Written By Unknown on Selasa, 30 Juli 2013 | 23.06
Updated: Tuesday, 30 Jul 2013 16:22 | Comments
Jason Smyth and Michael McKillop will be unable to defend their respective 200m and 800m titles at Rio 2016
Michael McKillop and Jason Smyth will be unable to defend their respective T37 800m and T13 200m Paralympic titles following the removal of both disciplines from the schedule for Rio 2016.
The T37 800m title McKillop won in London, and in Beijing in 2008, has been removed from the programme, leaving him with just the T37 1,500m title to defend, while Smyth is left with just the T13 100m after the 200m was axed.
McKillop wrote on Twitter: "Unfortunately I will not have the opportunity to retain my 800m title in Rio. I am deeply disappointed with this outcome."
The announcement of the athletics events for Rio - 177 events, seven more than London 2012 and a 22 per cent increase in the number of events for women - was two years in the making after widespread consultation.
The aim of IPC Athletics was for a better spectrum of events to be offered within the programme (short, middle distance and long distance running events, jumps and throwing events) and some events were casualties of the restructuring.
The long-term intention of the IPC is for single-class events, but in some instances events will be combined in Rio.
Earlier this month, the IPC announced that Rio 2016 will see around 4,350 athletes compete in 526 medal events across 22 sports.
Ireland will commence their campaign against the West Indies
Ireland have been drawn in the same group as defending world champions India for the 2015 Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
South Africa, Pakistan, the West Indies, Zimbabwe and one other qualifier will compete with Ireland in Pool B.
Ireland will begin their campaign on the third day of the 14-team tournament against the West Indies on 16 February in Nelson.
Pool A consists of England, Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and two other qualifying nations.
Adelaide, Auckland, Brisbane, Canberra, Christchurch, Dunedin, Napier, Nelson, Hamilton, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and Wellington were confirmed as host cities at today's official launch.
ICC chief executive David Richardson said: "The ICC Cricket World Cup is the flagship tournament of the 50-over game.
"The 2015 tournament will mark 40 years since the first World Cup in 1975 and that history of great contests and heroes helps make the tournament what it is - the most sought after prize in our increasingly global game.
"The World Cup will be returning to Australia and New Zealand after 23 years and will be staged at the back of two outstanding 50-over ICC events - the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 and ICC Champions Trophy 2013.
"I'm absolutely confident that the success of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 will further strengthen the status of 50-over cricket as a successful and viable format alongside Tests and Twenty20 Internationals."
Australia Prime Minister Kevin Rudd added: "This is one of the biggest events in world sport.
"It will attract cricket fans from around the globe and also promote Australia and our close friend New Zealand internationally - especially in India and other parts of south Asia."
Holders India will launch their defence against rivals Pakistan in Adelaide on 15 February.
Ticket prices for the tournament are not due to be announced until later in the year.
Ireland's 2015 Cricket World Cup Pool B Schedule
Monday 16 February Ireland v West Indies, Nelson, New Zealand
Wednesday 25 February Ireland v Qualifier, Brisbane, Australia
Tuesday 3 March Ireland v South Africa, Canberra, Australia
Saturday 7 March Ireland v Zimbabwe, Hobart, Australia
Monday 9 March Ireland v India, Hamilton, New Zealand
Sunday 15 March Ireland v Pakistan, Adelaide, Australia
Owen Heary will remain in charge of Bohemians for 60 days
Bohemians have confirmed Owen Heary will stay on as their caretaker manager for the maximum 60 days allowed for such a position.
Heary will serve in this temporary role until 12 September, the maximum he is allowed as he has yet to gain his UEFA coaching badges.
In addition, Heary will register on a course for the UEFA Pro Licence - required for league club managers - at the earliest opportunity.
Bohemians have stated that they will review the manager position in early September.
Heary took on the role with Bohs following the club's dismissal of Aaron Callaghan. The side currently lie bottom of the Airtricity League Premier Division on 18 points.
Colm is survived by his wife, Anne, daughters Kate and Patricia and his sister, Mary.
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RTÉ broadcaster Colm Murray has died following a long illness. He was 61.
Colm, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease three years ago, is survived by his wife, Anne, daughters Kate and Patricia and his sister, Mary. His sister Cathy passed away earlier this year.
Funeral mass will take place at St Gabriel's Church in Dollymount at midday on Thursday, with burial at St Fintan's Cemetery in Sutton.
From Moate, Co Westmeath, Colm Murray was a teacher before joining RTÉ as a continuity announcer.
He graduated from University College Galway in 1972 with a BA degree in French, English and History. For the next three years he taught at secondary schools in Athlone and Tullamore, having completed his Higher Diploma in Education at Maynooth.
In 1975 he moved to Dublin where he taught French, English and History in Ballymun Comprehensive School.
In October 1978, Colm changed career direction and moved to RTÉ Radio, where he took up a post as continuity announcer.
Having presented various programmes, including the long-running 'Hospitals' Requests', he became a newscaster in 1983.
In 1988, when RTÉ introduced its hour-long Six One News format, he moved into sports broadcasting as a sports presenter and a founding member of the sports news unit on the Six One News.
Colm, together with his late friend Vere Wynne Jones, pioneered sports coverage for RTÉ and remained an integral part of the unit until illness forced him to stand aside in 2012.
In the course of his sports broadcasting career, he covered a large number of national and international events, including the Cheltenham Festival since 1990 and the Olympics and Paralympics in Sydney, Athens, and Beijing.
In 2000, he was presented with the ESB Media Award as Sports Broadcaster of the Year for his coverage of the Irish team and their participation in the Sydney Paralympics. However, he regarded his assignment with Jack Charlton's Republic of Ireland team at the 1990 World Cup in Italy as the highlight of his sports broadcasting career.
Although able to cross all sporting codes, Colm will forever be associated with horse racing, where his knowledge of the sport combined with his exuberant personality made the sport accessible to all.
From Cheltenham to Punchestown, Gowran Park to Fairyhouse, Colm was the voice and face of racing for hundreds of thousands of fans of the sport.
Such was his contribution to the sport, that Colm was honoured with an industry award by Horse Racing Ireland in 2010 for "his engaging and eloquent reports, illuminating the sport in a constantly positive and entertaining manner".
Colm also championed coverage of the Paralympics and Special Olympics in Ireland when assigned to both by RTÉ, bringing a prominence to both codes which they had not previously enjoyed.
In March 2010 Colm was diagnosed with motor neuron disease.
He continued to work in the RTÉ newsroom and embarked on a series of in-depth radio profiles of luminaries such as Alex Ferguson, Brian O'Driscoll and Johnny Murtagh. His journalistic professionalism and desire to assist others also saw him embark on an RTÉ documentary to highlight MND and assist in developing treatment for those diagnosed.
Such was the impact of the programme and his tireless efforts on behalf of those with MND, that Colm was further honoured by receiving a People of the Year award in September 2012 in recognition of his efforts to further medical research into the debilitating disease.
Tributes
Taoiseach Enda Kenny described Colm Murray as the voice of Irish racing for many years, saying he lit up the coverage of the sport with his passion and enthusiasm.
"I had the pleasure of being in Colm's company recently and could see he was a proud Westmeath man who brought out the best in those around him with his affability and gift for storytelling," he said.
"I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to his wife, Ann, and daughters, Patricia and Kate, and sister, Mary.
"He is also a huge loss to all in RTÉ and my thoughts are with all who had the pleasure of knowing Colm during his lifetime."
RTÉ Director General Noel Curran said colleagues were deeply saddened by his death and that he would be rightly remembered by the horse racing community for his enthusiasm and knowledge.
"The courage that Colm has shown over these past couple of years has been truly extraordinary," Curran said.
"The news is all the more poignant given the recent sudden passing of his sister Cathy, who also worked in our newsroom.
"For all who worked with him in RTÉ, he will be remembered as a wonderful colleague and friend."
RTÉ Head of Sport Ryle Nugent said today was a sad day for all who knew him.
"He had an infectious laugh, a real sense of fun and a little mischief that has been, and will always be, missed in this office," he said.
"His commitment and love for his work was there for all to see and he will be long remembered for his kindness, decency and caring of those with whom he came into contact."
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Jimmy Deenihan paid tribute to Colm's unique calling of a race.
"He made the television or radio come alive, you felt as though no matter where you were hearing his commentary, you were transported to that race track for those very important final furlongs."
Trainer Ted Walsh described Colm as one of nature's gentlemen and said he was "great company".
Speaking on RTÉ Radio, Walsh said: "He loved to have a bet, loved to do the auld jackpot. He wasn't a big compulsive gambler, but he loved a bet and loved going racing.
