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Does anyone here like free bets?

This is on http://livescores.sportsnewsireland.com/ and its with a decent bookmaker Coral, just have to follow instructions below. They did one with boyles last year and i think everyone and there mother opened an account.

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Cork hurlers recently lost their relegation play off to Clare, the result of this game means that Cork will play in Division 1B of the National Hurling League next season.
Many people believe that this result was a 'disaster' for Cork hurling. People are saying that Cork need to be playing against the big teams' week in, week out and there are many ways to justify this statement. Others will have a more positive outlook and I would be amongst that group. If Cork had a choice they would obviously elect to play in the top tier of the league but as Jimmy Barry Murphy said they must 'take their medicine' and move on.  So let's have a look at what's in store for Cork.
It was an interesting winter on leeside. There were the retirements of Niall Mc Carthy and Seán Óg ó hAilpín along with the omission of John Gardiner from the panel. This would leave the team without the services of 3 experienced, All Ireland winning players. In January there were more withdrawals as Eoin Cadogan and Damien Cahalane opted to play solely with the Cork footballers and finally Donal Óg Cusack was dropped from the panel ahead of the league. This meant Cork would play this year without a vast number of experienced players. There was talks of unrest in the camp and peopled wondered would this effect the rest of the team.
Jimmy Barry Murphy received criticism from certain sections of the public and the media. People said that he lost too many experienced players. Personally, I would disagree with this criticism. There is no doubt that the players mentioned above have been good servants to Cork hurling during a certain time period but a lot of people appear to forget the continuous trouble and controversy that has followed a lot of these players. They have been involved in no less than 3 player strikes and while they bring experience and leadership I would honestly question the level of performance of a number of those players in recent years. This may prove to be a season of transition; I feel that the benefits of this campaign will be seen in a couple of years despite the fact that there was relegation from Division 1A.
If this current group of Cork players are going to progress to the next level, which is building on last year's semi-final appearance in the championship, I think they need to find new leaders within this new crop of players. Individuals like Patrick Horgan, Paudie O' Sullivan, Lorcán McLoughlin and William Egan will only become dominant personalities and leaders in the panel if older and experienced players are no longer there and for this reason I feel JBM was correct in his calls. For instance, a lot of people criticised the exclusion of Cusack but one must look at the bigger picture. Firstly, Cusack has been at the heart of all controversies in Cork G.A .A in recent times. Secondly, Anthony Nash showed in Cusack's absence last year that he is a top class keeper and a capable replacement.
Thirdly, there is the fact that current second choice goalkeeper Darren McCarthy is an excellent goal keeper and anyone who follows Cork hurling knows that this man is definitely a future no.1. He has performed excellently for Cork at underage level. He has also been influential in U.C.C's dominance of third level hurling in recent years. He has captained U.C.C to a Fitzgibbon Cup and played a leading role in a Fresher's All Ireland and another Fitzgibbon triumph. Cork must look forward and in this instance axing Cusack was correct, in my opinion.
A lot of people questioned the losses of Gardiner, Cadogan and Seán Óg to the Cork half back line, wondering if Cork could deal with these losses. Again I feel there are many good young half backs in Cork and the reality is that these players must be given game time along numerous chances to establish themselves. I understand that a blend of youth and experience is important but in a half back line, players must learn to take responsibility and lead a team and this can only be acquired through sufficient game time and allowing players to play together.
For example, William Egan is a player with huge potential. He has the ability to lead this Cork defence and needs to be given every opportunity possible to stamp his authority on the team. Last year he was dropped for Seán Óg ó hAilpín. While the decision paid off in terms of results I would question was it a reality of 'one step forward and two steps back' in terms of the progression and development of the team overall. Another young player, Christopher Joyce, has demonstrated the ability to command the number 6 position for many years to come. Cadogan wore number 6 last season and when he announced his intention to focus on football, the media focused on what a loss he would be.
While it's easy to speak as a spectator I honestly feel that Cadogan's performances in recent years were average at best. I don't get any pleasure from saying this, it's just an honest opinion that I leave open to dispute. The fact that he was mixing hurling and football may have impacted on this. I fully accept that playing intercounty hurling and football is hugely demanding and his attempt to play both is highly admirable but I really believe that his performances on the pitch should be questioned. He certainly was not as irreplaceable as people made out.
This year Joyce has performed very well and in my opinion he is a more than adequate replacement in the number 6 jersey and could potentially perform to a higher level. My primary argument is whether these players would get the same opportunities if the older guard were still on the panel and I'd doubt it very much that they would. Players like Joyce and Egan are only two examples of players that need to become the leaders of the Cork team and this will only happen if they're given the freedom to do so. So the bigger picture to me shows that despite relegation, these young Cork players will have learned a huge amount from this year's league to assist their future development.
I truly believe that the future of Cork hurling is not as vulnerable as some are making it out to be. I accept the argument that next year's league campaign may not be as beneficial to Cork as they will play teams such as Limerick, Offaly and Wexford as opposed to Kilkenny, Tipperary and Galway. There is no doubt that games will not be as tough but they will still be games that will require winning and young players may gain and grow in confidence by winning these games. Top level sport is a results business but I think it's fair that we judge Cork based on their league 'performances' this year, as opposed to 'results'. While Cork were relegated I would be of the opinion that their performances may have deserved a better outcome.
