sustained against Leinster rules him out - Billy Holland continues in his absense.
Munster XV to play Clermont: F Jones; K Earls, C Laulala, J Downey, S Zebo; R O'Gara, C Murray; D Kilcoyne, M Sherry, BJ Botha; D Ryan, P O'Connell capt; P O'Mahony, T O'Donnell, J Coughlan.
Replacements: D Varley, W du Preez, J Ryan, B Holland, P Butler, C Sheridan, I Keatley, D Hurley.
Live radio coverage of Leinster v Biarritz and Clermont v Munster from 14:00 on Saturday 27 April on RTÉ Radio 1, RTÉ RnaG and RTÉ.ie (Worldwide).
Dublin's Kevin O'Brien has been cleared of a biting allegation by the Central Hearings Committee.
The allegation came from their clash with Donegal in Ballybofey earlier this month.
A statement from the GAA said that on the basis of the evidence provided and the submissions made on behalf of both parties, the allegation was not proven.
The matter is now considered closed according to the Central Hearing Committee.
The Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) had proposed a three-match suspension for O'Brien following allegations from Donegal, but he is now available for the Allianz Football League final clash with Tyrone.
Luis Suarez has accepted his 10-match ban imposed for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic, the English Football Association has announced.
The Liverpool striker had been given two days to decide whether to appeal against the sanction imposed after the incident during the 2-2 draw at Anfield on Sunday but has not done so.
It means the Uruguay international will miss Liverpool's last four games of this season and, if he is still at the club, the next six domestic games of next season - potentially the start of October.
The FA said in a statement: "Liverpool forward Luis Suarez has not appealed the suspension issued to him by an independent regulatory commission this week.
"A three-person independent regulatory commission upheld the FA's claim that a suspension of three matches was clearly insufficient and the player will now serve a further seven first-team matches in addition to the standard three.
"The suspension begins with immediate effect and applies to Liverpool FC's next 10 domestic first-team fixtures.
"The FA intends to publicise the independent regulatory commission's written reasons in due course."
Victor Dubuisson takes the scenic route around the Blackstone Golf and Country Club
Two birdies on the last three holes took Australian Wade Ormsby to the share of the clubhouse lead with Thailand's Arnond Vongvanij on another weather-hit day in the Ballantine's Championship in South Korea.
Rain and lightning in the morning brought play to a halt for 80 minutes after more than two hours were lost due to poor visibility on Thursday.
South African Jbe Kruger, Swede Alex Noren and England's James Morrison were a stroke behind the clubhouse leaders.
After shooting a four-under 68 in his opening round, Peter Lawrie dropped off the pace and finished the day on two under. The Dubliner was two over for the day with ten holes played and will complete his round on Saturday morning.
Fellow Dubliner Paul McGinley got back to level par for the tournament after shooting one under in his opening ten holes. The Ryder Cup captain will also have eight holes to play on Saturday and is currently sitting on the cut mark of level par.
Damien McGrane has 12 holes to play on Saturday and must make, at least, one shot back as he currently sits on one over par.
Gareth Maybin looks set to miss the cut as he posted two consecutive 73s to post two over at the halfway stage of the tournament.
Former Open champion Louis Oosthuizen, the highest-ranked player in the field, was three shots off the pace after completing a first-round 69 and returning for a second of 71.
Ormsby, who won his maiden professional title in India this month, compiled a five-under-par 67 after returning in the morning to complete a first round of 70.
Starting on the back nine, Ormsby picked up four shots to reach the turn in 32 but made a bogey on the second hole.
He shot back into contention, adding to more shots on the seventh and ninth to come home for a total of five-under 137.
"My game's in pretty good shape, I had the last two weeks at home practising so it was nice to come out here and keep the form going," Ormsby, 33, told reporters at the Blackstone Golf and Country Club.
"I three-putted (the second) just before the suspension and on the third and fourth I struggled for the speed of the greens straight out of the blocks.
"I was a bit tentative and left a couple short but then made two bombs in the last three."
Arnond compiled a blemish-free first round of 68 and added three more birdies with a lone bogey in his second for a 69 and the share of the lead.
"The conditions were not easy, and the pins were kind of tough, especially with the wind blowing. So I'll take what I can get," the 25-year-old said.
Hurricane Fly is a best-price 1-3 to win the Rabobank Champion Hurdle for the fourth time
An intriguing renewal of the Rabobank Champion Hurdle features on day four at Punchestown, with Hurricane Fly and Rock On Ruby renewing their rivalry.
First and second at Cheltenham last month, Willie Mullins' brilliant hurdler was the first horse since Comedy Of Errors in 1975 to regain his Champion Hurdle crown and the nine-year-old will be very hard to beat in a bid to claim a fourth successive victory in this Grade One.
The Tattersalls Ireland Champion Novice Hurdle is the other top-class contest on the eight-race card and Pont Alexandre is out to make amends for a disappointing showing in the Neptune at Cheltenham.
Mullins' inmate may appreciate softer ground returning to home soil, but impressive Aintree scorer Ubak and Supreme fourth Un Atout will ensure he doesn't get it all his own way.