"He was just a joy to be with. He wasn't one of those fellas who when you went into a room you wanted to buzz away and sit somewhere else.
"You wanted to sit alongside him and get the stories. He was enthusiastic. He was just one of nature's gentlemen."
NUJ Irish Secretary Séamus Dooley paid tribute to "a remarkable figure in Irish journalism".
"In a profession characterised by professional rivalry and jealousy Colm had no enemies.
"He was admired for his wit, his humour and his generosity of spirit. His stoical acceptance of his illness has served as a powerful inspiration and it is a cruel irony that someone who loved life with such passion should have been struck with such a debilitating illness."
Three red cards and 12 yellows were handed out in the Cavan v Fermanagh game
Four counties have been handed fines of €5,000 each over incidents in the recent All-Ireland Football qualifiers.
Longford and Wexford received the punishment after unsavoury scenes in their clash on 13 July.
Cavan and Fermanagh have also been sanctioned for similar scenes in their encounter on the same day.
The Breffni County did seek to have their fine commuted, but were unsuccessful. However, selector Anthony Forde did have his eight-week ban overturned.
Fermanagh are set to appeal the suspension of player Sean Quigley, with Wexford also to contest the one-match ban handed to David Murphy. Along with Longford, both counties will be appealing the €5,000 fine.
Munster have announced Peter O'Mahony as squad captain for the 2013/14 season.
Following on from his recent captaincy of the Ireland touring squad to North America, the 23-year-old has been selected to captain Munster for the upcoming season.
Taking over from Doug Howlett, who retired in June, O'Mahony is no stranger to the role and previously captained Munster during the 2011/12 season in Paul O'Connell's absence, and in doing so claimed the Munster Rugby Young Player of the Year award.
O'Mahony also captained Munster A to the inaugural British and Irish Cup final in 2010 and has previously captained Ireland U20s and U18s.
"Fellas like Paulie [O'Connell] are very important guys in this squad and hopefully he and the other guys will be behind me for the year and I'm really looking forward to it" - Peter O'Mahony
With 46 Munster caps to his name, O'Mahony made his league debut in January 2010 as a replacement against Ulster.
He then put in a man-of-the-match performance on his Heineken Cup debut against Northampton Saints in November 2011, and scored his first Munster try a week later against Castres Olympique. He has represented Ireland on sixteen occasions.
On news of the announcement, O'Mahony said: "It is the biggest honour of my career so far and it is very special to me.
"When I was asked by [Munster head coach] Rob [Penney] initially I was just shocked and my first instinct was to jump at it, but I had time to go away and think about it and I wanted to talk to people to get their thoughts.
"Fellas like Paulie [O'Connell] are very important guys in this squad and hopefully he and the other guys will be behind me for the year and I'm really looking forward to it.
"I'm not going to try and fill Paulie's boots, Axel's [Anthony Foley] boots or Dougie's [Doug Howlett], I'm going to try and be my own captain, look after the lads and figure out the way I'm going to do things.
"Captaining Ireland and your country is huge, and obviously that experience will stand to me, but I'm just delighted with this opportunity now."
Head coach Penney added "Peter is a naturally gifted leader and is still very young, but has a lot of the attributes that are special and intrinsic to Munster.
"He will grow into being a special leader of this group of men. I have spoken to players including Paul O'Connell who was extremely supportive of Pete's appointment.
"We went through a process last year to appoint Dougie via the players and this year Peter's name was to the forefront of that list so taking all that information on board it was a no brainer that Pete would be appointed."
Jose Reina will enjoy Champions League action next season after completing a loan move to Napoli
Goalkeeper Jose Reina has expressed his disappointment at the manner of his departure from Liverpool, claiming the club decided to loan him to Napoli without telling him first and that he "deserved better".
The Spain international's switch to the Italian side on a season-long deal was confirmed by the Merseyside outfit today.
Reina has spent eight years at Anfield, and, in a letter to Reds fans published on his official website, the 30-year-old said: "If I have one regret, it is the way that I am leaving.
"It is only natural that I would be disappointed that the Liverpool management agreed to loan me to Napoli without telling me first. I thought that I deserved better than that, even though I understand that difficult decisions have to be taken in football."
Reina had also been linked this summer with a move to Barcelona, the Spanish giants he began his career with, and he admits he had made it known to Liverpool that it was something he wanted them to consider should such an offer come in.
But Reina has also stressed he made it clear to Reds boss Brendan Rodgers he was otherwise happy to stay, and says that with no Barca approach having emerged, he was "surprised" about the Napoli situation arising.
He said: "A lot has been made about me informing the club that if an offer came in from Barcelona that I would have liked them to consider it.
"But I had also spoken to the club about the possibility of extending my contract if the offer was not made.
"I told the manager that I wanted to play for Liverpool and that Barcelona would only become an option for me if the opportunity arrived, like the rumours said it would, as it would be a chance for me to go back home."
"Management agreed to loan me to Napoli without telling me first" - Jose Reina
"When it didn't come I was happy to fight for my place so I was surprised that Liverpool decided it was in the club's interests to send me to Napoli instead."
Liverpool added a new goalkeeper to their ranks in June, with Rodgers signing Belgium international Simon Mignolet from Sunderland.
Regarding Reina, the manager said last week: "From last season, really, as a manager I was led to believe that we were going to get an offer for Pepe (Reina) that would probably see him leave the club.
"As events transpired, that move didn't happen and it left us with two very good goalkeepers. Both would have been fighting for the number one position.
"Then obviously an opportunity arose for Pepe and it was one we felt as a football club was best for him to take."
Reina has emphasised he ultimately accepts the call Liverpool have made.
"Although it was not my decision to leave I will accept it just like I have always accepted any decision that Liverpool have taken for me," he said.
At Napoli, Reina will play under Rafael Benitez, who signed him for Liverpool from Villarreal in 2005 and is someone the goalkeeper considers to be "the best manager I have worked with".
During his time on Merseyside, Reina won the FA Cup in 2006 and League Cup in 2012.
Mark McHugh and Jim McGuinness emerge from the tunnel at Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada
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Donegal manager Jim McGuinness says he is not happy with what he perceives as the overly physical nature of the tackles that his side has had to endure in recent matches.
The All-Ireland winning boss was speaking to RTÉ Sport in the aftermath of the All-Ireland qualifier win over Laois and spoke of the sport being in a "very dangerous position".
The Carrick-on-Shannon encounter saw McGuinness seek out an official and demand of him that his players get more protection.
The intervention did not go down well with Laois manager Justin McNulty and what followed was some pushing and jostling on the sidelines involving both camps.
When the final whistle had blown and the dust had well and truly settled, McGuinness referred back to the Ulster final and the injuries picked up by Mark McHugh.
McHugh picked up a number of injuries - including concussion and a perforated eardrum - in a collsion with Monaghan's Stephen Gollogly. Gollogly suffered an injury to his face. The referee took no action after the incident.
"I'm not happy that we have a player with a busted eardrum, [who] sustained major concussion and has a five-centimetre tear in his quad muscle. Mark had to spend two nights in hospital and had to take the week off work.
"For me, we're in a very dangerous position. My biggest fear is a spinal injury or a neck injury. We have to create a situation where it's okay to put people out on the pitch
"We are not afraid of physicality. However, there's a difference between physicality and busted eardrums, concussions and serious leg injuries. McHugh's injury last week was our fourth concussion in three games. I would imagine that Munster Rugby or Leinster Rugby would not have that level.
"You have a duty of care to your players and I would be fearful that my lads are going to end up on the receiving end of something that is going to cause everybody a lot of pain.
"That is something I don't want to happen and it's not a situation I'd like to preside over.
"The game of football is not worth it if it gets to that point. Having a serious injury to contend with would negate the positive experiences we've had as a squad. People will have to deal with the consequences if something serious happens.
"I played midfield for Donegal and no matter how hard I shouldered an opponent I never busted an eardrum, never left anyone concussed and I didn't put a five-centimetre hole in anyone's leg."
One thing that's very noticeable about attending Airtricity League matches these days is the amount of clubs that are playing 4-3-3 or 4-5-1 formations.
Basically the whole of the Premier Division is playing this way. I'm all for footballing beliefs and philosophies on the game but I do wonder are these the reasons as to why so many are adopting the said formation?
Something inside me tells me it's not.
I feel it could be more to do with the fact that we live in an age when football management has become so results-orientated that managers will play whatever way they feel will get them a result and which will best preserve their position as the decision-maker in the dugout.
Now, don't get me wrong, there is a percentage who are doing it for the right reasons but there are a few who are so conservative with the approach that it's having a detrimental effect on their overall goal.