Cork began the league with an annihilation of Tipperary. It was an outstanding performance where they hurled at pace and intensity that simply blew Tipperary away. Their second game against Waterford was a draw in incredibly difficult hurling conditions where they came back from a large deficit. They were beaten by Clare when a commanding first half lead was combined with a flat second half performance which saw the lead pegged back. Against Galway, Cork showed character again to come from behind and earn a positive draw. Finally against Kilkenny, Cork came out on the wrong side of a tight game having performed well and left themselves with plenty of optimism.
Last Sunday's result was clearly disappointing but it is not all doom and gloom. Cork were relegated but a full reflection on the league campaign holds plenty of optimism for this particular summer, in my opinion. Cork had plenty of good performances and showed that they can compete with the best teams. To me, this shows that they still have the ability to build on last year's championship performance and build a team that may compete for All Ireland's in the coming years.
Players like Nash, Shane O' Neill, Conor O' Sullivan, Stephen White, Joyce, Egan, McLoughlin, Daniel Kearney, Conor Lehane, Luke O' Farrell, Stephen Moylan and Paudie O' Sullivan all performed well and these are young players that now need to lead Cork into the summer. Cork need to get Patrick Horgan back on top form in order to be successful as he is their main scoring threat. If you combine a return to form of Horgan with all of the above players, I think you have the backbone of a strong team with youth on its side capable of competing with any team in the championship. There are areas of improvement that need addressing and there are still plenty of weeks in order to try and get these areas right before the championship.
Cork simply must look to the future. They must move on from the previous era and allow players to grow into top class intercounty hurlers. The mid-noughties success is a thing of the past and the whole county needs to move on from it. This is why I still firmly believe that Jimmy Barry Murphy was correct to 'yield the axe' and look ahead. He did so previously in 1999 and they were some of the main players who led Cork to All Ireland success in 2004 and 2005. It must also be noted that Cork played in division 2 of the National Hurling League in 1997, gained promotion that season and went on to win an All-Ireland in 1999, and who was in charge of Cork back then? Yes, it was a certain Jimmy Barry Murphy. They say lightning doesn't strike twice but it's clear to me that JBM trusts what he knows and who is to say that this won't lead to future success.
So where can this Cork team improve? There appears to be a clear weakness in Cork's half forward line and the ability to win primary possession. Patrick Cronin has been Cork's main target in the air. I don't want to sound critical again but I think his size and physique mean he should perform better in this area. People will argue that he is the only option and gets over used from puck outs and long deliveries which may be fair, but I still believe a man of his size should use his body more effectively to win more clean possession.
This has been a huge problem for many years, older sides tried to counteract this with a running game and short puckout's but that system was subsequently defended against by other teams leading to a return to the more direct game. Cork need to derive a new system to try and counteract this problem again. Another position of concern to me is the full back position. Brian Murphy is there at the moment. He is a very good defender but he isn't getting any younger and will need to be replaced soon.
These are two areas where I think Cork have been very unfortunate as players are there in county but not available. By this I mean that excellent hurlers have elected to play intercounty football ahead of hurling with Cork. Three players that I feel are huge losses to the hurling team are Aidan Walsh, Ciaran Sheehan and Damien Cahalane. Sheehan and Walsh are two phenomenal athletes and there ball winning ability on top of their hurling skills would be invaluable additions to the Cork half forward line. Walsh proved in 2011 what an asset he would be to the Cork hurling team. His performances for the under 21 team that year were simply outstanding and it's a huge shame that he is yet to showcase his talents at senior level.
Cahalane is another player that I have huge admiration for. I have seen him play closely over the last few years and his progression has been remarkable. He has the size, strength and skill to be a very good intercounty hurler and lead a defence from number 3. In the club championship in recent years I haven't seen many better defenders and I think he is a huge loss to the Cork hurlers. At the moment these players have chosen football. This is very unusual in a place like Cork, where hurling has always been the dominant game, but this change is impacting negatively on hurling in Cork at this moment in time and it is depriving the team of 3 players capable of taking Cork to the next level. Their losses are huge.
So what is next for Cork hurlers and are they in such a bad place? I don't believe that they are. I think it's too cynical to say that relegation is a reflection of poor league performances and that the future for Cork is bleak. A lot of Cork players have matured this year and acquired experience which should stand to them come summer time. Limerick and Clare were the two teams that played in Division 1B last year. Limerick performed well in championship last year forcing Kilkenny and Tipperary, who many consider to be the two best teams, to perform to their very best in order to beat them.
One only has to look at Clare's performances this year to see their progression. To me this shows that it's not all 'doom and gloom' in Division 1B and Cork people don't need to be so negative. When I ask what is next for Cork, the answer is this year's championship. What I am really trying to say is judge Cork on their championship performances this year. The real hurling season is yet to start, while league relegation isn't ideal, intercounty teams are judged on championship performances so let's see how Cork will fair this year.

