Written By Unknown on Jumat, 28 Februari 2014 | 23.06
Updated: Friday, 28 Feb 2014 12:20 | Comments
Alex Ferguson: 'Six from that belt and you were in absolute agony. That was the punishment you had'
Former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson says he owes his success to being beaten with a belt by his favourite school-teacher when he stepped out of line as a schoolboy.
Ferguson, 72, the most successful manager in British soccer history, says he now has the belt in his study at home after it was bequeathed to him by the formidable disciplinarian Elizabeth Thomson before she died.
"Six from that belt and you were in absolute agony. That was the punishment you had, in my case, usually for fighting in the playground," he said in a feature entitled "My Best Teacher" published by the Times Educational Supplement.
Ferguson, famous for being a fierce disciplinarian himself whose "hair dryer" verbal admonishments of his players are the stuff of legend, said: "Elizabeth Thomson was an inspiration to me.
"She had a raw determination about her and she improved everyone she touched.
"Mrs Thomson endeavoured to make you be the best you could be. Yes, that part of me comes from her."
He says he kept in touch with her long after his schooldays ended, and while he was enjoying trophy-laden years of success at first Aberdeen and then Manchester United before he retired at the end of last season.
"When she died, I couldn't go to her funeral but months later I got a parcel. She had bequeathed her belt to me.
"Her nephew sent it with a letter saying 'You'll know more about this belt than anyone.' It's in my study now. My grandchildren are terrified of it."
Ireland's Martyn Irvine has won silver in the scratch race at the World Track Championships in Colombia, while Ryan Mullen took fourth in the individual pursuit.
Irvine put up a superb defence of the title he won last year but eventually finished second in a sprint finish behind Ivan Kovalev of Russia.
"I'm getting a bit of a greedy head - I always want gold now, but I'll take silver," Irvine said.
Meanwhile, Mullen had to settle for fourth in the men's four-kilometres individual pursuit.
The 19-year-old clocked four minutes 24.626 seconds in the bronze medal ride-off as Marc Ryan of New Zealand claimed third in 4mins 22.895secs.
"Ryan put in a superb performance for his first World Championships" - Brian Nugent
Of Irvine, head coach Brian Nugent said: "What a race from Martyn. He rode smart from the start, and he was determined to get in the main move.
"Just when it looked like the break was about to get caught, Martyn forced the pace and moved on alone.
"It was a brave move, and he worked lap after lap, until he lapped the field. No one else can sustain an effort like that, the way Martyn does.
"With two others already a lap up, it was too much to take the gold, but we're thrilled with the silver medal."
Nugent was also impressed with Ryan saying: "Ryan put in a superb performance for his first World Championships.
"I'm so pleased for him, as he has done everything right over the past number of months to gain this result tonight.
"He has worked really hard and made huge progression. This is only the beginning for him."
Caroline Ryan and Irvine are back in action today, racing in the individual pursuit and points race respectively.
Ciarán Whelan is expecting Cork to ask a few questions of Dublin at Croke Park on Saturday evening
Live
Audio
A new month heralds the resumption of the Allianz Football League and after the first two rounds there is much to enthuse about, according to Ciarán Whelan.
That positive assessment from the RTÉ pundit and former Dublin star is testament is to the seriousness by which teams are now taking the league and the all-embracing view that success in spring can lead to an even greater return in the summer.
He explained: "The league has taken on a greater importance in recent times in terms of preparation and the approach from managers.
"It's ideal for building momentum and it's not surprising that sides who win their division go on now to have a good Championship.
"So far a lot of quality matches have been played. We've had games with lots of scores and a high-tempo.
"There is no doubt that that the introduction of the black card has helped. I know there is still a bit of confusion out there about what exactly constitutes a black card and down the line we'll probably see situations where teams will try and use the card to get an advantage in the final few minutes or so of games.
"The role of the referee will be crucial. The league is back this weekend and the stakes are getting higher."
An Ulster battle
As to the upcoming action, Whelan is looking forward to the meeting of Donegal and Monaghan in Division 2.
"In 2011, Donegal won promotion from Division 2, beating Laois in the final. It proved a significant launchpad in their recent success.
"This season they have started really well, with two good away victories. They will probably feel that they owe Monaghan one after last year's Ulster final, a decider where they were second best for much of a game in which they failed to match the intent of their opponents.
"Monaghan have really prospered under Malachy O'Rourke. Many teams that win a provincial title after a long gap tend to regress.
"All right, they didn't reach the same heights against Tyrone in the All-Ireland quarter-final, but this year they have laid down an early marker that they are not going to stand still. Their victory over Meath the last day was really impressive.
"The winners on Sunday will probably be nailed on for promotion. However, the losers I think, will also be playing in Division 1 next season.
"Of the other fancied sides, Meath will push hard, but I think they'll fall short. Galway have been disappointing in the last few years and are not ready for the step-up. Armagh have had their injury problems and lack strength in depth."
So who will win in Letterkenny on Sunday?
"I think it will be tight and hard-hitting, but the narrow vote goes to Donegal," says Whelan.
Rebels come calling
In Division 1, the Dubs are back in Croke Park, with Brian Cuthbert's Cork the visitors. Our pundit, like many others, is keen to see how the Rebels prosper under their new management.
"I think it's fair to say that Cork in the last couple of years had gone a bit flat. A side with a lot of talent that should have been more successful!
"This weekend there is much change, with the likes of Conor Dorman after his Sigerson duties coming back in. Aidan Walsh after two weeks playing with hurlers will start at midfield alongside Fintan Goold. Paul Kerrigan returns to the attack.
"There's a freshness about Cork and it will be interesting to see whether Brian Cuthbert can realise the potential that he has at his disposal."
"I've seen Dublin in both of their games so far and I can't say I've been impressed. They certainly haven't been free-flowing. I know Jim (Gavin) is trying out new players, but I think the break will refocus their minds and being back at Croke Park should help them to get over what will be a stern test on Saturday night."
The fall of the Kingdom?
Kerry travel to Mayo without Colm 'Gooch' Cooper and Whelan predicts that the rest of this campaign for the Kingdom will be a struggle.
"Kerry are in transition. The return of Johnny Buckley and Kieran O'Leary will help to steady the ship after their club commitments and a few more key players are also due back.
"There is no doubt that they will be formidable down the line, as they proved last year in the All-Ireland semi-final, but I think the next few weeks could be difficult and I wouldn't be surprised if they are relegated."
Not surprisingly Whelan expects Mayo to open their account on Sunday.
"Mayo will be worried about the concession rate in recent games and two points in Kerry will set them up nicely. They have a nice run of games after that. I expect them to make the semi-finals."
In the other ties in the top flight, Mr Whelan is prepared to sit on the fence with regard to the Newbridge clash of Kildare and Tyrone. He goes for a draw.
A more adamant view surrounds the meeting of Derry and Westmeath in Celtic Park.
"Derry are definitely going places under Brian McIver. Westmeath, you would have to say, have overachieved in reaching Division 1. Derry will prevail."
According to Whelan, clear patterns are beginning to emerge in Divisions 3 and 4.
"In a similar situation to Monaghan, I expect to Cavan to make even more progress this year. The U-21 success they have had has to count for something.
"This weekend, they are away to Wexford which will be tough. Elsewhere, the other game to watch in Division 3 is the meeting of Roscommon and Limerick. It's two from those four teams that will eventually get promoted.
"In Division 4, it looks like it will be between Clare, Wicklow, Tipperary and Leitrim for promotion. Clare face Wicklow on Sunday in the standout match and I'm going for a Clare win."
WEEKEND FIXTURES:
SATURDAY 1 MARCH Allianz FL Division 1 Dublin v Cork, Croke Park, 7pm
Allianz FL Division 2 Down v Louth, Pairc Esler, 7pm Laois v Galway, O'Moore Park, 7pm Meath v Armagh, Pairc Tailteann, 7pm
SUNDAY 2 MARCH Allianz FL Division 1 Kildare v Tyrone, Newbridge, 2pm Mayo v Kerry, MacHale Park, 2pm Derry v Westmeath, Celtic Park, 2.30pm
Allianz FL Division 2 Donegal v Monaghan, Letterkenny, 2pm
Allianz FL Division 3 Longford v Fermanagh, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, 2pm Roscommon v Limerick, Kiltoom, 2pm Sligo v Offaly, Markievicz Park, 2pm Wexford v Cavan, New Ross, 2pm
Allianz FL Division 4 Antrim v Waterford, Creggan, 1pm Clare v Wicklow, Cusack Park, 2pm Leitrim v Carlow, Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada, 2pm London v Tipperary, Ruislip, 2pm
Live radio coverage of the Allianz Football League meetings of Dublin v Cork, Laois v Galway and Meath v Armagh on An tSraith Náisiúnta from 19:00 on Saturday 1 March on RTÉ RnaG and RTÉ.ie (Worldwide). Live coverage and updates of all the day's action on Sunday Sport from 14:00 on RTÉ Radio 1 and RTÉ.ie (Worldwide). Television highlights on League Sunday from 19:30 on RTÉ Two and RTE.ie (Ireland only).