The champion trainer has plenty more chances and both Immediate Response and Terminal look potentially well treated in the Aon Novice Handicap Chase.
Quiscover Fontaine and Vesper Bell are his two representatives in the Breakfast With Hector On 2FM Handicap Chase, although Tom Taaffe's Treacle is out to put a disappointing Grand National display behind him.
Waaheb, Un De Sceaux and Cops And Robbers locking horns in the Star Best Racing Coverage Novice Hurdle is another exciting prospect and Robert Tyner will be hoping for a big performance from Cork scorer County Champions in the Irish Thoroughbred Association Fillies Scheme Premier Bumper.
Jane Mangan and Oscar Delta will be out to set the record straight with Salsify in the Racing Post Champion Hunters Chase following a freak incident in the Foxhunter at Cheltenham, while Shin A Vee and Cool Warrior won the KFM Hunters Chase For The Bishopscourt Cup in 2009 and 2010 respectively and they aim to regain their crown when action gets under way at 3.40.
Hurricane Fly and Ruby Walsh celebrate Champion Hurdle success at Cheltenham
Hurricane Fly faces just six rivals as he bids to land the Rabobank Champion Hurdle for the fourth successive year at Punchestown on Friday.
Among the horses taking on Willie Mullins' crack two-miler are three of his stable companions, Midnight Game, So Young and Thousand Stars.
But it is the sole British raider, Rock On Ruby, who is expected to give Hurricane Fly the most to do.
The pair clashed in the Stan James Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham last month, with Hurricane Fly coming out on top by two and a half lengths from Harry Fry's charge.
The Michael Winters-trained Rebel Fitz, winner of last year's Galway Hurdle, and Brendan Duke's Mister Benedictine make up the field.
The three defections at the final declaration stage were Hurricane Fly's stablemates Zaidpour and Quevega and the Tom Mullins-trained Fosters Cross.
Mullins feels "home advantage" further increases Hurricane Fly's chances of victory.
He told At The Races: "We've been happy with the horse all year.
"He's been doing all his work well, eating up after, and coming back strong after his races.
"We've spent a lot of time trying to settle him and maybe it's working, as he's not as aggressive as he used to be.
"Maybe we have to take that into account when Ruby (Walsh) is riding him in the future.
"Punchestown might suit Rock On Ruby, but it's an away game for him, a strange place, where for us it is just up the road.
"We'd like to think it's home advantage anyway."
Walsh also believes racing on home soil has to give his mount an extra edge.
"He's in really good order. Punchestown is 35 minutes up the road for Hurricane Fly but it's a long way from Dorset (for Rock On Ruby)," he said.
Written By Unknown on Kamis, 25 April 2013 | 23.06
Updated: Thursday, 25 Apr 2013 09:23 | Comments
Mark Donnelly celebrates his goal against Kildare in the semi-final
Tyrone forward Mark Donnelly sees Sunday's Allianz Football League Division 1 final against Dublin as an opportunity for his younger team mates to gain valuable experience ahead of the Championship.
Mickey Harte will have a relatively inexperienced side for the Croke Park clash, but Donnelly thinks it is vital ahead of their Ulster tie against Donegal on 26 May.
Donnelly told www.irishexaminer.ie: "If you're winning games, it becomes a habit, and that's the sort of habit you want to get into coming into the championship, and it's a great boost for the younger lads.
"And if they're used to winning McKenna Cups and National Leagues, they'll feel as if this is the norm, and nothing will faze them.
"At the beginning of the year, Mickey [Harte] set out to win every game, and to get into the top four, which would give us at least one extra game to prepare for the Donegal game, and I suppose it gives Mickey a chance to look at a wider range of players."
"We will be tested and hopefully we can give them a good game, and hopefully come out on the winning side" - Mark Donnelly
"Not only that, but to test them against the best teams in the country, which is very important in getting that competitive edge that you get from a semi-final and final, and we're definitely going to get that against Dublin, because Dublin are the form team at the minute, they have clocked up a lot of scores this year.
"We will be tested and hopefully we can give them a good game, and hopefully come out on the winning side."
Donnelly continued: "If you look back at the 2003 and 2005 All-Ireland winning teams, a lot of those fellows, like Brian McGuigan, Kevin Hughes and Conor Gormley, they were all young fellows with no fear. They had won under-age titles, they were full of confidence."
"And with this batch of young players coming in, the likes of Niall Morgan, Darren McCurry, Conor McAliskey, Mattie Donnelly, they're confident players and they're used to winning, and they want to carry that in at senior level, so it's a great boost to have those type of players coming into the panel."
The Carrickmore added: "If you look down the middle spine of the team, you have Niall Morgan, Conor Clarke at full-back, Mattie Donnelly at centre half, Peter Harte at centre forward, they're all young players, and they're not just fringe players.
"I suppose that's what Tyrone maybe needed, they have brought a great injection of pace an enthusiasm into the team, and the likes of Ryan McKenna and Ronan McNamee have come in and played a lot of league football this year."