As appeared on http://sportsnewsireland.com/gaa/whats-next-for-the-cork-hurlers-2013-04-21/

The 2013 All Ireland football series will be one of the most keenly contested in recent years. There are five teams who could currently consider themselves real prospects to win the Sam Maguire in September.

Donegal, Mayo, Kerry, Dublin and Cork all have the tools and experience to lift Sam but they are going to have to beat each other along the way.
With Donegal, Mayo and Cork you are going to get the same approach we saw last year. With Kerry we are always guaranteed a free flowing natural style of football. The Dublin 2013 case study is slightly more difficult to analyze.

On October 1st 2012 Jim Gavin was ratified as the new Dublin senior manager. A decorated manager with the county under 21s Gavin was the obvious choice in the list of succession after Pat Gilroy.

Gilroy's success with the senior team was based on a rigid system which relied on hard work, relentless tackling and dogged defence. The modern day role of defensive wing forwards was executed to perfection as Paul Flynn and Bryan Cullen were as valuable around their own 45 as they were further up the pitch.

In the modern game it is the belief that you must employ a system to compete. The systematic approaches of All Ireland winners this side of the Millenium has added weight to this theory. Gone are the days where the team who scores more wins, we are now in the age where the team who concedes less comes out on top.

Kerry and Cork try to employ the 15 on 15 game but often the manner in which the opposition lines out forces their hand. If a team are playing 13men in defence it is impossible to go man for man against them.

Indications from watching Jim Gavin's underage teams in the past suggest that Dublin will try to employ an orthodox 15 on 15 approach this season. Gavin won two under 21 All Ireland's playing free flowing man for man football. This is a system of trust – relying on each individual man to be better then his direct counterpart.

There are certain trends in the game which have proved successful for certain counties. The 'new' midfield is a combination of size and athleticism. One compensates the other. Look at Donegal last year – Neil Gallagher would play the role of orthodox midfielder while Rory Kavanagh would be the runner – moving with the play. This is not to say that the role of the traditional midfielder is redundant. Gallagher's semi final performance against Cork was one of the best exhibitions in fielding and simple football to grace Croke Park in years.
Similar to the Kavanagh situation Kerry used the new conversion policy to convert a star forward into a busy bee midfielder. Bryan Sheehan was the best player on the pitch in the 2011 All Ireland final playing at midfield. Last season he again impressed in a struggling Kerry team. Sheehan had made his name for Kerry as a forward and free taker. As a midfielder he has the mobility to exercise his defensive duties but still contribute further up the pitch. Mayo's Aidan O'Shea is another example of the success of this conversion.
Dublin have yet to adopt this approach. They finished last years Championship with Denis Bastick and Eamon Fennell in midfield. Fennell is a ball winner and Bastick, although athletic, would lean more to the side of traditional midfielder.

Dublin have a shortfall at midfield currently. With Fennell no longer on the panel the depth of options and experience suffers. However they do have the advantage of a very strong conveyor belt of talent in waiting. A minor two years ago Emmett Ó Conghaile could fit the Sheehan/Kavanagh role. With the evolution of strategies it will become impossible to play two orthodox midfielders and therefore the development of Ó Conghaile could be a real asset to Dublin football in the coming season.