Peter O'Mahony: 'It would be great for him to finish his last Test in Ireland on a winning side'
Video
Audio
Brian O'Driscoll's long Ireland farewell will not knock Joe Schmidt's men off their Six Nations stride, according to flanker Peter O'Mahony.
Legendary centre O'Driscoll will make his final Ireland appearance in Dublin against Italy on Saturday, 8 March.
The 35-year-old will break George Gregan's world-record Test caps haul of 139 against the Azzurri, before making his last-ever international bow against France in Paris a week later ahead of his summer retirement.
Munster captain O'Mahony hailed O'Driscoll as Ireland's "first superstar", but vowed no one will let the passing of a national treasure alter their approach.
"We are professional enough that that won't affect us," said combative flanker O'Mahony.
"It is obviously a big occasion for him and it would be great for him to finish his last Test in Ireland on a winning side but the rest of us now need to be a bit selfish - and him too.
"There is a job to be done at the weekend and he is more professional than anyone who has put on an Irish jersey so I don't think there is an issue there."
"The rest of us now need to be a bit selfish"
O'Driscoll made his Ireland debut in Australia in 1999 and has been a fixture ever since.
His hat-trick in Ireland's stunning 27-25 victory against France in Paris in 2000 launched a sea-change in the country's professional-era approach.
O'Mahony believes after all these years the Leinster stalwart is just as influential, despite having to adapt his game to cope with his natural slowing pace.
"He was the first superstar of Irish rugby and always very exciting to watch," said O'Mahony.
"You wouldn't even have to go looking for him: you would see him on the TV screen so often because he was carrying so much ball, breaking lines.
"He was probably a bit raw at the time. Video analysis wasn't the same and defences weren't the same so he was making big, long breaks and it was very impressive to watch.
"Not much has changed, really: last weekend he was running over guys. He used to run around them, now he goes over the top of them."
O'Mahony suffered hamstring damage in Ireland's slender 13-10 England defeat last weekend, but is confident he will be fit to face Italy in the fourth round of Six Nations fixtures.
The bullish loose-forward has been one of the standout performers of the Six Nations championship this term.
Gus Poyet and Manuel Pellegrini contest the Capital One Cup final on Sunday
SATURDAY 1 MARCH
EVERTON v WEST HAM 3pm
Everton's on-loan striker Romelu Lukaku is set to return from an ankle injury after spending a month on the sidelines.
Toffees captain Phil Jagielka has been ruled out for a fortnight with a hamstring injury so John Stones is likely to deputise in defence.
Fellow centre-back Antolin Alcaraz is fit again and comes back into the squad after spending four weeks out but on-loan striker Lacina Traore (hamstring) is unavailable.
West Ham striker Andy Carroll returns after serving a three-match suspension.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce must decide whether to restore Carroll to the starting XI or continue with Carlton Cole up front.
Forward Marco Borriello is a doubt because of a calf problem but defender Guy Demel is expected to recover from tonsillitis.
West Ham squad: Adrian, Jaaskelainen, Demel, Tomkins, McCartney, Collins, Johnson, Reid, Armero, Noble, Nocerino, Diame, Taylor, Nolan, J Cole, Downing, Jarvis, Vaz Te, C Cole, Carroll.
FULHAM v CHELSEA 3pm
Fulham striker Kostas Mitroglou will be omitted from the squad. New boss Felix Magath insists the £12million deadline day signing is not yet ready for the intensity of the Premier League, but is fit having shrugged off a knee problem.
Fernando Amorebieta and Damien Duff are in the treatment room, but Darren Bent returns after missing the West Brom match for personal reasons.
Hull welcome back in-form strike duo Nikica Jelavic and Shane Long.
The pair were cup-tied for the FA Cup fifth-round win over Brighton on Monday but should return alongside Tom Huddlestone and Alex Bruce, who missed that game with knocks.
Paul McShane (ankle) and Robbie Brady (groin) are the only long-term absentees and are unlikely to be seen again this season.
Hatem Ben Arfa and Davide Santon will be missing from the Newcastle squad.
Midfielder Ben Arfa (unspecified knock) and full-back Santon (knee) both missed last weekend's 1-0 Barclays Premier League victory over Aston Villa and will sit out once again at the KC Stadium.
Central defender Fabricio Coloccini and midfielder Cheick Tiote suffered no ill-effects on their respective returns from injury, while midfielder Sylvain Marveaux will have to wait to see if he is included after apparently falling out of favour.
Stoke will check on the condition of Peter Odemwingie after he sustained a calf problem.
Fellow Potters forward Jon Walters has missed a couple of days of training this week due to illness but is expected to be available, and on-loan Manchester City striker John Guidetti is eligible once again after sitting out last weekend's defeat at his parent club.
Defender Robert Huth, who last played for the Stoke first team in November and has been recovering from knee surgery, successfully came through 45 minutes of a behind-closed-doors friendly on Tuesday but is not yet ready for a competitive return.
On-loan Liverpool winger Oussama Assaidi (knee) remains sidelined.
Mesut Ozil will return after hip trouble and a two-day rest for Arsenal's trip to Stoke.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger will leave a decision on whether or not to field fit-again defender Thomas Vermaelen at left-back to the last minute.
Nacho Monreal (ankle) and Kieran Gibbs (gluteus) both remain doubtful, and if neither make it back in time for the Potters clash, Wenger could deploy Vermaelen, fully recovered from a shin problem, on the left of his defence.
Defender Mamadou Sakho has returned to training after two months out with a hamstring injury but Daniel Agger will retain his place at centre-back.
Midfielder Lucas Leiva is back working with the first team group after a six-week absence with a knee injury but will not be considered for the weekend.
Left-back Jose Enrique continues his rehabilitation from a knee operation which has sidelined him since early November.
Southampton will give defender Jos Hooiveld and midfielder Victor Wanyama as long as possible to prove their fitness.
Hooiveld missed the league encounter at West Ham last weekend with an eye injury while Kenyan midfielder Wanyama is set to remain sidelined by the unspecified knock which kept him out of the squad to face the Hammers.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino is ready to give the majority of the squad that slipped up 3-1 at West Ham the opportunity to atone for that defeat.
Southampton squad: Boruc, Chambers, Shaw, Schneiderlin, Fonte, Yoshida, Rodriguez, Cork, Lambert, S Davis, Lallana, K Davis, Clyne, Lovren, Ramirez, Ward-Prowse, Do Prado, Gallagher, Hooiveld, Wanyama.
SUNDAY 2 MARCH
MANCHESTER CITY v SUNDERLAND 2pm
Midfielder Liam Bridcutt will be the only significant absentee as Sunderland attempt to upset the odds and beat Manchester City in Sunday's Capital One Cup final.
The midfielder is cup-tied having already played for former club Brighton in the competition earlier this season, and Lee Cattermole is likely to play the holding role in front of Gus Poyet's back four at Wembley.
Striker Connor Wickham will not be involved having joined Leeds on loan for the rest of the season on Wednesday, while keeper Keiren Westwood (shoulder) is the only man to miss out through injury.
Striker Sergio Aguero could return for City. The Argentina international, City's top scorer with 26 goals this season, has missed the last five games with a hamstring injury.
Fellow forward Stevan Jovetic (hamstring) and defender Matija Nastasic (knee) are both ruled out.
Swansea manager Garry Monk expects Nathan Dyer to be fit despite picking up a heel injury in the Europa League defeat at Napoli.
Dyer came off shortly after the hour mark in the Swans' 3-1 reverse on Thursday night but Monk is confident the midfielder will be okay for the relegation clash with the Eagles.
Leon Britton was rested from the Napoli game as a precaution following a knock to his knee but he is expected to return, while Jonjo Shelvey (hamstring) and Michu (ankle) remain absent.
Tottenham head coach Tim Sherwood has no fresh injury concerns.
Brazil midfielder Sandro is in line to make his first league appearance under Sherwood having started Thursday night's Europa League win over Dnipro following a calf injury while Kyle Walker may also feature having returned to training after recovering from a hip problem.
Vlad Chiriches and Erik Lamela (both back) remained sidelined while Jermain Defoe will now link up with Toronto FC.
Striker Craig Bellamy returns to the Cardiff squad after serving a three-match suspension.
Following the humiliating 4-0 home defeat to Hull last weekend, boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has vowed to make changes, and Bellamy is almost certain to be amongst them.
Gary Medel could return after a recent lay-off with a thigh injury, whilst fellow midfielder Jordon Mutch is available again following a hamstring problem.
The Turf Club is also to seek new powers to enable its veterinary officers to inspect premises for illegal drugs
The Turf Club is to significantly enhance its drug-testing regime from next January.
The announcement comes just a week after Irish racing was rocked by the news that trainer Philip Fenton faces court charges over the alleged possession of banned animal remedies, including steroids.