Live radio coverage of the Allianz National Leagues from 14:00 on Sunday 28 April on RTÉ Radio 1, RTÉ RnaG and RTÉ.ie (Worldwide). Highlights of all the weekend's Allianz League action on League Sunday on RTÉ Two and RTÉ.ie (Ireland only) from 19:30.
Vote for your choice as biggest GAA Championship upset in association with The Sunday Game
By Rory O'Neill
With the days getting longer, the grass being cut and exam time for students, it can only mean that the Championship is fast approaching.
It makes you think about what makes it special.
In the world of Gaelic Games, there is nothing quite like an upset.
Click here to vote for your choice as biggest GAA Championship upset in association with The Sunday Game.
When a team enters a big Championship match with the odds stacked firmly against them and when they've been completely 'written off' by the media, history would suggest that is when teams are at their most dangerous.
Through history and in particular recent times in the television age, we have seen some amazing upsets. Some of these have gone down in legend and some have been slightly embellished with the passing of time.
This year on The Sunday Game we are going to compile a list of the Top 10 upsets in GAA history and it is you the public that will ultimately decide which turn up for the books ranks as the nation's most compelling.
We will then run this on a weekly basis in the Sunday Game, counting down from 10 to 1, to celebrate and acknowledge each of these incredible moments when a team ignores the form guide and writes their own small piece of history into the annals of GAA folklore.
Below is the list of 20 which we ask you at home to whittle down to 10 by voting for your favourite.
Click here to vote for your choice as biggest GAA Championship upset in association with The Sunday Game.
The list as it stands is chronological and will ultimately be ranked by how you at home vote. So get voting and share.
Galway v Cork
All-Ireland Hurling semi-final 1979
Cork were aiming for a historic four-in-a-row and hence were the defending All-Ireland champions. After a record equalling fifth consecutive Munster title on the back of a final win over Limerick, Cork were expected to see off the Galway challenge comfortably. Galway, on the other hand, were coming with a team of their own backboned by the likes of the Connolly brothers and Noel Lane. In front of a paltry attendance of 12,315, Galway shocked the hurling world by dumping the holders out and progressed to the 1979 decider.
Offaly v Kilkenny
Leinster Hurling final 1980
Easily regarded as one of the most important days in the history of Offaly hurling, it was only the sixth time they had ever made it to the Leinster final. The Faithful had never won the title while Kilkenny were expected to add to the back-to-back crowns they had won the previous two years and make it three-in-a-row. It was a high-scoring affair and Kilkenny went in at half-time with a two-point lead. Offaly came out in the second half and despite the lead changing hands on several occasions, the Faithful had their first ever Bob O'Keefe Cup and were Leinster champions on a score line of 3-17 to 5-10.
Offaly v Kerry
All Ireland Football final 1982
Another upset featuring the irrepressible Faithful County but this time in football.
Kerry were on the verge of immortality having won four All Irelands on the trot from 1978-1981.
The five-in-a-row would cement their place in history so much so they wrote a song about it, in advance of the final! Someone forgot to mention this to Matt Connor, Seamus Darby and Eugene McGee as Offaly pulled off a great shock by dethroning the All-Ireland champions in one of the great moments in GAA history.
Cork v Kerry
Munster Football final 1983
In the days before the backdoor [remember them anyone?], Cork had been locked in to Munster by an all-conquering Kerry side that had won the Munster Championship every year for the previous eight seasons and were going for a record ninth title under Mick O'Dwyer. Kerry were also looking to atone for the last-gasp defeat to Offaly in the previous year's All-Ireland final but were shocked with another late goal, this time from Tadhgh Og Murphy, which helped Cork to land a first Munster title for the Rebels since 1974.
Waterford v Cork
Munster Hurling semi-final 1989
Waterford hurling was at a low ebb in the 1980's and they had suffered some terrible beatings at the hands of Cork in particular. The 1989 Championship saw an upturn in fortunes and having beaten Clare in the first round, they went into the semi-final against Cork with confidence levels high. Having drawn the first match 18 points apiece,many felt that Waterford had let their chance slip when faced with having to play Cork for a second time in the replay a couple of weeks later. This time they closed out the deal with a famous two-point win and their first Championship success over Cork since 1974.
Antrim v Offaly
All Ireland Hurling semi-final 1989
On a day when both semi-finals were played together, Antrim and Offaly acted as the curtain raiser with the result considered a mere formality. 1943 was the last time a team from Antrim, or any team from Ulster for that matter, had contested an All-Ireland decider. Offaly, meanwhile, had been All-Ireland champions twice in the previous 10 years and were expected to brush aside the Saffron challenge with ease. With a brace of goals from Olcan McFetridge and another brace from Aidan McCarry, the day belonged to the men from the Glens who were sportingly applauded from the field by the vanquished Offaly team in one of the great sporting moments in GAA history.