Another area where Dublin suffered last season was the consistency of substitutions they were producing in championship games. When we talk ......................................
http://sportsnewsireland.com/gaa/what-can-we-expect-from-dublin-footballers-in-2013-under-jim-gavin-2013-01-07/

[Sifting through recent results of the Kilkenny football team, at senior, minor and under 21 grades I could not help but grimace. The Cats finished bottom of NFL Division 4 with an embarrassing score difference of -241 this season. Their under 21′s sprung to national prominence for all the wrong reasons in late February when their panel of only 15 players were tortured by Louth by a scoreline of 6-35 to 0-02. Last Friday evening their minor footballers were beaten by 50+ points by Offaly. Is this slide irreversible? Or could some smart thinking and extra resources change the way football is treated within the county.]

What would people think of the idea below?

Sifting through recent results of the Kilkenny football team, at senior, minor and under 21 grades I could not help but grimace. The Cats finished bottom of NFL Division 4 with an embarrassing score difference of -241 this season. Their under 21′s sprung to national prominence for all the wrong reasons in late February when their panel of only 15 players were tortured by Louth by a scoreline of 6-35 to 0-02. Last Friday evening their minor footballers were beaten by 50+ points by Offaly. Is this slide irreversible? Or could some smart thinking and extra resources change the way football is treated within the county.

Is it unthinkable that placing the county footballers in the national spotlight could begin a big ball revolution? As a GAA fanatic I have watched the success of Reality GAA TV Shows, namely Celebrity Bainisteoir and the Underdogs. It is fascinating how added resources, improved structure and the introduction of a camera can galvanise a team, while also mobilizing the surrounding community. If such a structure was put in place in Kilkenny I am fully sure that enthusiasm surrounding the county footballers would increase no end. There is footballing talent within the county, it is just a matter of unearthing it and giving players a structured platform to prove themselves.

My plan for the program would play out as follows......

1. A well known management team put in place. Mick O'Dwyer would be ideal , flanked by young blood such as Dara O'Cinneide, Ciaran Whelan etc. This management team will take Kilkenny footballers through a season of league and championship.

2. A documentary style program which will follow the team for a year.

3. A huge recruitment drive throughout the county luring all potential talent to trials.

4. A process where approximately 30 eager a..................................
Rest on http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/gaa/101015/

Galway and London GAA communities have been plunged into shock after young Gort native Cathal Forde died while training with Kilburn Gaels in Highgate last evening. http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/gaa/99624/

This is getting so common its unbelievable. Such tragic and sad news for the family.

Powers are giving cash back if your side does not make the quarter-final in football or hurling.
The likes of Galway, Down, Donegal & Kildare might be worth small bets in football and it would the only way to back dublin hurlers.


http://www.paddypower.com/bet/gaa-sports?btag=10051291_21448139&AFF_ID=10051291

Charlie Carter, former Kilkenny Hurling captain talks about the start of the NHL, the eagerly anticipated All Ireland Club championship and of course floodlights in first weekly blog.

Last weekend, for the second week in a row, Kilkenny took their foot off the gas and allowed Wexford back into a game they should never have been in. Ahead 2-9 to 0-6 at half time, Kilkenny lost the second half 0-11 to 0-7. There seems to be an element of compliancy creeping into play at the moment and it's something that the management really need to look at, especially with more important games to come later in the year. When this team was at their peak in 2007/2008 they would never have taken their foot off the pedal in such fashion.

I'm not sure what it is, maybe the players are struggling to find the hunger at the moment; a lot ..................

Rest on http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/gaa/9312/
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Walsh Cup final
Dublin 1-03 0-01 Kilkenny, Parnell Park, 2pm
http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/gaa-sports/gaa-live-scores/

[The Sigerson Cup draw has again thrown up some very interesting first round games.]

The Sigerson Cup draw has again thrown up some very interesting first round games.

As always, a couple of shocks are on the cards in the early rounds, as teams will be motivated by the fact that a win on Thursday will qualify them for the showpiece Sigerson Cup Weekend at Belfield on the first weekend in March. (Unfortunately, the final of the competition has also been confirmed as being in Belfield, despite an offer from GAA President Christy Cooney to make Croke Park available for the Centenary Sigerson Cup Final this weekend).

On the field, the meetings between University of Ulster, Jordanstown and Cork IT, St. Mary's Belfast and DCU and NUI Maynooth and Queens University are billed as the ties of the round, while the meeting of IT Dublin and University of Limerick is sure to attract plenty of attention with a certain Kerry man set to begin his studies, and restart his Sigerson Cup career at Grangegorman.