From next year all horses whether returned in or out of training, or for whom a hunter certificate has been issued after that date, will be liable for testing at any time.
This is just one of a number of measures announced by the Turf Club, all of which are aimed at strengthening its existing drug-testing procedures.
The Turf Club's chief executive Denis Egan said: "While the Turf Club already has an extensive and successful drug testing regime in place, it is an area that is under constant review and where we would never be complacent.
"In 2013 the Turf Club tested 3,207 samples, out of which three were found to be positive. All winners on the racecourse are tested for prohibited substances while Turf Club Veterinary Officers also visit trainers' yards and take samples from horses in training.
"The Turf Club will continue to work with its scientific experts in developing hair testing methodology with a view to its introduction when appropriate.
"All licensees will be required on an annual basis to disclose, as part of their licence application, if they are under investigation for any matter which may influence the granting of a licence. In addition, they will be asked to confirm that substances that are prohibited at all times have not been used by them.
"Clear indications of support have been given by Horse Racing Ireland in relation to providing funding to meet the Turf Club's needs in this important area.
"The Turf Club fully endorses the position announced by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities in October 2013 that anabolic steroids have no place in horse racing and that they should not be permitted in or out of competition. The Turf Club will be pursuing every means to make this a reality in conjunction with our colleagues in other racing jurisdictions.
"The Turf Club will use every resource at its disposal to ensure that Irish racing is kept as clean as possible and free from drugs.
"Recent developments have pointed for the need to extend the drug testing regime, particularly into the area where horses are out of training, and also to seek new powers to enable the Turf Club veterinary officers inspect premises for illegal drugs".
Written By Unknown on Kamis, 27 Februari 2014 | 23.07
Updated: Thursday, 27 Feb 2014 16:03 | Comments
Richie Power is back in training with Kilkenny
Video
Audio
Kilkenny's hurlers have been boosted by the return of Richie Power and Michael Fennelly.
Power, 28, had been training alone but has now rejoined the panel.
Fennelly, the 2011 Hurler of the Year, missed all of last season's club championship with an ankle injury but is fit again, and back in the squad following a trip to Australia.
Leitrim forward Tomas Beirne's season could be over after he was involved in a road accident last Friday that will require surgery.
Paul Ryan is out of Dublin hurlers' visit to Waterford on Sunday week.
The Ballyboden St Enda's man has a groin problem which will keep him out for two to four weeks.
Veteran Kerry footballer Marc O Se is back in training, along with the Dr Crokes contingent of Johnny Buckley, Fionn Fitzgerald and Daithi Casey.
The Kingdom are in need of a boost away to Mayo on Sunday after defeats in their opening two Division 1 games and the loss of talismanic forward Colm Cooper to a cruciate ligament injury.
Cavan footballer Eugene Keating picked up a hamstring injury while playing for Ulster during last Sunday's Inter-pro defeat against Connacht.
Hw will miss the Breffni County's game way to Wexford in Division 3 on Sunday next.
Cork senior football manager Brian Cuthbert has made seven changes from the team that beat Kildare for next Saturday's Allianz Football League Division 1 clash with Dublin in Croke Park.
Following his Sigerson Cup-winning performance with UCC on Saturday night, Conor Dorman comes in at centre-back, and Eoin Cadogan returns to the team at full-back.
Alan Cronin and Noel Galvin come in at corner-back for John McLoughlin and the injured Tom Clancy respectively.
Tomás Clancy of Fermoy returns from injury to replace Brian O'Driscoll in the half-back line, and Fintan Goold moves to midfield, where he will partner Aidan Walsh.
Andrew O'Sullivan and Ruairi Deane drop to the bench.
Paul Kerrigan comes in at centre-forward in place of the injured Donncha O'Connor, and John Hayes starts at corner-forward, replacing Dónal Óg Hodnett.
CORK: K O'Halloran; A Cronin, E Cadogan, N Galvin; J Loughrey, C Dorman, Tomás Clancy; A Walsh, F Goold; J O'Rourke, P Kerrigan, M Collins; D Goulding, B Hurley, J Hayes.
Limerick hurlers will have to do without David Breen for the remainder of the Allianz League.
The Na Piarsaigh player is having a knee operation this week and is not expected to return to action until the end of April at the earliest.
Kerry footballer Darran O'Sullivan is back training with the side, but is unlikely to feature in Sunday's Division 1 clash with Mayo.
O'Sullivan, who had a double-hip operation last October, is slightly ahead of schedule in his recovery, but Kerry boss Eamonn Fitzmaurice does not want to rush him back.
The Tipperary team to play London in the Allianz Football League on Sunday next in Ruislip shows four changes from the side which drew with Waterford in the last round.
Alan Campbell, Robbie Kiely, Lorcan Egan and Cathal Dillon come in to the team in place of Paddy Codd, Ger Mulhare, George Hannigan and Michael Quinlivan.
TIPPERARY: P Fitzgerald; A Campbell, J Coghlan, A Morrissey; R Kiely (capt), P Acheson, D Leahy, S O'Brien, L Egan; P Austin, B Grogan, C McCullagh; B Fox, C Dillon, C Sweeney
WATERFORD team to play Antrim: S Enright; C O'Keeffe, T O'Gorman, K Connery; D Crowley, S Briggs (capt), C Phelan; T Prendergast, S Ahearne; T Grey, L O Lonain, T O hUallachain; JJ Hutchinson, P Whyte, B Wall.
LEINSTER team to play Connacht: G Maguire, P Kelly, M Carton, J McCaffrey, C Keaney, R O'Dwyer, L Rushe, D Sutcliffe (all Dublin), E Reilly (Laois), P Murphy, TJ Reid, T Walsh, E Larkin, W Walsh, C Fennelly, R Hogan (all Kilkenny), C Kenny, K Rossiter, L Chin, J Guiney, A Shore, M Hanlon, R Keogh (all Wexford), J Bergin, D Currams (both Offaly), D English (Carlow).
Live radio coverage of the Allianz Football League meetings of Dublin v Cork, Laois v Galway and Meath v Armagh on An tSraith Náisiúnta from 19:00 on Saturday 1 March on RTÉ RnaG and RTÉ.ie (Worldwide).
Live coverage and updates of all the day's action on Sunday Sport from 14:00 on RTÉ Radio 1 and RTÉ.ie (Worldwide). Television highlights on League Sunday from 19:30 on RTÉ Two and RTE.ie (Ireland only).
John Joe Nevin has been training in the United States for the last two months
John Joe Nevin will make his pro debut against Albert Candalaria in the House of Blues in Boston on St Patrick's Day.
The Puerto Rican has been confirmed as the opponent for the London 2012 silver medallists in a six-round bout.
The show is being co-promoted by Murphys Boxing (Dropkick Murphys) and Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy and will be televised in the US by Fox Sports and in Ireland on BoxNation.
Nevin, who is signed with Green Blood of Philadelphia and Berkeley Sports and Media of the UK, has been in Philadelphia for the last two months training.
The 17 March promotion will also feature Dubliner Jamie Kavanagh against an opponent yet to be named.
Stephen Roche won Tour de France, the Giro d'Italia and the World Championship in 1987
Stephen Roche was today unveiled as Grand Marshal of this year's St. Patrick's Festival parade.
Roche was chosen by festival organisers for his outstanding contribution to the sport of cycling and the Dubliner will lead the parade 'Peloton' on its 2.6 kilometre route through his home city on Monday, 17 March.
The announcement caps off a great week for Roche, who officially entered the Giro d'Italia Hall of Fame at an event in Northern Ireland on Tuesday.
The tribute to the champion coincides with this year's Tour of Italy, the second biggest cycling race in the world, which will stage the 'Grande Partenza' or 'big start' in Ireland from 9-11 May.
"It is a huge honour to have been chosen as grand marshal for this year's St. Patrick's Festival in a year that Ireland hosts the Giro d'Italia" - Stephen Roche
Roche's success has inspired thousands of cyclists in Ireland, including members of his own family - with his son Nicolas Roche and nephew Dan Martin currently competing on the professional tour.
Admired for his pedalling style, Roche was one of the finest cyclists of his generation, accumulating an impressive 58 professional career wins over his 13 year tenure.
1987 was Roche's landmark year as he became only the second cyclist in history to capture the 'Triple Crown of Victories' winning the Tour de France, the Giro d'Italia and the World Championship in one season.
Roche joins a list of inspirational past Grand Marshals, ranging from Katie Taylor to Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh to Ronnie Drew.
On receiving the honour, Roche commented: "I am an extremely proud Irishman and proud to have flown the flag for Ireland throughout my cycling career.
"It is a huge honour to have been chosen as Grand Marshal for this year's St. Patrick's Festival in a year that Ireland hosts the Giro d'Italia.
"Throughout my career, I have become accustomed to seeing city streets lined with people but this will be a truly unique experience, one that I am greatly looking forward to."