Cork v Tipperary
Munster Hurling final 1990
'Donkeys don't win derbies!' proclaimed Tipperary hurling manager 'Babs' Keating in the build-up to the 1990 Munster final with Cork. As defending All Ireland Champions and having won their first Liam McCarthy Cup since 1971, Tipp were hotly fancied to defend their title with a star-studded line-up that included Nicky English, Pat Fox and Declan Ryan. 'Babs' comment served to upset Cork so much so that Tipperary were unceremoniously dumped out of the Championship with Mark Foley's individual tally of 2-07 being key to the 4-16 to 2-14 victory. Cork would go on to win that year's All Ireland to prove that donkey's do win the occasional derby.
Down v Meath
All Ireland Football final 1991
Meath went into this final on the back of an amazing quartet of matches with their old rivals Dublin. When they eventually came out on top to make that year's All-Ireland final, they were expected to easily account for the challenge of a Down team appearing in their first final since the 1960s. In fact Sam Maguire had been absent from the six counties since Down's previous All Ireland way back in 1968. Nevertheless Down prevailed, spearheaded by legendary figures like Ross Carr, Greg Blaney, 'wee' James McCartan and Conor Deegan, to win by two points.
Clare v Kerry
Munster Football final 1992
Immortalised by a famous line from a certain commentator about 'cows and milk', absolutely nobody gave Clare any chance going into the 1992 Munster final against the footballing dynasty that is the Kingdom. Kerry went in to the match as raging hot favourites while Clare were fresh from success in the All-Ireland B Championship. They could even afford to miss an early penalty and despite some free-taking heroics from Maurice Fitzgerald, the day belonged to the Banner once Colm Clancy rocked the back of the Kerry net. The Clare footballers were off to Croke Park for the first time since 1917.
Donegal v Dublin
All Ireland football final 1992
In the same year that Clare shocked the footballing world by knocking out Kerry, Donegal, under Brian McEniff, made it to the All-Ireland final for the very first time. The Dubs had disposed of the Clare challenge with ease in their semi-final while Donegal had struggled to cope with Mayo in the other semi final. If it was a case of the Dubs just turning up, Donegal ignored the form book and took the game to Dublin from the off with the McHugh brothers, James and Martin, instrumental in a famous victory for Tir Chonail as captain Anthony Molloy lifted Sam and it headed for the hills for the first time in history.
Clare v Cork
Munster Hurling semi-final 1993
Clare went into the Munster Hurling Championship of 1993 completely under the radar. With no Championship victory over Cork since 1981, few expected them to turn the tables on what was an ageing Rebel side in the Munster semi-final in Limerick. In a brief glimpse of what was to come for the Banner they outmuscled, outfought and ultimately out hurled Cork on a blustery rainy day in June. With only a point separating sides with a little over 10 minutes to go, a great save by Cork goalkeeper Ger Cunningham saw the ball bounce kindly in to the path of Fergie Touhy who buried the rebound into the net and the Banner had secured a famous victory.
Leitrim v Mayo
Connacht Football final 1994
The story of Leitrim 1994 has been immortalised in song and story over and over. And the romance of it probably glows that bit brighter with the passing of time. A famous line from a former Leitrim Chairman exudes the reality faced by football in a county with a population of less than 30,000: "Kerry supporters are only happy when they win the All Ireland, Leitrim supporters are happy when we win".
In our own personal favourite in RTÉ Sport, Leitrim's Connacht title of 1994 stands out when Mayo man John O'Mahony led them to only their second Provincial title in their history and first since 1927.
Offaly v Meath
Leinster Football final 1997
Once again in the days before the backdoor, Meath went into the Leinster final of 1997 as raging hot favourites. Not only were they defending All Ireland Champions, they had already beaten the Dubs and victory in a three-game epic with Kildare proved their Championship credentials still stood up for the 1997 season. No county revels in the role of underdog better than Offaly, however, and despite having not won a Leinster title since they were All-Ireland Champions themselves way back in 1982, they went into the match under Tommy Lyons with a quiet confidence. A three-goal burst gave Offaly a stunning victory and a first Leinster title in 15 years.
Waterford v Tipperary
Munster Hurling final 2002
Tipp had gone back to the summit of hurling the previous September when they won a thrilling All-Ireland over Galway so when they made it to the Munster final of 2002 and found themselves facing Waterford, not many gave the Deise much of a chance. After all it had been 39 years since they had last won a Munster Championship. Ken McGrath gave a virtuoso performance cementing his place in Waterford hurling folklore forever more with seven points from play and Waterford under Justin McCarthy had dethroned the All-Ireland champions.
Wexford v Kilkenny
Leinster Hurling semi-final 2004
If ever there was an upset this was it when Wexford ended Kilkenny's six-year reign as Leinster champions. Kilkenny were back to back All Ireland Champions and in search of three in succession. A tight contest was decided in the dying moments, when Kilkenny, a point up, failed to make a clearance when centre back Peter Barry was blocked down my Michael Jacob and he promptly dispatched the ball to the Kilkenny net. It gave Wexford one of their most famous victories on a final score line of 2-15 to 1-16 and the Bob O'Keefe Cup headed to the sunny south east for the first time since 1997.
