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PaddyPower are giving a 100e Free Bet for a GAA competition

Just try and predict the total score of  seven matches below.

If the Seven matches ended up 1-17 to 1-17 it would be 280pts.

So simply click link and  leave your email and name with your Prediction.

http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/2010/05/17/calling-all-gaa-fans-win-a-100e-free-bet-from-paddypower/

Playing Rules Motions Passed at Congress 2010 for both Hurling and Football Championship 2010

Hurling and Football
1.Rule 3.4 (d), Rules of Specification: "Extra Time (when played) shall consist of two periods of ten minutes each way."
Change: In 2009 the Rule stated that when teams were still level after the designated extra time, two further periods of five minutes each way were to be played. The additional period of extra time is now eliminated.

2.Rule 2.2 additional exception: "When play is restarted by throwing in the ball after a foul(s) within 13m of the sideline, the throw in shall be given 13m from the sideline directly infield from the foul(s) occurred."
Rule 2.8 (H) 2.9 (F): "If opposing players play the ball simultaneously over the sideline, or if the Officials are not sure which team played the ball last, the Referee, facing the players, shall throw in the ball between one player from each team 13m in from the sideline."
Change: Throw in's do not take place within 13m of the sideline. Linesman throws-in in the case of a lineball.

3.Amend 4.32 (H) 4.35 (F): "To deliberately go outside the boundary lines to gain an advantage except as permitted by Rule 1.10 (H), 1.9 (F)."
Penalty: Free kick/puck from where the Foul occurred.
Change: Previously the penalty for this foul was to caution the offender – it is now to award a free kick/puck against him.

4.Addition to Rules 4.34 and 5.36 (H) and 4.37 and 5.30 (F): The referee "shall signal that advantage is being played by raising his extended arm upright.
Change: The only change to the "advantage rule" is the signal to be now given by the referee.

5.Amend Rule 1.9 The Play (H) 1.7 (F): Delete the words "side to side" and replace with the words "shoulder to shoulder".
Change: A legal charge may only be made "shoulder to shoulder".

6. Rule 2 – Set Play – Hurling
A New Section numbered as 2.9 (with existing 2.9 becoming 2.10 and reads:

"2.9 – If in exceptional circumstances play is stopped by the Referee to enable a seriously injured player to be treated on the field or removed from the field of play, play shall resume in one of the following manners:-
(i)If a Team is in possession when the play is stopped, the play shall resume with a free puck to that Team from the position at which the play was stopped, unless the play was stopped inside the opponents 20m line in which case the free shall be awarded from the 20m line opposite the point where the play was stopped. A score may not be made directly from such free.

(ii)If neither Team is in possession when the play is stopped, a throw-in shall be made from the position where the play was stopped, subject to the provisions in Exceptions (v) and (vi) of Rule 2.2.

Rule 2 – Set Play – Football
A New Section numbered as 2.10 (with existing 2.10 becoming 2.11) reads:

"2.10 – If in exceptional circumstances play is stopped by the Referee to enable a seriously injured player to be treated on the field or removed from the field of play, play shall resume in one of the following manners:-
(iii)If a Team is in possession when the play is stopped, the play shall resume with a free kick to that Team from the position at which the play was stopped, unless the play was stopped inside the opponents 13m line in which case the free shall be awarded from the 13m line opposite the point where the play was stopped. A score may not be made directly from such free.

(iv)If neither Team is in possession when the play is stopped, a throw-in shall be made from the position where the play was stopped, subject to the provisions in Exceptions (v) and (vi) of Rule 2.2.

Penalty (in both Codes) – for "scoring" from such a free
(i)Cancel free kick/puck
(ii)Throw-in ball where the foul occurred, except as provided for under Exception (v)* of Rule 2.2

* (The New Section (v) re throw-ins being made 13m infield is referred to above).

Change: (i) Previously play would have re-started with a throw in, now a free kick/puck for the team in possession.
(ii) When neither team is "in possession", play shall re-start with a throw in.
(iii) If the free kick/puck results directly in a score then the score shall be disallowed and play restarted by a thrown in at the place from where the free kick/puck was taken.

Football:

1.Rule 1.7 (b) The Play amend to read: "Who is playing the ball other than when kicking it."
Change: It is illegal for a charge, otherwise to be considered fair, to be made on a player kicking the ball.

2.Rule 1.4 (e) the Rules of Football amended to read: "played away with (a) the fist (b) the open hand(s) provided it involves a definite underhand striking action."

"7 Handpass (Definition)

Rest on
http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/2010/05/05/the-list-of-the-rule-changes-for-the-football-and-hurling-championships-2010/

ESB Munster Minor Hurling Championship playoff Clare v Tipperary, Live scores & result – 6.30pm

Tipperary 0-3 Clare 0-5 20 mins


http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/2010/05/05/wednesday-5-may-esb-munster-minor-hurling-championship-playoff-clare-v-tipperary-live-scores-result-6-30pm/

Munster Rugby have just released their official Free Iphone application for the Rugby club. The App contains News, Fixtures, Media including video and photos from the club amongst a host of other features including a competition button where they will have stunning prizes every week. This weeks prize is two free tickets and flights for the Match this weekend against Biarritz.