Tommy Bowe's return to fitness will boost Ireland's Six Nations prospects
Video
Tommy Bowe will start for Ulster against Newport Gwent Dragons at Ravenhill tomorrow night (kick off 19:05) having recovered from the leg injury that has kept him out since November.
The news will come as a big boost to Ireland coach Joe Schmidt, ahead of his side's final Six Nations games against Italy and France.
The Lions winger starts on the right wing and is joined in the back three by Jared Payne, who is selected at fullback, and by Ireland under 20's winger Rory Scholes, who makes his first senior start for the Province.
Luke Marshall and Darren Cave maintain their partnership in midfield.
Paddy Jackson has been released by Ireland and starts at outhalf, with Ruan Pienaar moving back to his more familiar position at scrumhalf.
Up front Callum Black starts at loosehead, with Tom Court named on the bench. Rob Herring continues at hooker with Ricky Lutton keeping his place at tighthead.
Johann Muller captains Ulster from the second row where he is joined by Iain Henderson, who has also been released from international duty.
Robbie Diack, Sean Doyle and Roger Wilson all start in an unchanged back row.
21-year-old centre, Stuart McCloskey, is named as a replacement and will make his first senior appearance for Ulster if called upon.
Ulster XV to face Newport Gwent Dragons: J Payne; T Bowe, D Cave, L Marshall, R Scholes; P Jackson, R Pienaar; C Black, R Herring, R Lutton; J Muller (Captain), I Henderson; R Diack, S Doyle, R Wilson. Replacements: N Annett, T Court, A Macklin, L Stevenson, M McComish, P Marshall, S McCloskey, D McIlwaine.
Live television coverage of Ulster v Dragons from 19:00 on Friday 28 February on RTÉ Two and RTÉ.ie (Ireland only).
Live television coverage of Scarlets v Munster from 18:15 on Saturday 1 March on RTÉ Two and RTÉ.ie (Ireland only).
Olympic and World decathlon champion Ashton Eaton (centre) won the 60m in 6.69
Audio
A full house turned out in Athlone last night to witness six new stadium records and star attractions Ashton Eaton, Brianne Theisen-Eaton and Tabarie Henry live up to their reputations.
The Olympic decathlon gold medalist and world champion Eaton won the 60m in a new stadium record at the AIT International Arena Grand Prix, with a time of 6.69.
The American could only manage third, however, in the long jump.
Eaton's wife Brianne Theisen-Eaton won the high jump with 1.80m and the shot put with a throw of 13.46m, a new personal best for the world heptathlon silver medalist.
In the much-anticipated Senator Eamonn Coghlan Mile, Kilkenny's Eoin Everard came home first in 4.03.08, narrowly missing out on the first sub-four minute mile at an Irish indoor venue
Joe Warne and Cameron Boyek finished second and third in times of 4.04.04 and 4.04.40 respectively.
Tabarie Henry, the three-time World finalist in the 400m, proved his worth in the Athlone venue coming home in a time of 46.81.
Timmy Crowe finished a close second, however, also achieving a new PB with 47.29.
In the men's 60m hurdles British athlete Alex Al Ameen set a new stadium record, romping home in 7.97; while in the women's 60m hurdles, Portugal's Eva Vital also set a new stadium record of 8.29 secs.
Waterford's Kelly Proper added to her growing reputation and her haul of medals winning the 60m (7.44) and the long jump (6.49m), the latter a new stadium record.
There was a new record too in the men's long jump, set by Daniel Bramble with 7.71m.
The sixth new stadium record was set by the Scottish sprinter Diane Ramsay in the women's 400m, winning in a time of 53.87 secs.
In the opening event of the night British athlete, Ross Millington, claimed the 3000m.
AIT president, Prof. Ciarán Ó Catháin, said that he was "delighted" with the success of the event.
"There was a fantastic atmosphere in the arena this evening, with people really looking forward to some wonderful competition, which is exactly what they experienced," he said.
"This grand prix is part of a three-year development plan for the AIT International Arena and we are confident that in 2015 and 2016, it will become an eagerly anticipated fixture in the international athletics calendar."
Morgan Parra is sent from the field against Montpellier
Morgan Parra has been suspended for two weeks for his headbutt on Rene Ranger during Clermont's clash with Montpellier in the Top 14.
The scrum-half, who was drafted into Philippe Saint-André's squad following Les Blues' defeat to Wales, will now miss the national side's RBS 6 Nations clash with Scotland on 8 March.
However, 25-year-old Parra will be free to return to the France fold for their last clash of the championship against Ireland at Stade de France on 15 March.
Parra received a red card for the headbutt from referee Sébastien Minery on 22 February and was immediately a doubt for the remaining Six Nations encounters of 2014.
Clermont have decided not to appeal the verdict.
The decision comes in a season where Parra was also banned for four weeks for punching during his club's match with Bordeaux-Begles on 29 September.
That suspension was subsequently reduced to two weeks.
Written By Unknown on Rabu, 26 Februari 2014 | 23.06
Updated: Wednesday, 26 Feb 2014 07:47 | Comments
Robin Van Persie believes that some of his Manchester United team-mates are getting in his way
Robin van Persie accused his Manchester United team-mates of getting in his way as he cut a frustrated figure following the club's damaging Champions League defeat to Olympiacos.
Goals from Alejandro Dominguez and Arsenal loanee Joel Campbell left United with a huge mountain to climb to make it into the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Van Persie wasted a good chance to score a vital away goal at the end of the match as the Dutchman put in an uncharacteristically poor display.
The former Arsenal striker, speaking to Dutch broadcaster NOS after the match, said that his cause was not helped by the positioning of some of his team-mates.
"It was quite difficult because my team-mates are often in the area where I want to play," the United striker said.
"That's why I have to change my tactics. Unfortunately, they are often in my area.
"It was much too slow today and we only had one shot on target in the whole match against Olympiacos, which is far too little.
"Everyone is very disappointed."
United have to win by three clear goals to be sure of their passage to the last eight of the competition they were claiming they could win in the run-up to Tuesday's first leg in Athens.
With United out of both domestic cup competitions and 11 points adrift of the top four in the Barclays Premier League, the Champions League is the only trophy David Moyes' team can win this year, and Van Persie is refusing to throw in the towel just yet.
"It is still possible, because with all due respect to Olympiacos, we should be able to win 3-0 at home," the striker added.
"It is not that they were fantastic (in the first leg), we just mostly failed."
Former United captain Roy Keane hit out at the team following the defeat.
He told ITV 1 the Red Devils lacked confidence and quality, but Moyes disagrees and the Scot insists United can still progress following the second leg, which takes place in three weeks' time.
"I think there is undoubtedly talent at Manchester United but tonight we didn't show it," the United manager said.
"Me and the team we didn't show it together.
"It is something we will have to do. We will put it right. We are determined to put it right and will have opportunities to do that in the coming weeks.
"There is a second game to come and Old Trafford has seen some great night s in the past and I am looking forward to hopefully seeing another one."
Shay Given: 'It has been really frustrating not playing'
Shay Given is eager to find another move away from Aston Villa after claiming the club "want me out of the door".
Given has recently enjoyed a successful loan spell with Sky Bet Championship club Middlesbrough where he kept 10 clean sheets in 16 matches.
Unfortunately for Given, the deal could not be extended through to the end of the season as Villa would have been unable to recall him at 24 hours' notice.
The Republic of Ireland international, who is out of favour at Villa where he still has another two years remaining on his contract, can join another club on loan.
That is Given's hope ahead of a permanent move at the end of the season.
"Hopefully something will happen in the summer somewhere," he told the Birmingham Mail.
"It has been really frustrating not playing. That's obvious for everyone to see and the window doesn't open until the summer, so maybe there is a Championship club out there who might want me.
"I might go back out on loan again somewhere before the end of March. Aston Villa want me out of the door, so something might happen."
David Moyes presided over one of the worst displays during his time as Manchester United manager in Athens
David Moyes remains the manager of Manchester United despite speculation to the contrary.
Rumours of an imminent announcement on the New York Stock Exchange spread on social media on Wednesday, with the suggestion it would state that Moyes was to leave the club following Tuesday night's 2-0 defeat to Olympiacos in the Champions League.
The odds on Moyes being the next Barclays Premier League manager to leave his post dropped from 14/1 to 8/11 in less than 24 hours, but Press Association Sport reports that the Scot is still very much in charge.
United are baffled by the reports that their manager was set to leave his position.
The club have always made it clear that Moyes will be given time to prove that he is the right man to maintain the success delivered by predecessor Alex Ferguson.
But what was also clear on Tuesday night is that the former Everton manager needs to make major changes to his squad if he is to have a more successful second season.
United were second best throughout the first leg of their last-16 tie in Athens.
United's defence was easily pierced and they offered little in attack as goals from Alejandro Dominguez and Joel Campbell put the Greeks on the brink of qualification to the last eight.
Moyes admitted after the match that he could barely identify one of his players who deserved praise.
"You could hardly pick anybody out. We just didn't perform," the Scot said.