Fermanagh V Armagh
All Ireland Football quarter-final 2004
Fermanagh were one of the major beneficiaries of the qualifiers and in 2004 in Charlie Mulgrew's second season in charge, they went on another charge through the backdoor. Having already beaten Meath, Cork and Donegal, they met their near neighbours Armagh in the quarter-final and this is where a serious halt was expected to be called to their gallop. Armagh were Ulster Champions with a star-studded line-up which included some household names like McGeeney, McConville and McNulty, yet Fermanagh defied all of the odds and pulled off one of the shocks of the summer. Tom Brewster struck with a late winner and dump one of the favourites for Sam out of the Championship.
Galway v Kilkenny
All Ireland Hurling semi-final 2005
Having lost the All-Ireland final to Cork the previous year, Kilkenny were hotly-fancied to make it back to the decider to avenge that defeat but first had to get over the challenge of Galway who were appearing in their first semi-final since the two counties had met at the penultimate stage in 2001. The goal fest that ensued caught most by surprise as Kilkenny were hit for five which included a Niall Healy hat-trick and set the Tribesmen up for an astonishing victory on a final score line of 5-18 to 4-18.
Sligo v Galway
Connacht Football final 2007
Sligo had not won a Connacht title since 1975 when they began the 2007 campaign under Tommy Breheny. With Galway and Mayo on the opposite side of the draw a chance to at least make the final presented itself but when they were paired with Galway in the decider, they were given little chance. The game ebbed and flowed with neither team able to pull away it took a moment of magic from Eamonn O'Hara, a corker of a goal, to be the difference. Sligo won by the merest of margins on a score line of 1-10 to 0-12 and O'Hara had a much coveted Connacht Championship medal, a career in service to the Yeats County so richly deserved.
Limerick V Waterford
All Ireland Hurling semi-final 2007
These two had met in the Munster final earlier that summer and Justin McCarthy's side had prevailed on the back of an inspired performance from Dan 'The Man' Shanahan. Waterford had beaten Cork in a replayed quarter-final only the week before and were expected to make a first All-Ireland final since 1963. Limerick, meanwhile, came in to the game very much the rank outsiders and given little hope of upsetting the odds. Limerick banged in five goals with Andrew O'Shaugnessy, Donie Ryan and Brian Begley in superb form and Waterford were dumped out of the All-Ireland Championship at the semi-final stage once again.
Down V Kerry
All Ireland Football quarter-final 2010
A low key quarter-final with a small attendance wasn't exactly the place we expected Kerry, the defending All Ireland champions, to make their exit in the Championship of 2010. That's exactly what happened with the Red and Black jerseys of Down arriving into Croke Park with a sprightly spring in their step to catch Kerry completely on the hop. Down whipped up a storm from the off and Mark Poland's goal after barely 52 seconds on the clock set down an early marker from which the Kingdom struggled to recover. A fully deserved six-point victory on the day preserved their unbeaten Championship record against Kerry and gave the Mourne Men the shock of the summer.
And finally you can decide if a game we do not have listed merits inclusion.
So get your suggestions in here and see if it makes the Top 10 which we will countdown on The Sunday Game 2013.
Could Robert Lewandowski be waving goodbye to the Westfalenstadion faithful this summer?
Borussia Dortmund are facing up to the possibility of losing two key players this summer after the agent of Robert Lewandowski claimed a deal is being worked on for the Poland international to leave the Westfalenstadion.
Lewandowski scored all four goals as Dortmund thrashed Real Madrid 4-1 in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final last night but much of the post-match talk centred around his future.
His contract expires at the end of next season, leaving Dortmund in the unenviable position of having to decide whether to cash in this summer of risk seeing the 24-year-old leave on a free in 2014.
Reports in Germany today suggest they have opted for the former with the player's agent Maik Barthel suggesting Dortmund have sanctioned his departure.
"We have reached an agreement with a club and intend (him) to move this summer," Barthel told Sport Bild.
"There is a very interesting offer for Robert which fulfils entirely the demands set by Dortmund and also the demands of Robert.
"Dortmund have assured us that Robert can move at the end of the season under these conditions.
"We stick to agreements and now it's up to the clubs to sort things out."
Barthel stopped short of naming the club in question but speculation suggests it is Bayern Munich, who earlier this week agreed to activate the 37 million euros release clause of Dortmund playmaker Mario Gotze.
Losing two of their best players to their closest domestic rivals would be a major setback for Dortmund, who are also likely to meet Bayern in the Champions League final after the Bavarians' 4-0 hammering of Barcelona on Tuesday night.
"We are getting 37 million for Gotze which we don't even want," said coach Jurgen Klopp, echoing the words of his club's general manager Hans-Joachim Watzke, who said he could "do without" a transfer fee for Lewandowski, as long as he stays for another year.
Watzke added on Sky television: "Our wish is explicit that he stays here.
"It all surprises me," said Watzke. "We are willing to do without a transfer fee for him (if he leaves as a free agent in 2014).
"I have had plenty of wishes in my life which have come true."