In my opinion, personnel dictates how a team should set up. If you have technically-gifted midfielders and fast and clever wingers to play a 4-3-3 formation by all means play it, but if you don't then try something else.
"There are a few who are so conservative with the approach that it's having a detrimental effect on their overall goal"
Far too many managers and clubs nowadays are playing this way just to be fashionable and blend in. I couldn't think of a worse way to try and make yourself stand out.
I first came across this formation when Jose Mourinho introduced it at Chelsea during his first spell in charge.
Everyone in this country and Britain had been raised on the 4-4-2 formation, but this was something new and different, everyone loved it.
What made it so successful for Chelsea at the time was that they had the personnel to make it work, in particular, the likes of Arjen Robben and Damien Duff. Following the success of Barcelona and the Spanish national team an obvious trend was emerging.
What Chelsea achieved was good, but what Barcelona got from it was monumental.
It may have changed the face of football forever. They have taken the term 'total football' to a whole different stratosphere and again they had the right players to make it work.
Pep Guardiola's Barca are the greatest team I have ever seen and probably will ever see, but the style of play and formation is all relative to teams and clubs all around Europe including our league - it's just different levels.
The most impressive team that we have seen all season has been St Patrick's Athletic, who as we know play the formation and execute it for the right reasons because their manager has a belief in an attractive style and has the players on the park to make it happen.
The midfield trio of Greg Bolger, Killian Brennan and John Russell are technically gifted and they possess two fast and clever wingers in Chris Forrester and Conan Byrne.
Pat's also have two excellent full backs in this system - Ger O'Brien and Ian Bermingham. Both are very comfortable on the ball and offer so much offensively.
Derry City work off a similar template and have the right people in the important positions to make it work.
Other converts include title contenders Sligo Rovers and Shamrock Rovers.
Both clubs are having indifferent seasons and yet they are probably two of the teams who are trying to be fashionable with the approach.
In the case of the Hoops, I believe Trevor Croly has a belief and a philosophy for the game to be played in the right manner but a strange decision for me on Saturday night was leaving out James Chambers.
Chambers is your quarterback in this system, a key cog in the wheel. He is the one who starts your attacks, dictates the play. Leaving him out sent a mixed message.
Another area where Shamrock Rovers have been struggling is obviously goalscoring, having netted just 27, the same amount as Bray Wanderers and less than UCD.
With the quality of forwards amongst that squad that's not good enough.
Eamon Zayed was brought in to solve the problem but Croly chose not to start him, again a strange one for me. At this moment in time, is the system having a detrimental effect on the overall goal?
You would have to say it is and I just wonder with the forward options he has, is it worth switching to two up front? I believe it is. It may not be the right decision but it could prove to be the right one.
As for Sligo Rovers, I believe the manager is stuck between a rock and a hard place in terms of style and formation.
He really favours the 4-3-3 but does he have the squad this season to play it? They certainly did last season with the technically gifted Mark Quigley linking everything together. Joseph N'do played in a more advanced role also last term and had a good relationship with the Dubliner.
As Joseph is nearing the end of his career, he is playing in a much deeper role and I believe Sligo really miss his creative touch further up the field and around the edge of the box just to carve holes and open doors.
Ian Barraclough also signed Antony Elding this season, the total opposite to Mark Quigley. That signing didn't indicate to me that he's firm believer in total football as Elding is a big robust target man.
If that's the case, I have no problem with that as there is more than one way to set up a team or win a match, but this is where I have the issue.
If you start Elding, then you must play to his strengths. I don't think Sligo do, leaving him isolated up front on his own. The best game he had was in Dalymount against Bohemians where he led the line with Cretaro. Both of them were outstanding.
The options that are available to him in the forward areas tells me he has to go with a 4-4-2 and play with two out-and-out wingers. This will benefit both front players and also the team.
They are now six points behind in the title race so they must go and make things happen now rather than be conservative and hope things happen.
Just like his counterpart Croly, it might not be the fashionable thing to do but it may prove to be the difference in having an okay season or a successful one.
Stephen Henderson was sacked by Waterford United in May 2011
Waterford United's survival has been confirmed after an application to wind up the League of Ireland football club was struck out.
The First Division club's former manager Stephen Henderson had petitioned the High Court to have WUFC Operations Ltd, the company that operates the club, liquidated.
Mr Henderson took a case against the club following his dismissal in 2011.
Last year, he obtained a judgment against the club, which has not been satisfied.
Mr Henderson said the company, which is based at the Regional Sports Centre, Cork Road, Waterford, was insolvent and unable to pay its debts as they fall due. He said it should be wound up and a liquidator appointed.
Stephen O'Connor for Mr Henderson told Ms Justice Mary Laffoy at the High Court today that the matter had been resolved and the petition could be struck out.
The settlement was announced following talks between the company and Mr Henderson's representatives.
No terms of the settlement agreement were revealed in open court. The settlement is understood to be confidential.
The winding up application was brought on the basis the company has failed to satisfy a judgment of €37,600 made against it in favour of Mr Henderson at Dungarvan Circuit Court last December.
That judgment was affirmed by the High Court last March.
When the matter was previously before the court, the company asked for an adjournment as new solicitors had only come on record.
Dawn Approach finished a short heat in front of Toronado at Royal Ascot
Dawn Approach and Toronado will lock horns for the third time this season after featuring among seven horses declared for the Qipco Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood on Wednesday.
The Richard Hannon-trained Toronado was expected to give the unbeaten Dawn Approach most to think about in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket in early May, but could only finish fourth as Jim Bolger's Godolphin-owned colt claimed Classic glory with a mesmerising display.
The margin was far closer when the pair met again in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, with Dawn Approach coming out on top by just a short head in a pulsating finish.
The duo meet again in the Sussex, with Bolger also having declared Dawn Approach's perennial pacemaker Leitir Mor to complete the trio of three-year-old runners taking on their elders.
Chief contender for the older generation is Aidan O'Brien's four-year-old Declaration Of War, winner of Royal Ascot's Queen Anne Stakes and second to Al Kazeem in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown.
The Ballydoyle trainer also saddles Reply, with the field completed by John Gosden's Gregorian and the David Simcock-trained Trade Storm.
Champion jockey Richard Hughes believes Toronado would only "have to find a little bit" to gain revenge over Dawn Approach.
He told the Guardian: "I've been thinking about it from the time I heard the result being called at Ascot.
"I feel there is a bit (of a score to settle), I feel I was very unlucky at Ascot. I think an awful lot of the horse and I'd love him to show his true best.
"He weighs 530 kilograms and he was driven sideways at the most crucial point of the race last time, so I think there's a good argument that I only have to find a little bit.
"I presume both of us (Hughes and Dawn Approach's jockey, Kevin Manning) would like a nice, strong-run race so his horse and mine can settle. As long as it's a nice, clean race I'll be happy and, if I get beaten, it will be fair and square.
"I enjoy Goodwood and I ride with confidence around there. I feel like I know how to do the right thing around there, but that doesn't always mean you're getting all the luck. You need that on your side there now and again.
"It's very good for racing. When they both loomed up in the Guineas at Newmarket, you could hear the roar go up from the stands, and that day I knew after going a furlong that I wouldn't win the Guineas.
"Hearing that roar is why we ride all the other horses, so that we can get on the good ones."
Davy Fitzgerald has led Clare to their first All-Ireland SHC semi-final in seven years
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Clare manager Davy Fitzgerald says he is proud of this young side after they reached an All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship semi-final for the first time since 2006.
Clare disposed of last year's runners-up Galway on a 1-23 to 2-14 scoreline to set up a semi-final with Munster champions Limerick.
Fitzgerald told RTÉ sport: "Hats off to the young guys, any time Galway came back at us, we upped a gear and went again. I'm just very proud of the way they played.
Fitzgerald believed luck was on their side and that it wasn't a case that the game-plan was spot on.
"Things worked out for us, that's the way it went," he admitted.
"The lads fought hard. Let's not read too much into that stuff, we got the breaks and things went right for us."
The focus will now be on their semi-final with the Treaty County and Davy said it will be a massive game for his side.
"I have a lot of respect for Limerick," he added.
"They'll look forward to playing us, I have no doubt about that, and we'll look forward to playing them."
Written By Unknown on Minggu, 28 Juli 2013 | 23.06
Updated: Sunday, 28 Jul 2013 10:39 | Comments
Hunter Mahan held a two-shot lead in Oakville
Hunter Mahan gave up the chance of a million-dollar pay day as he pulled out of the RBC Canadian Open when his wife went into labour.