Robin van Persie, speaking to Dutch broadcaster NOS after the match, refused to round on his team-mates.
But he admitted his frustration at the team's lack of consistency.
"We all have to work at it," the former Arsenal striker said. "In some games we do play well but in others we do not. We have not had luck at times.
"I am not going to point the finger at anybody. We need to try and turn it around and we need to take our chances."
Tuesday proved to be a dream night for Costa Rican forward Campbell.
The 21-year-old joined Arsenal in 2011 but he has spent the last three years on loan.
He played down the idea that his goal meant more because he is on Arsenal's books.
"It was a very important goal for me and for Olympiacos," he said.
"I'm not thinking about Arsenal. Only Olympiacos."
Campbell insists the Greek team do not consider the tie won, given they must defend their lead at Old Trafford on 19 March.
He added: "It's good for us but we have a very difficult game to come. We have to fight to get through."
Breen: 'Players wouldn't be the kind to complain, especially GAA players'
Limerick hurler David Breen has warned that careers are being "cut short" due to the workload on modern Gaelic games players.
"Careers are being cut short because guys are flogging themselves, not taking adequate down-time," Breen, who was named the Munster Club Hurling Championship Player of the Year on Tuesday, told the Irish Independent.
"With Limerick, for example, and the Na Piarsaigh guys, the management have been quite open in saying 'take four weeks or five weeks,' but in the space of a 13-month season, five weeks isn't a lot of time, especially if they have niggling injuries."
Breen, who works as a physiotherapist with the Sports Surgery Clinic in Dublin, has himself been ruled out of the remainder of Limerick's Division 1B campaign with a knee problem.
"There's never a right time really to say: 'I'm off the radar for a couple of months'," he said.
"But, eventually, a time will come where you can't keep everyone happy.
"In my own case, if I don't take time off now I could be finished completely in a couple of years and I'll be kicking myself, saying, 'why didn't I take some time off and get things right?'.
Breen also suggested that playing too many games was leading to a raft of long-term debilitating health problems among players, and that the issue was being "brushed under the carpet".
"Players wouldn't be the kind to complain, especially GAA players. A lot of GAA players will suck it up and get on with it," he said.
"But, by the time things come to a head and guys are going in for knee replacements and hip replacements, they have hung up the boots and no one is listening to them at that stage.
"They are old news and they haven't got as strong of a voice as they did when they were in with the county.
"The whole issue is brushed under the carpet.
"It needs to be regulated. Take a guy who is in first or second year at college. How many teams is he eligible for? And you can be guaranteed everyone wants a piece of him.
"I don't think parents are in a position where they are educated enough about injuries or strength and conditioning where they know when to say 'sorry, my son or daughter is not going playing that match'.
Lee Keegan and Mayo can kick-start their season with a win over Kerry
Audio
By James McMahon
The Allianz Football League resumes this weekend with a total of nine teams still searching for their first points. It may be early in the campaign, but another loss could turn what is a steep hill into a quest to scale Mount Everest with regard to promotion and reaching the Division 1 semi-finals. Also one eye will immediately be focused on avoiding the spectre of relegation.
So what of those who are probably feeling the heat at this stage of the campaign?
DIVISION 1
Kerry
It's a case of déjà vu for the Kingdom. Last year they were also pointless at this stage. In fact they went on to lose two more games before embarking on a recovery mission that saw them preserve their top flight status.
News of Colm Cooper's injury will have hit the county hard. It will be 2015 before we get a chance to see his silken skills on the playing fields again. In the immediate term Bryan Sheehan and Jonathan Lyne are also sidelined Darran O'Sullivan, who had a double-hip operation last October, is back in training.
The Dr Crokes contingent are available again, as is Marc Ó Sé and Killian Young, so at least there is some good news for manager Eamonn Fitzmaurice.
Kerry lost out narrowly in their two games so far and the 'Gooch's' absence is sure to drive the side on in their pursuit of points in the weeks ahead. Indeed, former boss Jack O'Connor called for 'certain' members of the squad to stand up and be counted now that their star forward will not be around.
Division 1 is a competitive beast this year, however, and Kerry will probably have to pick up something from their trip to Mayo this weekend. That won't be easy. After that is a home game with Tyrone - always a feisty affair - before what could prove to be a tricky away trip to Kildare.
Before the start of the League, RTÉ pundit Tommy Carr tipped Kerry to be relegated. While such a fate would be a disappointment, it wouldn't necessarily define their year. The squad are still good enough to see competitive action come August.
However, Kerry will always feel that they should be mixing it with the big boys in spring. Their performances between now and early April will be closely monitored, for if anything to see how they intend to fill the cap vacated by Colm Cooper.
Mayo
It probably won't feature among the games of the year when such a list is compiled but Mayo's tussle with Kildare on 2 February had much to offer in the way of good football and score-taking. The Green and Red lost out by a point and a draw was probably a fairer result.
A week later, they went down by five points to Tyrone in a match where they missed some great chances for goals early on. Afterwards manager James Horan stressed that Mayo need to "smarten up" but he was confident that they would.
No doubt the Mayo will relish the opportunity to play their first game at home this weekend when Kerry come calling. With the likes of Donal Vaughan, Seamus O'Shea and Enda Varley all set to return to the squad following injuries, Horan will hope that such a boost will translate to a victory against the Kingdom.
Such an outcome will surely have Mayo in a better frame of mind for an away trip to Westmeath and a match they would feel is winnable. Two wins on the bounce could really kick-start their year.
Westmeath
A competitive showing in the first half against Cork was matched for long periods in their tussle with Dublin. Still Westmeath had nothing to show for it all, but boss Paul Bealin is in the process of putting his own stamp on affairs and the experience of playing in the top flight will stand to his side.
A visit to Derry next weekend on paper looks a difficult assignment, yet both teams were the pacesetters in Division 2 last season.
Westmeath are capable of getting some points on the board this spring. However, it may not be enough to keep them up.
DIVISION 2
Galway
The westerners lie bottom of the second tier, but directly above them are Armagh and Louth on one point. No need for panic, you might add, yet Galway's defeat to Donegal the last day was as clear cut as could be.
I, for one, thought Alan Mullholland's side would be in the shakeup for promotion. It might still happen, but serious improvement is needed. On day one they lost a high-scoring and thoroughly enjoyable encounter against Meath. However, when you consider what Monaghan did to the Royals in round two, it shows the level that Galway must reach in the weeks ahead.
Away games to Laois and Louth and a home assignment against Down are upcoming. A return of two wins out of three would be a satisfactory outcome.
DIVISION 3
Longford
One win in 13 games across League and Championship since the start of last year is what Longford have registered. Former Dublin star has a big job on his hands at the helm of the midlanders. 2014 began with defeats to Roscommon and Limerick.
Fermanagh are the visitors to Pearse Park on Sunday. A victory would no doubt ease the pressure before an away game against an Offaly – another side whose target will be to survive in the Division.
Offaly
I have referenced them above and yes it's all about survival, with Faithful boss Emmet McDonnell making it clear that preserving their third tier status is the goal following their defeat to Cavan. Their campaign began with a loss to Wexford.
Last season McDonnell masterminded a promotion and in the process instilled a confidence into Offaly football that had been missing for a while.
Their quest for points resumes with a trip to Sligo. It's not an impossible task and a result would set them up nicely for the visit of Longford a week later.
DIVISION 4
Antrim
Many people's favourites to emerge from the Division, but that confidence has been dented with back-to-back defeats against Leitrim and Wicklow.
With Liam 'Baker' Bradley back in command, Saffron fans would have expected more. Will realistically have to win all their remaining matches if promotion is to be achieved.
The first step on that road should result in a home victory over Waterford this weekend.
Carlow
So Carlow have only played one game, but it resulted in a 19-point defeat to Tipperary at home. With games against Leitrim and Antrim to come, you wouldn't be too confident of them getting on the board.
Not being ranked 32nd in the rankings at the end of the League would be deemed a success.
London
No bounce so far this campaign for the Exiles following their exploits of last summer. A nine-point defeat to Clare in Ruislip last Sunday followed up a 11-point reverse against Wicklow in the opening round.
Next up are promotion hopefuls Tipperary, who will be keen to atone for only drawing at home to Waterford the last day.
Live radio coverage of the Allianz Football League meetings of Dublin v Cork, Laois v Galway and Meath v Armagh on An tSraith Náisiúnta from 19:00 on Saturday 1 March on RTÉ RnaG and RTÉ.ie (Worldwide).
Live coverage and updates of all the day's action on Sunday Sport from 14:00 on RTÉ Radio 1 and RTÉ.ie (Worldwide).
Television highlights on League Sunday from 19:30 on RTÉ Two and RTE.ie (Ireland only).
Nick Williams' Ulster future is in doubt after he was dropped from their squad to play the Dragons at Ravenhill on Friday due to an "unauthorised absence".