More Details on http://wp.me/pFM7o-3Uo

Great update from Aiden O'Brien on his Group class runners plus 2yo's to note for the season.

Ballydoyle Update Tuesday 13th April

AGE OF AQUARIUS is well, he had a little hold up with a bruised foot but everything going well he might start back in the Boodles Ormonde Stakes at Chester.

ALFRED NOBEL will probably have his next run in the Weatherbys Greenlands stakes at the Curragh.

BEETHOVEN is working well, he will probably start in the stanjames.com 2000 guineas in Newmarket. He also holds an entry in the Kentucky Derby but is unlikely to travel there.

CAPE BLANCO is in good form, he is possible to start back in the totesport.com Dante Stakes at York.

FAME AND GLORY came out of his race well, he might go to the High Chaparral Mooresbridge Stakes at the Curragh next as the Prix Ganay might just come a little bit too soon for him.

FENCING MASTER is working nicely,we are looking at the stanjames.com 2000 guineas in Newmarket. for him.

JAN VERMEER is well, he also had a little hold up but is back in work again now, he is a possible runner in either the French guineas or the Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 guineas.

MIKHAIL GLINKA is in good form, he will probably have his first run in the P W McGrath Memorial Ballysax at Leopardstown.

RIP VAN WINKLE is well, he will either start in the Juddmonte Lockinge at Newbury or could go straight to the Prince of Wales Stakes or the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.

STARSPANGLEDBANNER did his first canter on the grass this morning and we were very happy with him. We are hoping to have him ready for a run in the Duke of York Blue Square Stakes at York.

ST NICHOLAS ABBEY is in goo...........

Rest of Article on
http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/2010/04/13/ballydoyle-update-for-group-class-runners-this-season/

24.04.10 (Sat)
Allianz GAA Football National League
Division Three Final
Páirc an Chrócaigh 7.00pm
Antrim v Sligo TG4
(E.T. if Necessary)

Division Four Final
Páirc an 5.00pm
Limerick V Waterford TG4
(E.T. if Necessary)

25.04.10 (Sun)
Allianz GAA Football National League
Division one Final
Páirc an 4.00pm Cork v Mayo TG4
(E.T. if Necessary)

Division Two Final
Páirc an 2.00pm
Down v Armagh TG4
(E.T. if Necessary)

02.05.2010 Sunday
Division one Hurling
Thurles 7.00pm
Cork V Galway TG4
Referee: TBC
(E.T. if Necessary)

http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/2010/04/12/allianz-gaa-national-league-finals-dates-and-venues-announced/

Saturday 10 April

Allianz NHL Division 3a final
Kerry v Derry, Woodmount, Roscommon, 2.30pm
Referee: Alan Kelly

Kerry were in inspirational form as they stormed through their league campaign to top the division and John Meyler's team will start this game as big favourites.

They won all five of their league games including a ten point win over final opponents Derry in the first round in February.

Darragh O'Connell scored 2-4 that day on his league debut and he continued to impress as the league developed alongside the likes of Shane Brick, Gary O'Brien and John Mike Dooley.

Derry responded well to that opening day defeat and won three of their next four games including a two point victory over Meath in the last round to seal their final place.

Two late goals by Kevin Hinphey helped Derry to a dramatic win against the Royals in that game but Kerry won't want to slip up after what has been a perfect season for them so far.

Verdict: Kerry

Allianz NHL Division 4 final
Monaghan v Longford, Kingspan Breffni Park, 2.30pm
Referee: Eamonn Hassen

Monaghan are another side to reach a league final having won all five of their league games and in their third Division 4 final in a row, they will be looking to finally make the leap to Division 3b hurling.

They actually won the final in 2008 but there was no promotion from Division 4 that year and last year they were beaten in the decider by Sligo after extra time.

Longford are looking to bounce back to the higher division immediately having been relegated last year and if they are to do so, a lot of their hopes will rest on the shoulders of Garrett Ghee.

When these two teams met in the group stages, Ghee scored 1-10 of Longford's total but it wasn't enough to stop a 2-13 to 1-12 Monaghan win.

That was Longford's only defeat but Monaghan are desperate for promotion after those near misses in recent years.

Verdict: Monaghan

Sunday 11 April

Allianz NFL Division 1
Cork v Mayo, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 2.30pm
Referee: Gearoid O Conamha

Cork have the advantage heading into this mouthwatering clash against fellow table toppers Mayo of knowing that whatever the result in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, their place in the league final is already assured.

Because of the new rules brought in this season, even a Cork defeat to Mayo coupled with a Dublin win in Omagh would leave Cork ahead of the Dubs because of their better "Head-to-Head" record.