Armed with a two-shot lead heading into the third round, Mahan was all set to head to the first tee when a particularly important call came in.
Mahan was going through drills at the driving range when he heard the news from wife Kandi.
There was no doubting what Mahan would do, as he immediately headed back to his Dallas home.
With conditions favourable for low scoring at the Glen Abbey course in Ontario, the likelihood is that Mahan would have built on his lead and advanced his chances of a first title of the season. The top prize this week is just over one million dollars.
Mahan said in a statement on pgatour.com: "I received exciting news a short time ago that my wife Kandi has gone into labour with our first child.
"As a result, I have withdrawn from the RBC Canadian Open to return to Dallas. I would like to extend my very sincere gratitude and appreciation to RBC and the RBC Canadian Open.
"Kandi and I are thrilled about this addition to the Mahan family and we look forward to returning to the RBC Canadian Open in the coming years."
Brandt Snedeker took advantage of Mahan's withdrawal by shooting to the top of the leaderboard, as a 63 took him to 14-under 202, placing him one ahead of Sweden's David Lingmerth and two clear of fellow Americans Matt Kuchar and Jason Bohn.
Lingmerth signed for a 65, Kuchar a 64 and Bohn a 66.
Dustin Johnson had an eagle three at the 18th in a 63 that took him to 11-under 205, alongside fellow US players Kyle Stanley and Charley Hoffman, and England's Greg Owen, whose 67 was his lowest score of the week so far.
Snedeker was realistic in admitting Mahan would probably have stayed out in front, had he not had to attend more important business.
Mahan, 31, has won over two million dollars on tour already this year, and 24 million dollars over his career, so his choice today was never that of choosing one life-changing prospect over another.
"With him leaving, it left the leaderboard wide open," Snedeker said. "It changes the complexity of the tournament. The way Hunter was playing, he was going to be hard to catch ... anyone can win now."
While Owen was putting himself into contention, Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell's topsy-turvy form continued.
Having started with a 76 and followed that with a scorching 65 yesterday, McDowell added another 76 to be squeezed out of the tournament along with three others under the PGA Tour's MDF (made cut, did not finish) rule.
That is enforced effectively as a Saturday cull after over 70 players make the halfway cut, to keep the field at a more manageable size for the final round.
"Another strange day at the office," McDowell wrote on Twitter. "Didn't drive it great and putted awful.
Been working so hard on my long game lately putting has suffered."
McDowell, who missed out by two shots, still thought he was in the tournament long after coming off the course.
Sycerika McMahon will take up a scholarship at Texas A&M University after the World Championships
Ireland's Barry Murphy set a new national record at the World Championships this morning, while Sycerika McMahon recorded a personal best, but both failed to progress from their heats in Barcelona.
Murphy, who finished fifth in his heat and 18th overall, clocked 23.65 seconds in the 50 metres butterfly, lowering his previous record of 24.21.
South African 50m freestyle world record holder Roland Schoeman was the fastest qualifier in an impressive 23.02.
"The goal time coming in was 23.6 and to do it was great," said Murphy.
"I would have liked to get a semi-final but we're at this level and everyone is swimming fast. This swim puts me in a good place for the 50m breaststroke in two days."
McMahon finished eighth in her heat and 18th overall in the 200m individual medley in 2:14.38.
Hungary's Katinka Hosszu was the fastest qualifier in 2:08.45.
"I'm happy that I did a personal best, it being so close to a semi-final position (top 16) though is a downside to it," admitted McMahon.
"But I've still got the 100m freestyle left so I'll just go all out for that."
Fiona Doyle will be the only Irish swimmer in action tomorrow when she takes to the pool for the heats of the 100m breaststroke, an event in which she won silver at the World University Games in Russia earlier this month.
Francophile Elusive Kate has won five of the six races she has contested in France
Elusive Kate completed back-to-back victories in the Prix Rothschild with a fluent success at Deauville.
Winner of a controversial race for the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket's July meeting, the John Gosden-trained filly was far too good for her rivals in France.
She stormed to victory in the hands of William Buick, with Duntle edging out for second place.
The Jane Cecil-trained Chigun made the early running under Tom Queally, but Elusive Kate was hot on her heels from the start.
Buick kicked on some way out and the 5-2 favourite soon had the rest of the field trailing in her wake.
Duntle made good late progress to take second place, just ahead of Kenhope, with Topaze Blanche fourth.
Gosden said: "She handled the ground well - she can run on most ground - and we are delighted with her run."
Elusive Kate was winning for the fourth time from five starts at Deauville.
Gosden told At The Races: "She handled the ground because they had a biblical proportion tornado last night which caused them to cancel the last three races.
"The breeze got up this morning and the ground was slow, but she handled it well.
"She was third there in the Jacques le Marois last year behind some pretty smart horses. That race is a possibility.
"We'll have a look, but the other thing is she could go for the Matron Stakes.
"I think the plan will be to breed from her next spring."
Lewis Hamilton has won four of the seven races that he has contested at the Hungaroring
Lewis Hamilton finally grabbed his first victory with Mercedes by taking a record-equalling fourth chequered flag in Hungary.
Hamilton produced a masterful drive around the Hungaroring to follow up on his wins with McLaren in 2007, 2009 and again last year.
This triumph, however, will taste extra sweet for the 28-year-old Englishman as he has been itching to get back on to the top step of the podium after watching team-mate Nico Rosberg win twice earlier this year.
Hamilton finished 10.9 seconds clear of Lotus' Kimi Raikkonen for his 22nd career victory, with the Finn just holding off Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel over the closing laps to claim second.
After congratulations were expressed over the radio between Hamilton and team principal Ross Brawn, Mercedes' non-executive chairman Niki Lauda summed up the drive perfectly.
Lauda said: "He won the race because he drove sensationally, the best I've ever seen him drive in my life.
"We were not as quick as the Red Bull, but Lewis made it all up with the way he passed people. He was outstanding."
Hamilton's first duty was to hold on to his pole on the long run down to the first corner, which he managed with comparative ease.
Instead, it was Vettel who found himself under attack, from Lotus' Romain Grosjean to his left and Mercedes' Nico Rosberg to his right.
Vettel just did enough to retain second place and instead it was German compatriot Rosberg who suffered, as he twice ventured off the track on the opening lap.
The second occasion followed a collision with Massa, dropping him down to 12th and out of the running for a podium finish, with the German then retiring a few laps from home with a blown engine.
What was remarkable was how Mercedes finally managed to make their tyres work and in incredible temperatures - the highest of the year - as the mercury hit 35 while the track was again 50, as was the case yesterday during qualifying.
Mercedes came into the race fully expecting the worst, particularly after missing out on last week's young driver test where the other 10 teams were allowed to test Pirelli's new tyres.
The high-speed blowouts that occurred during the British Grand Prix resulted in Pirelli opting for a plan that has seen last year's construction being married with this year's compounds.
On the backfoot, Mercedes spent the three practice sessions trying to gain as much data as possible, but even so their run of six poles in the previous seven races was under threat.
Imagine the surprise then, when Hamilton pulled off another one-lap stunner yesterday to clinch his 30th career pole, and three in a row for the first time since he entered F1.
Despite that, Hamilton remarked it would take a miracle for him to win, fully believing his tyres would 'drop off a cliff' - to use F1 parlance - as they have done so often in the heat this season.
There was good fortune along the way because one lap after his first pit stop following nine laps, he wasted no time in passing former team-mate Jenson Button.
When Vettel pitted soon after he too came out behind Button, but then found himself stuck behind the Briton for 12 laps - which was crucial - until his tyres eventually fell away.
That was on lap 25 when Button was also barged out of the way by Grosjean, resulting in a post-race stewards' investigation.
A second inquiry followed soon after for the Frenchman as he was found guilty of 'leaving the track and gaining an advantage' in pulling off what initially appeared to be a superb move on Massa around the outside of turn four.
That ruined all hope of a potential maiden victory for Grosjean, who had to settle for fifth.
That left Hamilton to manage the pit stops and his tyres, although there were two moments of consternation.
The first was when Williams' Valtteri Bottas retired on lap 45, his car parked close to the final turn, and with the marshals slow to clear there was a suggestion a safety car would appear.
Mercifully for Hamilton that did not happen nor did an engine blow out of his own, as occurred to Rosberg resulting in nervous moments on the Mercedes pitwall in the closing stages.
Hamilton, who has equalled Michael Schumacher's feat of four wins at this track, has now moved to within 48 points of Vettel.
"It's an incredible feeling. My team did an incredible job," said Hamilton as he took the acclaim of the crowd on the podium.