Gotze and Lewandowski combined for Dortmund's opening goal against Madrid last night before the former Lech Poznan striker took centre stage, netting three more times to leave Jose Mourinho's men with an uphill task at the Bernabeu next week.
His performance was no surprise given his record this season. He has scored 34 goals in 42 games and has netted in each of his last 12 Bundesliga appearances.
Solwhit is favourite ahead of Quevega going into the Ladbrokes.com World Series Hurdle
The opening days of the Punchestown have seen punters treated to fantastic matches in the feature races with Sir Des Champs v Long Run and Sizing Europe v Sprinter Sacre proving just as exciting on the track as they were predicted to be in the betting ring.
Today is no different with another intriguing match on the card: the brilliant mare Quevaga versus Solwhit, the season's top stayer, in the Ladbrokes.com World Series Hurdle (5.30pm, RTÉ One).
An Irish banker who has delivered at five successive Chelteneham Festivals, sent off the odds-on favourite on the last three occasions, Quevaga will pass into Irish racing folklore when she does eventually retire.
Quevaga has won her last nine races in-a-row, winning three staying hurdles at Punchestown to go along with those Cheltenahm wins.
And her last victory was her most dramatic yet; a barely credible streak up the home straight that saw her make up a mammoth distance on the leaders to snatch victory within strides of the line.
That was in stark contrast to the 'never in doubt' victories in previous years.
The story of Solwhit, back racing this season after a lengthy stint off the track due to a leg tendon problem, is almost equally compelling.
The future looked bright when he claimed the scalp of up-and-coming superstar Hurricane Fly in the Irish Champion Hurdle in 2009.
But that race, a four-horse contest on heavy ground, did not prove an accurate guide to the future and Solwhit went on to finish second to Hurricane Fly in a succession of races.
A career as a nearly horses looked to be taking shape.
But Charles Byrnes' nine-year-old has hit the win trail determinedly since his return, stepping up in trip and collecting the staying hurdles at Cheltenham and Aintree.
Today, he bids to emulate Sprinter Sacre and Istabraq by claiming the rare Cheltenham-Aintree-Punchestown treble.
Remarkably, Solwhit and Quevaga met as five-year-olds in the Rabobank (Irish) Champion Hurdle. Solwhit came out on top on that occasion and the market expects a similar result today.
But the mare is seven pounds better off and it is worth remembering that her last victory in this race was achieved over Voler La Vedette, who had finished a close second to Big Buck's in the World Hurdle at Cheltenham a few weeks prior.
That Quevaga needed a supreme effort to claim the Mares Hurdle she had dominated without fuss in prior years may put even her most ardent supporters off heavy investment.
On the other hand, she gets seven pounds from the boys and on the evidence of her last run will relish every yard of today's three miles. Her victory in this race last year over Voler La Vedette, who had finished second to the dominant Big Buck's a few weeks prior, is also worth taking note of.
But Solwhit's recent exploits at Aintree and Cheltenham mean he will not lack for supporters who believe he will become the third favourite from three to do the business in the feature.
Rory McIlroy's participation in the Olympics is unclear
Sebastian Coe hopes that world number two Rory McIlroy will compete at the Rio 2016 Olympics despite the high-pressure decision still to be made about who he should represent at the Games.
The 23 year-old Irishman, who might be eligible for selection by either Britain or Ireland, could opt out for fear of upsetting people with his choice.
British Olympic Association (BOA) chairman Coe said they are waiting for the eligibility criteria to be finalised.
He said: "As somebody who has welcomed golf in to the Olympic family I think that most of us want to see the best players playing. I hope that Rory is there."
McIlroy has played for Ireland at amateur level and World Cup level.
Mark England, the BOA's Games services director, said information is being gathered about a range of issues including McIlroy's previous participation for Ireland.
"We are fact finding at the moment and waiting to hear back about those facts," he said.
Speaking last year, McIlroy said: "Whatever decision I make, whether that's play for Ireland, play for Britain, not play at all maybe just because I don't want to upset too many people...."
Asked if not playing was a genuine possibility, McIlroy added: "For sure it's definitely an option. I've got three options; I either play for one side or the other or I don't play."
Golf makes its return to Olympic competition at Rio 2016 after last appearing at the Games in 1904.
Back then only the United States and Canada were the competing nations while at least 30 countries are expected to be represented in both the men's and women's competitions at the 2016 Games.
The proposed Olympic competition for both men and women is a 72-hole individual stroke play tournament with the lowest score earning the gold medal.
In case of a tie for either first, second or third place, a three-hole playoff will determine the medal winners.
Peter Lawrie shot an opening round 68 to sit one shot off the lead in South Korea
Peter Lawrie shot an impressive opening round four under par at the Ballantine's Championship in South Korea.
Dubliner Lawrie sits one shot off the lead after a 68 despite only arriving in Korea on Tuesday and not getting a practice round.
Half of the 156-strong field will return to Blackstone Golf Club at 7:30am local time tomorrow to complete their rounds, with the clubhouse lead shared on five under by France's Jean-Baptiste Gonnet, Australia's Kieran Pratt, Swede Johan Edfors, Korea's Kim Gi-whan and England's Matthew Baldwin, who had all completed rounds of 67 after a delay of two hours and 10 minutes due to rain and poor visibility.