That means all the pressure is on John O'Mahony's team although they at least know that a draw would be good enough to guarantee their place in the April 25th final.

The Mayo boss has been talking up Cork in the build up to the game and while there is an element of mind games in what he has been saying, he knows that his team will be really up against it against a Cork team who are heading to their first league final since 1999.

O'Mahony should be able to call upon both Ronan McGarrity and Alan Dillon but Kevin Higgins has already been ruled out and Enda Varley is rated as "extremely doubtful".

Much will depend on the team that Cork field and how seriously they take what could be a league final dress rehearsal. Captain Graham Canty and Anthony Lynch are believed to be close to returning to the Cork line up while Donnacha O'Connor is available again following his four week ban for a sending off against Tyrone.

Verdict: M

Tyrone v Dublin, Omagh, 2.30pm
Referee: Derek Fahy

It promises to be a nail biting day in Omagh with both teams needing wins for vastly different reasons.

While there are many different permutations of what might happen depending on different results Mickey Harte's team at least know that their destiny is in their own hands. If Tyrone win they will stay in Division 1 next season, simple as that. A loss however and they will almost certainly be relegated.

It's hard to know what to expect from Dublin with the wheels coming off their league challenge in spectacular fashion in their last two games where they were defeated by Cork and Galway.

For all the new players brought in this season by Pat Gilroy, Dublin still seem overly reliant on the admittedly magnificent Bernard Brogan and they also have problems in midfield where Eamon Fennell and Rory McConnell were badly exposed in the defeat against Galway last time out.

Colm Cavanagh's last gasp winning goal for Tyrone against Kerry in their last game was the kind of the moment that can change a team's season and while Dublin supporters in Omagh will be glued to the radio to see if Cork can do them a favour against Mayo, their team will be facing a massive obstacle in the form of a resurgent Red Hand team on the pitch.

Verdict: Tyrone

Rest of preview on
http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/2010/04/08/gaa-preview-saturday-10th-11th-of-april-2010/

"Curragh update – After this morning's exercise we hope to run Fame And Glory and Dixie Music in the Listed Alleged Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday.

We hope to run Alfred Nobel in the Loughbrown Stakes, our other entry Queen Of Troy will probably run in Dundalk on Friday evening instead in the Fillies Conditions race.

Rocket Man will probably run in the mile and a quarter Maiden, we may also run Bold Quest in this.

rest of article on
http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/2010/04/07/aidan-obrien-stable-news-for-this-weekends-racing-wednesday-7th-april/

Saturday 3 April

Allianz NHL Division 2
Clare v Westmeath, Cusack Park, 12.45pm
Referee: Tommy Ryan

Clare supporters will be arriving expectantly into Cusack Park for the first part of a double header on Saturday and this should be the first of two wins that they have to celebrate.

Victory for Ger O'Loughlin's team would leave them within touching distance of top flight hurling but they take nothing for granted against a team who ended a run of four straight defeats by beating Antrim last week.

Kevin Martin's Westmeath would see anything they take from this game as a huge bonus and they will be more concerned about the relegation battle against Down in the last round of games.

Verdict: Clare

Allianz NFL Division 4
Clare v Limerick, Cusack Park, Ennis 2.30pm
Referee: Padraig O Sullivan

After last week's three point win over Longford, Clare remain the only side with a 100% record still intact and if that is still the case after Saturday's game then they will be promoted to Division 3 with a game to spare.

The Banner County kept Longford scoreless for the opening 40 minutes last week but conceded seven unanswered scores in the final ten minutes of that game.

While Clare were enduring a nervous finish, Limerick had no such worries and they will have had harder workouts in some training sessions than in their 29 point win against Kilkenny.

Seanie Buckley scored 3-2 in that win but this game will be a different story and Limerick will know that anything less than a win in Cusack Park will surely put an end to their promotion hopes.

Verdict: Clare

Kilkenny v Waterford, Freshford, 2.30pm
Referee: Joe Curley

Kilkenny have been on the wrong end of some severe beatings already this campaign and there is surely another one waiting for them on Saturday.

Waterford turned in one of their best performances in years when beating promotion rivals Wicklow last week and that result puts them in a great position.

Liam Ó Lionain scored twice in a glorious three minute spell during that game for John Owens' men and they should have enough in their locker to win this at a canter.

A win for The Déise coupled with a Clare win over Limerick will be enough to at last promote Waterford from Division 4.

Verdict: Waterford.

Leitrim v Longford, Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada, Carrick-on-Shannon 2.30pm
Referee: Robert O Donnell

Glen Ryan's Longford have had a terribly disappointing campaign so far with just one win in six games and only seven points in as many minutes in the closing stages against Clare saved them from being on the wrong end of a humiliating defeat last week.

Leitrim are the very definition of a mid table side having beaten the three teams that they have played who are below them in the league table while losing to the three that they have played above them.

Ryan would dearly love another win before the end of the league season but Mickey Moran's team will prove to be difficult opponents for them. Michael Foley scored seven points for Leitrim in last week's win against Carlow and James Glancy also impressed in attack.