"We studied things a lot last night and were hoping the tyres would last. We had no idea it would go that well.
"I was hungry for it today, I was going all out. Usually I get stuck in traffic, but today I was going for every move I could.
"For the last 20 laps it was then about managing the tyres, but this is one of the most important wins of my career.
"To win for Mercedes is a privilege. I really couldn't be happier. I just hope there is more to come.
"We've got to keep working hard and see how the tyres last elsewhere, but if we can come here and make them last anything is possible."
Behind the top three, Mark Webber was fourth in his Red Bull, with Ferrari's Fernando Alonso fifth, the Spaniard now 39 points adrift of Vettel and having fallen a point behind Raikkonen.
Grosjean was sixth, followed by Button, Massa, the second McLaren of Sergio Perez, with Pastor Maldonado 10th, giving Williams their first point of the season.
Michael Hoey has won a European Tour event in each of the last three seasons
Northern Ireland's Michael Hoey has claimed a four-shot victory at the M2M Russian Open in Moscow.
The 34-year-old, who led by five overnight after a superb 65 in his third round, birdied three more holes in a round of 70 to finish comfortably ahead on 16-under-par 272.
The five-time European Tour winner had not finished better than 25th on the tour this season and had missed seven of his last 10 cuts coming into the event.
Last year's winner Alexandre Kaleka of France finished tied for second with England's Matthew Nixon on 12 under.
Dane JB Hansen was one shot further back in third.
"You have to be able to make a lot of putts because the standard is so high these days that it usually comes down to who makes the most putts" - Michael Hoey
A delighted Hoey told europeantour.com: "I have absolutely loved the golf course this week.
"The putting was the key for me. I have been working hard on that a lot recently and the improvement is really showing because I making a lot of birdies.
"That is the main difference at this level. You have to be able to make a lot of putts because the standard is so high these days that it usually comes down to who makes the most putts.
"It's pretty amazing to think that I have won five European Tour titles.
"It is a great feeling to win and every time you do it you just want more and more. Hopefully I can get at least another one before the end of the season.
"It has given me a great boost. I am not the most consistent player in the world but when I get into these positions I usually do okay."
Hoey dropped just one shot throughout the day, at the 12th, and his lead was cut to two by Kaleka and Hansen.
But his birdie at the 17th steadied nerves and Kaleka (bogey) and Hansen (double bogey) both dropped strokes at the last to card 68s.
Hoey said: "I did feel the pressure a bit today because I wasn't swinging it as freely as I had done yesterday but I got the job done in the end.
"Making my first birdie of the day on the seventh was a bit of a turning point because I had burned a few edges before that and you start to wonder if it is going to be your day."
China's Liang Wen-chong, Frenchman Gregory Havret and English pair James Morrison and Mark Foster finished in a tie for fifth on 10 under.
Cork's Anthony Nash celebrates at the final whistleHenry Shefflin was sent off in the first half
Patrick Horgan fired 11 points as Cork ended Kilkenny's involvement in the 2013 Senior Hurling Championship at Semple Stadium with a 0-19 to 0-14 victory.
Horgan - who was enable to play in the tie because he had his red card from the Munster final rescinded - was in superb form throughout with Cork leading the game for the most part.
Kilkenny were dealt a major blow with a second yellow card for Henry Shefflin late in the first half, as Cork claimed an 0-11 to 0-06 interval lead.
Kilkenny battled hard on the restart, but Cork kept ahead with goalkeeper Anthony Nash inspirational.
Cork now march on to face Dublin in the semi-finals at Croke Park on Sunday 11 August.
More to follow...
Highlights and analysis of all the weekend's action on The Sunday Game from 21:30 on Sunday 28 July on RTÉ Two and RTÉ.ie (Ireland only). Expert and fan reaction on Take Your Point from 18:00 on RTÉ Radio 1 and RTÉ.ie (Worldwide).
Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton has recorded three wins at the Hungarian Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton made it three pole positions in a row for the first time in his Formula One career as he confounded himself and his team.
In sweltering conditions, as the Hungaroring basked in 33C heat and the track temperature hit a very rare 50, Hamilton also sizzled in his Mercedes.
The 28-year-old Briton dislodged Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel from top spot in a stunning top-10 shoot-out with a flying lap of one minute 19.388secs, leaving the triple world champion 0.034secs adrift.
Hunter Mahan birdied the final three holes of his round at Glen Abbey in Oakville
Hunter Mahan finished with a flurry of birdies in an eight-under-par 64 to seize the halfway lead in the RBC Canadian Open.
His fellow American John Merrick had set the clubhouse lead on 11-under 133 after a magical 10-under 62 that contained an eagle and eight birdies, but Mahan jumped into a two-shot advantage after following up his opening 67 in style.
The 31-year-old Mahan had a ninth-placed finish at the Open Championship last week and the five-time winner on the PGA Tour gave himself another excellent chance to contend for silverware this weekend.
He birdied two, three, four, 11 and 13 before finishing with gains at each of the last three holes.
On a leaderboard dominated by players from the United States, Bubba Watson occupied third position on nine under after bettering his opening 68 by one shot, while a pair of 68s have put Patrick Reed on eight under. Australian Aaron Baddeley has also had two rounds of 68 so far.
Tommy Gainey jumped 87 places after a huge improvement on his first-round 73, managing an eight-under 64 second time around to join Chris Kirk in a share of sixth place on seven under.
The overnight leader Brendan Steele had a dismal day. Yesterday's 65 put him at the front of the pack, and a 75 knocked him back to four under.
But Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell put a dismal Thursday behind him as he improved on his opening round by 11 shots, banishing memories of his 76 by going round in a sparkling 65 that included an eagle at the long 16th hole.
He is staying for the weekend, and more of the same could hoist the former US Open champion into contention.
Former world number one Luke Donald missed the cut by one shot after a one-under 71 put the Englishman on level par for the tournament.
Gonzalo Higuain has signed a five-year deal with Napoli
Napoli have completed the signing of Argentinian striker Gonzalo Higuain from Real Madrid for an undisclosed fee.
The 25-year-old, who passed a medical with the ambitious Serie A club last week, has signed a reported five-year contract at the Stadio San Paolo with reports in Italy suggesting Real have received €40m for the prolific frontman.
A statement published on Napoli's official website read: "Napoli have made the signing of Gonzalo Higuain official. The Argentinian striker arrives from Real Madrid."
Higuain, who scored 107 league goals in six seasons with Real Madrid, becomes the latest addition to Rafael Benitez's Napoli squad, with the former Liverpool boss now focusing on ratifying a season-long loan deal for Reds goalkeeper Jose Reina.
Reina passed a medical at Rome's Villa Stuart sport clinic in the hours that followed Higuain's arrival to a rapturous reception at Fiumicino airport on Wednesday.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has promised "a big party" to present the Argentinian ahead of a friendly match against Galatasaray on Monday night.
Benitez knows Reina well, having brought the Spain international to Anfield from Villarreal in 2005, but he is particularly excited to work with Higuain.
Benitez told the Corriere dello Sport last week: "We were looking for a quality player. We were looking for someone playing at the highest level.
"We have signed a player who comes from Real Madrid and we have signed a striker who has scored a hatful of goals and who will adapt very well to our system - an attacking system. We needed a player like this.
"We are all working together to ensure the players we want arrive. We have to sign players who will do well for Napoli for the next three or four years."
Benitez, who succeeded Walter Mazzarri at the San Paolo in June, has already signed winger Dries Mertens from PSV Eindhoven and both forward Jose Callejon and defender Raul Albiol from Real Madrid.
Last year's Serie A runners-up are rebuilding for both a title challenge and a Champions League campaign, and the recent flurry of transfer activity has been sparked by the arrival of the €64m earned from striker Edinson Cavani's transfer to Paris St Germain.
Until signing off on a move to Naples, Higuain had been a reported target for Premier League side Arsenal and he is now likely to face the Gunners in a Napoli shirt at the Emirates Cup.
The pre-season event, which also involves Porto and Galatasaray, is being hosted Arsenal on the weekend of August 3-4.
Northern Ireland's Michael Hoey opened up a five-shot lead ahead of the final round at the M2M Russian Open at Tseleevo Golf & Polo Club near Moscow.
Hoey carded six birdies and an eagle, with a bogey on the 11th the only blot on his round, to move to 14-under-par and open up a gap to England's Matthew Nixon and Sweden's Rikard Karlberg in joint second place.
South Africa's James Kingston and France's Alexandre Kaleka were a further stroke back on eight-under while JB Hansen, Mikko Korhonen and James Morrison were in a three-way tie for sixth place on seven-under-par.