Former Open champion Louis Oosthuizen faltered after a fittingly flying start, but still found himself just one shot off the lead in the weather-delayed Ballantine's Championship.
Oosthuizen made the journey from Florida to South Korea in a private jet laid on by the tournament sponsors and repaid their faith with six birdies in his first eight holes.
That took the world number seven into the outright lead and raised hopes of a first sub-60 round in European Tour history, but dropped shots on the 10th and 12th meant he was four under after 16 holes when fading light brought play to a close.
Conditions had improved by the time Oosthuizen, the highest ranked player in the field, began his round in brilliant fashion, getting up and down from a greenside bunker on the par-five first and hitting his approach to the second to five feet.
The 30-year-old then holed from 15 and 20ft on the next two holes to make it four birdies in succession, but had to scramble a par on the next after a badly hooked drive.
Normal service was resumed with birdies on the sixth and eighth, but hopes of a really low score - Oosthuizen once shot 57 on his home course at Mossel Bay - were ended by two dropped shots in quick succession after the turn.
"I got off to a great start and was hitting it really well early on," Oosthuizen said.
"But then on the back nine the wind came in and the weather got worse, and I miscued two shots and paid the price.
"But overall I haven't hit it that well for a long time, so it was very encouraging. I was striking it very nicely on the range this morning and then managed to take it onto the course with me this afternoon. So I'm very happy."
Joint leader Baldwin carded seven birdies and two bogeys in his 67, including losing a ball on the 17th and holing from long range to salvage a five.
"It was quite difficult to concentrate on such a long day so it was nice to be able to finish it off," said Baldwin, who finished 72nd on the Race to Dubai in his rookie season last year and also qualified for the Open Championship and US Open, making the cut in both.
"If you hit it in the right spot you can make birdies, but the weather was so up and down. One minute it was raining, next minute it was sunny and you're taking all your clothes off and to finish you were back in the jumper again."
England's David Howell was another stroke back on three under after equally disrupted preparation.
"I've had two days in bed and no practice round," Howell said on www.sportism.net.
"I came down with something on the flight over. Obviously, it's a course I know having played last year, but I'm delighted to have got out with three under par having just turned up.
"I was feeling pretty lousy for a couple of days. I don't think I've ever played a tournament where I've just pitched up on the morning. That was the best way to recover some energy, although I was flagging towards the end."
Sir Des Champs and Long Run lock horns again in the Punchestown Gold Cup
Day two of the Punchestown Festival is Bet Online With TheTote.com Punchestown Gold Cup day, and sees Cheltenham second and third Sir Des Champs and Long Run lock horns again.
Willie Mullins' Sir Des Champs was almost three lengths clear of Long Run at Prestbury Park and could confirm his superiority in this.
First Lieutenant got back to winning ways at Aintree and is again respected despite a long, busy campaign, while King George VI Chase runner-up Captain Chris is best on a right-handed track so cannot be dismissed.
Mullins has two strong chances in the Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle, with Albert Bartlett third Inish Island overlooked by Ruby Walsh in favour of Ballycasey.
An easy winner of both starts over timber to date, he could prove the fresher horse and certainly has a big reputation.
The third Grade One contest on the card is the Betdaq The Peoples Exchange Champion INH Flat Race, where Mullins attemps to complete a notable double once more.
Champagne Fever won both the Cheltenham and Punchestown bumpers last season and after Briar Hill powered up the Prestbury Park hill last month, he will be out to repeat the dose.
There are plenty of challengers, though, with Fairyhouse winner The Mighty Milan and Cheltenham fourth The Liquidator two of the likelier types.
Mullins also has a pair of classy sorts in the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel Hurdle, with Ruby Walsh opting to ride Call Me Bubbles over Viconte Du Noyer.
The meeting gets under way at 3.40 with the Martinstown Opportunity Series Final Handicap Hurdle, where champion conditional elect Mark Enright rides Ross Na Righ for Dessie Hughes.
Ferdy Murphy sends over Chavoy in a hat-trick bid, while Rawnaq, Brian Who and Hazariban all hold claims.
The valuable Guinness Handicap Chase looks a hugely competitive heat, with Nadiya De La Vega taking on Rubi Light and Call The Police.
James McCarthy has plenty of suitors after another fine season
James McCarthy is ignoring yet more speculation about his future to concentrate on keeping Wigan in the Barclays Premier League.
The 22-year-old Republic of Ireland midfielder is aware that champions Manchester United are reportedly the latest to join the lengthening list of top-flight clubs who are believed to be keeping tabs on him.
McCarthy joined the Latics from Hamilton four years ago and signed a new five-year contract in 2011 after developing into a key player for manager Roberto Martinez.
During his short time in the game he has become adept at focusing on the job in hand which, again this season, is the Latics' survival as Wigan sit in the relegation zone, three points behind Aston Villa albeit with a game in hand.