Verdict: Leitrim

London v Carlow, Ruislip, 2.30pm
Referee: Gregory Walsh

Never mind a win, Luke Dempsey would be happy just to see his team finish this game with 15 men after having two players sent off in four of previous five games.

Given those disciplinary problems, it's not surprising that Kilkenny are the only team that Carlow have beaten since the opening round.

London have had their own problems this year and if Carlow can keep their full complement of players on the pitch they will expect to win this.

Verdict: Carlow

Cadbury Connacht U21FC final
Sligo v Roscommon, Markievicz Park, 5.30pm

A big crowd is expected in Markievicz Park for a very rare event on Saturday night. This will be only the third time in 47 years of the competition that neither Mayo nor Galway are in the under 21 decider.

It is Sligo's seventh final but they still await their first title having been most recently beaten by Mayo at the final stage last year. Roscommon have been triumphant on six occasions but still await their first win this century although they did win a minor All-Ireland title in 2006.

Roscommon had the honour of knocking holders Mayo out in the semi final when they won by the slenderest of margins. Senior players Paul Garvey, Donal Shine were both highly impressive in that win and they were backed up by solid performances from Neil Collins, Michael Higgins, Niall Daly, and James Mc Keague.

Sligo had to overturn a four point deficit against Galway in Tuam to force their semi final into extra time before they eventually came through, also by a single point margin. Top scorer David Maye was man of the match in that win with Ronan Mc Garrigle and Keelan Cawley both having fine games in defence.

This is a tough game to call with home advantage perhaps swinging the odds in Sligo's favour but it is a game that could go either way.

Verdict: Sligo

Rest on
http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/2010/04/01/gaa-preview-3rd-4th-april-2010/

Cadbury Munster U21FC final

Kerry v Tipperary, Tralee, 7.30pm
Referee: Conor Lane

John Evans Tipperary side head into Wednesday's Munster decider against Kerry looking to end a run of three final defeats on the trot.

This game is a repeat of the 2008 final when Kerry won out by 0-15 to 2-07 before going on to beat Kildare in the All-Ireland final. In fact, Tipperary have been beaten in the Munster final by the eventual All-Ireland winner in each of the last three years.

Senior star Sean Carey kick seven points, six from play, as they beat Limerick by five points in the semi final. Conor Sweeney and Ciaran McDonald are also players to keep an watch out for on Horan's team.

John Kennedy's Kerry team have been highly impressive in reaching the final and comfortably saw off the challenge of Cork and Waterford to reach this stage. Forwards such as the two BJ's, Walsh and Keane, James O'Donoghue and Paul Geaney have caught the eye while Johnny Buckley has been excellent in midfield.

Tipperary will be desperate to end their run of final defeats but they could face disappointment once again in Tralee.

Verdict: Kerry

Cadbury Ulster U21FC semi-finals
Derry v Donegal, Omagh, 8.00pm
Referee: Leo Smyth

This highly anticipated clash features two of the most exciting young forwards in the country and should lead to a cracking game.

Donegal's Michael Murphy has already made an impact on the national scene with the senior team while it's surely only a matter of time before Derry's Lee Moore does something similar.

Moore scored 2-1 as Derry overcame Fermanagh by 5-9 to 2-12 in a high scoring quarter final win but they needed late goals from Benny Heron and Aaron Kerrigan to survive a strong second half comeback by the Erne County.

Murphy only managed a point as Donegal beat Armagh 1-9 to 0-9 at the same stage but he did play an instrumental role in James Carroll's decisive goal. Wing forward Dermot Molloy scored six points in that win while midfielder Leo McLoone also chipped in with a brace of points in an eye catching display.

This Derry side contain many of the minor team who were All-Ireland runners up in 2007 but Murphy's presence could swing this game in Donegal's favour.

Verdict: Donegal

Monaghan v Cavan, Brewster Park, 8.00pm
Referee: Eugene McConnell

Cavan were certainly impressive in a heavy 3-14 to 1-8 win over last year's All-Ireland runners up Down but Monaghan in Brewster Park will prove to be another difficult obstacle to clear before they can talk about winning out Ulster.

In that game against Down, Cavan flew out of the traps and led 2-7 to 0-2 at half time and they continued that form into the second half. Gearoid McKiernan and David Givney formed a solid partnership in midfield and gave the high scoring forward line the platform to go on and win the game.

Monaghan had a closer game against Antrim in Belfast before eventually winning 2-12 to 2-6. The impressive Kieran Hughes and David Miller got the goals and it was only a late Antrim goal that put some respectability on the final scoreline.

This is a tough game to call and should be to a very close encounter but if McKiernan and Givney can get the right sort of ball into the forward line then Cavan should prevail.