Hoey, who has four European Tour victories to his name, the last coming in the Trophee Hassan II in 2012, moved to the top of the leaderboard thanks to a seven-under-par round today which saw him go out in 31.
The 34-year-old has not finished better than 25th on European Tour so far this season and missed seven of his last 10 cuts coming into the event.
However, his opening two rounds of 70 and 67 have put him firmly in contention, with today's 65 leaving him comfortably out in front ahead of the final day.
Hoey's compatriot Gareth Shaw lies two over par, as does Ireland's David Higgins.
Novellist is disputing favouritism for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe after his devastating display at Ascot
Novellist shattered the course record at Ascot as he gave Germany back-to-back victories in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
The four-year-old, trained by Andreas Wohler and ridden by man- of-the-moment Johnny Murtagh, spreadeagled the field in spectacular style to follow up Danedream's success 12 months ago.
Novellist (13-2) romped home by a scarcely believable five lengths, breaking the mile and a half course record by over two seconds.
from Trading Leather (9-2), with another three-year-old colt, Hillstar, a further three-quarters of a length away in third.
Murtagh said: "He's a very high-class horse with a good engine.
"I loved the way when I asked him to stretch he wanted to get on with it.
"He stretched well - pulling him up was probably the hardest part.
"I can't thank the owner and trainer enough. He feels like a very good horse.
"He'd be up there with my other King George winners."
Wohler, securing his first Group One triumph in Britain, "We knew he'd improved since his last race but as much as that is unbelievable."
Cavan had to dig deep to bring London's fairytale five-game Championship run to an end at Croke Park with a 1-17 to 1-08 win.
London's Paul Geraghty punched home a 20th-minute goal, and two points each from Ciaran McCallion and Lorcan Mulvey helped them go in level at 0-09 to 1-06 at the break, with Martin Dunne hitting five of Cavan's points.
It was only in the final quarter that the Breffni men began to get on top, with midfielder David Givney hitting three points and substitute Niall McDermott netting a late goal to seal a quarter-final slot.
More to follow...
Highlights and analysis of all the weekend's action on The Sunday Game from 21:30 on Sunday 28 July on RTÉ Two and RTÉ.ie (Ireland only). Expert and fan reaction on Take Your Point from 18:00 on RTÉ Radio 1 and RTÉ.ie (Worldwide).
Gary Hooper scored 83 goals in three years at Parkhead
Norwich have completed the signing of striker Gary Hooper from Celtic.
Hooper has signed a three-year deal with the Canaries, with the option on a further year. The fee was undisclosed but it is reported to be around £5million.
The 25-year-old, who scored 31 goals for the Scottish champions last season, becomes the Canaries' seventh summer signing.
Norwich manager Chris Hughton first tried to sign Hooper in January and the Barclays Premier League club fought off competition from QPR to finally land the striker.
Celtic manager Neil Lennon today described Hooper as the club's best striker since Henrik Larsson and said his departure was a "huge loss" for the Bhoys.
Hooper has been Celtic's leading goalscorer for the last three seasons, having joined from Scunthorpe in 2010.
"I think he's been the best striker here since Henrik [Larsson] and he will be a huge loss to us" - Neil Lennon
Hooper told the Norwich website: "There's been a lot of speculation going back to January and I'm pleased to have finally put pen to paper and joined Norwich.
"I can't wait to get down to work, to get training with the lads and working with the coaching staff. I knew Chris Hughton and Colin Calderwood from my youth days at Spurs so it will be great to be back working with them in the Premier League.
"I have scored goals at every level I have played at and the challenge of playing in the Premier League is really exciting to me."
Hooper is the second striker recruited this summer by Hughton, following the record signing of Dutch international Ricky Van Wolfswinkel for £8.5million from Sporting Lisbon.
Norwich have also signed Dutch midfielder Leroy Fer from FC Twente, Birmingham wing Nathan Redmond, left-backs Javier Garrido and Martin Olsson plus the goalkeeper Carlo Nash.
Hooper won two Scottish Premier League titles at Celtic, two Scottish FA Cups and he won the SPL Golden Boot in the 2011-12 season.
Lennon said: "For me he has been one of my best signings in so many ways - value for money, the improvement in the player, his goals and his link up play.
"I think he's been the best striker here since Henrik and he will be a huge loss to us.
"He has aspirations to play for England and to play in the Premier League. I wish him well. Part of me wants to strangle him but you don't want to stop the progression of some individuals.
"Gary feels the next step forward to try and break into the England team is to play in the Premier League."
Hooper sounded out the move to Norwich with Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster, who won a League One title medal during a loan spell with the club in 2009-10.
"I had a chat with Fraser about Norwich and he said it was a great club, with great fans and in a really nice part of the world. He said he really enjoyed his time here," Hooper said.
Brendan Steel hit eight birdies en route to a seven-under 65 in Canada
Graeme McDowell had a day to forget at the RBC Canadian Open in Oakville.
An early gain on the second was quickly overshadowed by six bogeys over the course of his opening round, before the former US Open champion stopped the rot with a birdie four on the 18th for a score of four-over 76.
Brendan Steele was the unlikely figure at the top of the leaderboard after the opening day's play at the Ontario venue.
The American made the most of clear conditions at Glen Abbey Golf Course by sinking eight birdies in a round of 65, his only blemish coming on the par-four ninth - his final hole of the day.
That left Steele with a slender lead over compatriots Scott Brown and Matt Kuchar as well as Australian Scott Gardiner.
And the 30-year-old Californian, without a win since his maiden title at the 2011 Texas Open and with just one top-10 finish this season, seemed satisfied with his day's work.
"Overall, it was a good day," Steele said on www.pgatour.com. "I hit a lot of good shots and was able to hole a lot of putts.
"I also didn't miss many greens or hit many shots off-line and I was able to roll a few putts in."
Brown enjoyed a bogey-free round of six-under 66 while the highlight on Kuchar's card was an eagle on the par-five 18th.
Gardiner sank six birdies in a row between the second and seventh holes, adding another on the 15th before bogeying the next.
Sweden's David Lingmerth was the leading European on five under, sitting alongside Hunter Mahan on the leaderboard, but it was a topsy-turvy and ultimately disappointing day for England's Luke Donald.
The 35-year-old former world number one, who missed the cut at last weekend's Open Championship, began his round with a dropped shot before making birdies on the fifth and seventh.
However, that was followed by bogeys on the ninth and 12th and a double bogey on the par-four 14th, although he undid some of the damage by picking up two shots in the last three holes to finish one over.
The football championship is reaching boiling point with places in the All-Ireland quarter-finals up for grabs this weekend.
London v Cavan, Croke Park, 3pm
London's journey provides one of the stories of the summer so far. They beat Sligo in Ruislip before accounting for Leitrim after a replay.
The Exiles were no match for Mayo in the Connacht final, but get a deserved run-out in HQ.
The Breffni County were impressive in their province, beating Armagh and Fermanagh before losing in the semi-final to Monaghan.
They came out on top in the re-match with Fermanagh before seeing off Derry after extra-time in Celtic Park.
Cavan are just one game away from an All-Ireland quarter-final and should be too advanced for whatever London throw at them.
Verdict: Cavan
London: TBC
Cavan: TBC
Cork v Galway, Croke Park, 5pm
The Rebels arrive at this juncture after a Munster final defeat to Kerry, on a 1-16 to 0-17 scoreline.
Before that they recorded easy wins over Limerick and Clare.
Galway were able to get the agony and shock of a 17-point Connacht defeat to Mayo out of their system with a four-point win over Tipperary in round one.
They made hard work out of visitors Waterford in round two, requiring a late goal to win.
They caused, arguably, the shock of the last round with a solid win over Armagh.
The Tribesmen probably never envisaged that they would be involved at this stage after their defeat to Mayo, while Cork have bigger targets in their sights.
Verdict: Cork
Galway: Manus Breathnach, Donal O'Neill, Finian Hanley, Johnny Duane, Sean Denvir, Gary O'Donnell, Gary Sice, Paul Conroy, Tom Flynn; John O'Brien, Sean Armstrong, Conor Doherty, Michael Martin, Michael Meehan, Danny Cummins.
Cork: Alan Quirke, Eoin Cadogan, Michael Shields, Thomas Clancy, Damien Cahalane, Graham Canty, James Loughrey, Alan O'Connor, Pearse O'Neill, Mark Collins, Aidan Walsh, John O'Rourke, Daniel Goulding, Ciaran Sheehan, Brian Hurley.
Donegal v Laois, Carrick-on-Shannon, 5pm
Monaghan's shock win in the Ulster final sent the All-Ireland champions down the qualifier route, a vision not many had forecast.