The 30-year-old former Munster player, who only last October signed a contract extension to stay at Ravenhill until 2016, is believed to have travelled home to New Zealand last week without the province's permission.
The Irish and PRO12 Players' Player of the Year subsequently missed Sunday's PRO12 win against Treviso in Italy last Sunday.
The Ulster statement said: "Nick Williams is unavailable for selection for Friday night's match against Newport Gwent Dragons due to an internal investigation into alleged unauthorised absence.
"Ulster Rugby will make no further comment on the matter at this time."
Written By Unknown on Selasa, 25 Februari 2014 | 23.06
Updated: Tuesday, 25 Feb 2014 14:03 | Comments
Jose Mourinho seems to be unsure as to the age of Samuel Eto'o
Jose Mourinho has hit out at the "disgraceful" ethics of a journalist recording and making public his private, light-hearted comments about Chelsea's striking options.
Mourinho believes the media "should all be embarrassed" for reporting quotes filmed by French television station Canal Plus, when he was in conversation with a Swiss businessman at a recent sponsor's event.
The recording, aired on Monday, shows Mourinho commenting on Chelsea's lack of depth up front and questioning the age of Cameroon forward Samuel Eto'o.
"I think you should be embarrassed, as a media professional because from my point of view I don't think you - not you, but a colleague - (should be) able to record a private conversation, to make it public," he said at his pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash with Galatasaray in Istanbul.
"I think you all should be a bit embarrassed, because it's a case of the ethics you have in your work.
"From my point of view, is it an unhappy comment? Absolutely. But from the ethical point of view, I think it's a real disgrace."
Canal Plus captured the footage as they were waiting to conduct a one-on-one interview with the Chelsea boss, who was also filmed addressing the possibility of signing reported long-time target Radamel Falcao from Monaco.
"I need a striker, Falcao needs a club," Mourinho is reported to have said.
"A player like him cannot play in front of 3,000 people. Monaco is a club to end (your career with)."
The furore surrounding the leaked footage is hardly the ideal preparation for Chelsea's Champions League last-16 first leg against Roberto Mancini's Gala.
Attempting to move on and focus on the game, which will see the Blues pit their wits against their former striker Didier Drogba, Mourinho said: "You want to speak about the game? I'm ready.
You want to speak about some ethics of journalists?" - before shaking his head.
Live television coverage of Galatasaray v Chelsea from 19:30 on Wednesday 26 February on RTÉ Two and RTE.ie (RoI only). Live radio coverage on Game On on RTÉ 2fm and RTÉ.ie (RoI only) from 19:00.
Cue Card will miss the Cheltenham Gold Cup with injury
Leading Cheltenham Gold Cup contender Cue Card has been ruled out of the showpiece meeting by trainer Colin Tizzard.
A dual Festival winner having claimed the Champion Bumper in 2010 and the Ryanair Chase last year, the eight-year-old appeared bound for a tilt at the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
The Cheltenham bid came around following success in the Betfair Chase at Haydock and a fine second in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.
However, with little over two weeks to go, Cue Card has pulled muscles and English trainer Tizzard has had no option but to take him out of the Betfred-sponsored Gold Cup and Ryanair Chase reckoning.
Tizzard said: "Unfortunately he has pulled muscles behind and he won't be running at the Cheltenham Festival.
"We first noticed it last week. It was only a small thing then and it is only small now, but we cantered him this morning and he is still not right.
"He hasn't got any better and you can't be going to Cheltenham 90 per cent.
"The horse has looked after me for the last four years and it is my turn to look after him now.
"He's been so good to me and he's not going to be ready for the Festival."
Asked whether his stable star could be back in action at the Grand National meeting at Aintree in April, Tizzard said: "Hopefully, but we need to get him right first."
Favourite for the Gold Cup is reigning champion Bobs Worth, whose trainer Nicky Henderson extended his sympathy to Tizzard and his team.
Henderson, who himself has had to rule stable star Sprinter Sacre out of Cheltenham in recent days, said: "That's awful for them and it just goes to show it's a bloody difficult game. I'm very sorry for them."
Shane Long and the rest of the Ireland squad look set to face England next summer
The FAI are expected to officially confirm an international friendly with England at the Aviva Stadium next summer.
FAI Chief Executive John Delaney had previously revealed that he was in talks with the England for a potential friendly next March should Ireland and England avoid each other at the Euro 2016 qualifying draw.
Both nations were kept apart in the draw held at the weekend and that fixture now looks almost certain to go ahead.
Delaney was on hand to make the draw for the AUL Nivea for Men Cup draw last night and according to the AUL twitter account, he confirmed the fixture to those present.
The game would be the first time that England have played Ireland in Dublin in 20 years after their last visit was infamously abandoned following crowd trouble from England supporters.
Ireland drew 1-1 with England at Wembley Stadium last year, when Frank Lampard stuck to cancel out Shane Long's opener.
Louis Picamoles dropped for clash against Scotland
France coach Philippe Saint-Andre has dropped no. 8 Louis Picamoles from his squad to face Scotland next weekend because he showed a lack of respect towards Irish referee Alain Rolland during Friday's loss to Wales.
The Toulouse forward appeared to mockingly applaud Rolland after he gave him a yellow card during the 27-6 Six Nations defeat, followed by a thumbs-up gesture.
"After that defeat we have made a number of changes due to injuries and to cover problems we noticed in the match in Cardiff," Saint-Andre told the France Rugby Federation website.
"But at the same time due to certain attitudes out on the pitch towards the refereeing group that have no place whatsoever in our sport.
"Respect is the foundation of our values. It is important to send a signal to all players who have the privilege of wearing the jersey and remind them it imposes duties and obligations."
Wesley Fofana and Yannick Nyanga were also left out of the 30-man squad due to rib and groin injuries while Marc Andreu and Ibrahim Diarra have been dropped.
Clermont scrumhalf Morgan Parra has been recalled, although he faces a disciplinary hearing after receiving a red card for head-butting a Montpellier player at the weekend.
Prop Rabah Slimani, flankers Bernard Le Roux and Antonie Claassen, and centre Remi Lamerat have also been called up.
France are in a four-way tie at the top of the Six Nations table with Ireland, England and Wales.
France Squad: Vincent Debaty, Thomas Domingo, Yannick Forestier, Brice Mach, Dimitri Szarzewski, Nicolas Mas, Rabah Slimani, Alexandre Flanquart, Yoann Maestri, Pascal Pape, Sebastien Vaahamahina, Virgile Bruni, Alexandre Lapandry, Wenceslas Lauret, Bernard le Roux, Damien Chouly, Antonie Claassen, Jean-Marc Doussain, Maxime Machenaud, Morgan Parra, Jules Plisson, Remi Tales, Mathieu Bastareaud, Gael Fickou, Remi Lamerat, Maxime Mermoz, Yoann Huget, Maxime Medard, Hugo Bonneval, Brice Dulin.
President Michael D Higgins with players and managers of Sligo Rovers and St Patrick's Athletic
President Michael D Higgins has unveiled the Cup that St Patrick's Athletic and Sligo Rovers will be competing for this Sunday.
The President's Cup will serve as a curtain-raiser for the SSE Airtricity League season and will be an annual fixture between the league champions and the FAI Cup winners.
The Saints claimed the league title last season and will have home advantage at Richmond Park as they take on FAI Cup winners Sligo.
Last Friday, officials, players and manages from both clubs visited Áras an Uachtaráin to meet the President as the new trophy was revealed.
Sligo manager Ian Baraclough said: "It'll be a competitive game. We won't come up against anyone better than that this year.
"It's great to be involved in it. What it does for the squad is it gives that final preparation as a game.
"For me personally to meet the President and be invited to the house was fantastic.
"It was something I wouldn't get to do if I wasn't involved with Sligo Rovers and something that we want to be the inaugural winners of.
"We won't take the game lightly even though it is the final pre-season game. We'd like to win in it.
"To go to Richmond Park and do it, in their backyard, would be great.
"Whoever wins on the day will have a good boost going into the league campaign."
The trophy is engraved in both Irish and English and features a base and band to record the winners each year.
In addition a special medal, featuring an image of President Higgins, has also been commissioned with gold medals being presented to the winners and silver medals to the runners-up.
Johnny Murtagh has ridden his last race as he refocuses on training
Multiple Group One-winning jockey Johnny Murtagh has announced he is to retire from race-riding to concentrate on his training career.
Crowned Irish champion jockey on five occasions, the 43-year-old is widely regarded as one of the greatest riders of the modern era and partnered countless big-race winners in all corners of the globe.
Murtagh said: "The training side of things is getting bigger all the time and I wasn't happy giving the riding 50 per cent and the training 50 per cent.
"It's the right time to call it a day with the riding and put everything into the training side of things."
During a stellar career Murtagh rode over 100 Group One winners at home and abroad, and was successful in each of the five Irish Classics at least once, riding four Irish Derby winners and six Irish Oaks winners, including last year's French-trained Oaks heroine Chicquita.