Verdict: Cavan.
Home Draw Away
19:00 Kerry U21 (2/7)   v (   Tipperary U21 (3)
20:00 Derry U21 (1/2)   v (15/2)   Donegal U21 (15/8)
20:00 Monaghan U21 (11/10)   v (13/2)   Cavan U21 (10/11)

We will have live scores during the matches

http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/2010/03/30/cadbury-all-ireland-u21-matches-previews-live-scores-results-31st-march-2010/

Cork remain top of the Allianz National Hurling League Division 1 after they beat Dublin 0-17 to 1-11 at Parnell Park on Sunday.

Pat Horgan scored six points from play to leave Dublin in serious relegation trouble at the foot of the table.

Alan McCrabbe's late goal for Anthony Daly's team left just a point between the teams and set up a grandstand finish but the Rebels had more in the tank and they ran out winners through injury time points from Horgan and Luke O'Farrell.

Galway lie in second place in the table after they inflicted a third defeat of the season on Kilkenny in a high scoring game at Nowlan Park.

Iarla Tannion came off the substitute's bench in the second half and helped himself to two goals to ease Galway to victory by 2-21 to 1-23.

After Galway led by 0-13 to 0-09 at half time, the Cats came back into the game and TJ Reid found the net to help them into a 1-12 to 0-13 lead.

Kilkenny increased that lead to five before Tannion was introduced and his goal allied with a Aonghus Callanan point left one between the teams before an injury to Galway goalkeeper James Skehill caused a lengthy delay.

Tannion struck his second goal late in the game and although replacement goalkeeper Colm Callanan was called upon to make an important injury time save for Galway, the Tribesmen were able to hold on.

Limerick are still searching for their first win of the league campaign after they lost 2-17 to 3-13 to Offaly in a closely fought game.

Ger Healion and Richard McKeogh scored two goals apiece for either team and although

Tipperary and Waterford played out a 1-19 to 2-16 draw against Waterford that did little help either team's league final chances.

Just as he was last week, Eoin Kelly was again the saviour for Waterford as his late free, part of 1-07 personal tally, levelled the scores to ensure the Deise's second consecutive draw.

In Division 2, Clare still lead the way after a one point win over Carlow in Dr. Cullen Park, eventually winning by 1-9 to 0-11.

Rest of review on
http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/2010/03/28/hurling-round-up-27th-28th-march/

Mayo and Cork both secured wins this weekend to set up a final day clash in Páirc Uí Chaoimh between the two to decide who tops the Allianz National Football League Division 1 this year.

John O'Mahony's team remain on top of the division after goals in either half from Donal Vaughan and Aidan O'Shea helped them to a 2-12 to 0-15 win against Monaghan in Castlebar on Sunday.

The home team were on the back foot for much of the first half but Vaughan's goal just before the break closed Monaghan's lead to just two points as the teams headed for the dressing rooms.

Monaghan stormed back out onto the pitch and rattled off four points in a row before O'Shea hit the back of the net to give Mayo hope.

Mayo had just too much in the tank for Monaghan in the closing stages and Andy Moran and Tom Parsons kicked the final scores of the game to leave Mayo the winners by three.

Cork were also given a thorough examination of their league winning credentials before eventually seeing off Derry on a scoreline of 2-09 to 0-14 in Celtic Park on Saturday night.

The Rebels had the ideal start when John Hayes (penalty) and Fintan Gould hit the back of the net inside the opening six minutes but Paddy Bradley shot over three points as Derry came back into the game, although they trailed 2-05 to 0-08 at half time.

With Bradley performing well, he finished the game with seven points, Derry hit seven unanswered points in that first half as Cork went 22 minutes without a score and the men in red were hardly more impressive when scoring just four points in the second half but they just about did enough to hold on and inflict Derry's fifth defeat in a row – and leave Damian Cassidy's team rooted to the foot of the table.

Dublin are relying on favours to reach the league final after they fell to their second successive league defeat in Parnell Park, also on Saturday night, when losing 1-14 to 0-14 to a resolute Galway side.

Bernard Brogan kicked 11 points but he couldn't carry his team to victory against a Galway team who overcame the dismissal of Declan Meehan to score three late points to win the game.

Rest of review on
http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/2010/03/28/gaelic-football-round-up-for-27th-28th-march/

After Celtic's 4-0 Clydesdale Bank Premier League thrashing at the hands of St Mirren last night , Reports suggest Mowbray and Celtic have parted company leaving the way for Neil Lennon to become caretaker manager.

Mowbray won 17 of the 30 league games played since he arrived from West Brom last June and struggled in Europe and the Glasgow club trail Scottish Premier League leaders Rangers by 10 points, having played two more matches than their Old Firm rivals.

Already Mick McCarthy & Roy Keane will be mentioned as the next manager

More to follow plus betting on next manager

http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/2010/03/25/celtic-have-sacked-tony-mowbray/

Following is a list of the Irish boys Playing Australian Rules. With the Season opener this morning, between The Carlton Blues vs The Richmond Tigers.

Adelaide Crows – Brian Donnelly from County Louth.