Before that Jim McGuinness's men had impressed against Tyrone and to a lesser extent against Down in the semi-final.
Laois were shocked in the opening round of Leinster at home to Louth before overpowering Carlow.
They easily saw off the challenge on Mick O'Dwyer's Clare, but relied on some wayward shooting from Wexford, who hit 16 wides in a two-point defeat, to get to this stage.
Three qualifier wins is a decent return for the Midlanders after their loss to Louth.
Despite the quick turnaround and loss of Mark McHugh and fitness concerns over Karl Lacey for this game, Donegal should get over the line.
Verdict: Donegal
Donegal: TBC
Laois: Eoin Culliton, Paul Begley, Mark Timmons, Peter O'Leary, Darren Strong, Kieran Lillis, Padraig McMahon, Padraig Clancy, John O'Loughlin, Ross Munnelly, Billy Sheehan, Colm Begley, Conor Meredith, Donal Kingston, Evan O'Carroll.
Meath v Tyrone, Croke Park 7pm
The Royal County impressed in the Leinster final, eventually going down to a more clinical Dublin by 2-15 to 0-14.
Previous to that they saw off a fancied Wexford in the semi-final and Wicklow, away, in the quarters.
Tyrone were overpowered by Donegal in the Ulster quarter-final (2-10 to 0-10) before trouncing a depleted Offaly side in Tullmore in round one.
They got a stiffer challenge off Roscommon and stood firm against a second-half Kildare surge in the last round.
Mickey Harte's side are exactly where they thought they would be and their big-day experience in Croker should be enough to edge a tight battle.
Verdict: Tyrone
Meath: Paddy O'Rourke, Donal Keogan, Kevin Reilly, Bryan Menton, Padraic Harnan, Mickey Burke, Seamus Kenny, Brian Meade, Conor Gillespie, Eamonn Wallace, Damien Carroll, Graham Reilly, Stephen Bray, Joe Sheridan, Michael Newman.
Tyrone: Pascal McConnell, Ryan McKenna, Conor Clarke, Cathal McCarron, Ciaran McGinley, Peter Harte, Conor Gormley, Colm Cavanagh, Sean Cavanagh, Matthew Donnelly, Mark Donnelly, Joe McMahon, Darren McCurry, Stephen O'Neill, Martin Penrose.
Live television coverage of Meath v Tyrone from 18:40 on Saturday 27 July on RTÉ Two and RTÉ.ie (Ireland only). Live radio coverage of all the day's action from 14:00 on RTÉ Radio 1, RTÉ RnaG and RTÉ.ie (Worldwide).
Highlights and analysis of all the weekend's action on The Sunday Game from 21:30 on Sunday 28 July on RTÉ Two and RTÉ.ie (Ireland only). Expert and fan reaction on Take Your Point from 18:00 on RTÉ Radio 1 and RTÉ.ie (Worldwide).
Cesc Fabregas looks set to stay at Barcelona despite overtures from Manchester United
New Barcelona coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino is certain Cesc Fabregas will be part of his team next season, despite repeated interest from Manchester United.
The Premier League champions have made two offers for the former Arsenal midfielder, for a reported #25m and #30m respectively, both of which were rejected by the Catalan club.
Yesterday United manager David Moyes told reporters that negotiations for Fabregas were "ongoing", but Martino, speaking in his first press conference as boss, insisted the player was staying at Barcelona and was part of his plans.
He said: "I'm not going to involve myself in the club's accounts, but considering the club has already rejected two offers, I would guess it will reject a third. In other words, Fabregas will remain here."
The Argentinian's words were backed up by vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu, who said: "It's logical that we've had offers for Fabregas because he is a quality player, but he is not for sale."
Martino, 50, succeeds Tito Vilanova, who resigned from the role last Friday to continue his battle with cancer.
He has spent his 15-year managerial career in South America, coaching a host of Argentinian club sides, most recently Newell's Old Boys, plus the Paraguay national team, who he lead to the World Cup quarter-finals in 2010 and the Copa America final in 2011.
Asked if he would be able to cope with the pressure of coaching Barca, Martino said he agreed with the last Argentinian coach to take charge of the Catalans, Cesar Luis Menotti, who once remarked "once you have coached in Argentina, everything else is much easier".
Martino said: "Coaching in Argentina is not easy, there are no comparisons between these countries, but we feel the same pressure. I don't have the career Menotti had so I am less qualified to say that, but I share his opinions."
Galway will be looking to up their performance against Clare
By Joe Dooley
The Galway-Clare clash is a very difficult game to call for a couple of reasons.
Firstly, Galway's below par display in the Leinster final - was this a once-off and can they come out with a different team on Sunday and play with the intensity they did in last year's Championship?
Secondly, Clare, with a young and relatively new team, have mixed very good periods of play in games with very ordinary. Can they put a power-packed performance together for a full 70 minutes and withstand what Galway are likely to throw at them?
In trying to answer the above questions the bookies are finding it very hard to make up their minds and have installed Galway as the slightest of favorites.
Galway were very slow to get going in the Leinster final and it was ten minutes into the second half before they got to the pace of the game and they ran out of steam in the closing stages. Dublin were brilliant on the day and fully deserved their win.
"If the ball runs Clare's way I think they could be serious All-Ireland contenders"
They will need to improve drastically to have any chance of beating Clare. Their defensive problems came to the fore again in the Leinster final with all defenders under pressure, but the full back line in particular lacked confidence and conceded far too many easy scores.
I would expect both personnel and positional changes in defence with possibly the mobile Johnny Coen detailed to follow Tony Kelly who is Clare's most prolific scoring forward.
Andy Smith did strengthen the midfield area when introduced, but Iarla Tannian will need to up his performance to last year's levels.
Apart from Joe Canning the rest of the forwards made little impact.
Damien Hayes - when introduced - did freshen up this sector, but much greater contributions are going to be required from Cyril Donnellan, Niall Burke, David Burke and Conor Cooney who are all very good hurlers, but need to work much better and create chances for each other.
I'm sure there were a couple of lively team meetings and a fair bit of soul searching done down west over the last three weeks.
Anthony Cunningham has been training his team behind closed doors to get them focused and ready for the task ahead.
Coming out of Thurles two weeks ago the one thing that stuck most in my mind was the speed and fitness level of the Clare team; as one neutral supporter remarked it was 'like as if they were running on air'.
If the ball runs their way then I think they could be serious All-Ireland contenders. Their main weakness is that they fade in and out of games, but when they get moving with their retaining possession game they are difficult to stop, and they have loads of fast players that will put a round on any team.
Their full-back line of Domhnall O'Donovan, David McInerney and Cian Dillon are all very fast and like to get out in front and attack the ball and carry it down the field. The half backs of Brendan Bugler, Pat Donnellan and Pat O'Connor is their strongest and most experienced line.
Colin Ryan in midfield is a very skillful hurler and good free taker and upfront Tony Kelly is lighting fast and elusive as is Conor McGrath. John Conlon is a hard grafter and always contributes a few scores. Darach Honan missed that game through injury and should be back for Sunday.
They have plenty of strength in depth in their panel. Shane O'Donnell and Colin McInerney both scored vital goals against Wexford. Overall you would underestimate Clare at your peril.
Sunday's game will come down to which team gets their tactics right on the day and can impose their game on the opposition.
I expect Galway to resort to the game plan that stood them well last year and to try and crowd out the middle third of the field and stop the running game of the fast Clare forwards and midfielders.
Clare will almost certainly have a plan to cope with the threat of Joe Canning. They are likely to withdraw a player to double mark him.
They will also aim to carry the ball out of defence and create point-scoring opportunities from out the field for their midfielders and half-forwards.
Knowing Davy, he will have them mentally ready and fired up to meet Galway head on. They are also the team with the least pressure on them.
Often times when a team appears to be in disarray, and their backs are to the wall, they gel together and produce their best performance.
I expect Galway to bounce back from their poor Leinster final display and with their greater overall strength to come through for an All-Ireland semi final meeting with Limerick.
A Clare win would not be a big surprise and one thing for sure is that they are a team on the upward curve, but on this occasion Galway still get a hesitant nod to advance.
Cork are aiming to bounce back from their defeat to Limerick in the Munster final
By Joe Dooley
I'm sure the Kilkenny players and management were very relieved to have had a couple of weeks to prepare for this Sunday's All-Ireland quarter-final with Cork (throw-in 2pm).
They have had a tough few weeks coping with the loss of key players through injury and playing five tough Championship games. The last two in particular, against Tipperary and Waterford, were both pulsating knock out encounters that went right down to the wire.