"I don't want to talk about speculation," McCarthy told Press Association Sport.
"The most important thing is to keep Wigan in the Premier League and that is all I am concentrating on.
"I am happy at Wigan, it is a great club to be at.
"I am learning all the time. Roberto Martinez and the coaching staff have been different class and there are a great bunch of boys at this club.
"We are three points adrift and there are massive games coming up but I am confident enough because our recent performances have been good.
"Against Man City we were brilliant at times but perhaps we haven't had the rub of the green and maybe we have not been taking our chances. "So we have been putting in good performances but now we need points.
"We need a few results but we are looking forward to the challenge."
McCarthy believes Wigan's experience in battling at the wrong end of the table may prove crucial in the final analysis.
The Lancashire club have five games to maintain their eight-year stay in the Premier League, starting with the visit of Tottenham on Saturday.
However, the Glaswegian believes the relegation battle may well go down to the last day of the season when they take on Villa.
"It is in our own hands and if we go about our business the right way then we'll be fine," he said.
"We have the experience of being in this position before and we have a good squad who will be giving it our all.
"Hopefully we get enough points not to go into the last game against Aston Villa needing a result but if we do then so be it."
Such is McCarthy's focus on Premier League survival that he cannot yet contemplate the FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley next month.
"The gaffer spoke to us, saying that we need to concentrate on the league so we can't be thinking about the FA Cup final," he said.
"But everyone knows how massive it is to stay in the Premier League.
"We need to get points on the board and the FA Cup final will take care of itself."
Luis Suarez as of now will miss the first six games of next season
Luis Suarez has been banned for 10 matches for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic, the English FA has announced.
The sanction was imposed on Wednesday by an independent regulatory commission on a charge of violent conduct against the Liverpool striker.
An FA statement said: "A three-person independent regulatory commission today upheld the FA's claim that a suspension of three matches was clearly insufficient and the player will serve a further seven first-team matches in addition to the standard three.
The suspension begins with immediate effect."
Suarez has until midday on Friday to appeal the additional suspension.
In a statement, Liverpool's managing director Ian Ayre said the club was "shocked and disappointed" by the suspension.
"Both the club and player are shocked and disappointed at the severity of today's Independent Regulatory Commission decision," said managing director Ian Ayre.
"We await the written reasons before making any further comment."
The 10-game ban is harsher than the eight-match suspension handed to Suarez in December 2011 for racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra, and significantly more than the four-game ban given to Chelsea captain John Terry last year for racist abuse.
QPR midfielder Joey Barton was given a 12-game ban last season, for a red card and violent conduct towards three players.
In 2006, the FA banned Manchester City's Ben Thatcher for eight matches for an elbow incident that left Portsmouth's Pedro Mendes unconscious.
A 10-match ban will see Suarez miss Liverpool's remaining four games of this season and the first six domestic matches of the next campaign, potentially ruling the Uruguayan striker out until October.
Suarez had pleaded guilty to the charge of violent conduct but had denied the FA's claim that the standard punishment of three matches was "clearly insufficient" for the offence.
The three-person regulatory commission included a former player and dealt with the case under the FA's fast-track system.
It also appears that Suarez's past has counted against him - the 26-year-old was banned for seven matches in Holland in 2010 when he sank his teeth into Otman Bakkal, and although that incident did not form any part of the FA's case as it was in a different country, the commission had the discretion to take his personal disciplinary history into consideration.
The same approach was also taken in relation to deciding whether his eight-match racism ban should have any impact on the sanction for this case.
There is no standard minimum or maximum punishment for biting in football's disciplinary code, unlike rugby union which has a 12-week recommended suspension for first offences up to a four-year ban for the most serious biting offences.
Suarez had apologised on Monday to Ivanovic, who suffered a bruised arm from the bite, and the Chelsea defender acknowledged the apology.
Liverpool moved quickly to deal with the latest crisis surrounding their star striker and imposed a club fine which is being donated to the Hillsborough families' support group.
Suarez will remain eligible for the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year award, for which he has been shortlisted, with the announcement on Sunday.
Cavan have been dealt a major blow ahead of the start of the Championship with the news that Gearóid McKiernan will be out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.
Swanlibar clubman McKiernan picked up the injury in his club's Cavan League Division 2 win over Cornafean at the weekend.
The initial outlook was not good and scans have now confirmed that he suffered cruciate knee ligament damage and is set for surgery before an extended period of recovery.
Cavan manager Terry Hyland told the GAA's official website: "It's devastating for him personally because he had put in a massive effort and has done over the last couple of years.
"And when we look back on last year's league campaign, he's probably one of the only players that has played in every single minute of the league for us. He has been an inspiration there for Cavan for the last few years."
Asked about McKiernan's likely return to action, he said: "You're probably looking at the league next year if you want to be truthful about it.
"You're into April so by the time he gets seeing surgeons, gets procedures done, gets rehab and that, you're looking at next year's league."
Cavan get their Championship campaign underway on May 19 when they take on Armagh in the Ulster Championship Preliminary Round.