Brisbane Lions – Pearce Hanley from County Mayo, and Niall McKeever from County Antrim

Rest of list on

http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/2010/03/25/former-gaa-players-playing-australian-rules-2010/

Saturday 27 March

Allianz NFL Division 1

Derry v Cork, Celtic Park, 7.30pm
Referee: Marty Duffy

Time is running out for Derry if they are to get the points that will pull them away from the relegation zone and last week's defeat to relegation rivals Monaghan will have hit them hard.

That was their fourth defeat on the bounce and Damien Cassidy will be anxious for his team to get a win in one of their final two games not only to stave off relegation but also to halt the losing streak before the championship.

However, they could hardly have wished for a tougher game than against the in-form Rebels. Last week's win over Dublin showed that they are hungry for a league final place and was the perfect way to respond to the previous week's shock loss to Tyrone.

Cork have conceded five goals in their last two games and that is a problem that Conor Counihan will be anxious to address but it's hard to see them slipping up at Celtic Park.

Verdict: Cork

Dublin v Galway, Parnell Park, 7.30pm
Referee: Cormac Reilly

Pat Gilroy's Dubs had been enjoying a perfect league campaign up until last week's seven point defeat to Cork and suddenly the pressure is on if they are to clinch a place in the league final.

A win against a Galway team who are still looking over their shoulders at Derry and Tyrone below them would nicely set up Gilroy's team going into the final round of games.

Joe Bergin was in fine form for the Tribesmen in last week's vital win against Tyrone while Matthew Clancy scored 1-3 from play and Galway will need these kind of players to be at the top of their games if they are to get anything from their trip to the capital.

Verdict: Dublin

Tyrone v Kerry, Omagh, 7.30pm
Referee: Padraig Hughes

Although last week's defeat to Galway was a crushing blow for Tyrone, the one bright spot was the substitute appearance of the magnificent Sean Cavanagh and he is line to take his place in the Tyrone starting team for the first time since last year's All-Ireland quarter-final win over Kildare this weekend.

Cavanagh's return could hardly be better timed because his county badly need a win from somewhere but the fixture Gods haven't exactly smiled on Tyrone and getting anything from their final two games against Kerry and Dublin will be tough. The good news of Cavangh's return is also balanced out by the loss of Justin McMahon through a hamstring injury.

Jack O'Connor's Kerry team have lost three times already in this league season and the manager has gone on record this week as saying his team need more one win to their ensure their safety.

However, Tyrone's need is greater this weekend and that allied with the returning Cavanagh might be enough to tip this one in the Red Hands' favour – and drag the holders into an unlikely relegation scrap in the final round of games.

Verdict: Tyrone


Allianz NFL Division 2

Donegal v Meath, Ballybofey, 7.30pm
Referee: Martin Sludden

These two teams are locked in a four way battle alongside Kildare and Armagh for the last promotion spot behind Down and the winners in Ballybofey will feel that they have taken a giant leap towards Division 1 football next year.

John Joe Doherty's team were far from impressive in last week's one point victory over Tipperary and it was only Michael Murphy's accuracy that carried them through in front of a tiny crowd at Semple Stadium.

Meath were hardly much better when winning by the same margin against Laois and they head North still looking for their first win away from Páirc Tailteann in the league this year.    

Eamon O'Brien's side have found scores hard to come by and their promotion hopes are likely to be scupperred by a negative scoring difference even if do record that first away win.

Verdict: Donegal

Laois v Kildare, Portlaoise, 7.30pm
Referee: Patrick Fox

Referee Patrick Fox is man with the most unenviable job in GAA this weekend.

Games between these two local rivals are always feisty affairs but in the first meeting between the two since a 28 man brawl and seven red cards marred their January O'Byrne Cup clash, all eyes are sure to be on the Westmeath official.

Kildare will see this as an ideal opportunity to send their neighbours hurtling towards relegation but it's hard to know what sort of performance Kieran McGeeney's inconsistent team will turn in. They followed up impressive wins over Tipperary and Donegal with a woeful display in Crossmaglen against Armagh and only a virtuoso display by skipper Johhny Doyle saw them through against Westmeath last week.

Sean Dempsey's Laois team were perhaps unlucky to leave Páirc Tailteann with nothing last Saturday night and the likes of Billy Sheehan and Donie Kingston are sure to cause Kildare's creaky full back line problems in O'Moore Park.

Verdict: Kildare

Allianz NFL Division 3

Antrim v Louth, Casement Park, 7.30pm
Referee: Con Reynolds

The top two teams in Division 3 will both be looking to get their promotion challenges back on track after one point defeats last week.

Paddy Cunningham hit 1-6 for Antrim in this loss to Offaly but surely such a return wouldn't go unrewarded for a second week running.

That win for Offaly would have made Louth's failure to overcome Roscommon harder to take for Peter Fitzpatick as his team could have joined the Northerners at the top of the table with a win against the team propping up the table.