He also rode three winners of the Epsom Derby in Sinndar (2000), High Chaparral (2002) and Motivator and was successful in the 2000 Guineas twice aboard the brilliant Rock Of Gibraltar (2002) and Henrythenavigator (2008).
Murtagh's other British Classic victory came with a brilliant front-running ride aboard 2011 Oaks scorer Dancing Rain.
The jockey also had a great affinity with Royal Ascot, taking the leading rider award at the summer showpiece meeting for a fifth time last year.
"I didn't ride a horse until I was 15 and it's been fantastic, but it's now time to move on to the next chapter in my life."
His numerous Ascot winners include five triumphs in the Gold Cup, guiding the remarkable Yeats to two of his four victories in the two-and-a-half-mile feature.
"I've done extremely well and when you look at the list of horses I've ridden, there have been some brilliant horses," said Murtagh "It would be unfair to pick out one, but there were a number of special days.
"My first Derby win aboard Sinndar was obviously a huge thing and then Yeats was an incredible horse to be associated with. "I suppose winning on Sole Power in the King's Stand last year was massive for me as well. Just the way the race went and getting up on the line - you know when you get it right.
"Riding and training Royal Diamond to win on Champions Day last year at Ascot (in the Long Distance Cup). That was something very special as well."
Murtagh enjoyed great associations with some of the biggest stables in the sport, riding as stable jockey for the likes of John Oxx and Aidan O'Brien.
The rider also had a successful spell with Sir Michael Stoute, while Jeremy Noseda, James Fanshawe and Motivator's trainer Michael Bell were others to call upon his services.
"I was very lucky to ride for some great people. I got along with them all and still do. It's been brilliant," said the jockey.
"When you are riding you can take all the big winners for granted, but when you sit back and think about it, I've been very lucky.
"I'm coming up 44 this year and my first Group One was on Manntari for Mr Oxx in 1993 (National Stakes). Someone texted me earlier saying I had 105 Group One winners, but my wife thinks it's 107.
"I've been all over the world riding, I've met some lovely people and it's been a great experience.
"I didn't ride a horse until I was 15 and it's been fantastic, but it's now time to move on to the next chapter in my life."
In May of last year Murtagh took out his training licence, taking over the reins from Tommy Carmody at Fox Covert Stables in County Kildare.
Murtagh confirmed he would continue riding for the rest of that year and enjoyed a fantastic campaign in 2013, with Chicquita and Sole Power among his five Group One winners.
He also partnered German star Novellist to victory in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot in July and rode his last Group One winner on Tom Hogan's Gordon Lord Byron in the Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock in September.
His final big-race winner was aptly aboard Royal Diamond on Champions Day.
Murtagh said: "We have 45 horses in training at the moment, including 20 two-year-olds and we have a few new owners. "I have the same expectations as when I was riding - the standards are still the same.
"If we get a bit of luck and a good horse comes along, we'll get there."
Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 01 Februari 2014 | 23.07
Updated: Saturday, 01 Feb 2014 11:07 | Comments
Joe Schmidt: 'It's a real roll-your-sleeves-up day for the back row against Scotland'
Ireland's entire pack must make up for the "unbelievable" burden carried by injured flanker Sean O'Brien, according to boss Joe Schmidt.
Head coach Schmidt admitted Ireland will be hit hard by bullocking back-row forward O'Brien's RBS 6 Nations absence after shoulder surgery.
But the former Leinster boss challenged Ireland's pack to pick up the slack and share O'Brien's Herculean workload in Sunday's tournament opener against Scotland in Dublin.
Ulster flanker Chris Henry starts at openside, itching to frustrate Scotland at the breakdown, but will face a huge test to match O'Brien's tireless ball-carrying exploits.
"Sean's numbers were unbelievable both in defence and attack in the New Zealand defeat in November," said Schmidt.
"So it's a real roll-your-sleeves-up day for the back row against Scotland on Sunday.
"Everyone has to take on that responsibility.
"As long as it's shared, then that burden is lightened, rather than asking one person to pick up 10 of the carries Sean made, and someone else to make 10 more.
"He's a big loss and it's a huge opportunity for Chris Henry and the rest of the forward pack to take it on."
Captain Paul O'Connell believes Ireland's current squad could be more talented than the 2009 vintage that claimed the Six Nations Grand Slam.
Munster talisman O'Connell believes Ireland boast huge potential under new boss Schmidt, but conceded last season's fifth-placed Six Nations finish leaves the squad unable to start targeting the title.
"I think this squad is every bit as good and possibly better than 2009, but until we go on and do something you can't say that," said O'Connell.
"We've got a great amount of talent and experience.
"You look at Johnny Sexton and Brian O'Driscoll either side of Luke Marshall, they are three outstanding players.
"And there's two guys with so much experience to guide Luke along.
"That team had been together a long time under Eddie (O'Sullivan), Deccie (Declan Kidney) came in, we rolled up our sleeves that year, dug in and won the Grand Slam.
"There's probably a lot of lessons from that tournament that we can still heed now.
"Brian scored some tries in that tournament that will probably go on his DVD highlights reel, but we dug in and got the job done.
"At times last year we just didn't do that.
"That doggedness, emotion and passion, we've got to bring that." - Paul O'Connell
"You can look at a lot of pieces of discipline, people knowing their role that bit better, or being that slight bit more accurate, and you get that one score that wins the game.
"We were behind at half-time in many of those games, and we dug in and came back to win.
"That doggedness, emotion and passion, we've got to bring that."
Leinster's fast-developing tighthead prop Martin Moore is primed for his international debut on Sunday.
The 22-year-old will be sent into second-half action from his seat on the bench, and boss Schmidt expects a big impact.
Though Schmidt concedes Ireland are thin on the ground on the prop front, he does anticipate Moore reaching the game's pinnacle.
"I'm delighted for Marty, and I think it's a close call for Stephen Archer, I think he's done really well too," said Schmidt.
"We just felt that Marty deserved the chance.
"With John Afoa, Nathan White and BJ Botha playing in the various provinces there's not a massive amount of depth to go to.
"At the same time I've no doubt Marty won't let us down: he won't let himself or his team-mates down.
"I think he's shown in Heineken Cup games against some proven scrummagers, destructive scrummagers, that he can lock a scrum down and do a good job."
LIVE: RBS SIX NATIONS Live television coverage of the opening weekend of the RBS Six Nations from 14:00 on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 February on RTÉ Two and RTE.ie (Ireland only).
Live radio coverage on Saturday Sport (14:00) and Sunday Sport (14:00) on RTÉ Radio 1 and RTÉ.ie (Worldwide).
England have handed debuts to their outside centre and wing
Live
Video
Audio
By Brendan Cole
Wales are tournament favourites, and there is quiet optimism surrounding Ireland, but it's hard to imagine a final weekend without at least one of this pair involved in the battle to claim this year's title.
How much of that feeling is based on a real assessment of the quality England and France bring to this tournament, and how much on their history of dominance through the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, is a moot point.
The hard evidence of the last few years suggests that both of these potential giants are some way short of the dominant teams they were able to field even in the recent past.
On the French side, an aspect of the mystique has slipped away. At club and provincial level, a succession of clubs and provinces from other countries have learned that tempo, attitude and will to win can knock even the top French teams off balance. Wales have led the way in showing that that holds true at Test level as well.
England, too, have struggled to translate their huge playing numbers and relatively strong domestic league into success at national level. The legendary players of the early 2000s are beginning to cast a long shadow.
With change needed after disappointing campaigns last year, both Phillipe Saint-Andre and Stuart Lancaster have rolled the dice on the selection front.
Lancaster has arguably taken the lesser risk by experimenting with his outside centre and on the wings. The core of his team is experienced.
By selecting a young and relatively untried out-half in Jules Plisson, Saint-Andre has taken a major risk. Plisson looks to have the full range of attributes, but whether or not he can apply his skills at this level has yet to be proved.
It is also legitimate to question Saint-Andre's intent. Has he made this selection on the basis of Plisson's ability to attack the gainline, or because the 22-year-old can drop goals to beat the band? It should become apparent at an early stage in this clash.
If France have shifted towards a more expansive style, there is class and sheer athleticism alongside Plisson in the shape of Wesley Fofana and Mathieu Bastareaud. For their own sake, France will hopefully have enough sense to make full use of arguably their strongest unit.
For England's part, the youngsters out wide will hope for a solid platform from their athletic and technically accomplished pack. England have been able to select the best of the current generation of their forwards in the back five of the scrum and watching their performance in this cauldron will be one of the major points of interest in this match. Even this far out from RWC 2015, a big setback for that unit here would be a massive blow.
At half-back, the combination of a livewire scrum-half in Danny Care and a highly competent but slightly pedestrian ten in Owen Farrell is another crucial area of importance for England. The chemistry could go either way.
England would love to have named Alex Corbisiero and Manu Tuilagi, who would have been a perfect counter-foil to Bastareaud, and might well have managed to shade this clash. In their absence, they may just lack the set piece quality and backline class to win this one.