Their victory over a very game Waterford team was one of their best wins ever as their character was tested like never before. When the Munster men drew level with a goal in the second half of extra-time you would have expected the favorites to fold but instead they tagged on three great points from play to seal a famous victory.
That passage of play could yet prove to be a key turning point in their year.
There is no doubt that, as a team, they are struggling to find fluency to their play and are not rattling the onion bag as regularly as they normally do. It's hard to believe that they have only managed to score one goal from play in five and half games and conceded eight.
"For Cork to beat Kilkenny they will need to up the work rate all over the field"
As I said in my preview before the Waterford game, all they want to do for now is keep winning and address the lack of goals when they get a chance to do so on the training field.
I would expect a completely fresher and sharper Kilkenny team to take the field this Sunday. With the break and a number of key players getting fitter they are building momentum and if they can get over Cork they will take beating.
Their biggest danger is complacency and Sunday's game against Cork will require a much better all round performance than was displayed against Tipperary or Waterford if they are to advance.
This is a very tricky game for the Cats, who because of these victories, are expected to advance but if they are thinking this way down Noreside then that is the rock they could perish on.
Brian Cody is getting back into a situation where he now has serious competition again for places. The return of Michael Fennelly is a huge boost and helped turn the Waterford game. Richie Hogan, Colin Fennelly, Eoin Larkin and Richie Power in particular have all lifted their game in recent weeks.
Further improvements will be required from these and others to get over Cork who have a very young and fast team and if given space will punish you. Henry is unlikely to be started.
Cork were boosted by the news that Pat Horgan has been cleared to play following his sending off against Limerick in the Munster final and nobody would disagree with that decision.
The Rebels never really clicked into gear in that game even though they should have been a few points ahead at half time with the amount of possession they had but failed to make good use of it. The sending off of Horgan just before the break really finished the game as a contest.
Jimmy Barry Murphy will have been very disappointed with his team's performance and you would expect a big improvement for this weekend. The big loss of their under-21 team to Tipperary since that game will not have done much for the confidence of the younger players.
Their forward line came in for a lot of criticism after the Limerick game but, in fairness, they were down a man for all of the second half and playing into the wind.
Both Pa Cronin and Seamus Harnedy in particular worked very hard but more is required of Conor Lehane, Cian McCarthy and Luke O'Farrell. Shane O'Neill was Cork's best player on the day and he got good support from Conor O'Sullivan and Christopher Joyce.
Remember they had a very good win over Clare and I think they underestimated how good Limerick are in the Munster final. Cork are a better team than we saw in the Gaelic Grounds.
For Cork to beat Kilkenny they will need to up the work rate all over the field and I think that they need a better balance to the type of players they start in the forward division.
Michael Cussen may be an option from the start. Many of the Cork players up front are very similar type hurlers. More direct ball into the danger area might create more goal chances. Remember Cork have not scored a goal in two Championship games this year.
Nothing would give Cork greater pleasure than to knock Kilkenny out of the Championship but I do not think it will happen this Sunday.
Kilkenny will focus on getting their own game right and I would expect them to get through with a few points to spare with their greater experience and overall strength of their back line being the key factors.
Live television coverage of Cork v Kilkenny and Galway v Clare from 13:30 on Sunday 28 July on RTÉ Two and RTÉ.ie (Ireland only).
Live radio coverage of all the day's GAA action from 14:00 on RTÉ Radio 1, RTÉ RnaG and RTÉ.ie (Worldwide).
Ireland's women have now made it two wins out of two
By John Kenny
Ireland's women's cricket team have qualified for the semi-finals of the Twenty 20 World Cup qualifier competition after a 77-run victory over Canada at Merrion Cricket Club.
It is Ireland's second win of the group stages after their opening group win over Japan and they will most certainly go onto play Pakistan in Mondays semi-final at YMCA as they bid to make next year's finals in Bangladesh.
Having won the toss, Ireland decided to bat on a cloudy overcast morning and made 146 for seven from their allotted 20 overs with Malahide's Claire Shlllington the star of the Irish innings.
She made 81 from just 60 deliveries which included 12 fours before she was run out in the 18th over.
Shillington also made 114 not out in Ireland's opening T20 qualifier against Japan at the Hills CC last Tuesday.
Canada never looked like making Ireland's total in their reply and were bowled out for just 69 in 19.2 overs
Ireland are chasing one of three places available to qualify for next year's finals in Bangladesh, which will include the two finalists and the winner of the third and fourth place play-off.
Mick McCarthy has spoken highly of 18-year-old Jack Doherty
Ipswich Town have signed 18-year-old Jack Doherty from Waterford United on a two-year deal.
The midfielder, who spent time at Portman Road as a trainee, travelled with Mick McCarthy's side during their pre-season training camp in Ireland.
McCarthy told BBC Sport: "He trained in Ireland with us and wasn't embarrassed by being there and kind of stood out. There's a real potential in him. He needs to put some [weight] on."
The Clonmel-born left winger has been capped at Under-18 Schools level.
Ipswich finished in 14th place in the npower Championship last season.
Usain Bolt holds the world record for the 100m and 200m
Usain Bolt has insisted his fans can have complete confidence that he is 100% clean after the drug scandals involving two of his leading rivals.
The Jamaican was forced to defend his record-breaking achievements after his compatriot Asafa Powell and American Tyson Gay tested positive, plunging the sport into its biggest credibility crisis in years.
Bolt, the world record holder and Olympic champion of the 100 and 200 metres, insisted those who had followed his career from before he became a household name would know he was clean.
He said: "If you were following me since 2002 you would know that I have been doing phenomenal things since I was 15.
"I was the youngest person to win the world junior title at 15, I ran the world junior record at 18, the world youth record at 17. I have broken every record there is to break, in every event I have ever done. For me, I have proven myself since I was 15.
"For me, I have shown I was always going to be great."
He added: "I was made to inspire people and to run. I was given a gift and that's what I do. I am confident in myself and my team, the people I work with. And I know I am clean."
Gay and Powell, the second and fourth fastest men in history, are still waiting for the results of their 'B' samples, and Bolt said it was important not to speculate too much at this stage.
"I think there are a lot of details left to be discussed," he said.
Powell's failed test for the banned stimulant oxilofrine has been blamed by his camp on new nutritional supplements he had been taking.
Bolt said he did not take any supplements, saying: "I take vitamins, every athlete takes vitamins."
The 26-year-old revealed he had been in contact with Powell by text since the news of the failed test broke and told him to "stay strong and stay focused. I didn't want to bombard him with questions. I told him, 'Sorry to hear what was going on' and he said, 'Yes, it's kind of rough, it's hard."
Powell has claimed he did not knowingly take the banned substance and Bolt emphasised the need for athletes to make sure they know what they are ingesting.
"You have to be very careful as an athlete, because right now there are a lot of things on the banned list," he added.
"You might not know and you have to keep up to date with this kind of thing. It's kind of hard, but that's why you have a team to make sure."
Powell's manager, Paul Doyle, has pointed the finger of blame for his failed test at their trainer, Canadian Chris Xuereb, who only began working with him in May.
Efe Ambrose celebrates his goal against Cliftonville
Celtic will be subject to another UEFA investigation for the "setting off of fireworks" by supporters at Tuesday night's Champions League second qualifier against Cliftonville at Parkhead.
Europe's ruling body confirmed that the Scottish Champions have to answer a charge which allegedly breaches articles 16.2 of UEFA's disciplinary regulations.
The Hoops won 2-0 against the Irish part-timers to go through to the third qualifier against Swedish side Elfsborg on a 5-0 aggregate with the first leg at Celtic Park next Wednesday night.
Celtic were been fined €25,000 for fans' misbehaviour in the Europa League game against Udinese in Italy in December, 2011.
After the 1-1 draw at the Stadio Friuli, the Parkhead club were charged with, "the displaying of a banner of an offensive nature and the setting off of fireworks by supporters".
In a statement, Celtic admitted the fireworks were used in a section of the stadium housing the Green Brigade supporters group, causing the referee to ask the club's safety officers to intervene.
The club said: "Three fireworks were exploded within Section 111, causing the Match Referee to require a stadium announcement to be made instructing such behaviour to stop.
"As a result of this unprecedented step by a match official, Celtic FC will now be the subject of a disciplinary action for contravention of the UEFA Safety and Security Regulations."
Article 16.2 decrees that "all associations and clubs are liable for....inappropriate behaviour on the part of their supporters and may be subject to disciplinary measures and directives even if they can prove the absence of any negligence in relation to the organisation of the match" relating to, among other things, the "lighting of fireworks or any other objects".