Fitzpatrick could be left disappointed again this week.

Verdict: Antrim

Cavan v Offaly, Kingspan Breffni Park, 7.30pm
Referee: Paul Kneel

With the top two teams in this tight division playing against each other at the same time as this game, a win here for Offaly would be the perfect way to prepare for a final day clash against Louth.

The Faithful County stunned Antrim last week to put an end to their 100% record and it has breathed new life into their promotion hopes.

Tommy Carr will know that a loss here will leave his team facing into a relegation shoot out against Fermanagh on the final day but he might have to settle for second best against a revitalised Offaly.

Verdict: Offaly

Allianz NFL Division 4

Carlow v Leitrim Dr. Cullen Park, 2.30pm
Referee: Derek O Mahoney

Carlow were extremely unfortunate not to be the first team to take something off Clare this season when they lost out to an injury time point despite the second half dismissals of Brendan Murphy and Willie Minchin.

Leitrim also had to contend with a red card last week when Gary Reynolds was sent for an early shower during their facile 15 point win over London but this week's assignment is sure to be a sterner test and it might be one that they fail.

Verdict: Carlow

Limerick v Kilkenny, Gaelic Grounds, 7.30pm
Referee: Jer Lynch

Kilkenny's search for anything positive to take from this year's league continues on Saturday night but they are unlikely to find it at the Gaelic Grounds against a Limerick team who still have an eye on promotion.

Verdict: Limerick

 
Sunday 28 March

Allianz NFL Division 1

Mayo v Monaghan, Castlebar, 2.30pm
Referee: Rory Hickey

A win here will leave John O'Mahony' Mayo team with one foot in the league final but they may have to plan without ace forward Alan Dillon who limped out of last week's two point win over reigning champions Kerry.

Conor Mortimer was in fine form during that win with four points from play but O'Mahony's mind will be pre-occupied with injuries this week and Ronan McGarrity, Aidan Kilcoyne and Barry Moran join Dillon as doubtful.

Mayo face a testing trip to Páirc Uí Chaoimh in the final round of games so they will be especially keen to gather the two points here.

Monaghan managed a vital victory against Derry last week that could well be enough to preserve their Division 1 status next year but even the confidence gained from that is unlikely to save them in Castlebar.

Verdict: Mayo


Allianz NFL Division 2


Armagh v Tipperary, Crossmaglen, 2.30pm
Referee: Martin Higgins

Armagh were infuriatingly slow out of the blocks on Paddy O'Rourke's return to Down and that defeat has opened the door once again for the likes of Kildare, Donegal and Meath for promotion from Division 2.

The Orchard County looked a side full of scores in the previous week's victory over Kildare but only three players made it onto the scoreboard in that defeat to Down.

Tipperary were desperately unlucky to beat Donegal last week and afterwards, manager John Evans hit out at the refereeing decisions that he feels have cost his team in recent weeks.

There is no doubt that defeat has left his team clinging onto their Division 2 by their fingertips and unless they can get something from this trip to Crossmaglen they will be staring at relegation.

Verdict: Armagh

Westmeath v Down, Cusack Park, 2.30pm
Referee: Gearoid O Conamha

It's top against bottom at Cusack Park and surely there is only one winner here.

A win for James McCarten's team would seal a second successive promotion and it would be no more than they deserve after a highly impressive league season.

Last week's game against local rivals Armagh could have proved to be a tricky encounter but a first minute Benny McCoulter goal set them on their way and apart from a sticky patch at the end of the first half, they never looked back.

Not only would a win be enough to promote Down but it would also be enough to relegate Westmeath who surely threw away their last chance of survival last week when losing to Kildare despite leading by 2-1 to no score after 12 minutes. Expect Down to put the final nail in their coffin this weekend.

Verdict: Down

Allianz NFL Division 3

Fermanagh v Sligo, Brewster Park, 2.30pm
Referee: Ciaran Branagan

Fermanagh have won only one game so far this year and things are unlikely to get any better for them against a Sligo team who have won three of their previous four games.

A Sligo win would consign Fermanagh to the basement division next year if Cavan overcome Offaly on Saturday night.

Verdict: Sligo

Roscommon v Wexford, Dr. Hyde Park, 2.30pm
Referee: Michael Duffy

Eric Bradley's goal decided a closely fought encounter against Fermanagh last week in Wexford's favour and suddenly their thoughts can turn to promotion once more.

Roscommon looked dead and buried until last week's shock win over Louth and they will be looking for a similar win in front of their home supporters.

Verdict: Roscommon

Allianz NFL Division 4

Longford v Clare, Pearse Park, 2.30pm
Referee: Paul Finnegan

Clare needed an injury time point from Michael O'Shea last week against Carlow to preserve the only remaining 100% record in the league but they should be too strong for Longford in Pearse Park.

David Tubridy scored 1-11 in that win and another victory for Michael McDermott's men would keep them nicely on track for promotion.