RBS 6 Nations Prediction: France 24-19 England
France v England, RBS 6 Nations, Saturday 1 February, Stade de France, 5pm Irish Time
France: 15 Brice Dulin, 14 Yoann Huget, 13 Mathieu Bastareaud, 12 Wesley Fofana, 11 Maxime Médard, 10 Jules Plisson, 9 Jean-Marc Doussain, 8 Louis Picamoles, 7 Bernard Le Roux, 6 Yannick Nyanga, 5 Pascal Papé (c), 4 Alexandre Flanquart, 3 Nicolas Mas, 2 Benjamin Kayser, 1 Thomas Domingo Replacements: 16 Dimitri Szarzewski, 17 Yannick Forestier, 18 Rabah Slimani, 19 Yoann Maestri, 20 Antoine Burban, 21 Damien Chouly, 22 Maxime Machenaud, 23 Gael Fickou
England: 15 Mike Brown, 14 Jack Nowell, 13 Luther Burrell, 12 Billy Twelvetrees, 11 Jonny May, 10 Owen Farrell, 9 Danny Care, 8 Billy Vunipola, 7 Chris Robshaw (c), 6 Tom Wood, 5 Courtney Lawes, 4 Joe Launchbury, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Dylan Hartley, 1 Joe Marler
Replacements: 16 Tom Youngs, 17 Mako Vunipola, 18 Henry Thomas, 19 Dave Attwood, 20 Ben Morgan, 21 Lee Dickson, 22 Brad Barritt, 23 Alex Goode
LIVE: RBS SIX NATIONS Live television coverage of the opening weekend of the RBS Six Nations from 14:00 on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 February on RTÉ Two and RTE.ie (Ireland only).
Live radio coverage on Saturday Sport (14:00) and Sunday Sport (14:00) on RTÉ Radio 1 and RTÉ.ie (Worldwide).
Rory McIlroy: 'I felt like I left a few out there'
Defending champion Stephen Gallacher produced a sensational scoring burst to give him a two-shot lead over Rory McIlroy heading into the final round of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.
In the 25th edition of the event, Gallacher is in pole position to become the first man to successfully defend the title following a brilliant round of 63 on Saturday.
The 39-year-old Scot looked out of contention when he played his first eight holes at Emirates Golf Club in one over par to lie seven shots off the lead.
But the two-time European Tour winner then played the remaining 10 holes in 10 under, following a birdie on the ninth with seven more and an eagle in a brilliant back nine of 28.
Gallacher, who was denied a second win of 2013 in a three-man play-off for the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles, won by three shots here 12 months ago thanks to more amazing scoring.
A first round of 63 was followed by rounds of 70, 62 and 71, during which he made a total of five eagles, the last coming when he holed a wedge from 110 yards on the 16th in the final round.
He was also 10th in 2011 and second in 2012 and will not be overawed by playing in the final group with McIlroy either, having partnered the two-time major winner and Tiger Woods in the first two rounds.
McIlroy admitted he expected to win the title for a second time after holding a one-shot lead at halfway, but despite carding a 69, the 24-year-old was far from the brilliant form which saw him shoot an opening 63.
"It was okay," said McIlroy, who said he was not quite 100 per cent after a bout of food poisoning caused by takeaway food on Thursday night.
"I bogeyed the first again but birdied two and eagled three which was great.
"I didn't drive the ball particularly well, I'm probably going to work on a few things on the range and I felt like I hit a lot of good putts that just didn't go in." Rory McIlroy
"I didn't drive the ball particularly well, I'm probably going to work on a few things on the range and I felt like I hit a lot of good putts that just didn't go in.
"I felt like I left a few out there but it was a tricky day and shooting anything under 70 wasn't a bad score.
"Obviously Stephen had a phenomenal round, 63 today is a really impressive effort."
Told Gallacher was 10 under for the last 10 holes, McIlroy added: "I didn't know that. That's a great stretch of holes and hopefully he doesn't continue it tomorrow!
"I played with him the first two days and he played very well.
"Obviously he was on fire today, I just need to go out there and try to hit a few more fairways, focus on a few things in my game, not really focus on what he's doing and make a few putts and see where it puts me.
"It's the second week in a row for me going into the last day with a chance to win, it's a great position to be in."
McIlroy finished one shot behind Pablo Larrazabal in Abu Dhabi, having been penalised two shots for an incorrect drop in the third round.
American Brooks Koepka held the lead midway through the back nine until Gallacher's charge, the 23-year-old dropping shots at the 14th and 15th to card a 70 and finish 12 under alongside Denmark's Thorbjorn Olesen.
Olesen fired a flawless 65 but that was not the lowest round of the day, England's Steve Webster returning a rollercoaster 64 with nine birdies, an eagle and three bogeys to lie a shot behind on 11 under.
World number one Tiger Woods shot 70 to occupy a share of 37th place on five under.
Alan Pardew watches as Sunderland see off his Newcastle sideFabio Borini celebrates after scoring the opening goal
Fans incensed by the club's decision to sell Yohan Cabaye and not replace him vented their anger on the 52-year-old, with owner Mike Ashley and director of football Joe Kinnear nowhere to be seen as the Black Cats cruised to a second successive 3-0 victory at St James' Park.
Sunderland's third derby victory on the trot - for the first time since 1923 - was secured by first-half goals from Fabio Borini and Adam Johnson, who struck for the seventh time in as many games, and Jack Colback's late strike, and it was no more than the visitors deserved.
Where Newcastle were porous at the back and an ineffective in front of goal, with ring-rusty loan signing Luuk de Jong ponderous after his half-time introduction, the Black Cats were solid in their own half and clinical in the other.
It had not been a good week for Pardew, who went into the game with the repercussions of the Cabaye saga still echoing on Tyneside, leading scorer Loic Remy suspended after a senseless clash with Norwich's Bradley Johnson and Yoan Gouffran and Papiss Cisse joining Fabricio Coloccini on the injured list.
But it was to get far, far worse long before he headed back into the dressing room with the boos of a furious home crowd ringing in his ears.
Newcastle were utterly shambolic before the break as Sunderland took the game to their hosts after the early skirmishes.
Lone striker Jozy Altidore, who was made to look pedestrian by non-league Kidderminster in the FA Cup last Saturday, terrorised Mike Williamson and Steven Taylor.
And with Borini and Johnson running riot out wide and Ki Sung-yueng dominant in front of quietly impressive debutant Liam Bridcutt in the middle, the visitors were a constant threat.
It might have been very different for the home side had full-back Mathieu Debuchy blasted a second-minute shot inside the post rather than past it, but things started to turn sour shortly afterwards.
An unmarked Marcos Alonso flashed a fifth-minute header over Tim Krul's crossbar and Borini only just failed to connect with Johnson's long ball three minutes later.
But the Black Cats went ahead with 19 minutes gone when Phil Bardsley went down under Vurnon Anita's clumsy challenge inside the box and referee Phil Dowd immediately pointed to the spot.
Borini smashed the ball high to Krul's right and was promptly booked for his delirious celebration, and worse was to follow for both Krul and Newcastle.
Only four more minutes had elapsed when the Dutchman had to claw Jack Colback's deflected shot away, but Johnson was on hand to tap home with the keeper berating full-back Davide Santon afterwards.
The Magpies were bereft creatively without Cabaye's influence and with Sunderland denying Hatem Ben Arfa and Sammy Ameobi time and space to run at them, lone striker Shola Ameobi was seeing little of the game.
His only real contribution during the opening 45 minutes was an aimless header and two equally wayward shots, but he was not alone with both Santon, handed the responsibility for set-pieces in the post-Cabaye era, and Moussa Sissoko wasting promising opportunities.
Pardew made his move at the break when he handed De Jong a debut in place of Sammy Ameobi, and the newcomer forced a 52nd-minute save from Vito Mannone after Sissoko, Anita and Ben Arfa had linked well.
The Magpies had a better look about them as the second half unfolded, with Sissoko running at Sunderland and Ben Arfa seeing more of the ball.
But with Bardsley and Johnson doubling up when the latter was in possession, he was struggling to make an impact.
Cheick Tiote had a tame side-footed effort from distance comfortably saved by Mannone, but Colback came close to making it 3-0 with a 61st-minute effort which went just wide after Altidore's shot had been deflected into his path.
But the home side were starting to find a momentum and Mannone had to pull off a fine save to keep Tiote's 64th-minute effort out of his top corner, and Shola Ameobi sent a towering header wide from the resulting corner.
However, Sunderland continued to threaten and Johnson was unfortunate to see his shot come back off the foot of the post with Krul beaten seconds later.
Ameobi might have done better after being played in over the top by Krul with 72 minutes gone, but Mannone blocked his toe-poke and Borini cleared his header from the corner which followed off the line.
Altidore should have killed the game off when he found himself in on Krul seconds later and failed to round the keeper, but Colback was not so wasteful 10 minutes from time to wrap up the win.