Verdict: Clare

Waterford v Wicklow, Fraher Field, 2.30pm
Referee: Tom Lynch 

A very important game in the race to join Division 4 champions elect Clare in Division 3 next year.

Wicklow were perhaps surprisingly held to a draw by Limerick at home last week to end a run of four consecutive wins and maybe Waterford's fresher legs will make the difference here after they enjoyed a week off last weekend.

Verdict: Waterford.

http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/2010/03/24/weekend-gaa-previews-saturday-27th%C2%A0march-sunday-28th-march/

There were 12 games down for decision on Sunday across all four divisions of the Allianz National Football league, with wins for Galway, Mayo and Monaghan in Division 1.

Mayo lead Division 1 of the Allianz National Football league on score difference following their 1-12 to 1-10 win over Kerry at Austin Stack Park, Tralee.

Tom Parsons 58th minute goal was the turning point in this game, after Kerry held a 0-5 to 0-4 interval lead.

Bryan Sheehan and Colm Cooper both bagged two first half points for the hosts, in a keenly contested opening 35 minutes.

Parsons goal paved the way for a Mayo win, with substitute Conor Mortimer also making a superb contribution – bagging four points from play inside an eight-minute period in the second half.

Kerry tried hard, but a Kieran O'Leary goal was mere consolation as Jack O'Connor's charges slumped to their third league defeat.

Galway's 1-15 to 0-14 victory over Tyrone at Pearse Stadium, Salthill inflicted a four defeat on the Red Hands in the current campaign.

Joe Bergin may have just scored two points for the hosts, but he was inspirational throughout as Joe Kernan's charges claimed their second win.

A fifth minute Matthew Clancy goal paved the way for the hosts to claim a 1-7 to 0-6 interval lead, with Colm Cavanagh and Martin Penrose keeping Tyrone in touch.

Galway extended their lead to seven points on the restart, but Tyrone inspired by Sean Cavanagh came to life.

Mickey Harte's side hit five points without reply, with Penrose (4) and Cavanagh on target.

However Galway finished strongly with Niall Coleman and Bergin digging deep with points also from Eoin Concannon and Cormac Bane vital.

'Fortress Scotstown' continues to be a winning venue for Monaghan who claimed a 1-16 to 0-12 over bottom of the table Derry.

A Paddy Bradley free gave Derry a 0-3 to 0-2 lead in the 11th minute, but Monaghan bounced back.,

An 18th minute Tommy Freeman goal, after he drilled a low shot past Barry Gillis sprung Monaghan to life.

Coupled with the excellent sharp-shooting of Conor McManus, Seamus McEnaney's side claimed a 1-6 to 0-4 advantage, and a lead they wouldn't relinquish.

Monaghan led by 1-10 to 0-4 at the interval, with scores at a premium on the restart.

Rest of the article on

http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/2010/03/21/gaa-gaelic-football-roundup-sunday-21st-march-2010/

Saturday 6 March

Cadbury Leinster U21FC
Westmeath 2-03 0-09 Meath, Mullingar, 2.00pm
Louth 0-00 0-00 Dublin, Drogheda, 2.30pm
Offaly 0-00 0-00 Carlow, Tullamore, 2.30pm
Wicklow 0-00 0-00  Laois, Aughrim, 2.00pm

Five GAA Managers are paid according to TV3 investigation

High ranking officials from five County Boards have admitted that their board have made payments to senior managers that break GAA rules and could also potentially have serious consequences with the Revenue Commissioners.

It follows an investigation into the practice carried out by TV3's Gaelic Games Correspondent Kieran McSweeney broadcast on this evening's TV3 News at 5.30....

More below

http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/2010/03/03/five-gaa-managers-are-paid-according-to-tv3-investigation/

Sunday 28 February

Allianz NHL Division 1
Dublin v Tipperary, Parnell Park, 2.30pm
Galway v Waterford, Pearse Stadium, 2.30pm
Kilkenny v Offaly, Nowlan Park, 2.30pm

Allianz NHL Division 2
Carlow v Westmeath, Dr. Cullen Park, 2.30pm
Kildare v Antrim, Newbridge, 2.30pm
Laois v Clare, Portlaoise, 2.30pm
Wexford 1-04 1-03 Down, Wexford Park, 1.30pm

Allianz NHL Division 3
London v Derry, Ruislip, 2.30pm
Mayo v Kerry, Castlebar, 2.30pm
Meath v Armagh, Pairc Tailteann, 2.30pm

http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/2010/02/28/sunday-gaa-fixtures-live-scores-28th-february-2010/
Allianz NHL Division 3b
Donegal v Louth, Letterkenny, 2.30pm
Roscommon v Tyrone, Athleague, 2.30pm
Sligo v Fingal, Markievicz Park, 2.30pm

Allianz NHL Division 4
Fermanagh v Leitrim, Brewster Park, 2.30pm
Longford v Cavan, Michael Fay Park, 2.30pm
South Down v Monaghan, Ballela, 2.30pm