University of Ulster Jordanstown against Cork IT, the tie of the round in many people eyes, brings face to face the competition winners of 2009 and 2008. Few will be brave enough to make a definitive call on the game; this one could require extra time, with the winners sure to be a force to be reckoned with at the weekend.

Last year's winners DCU host St. Mary's University College, and after a 2-13 to 2-12 Ryan Cup victory for the hosts earlier in the year, will know that they will need to be on top of their game to stop the Belfast outfit causing an upset. Encouraging performances in the Dr. McKenna Cup, especially against Armagh, will have instilled confidence in St. Marys, and DCU's early exit, losing comprehensively to Kildare, will not have helped preparations for the Glasnevin outfit, who normally take the competition seriously as preparation for Sigerson.

NUI Maynooth will hope for a repeat of their giant killing exploits of last years campaign, when then they caused the shock of the competition by beating UUJ at this stage. Another Ulster powerhouse make the trip South this week, with Queens University the opposition. Not being able to partake i.............
....

Rest on
http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?page_id=144

Though nothing yet from the man himself , not even via Twitter , reports today suggest that Mayo star Billy Joe Padden, who has won three Connacht championships with his home team is on the verge of joining Armagh club, Carrickcruppen and transferring allegiance to the Orchard County.

Son of Mayo legend, Willie Joe, Padden has always had close links with Ulster Football having won a Sigerson All Star in 2004 when at Queens University. He has also had ties with Camlough in Armagh, Should Padden join the Orchard County he will become a useful member of Paddy O'Rourke's squad as they bid once more for a return to the 'glory days' when the National League starts next month. It would be a big blow to Mayo's newly appointed Manager James Horan. His transfer would require approval under Inter-county transfer rules.

New Years is generally a time for reflection, a chance to look back on the year and discuss the events that have shaped our lives. GreenWatch however is already looking ahead and has been thinking about how future of Irish football is shaping up. With the possibility of a place in the European championship still alive for the here and now, GreenWatch has looked even further into the crystal maze to see how the Irish team will look by the time the next World cup comes around in 2014.

Irish football is close to big revival, there are couple of exciting talents that are about to make the breakthrough in English football, everyone knows about the impact Seamus Coleman has made at Everton, however there is also David Meyler, Ciaran Clarke, James McCarthy, Shane Duffy and Marc Wilson all beginning to make names for themselves in the Premier League while in the Championship you have the emerging talents of Leicester City's on loan defender Greg Cunningham, the Crystal Palace duo of Owen Garvan and Sean Scannell not forgetting Shane Long, up in Scotland you have the exciting quartet of Adam Rooney, Jonathan Hayes, Anthony Stokes and Conor Sammon.

Add to all this the likelihood that Jaime O'Hara and Mark Noble will declare for Ireland in the not too distant future than it's fair to say that Ireland is on the verge of an exciting new era.

So how will Ireland's team and set up look by the team we board the plane in 3 and a half year's time all set for Brazil. Well for one thing there will be a new manager, Giovanni Trapattoni and the FAI will part ways after EURO 2012. The new man will be of a different mould to the Italian, a former Irish international 18 years younger than Giovanni with a penchant for flowing football Sean O'Driscoll. Ireland will move away from the 4-4-2 system and will deploy a 4-3-3 formation.

Despite all the talent that's coming through it will be still be an old head in goals as Shay Given by then 38 will still be at the top of his game and still in the premiership. Kieran Westwood will be pushing him close and will by then be a premiership goal keeper.

A youthful back line will have plenty of pace in the flanks and strength in the middle. Coleman and Cunningham will man the flanks, both players have good pace and are good crossers of the ball. While the centre half pairing will be Ciaran Clarke and Sean St Ledger with Shane Duffy starting to make the breakthrough at club and international level.

The backline looks particularly strong with no room for Paul McShane, John O'Shea and Richard Dunne in the starting line up. Dunne, by then 35 and 33 year old O'Shea are very much the elder state's men in the squad and are integral to the set up acting as cover and helping the development of Duffy and Clarke.
The midfield looks particularly exciting with Meyler, McCarthy and Noble 

Rest of story on
http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/2011/01/01/greenwatch-prediction-republic-of-ireland-team-and-new-manager-for-brazil-2014-world-cup/

A total of forty six Irish players took the field off play as there was plenty of action in England and Scotland for Irish fans to enjoy. Up in Scotland saw the most eye catching performances as Conor Sammon and Adam Rooney both moved into double figures for the season with goals for their sides while down in the Premiership it yet again a day to forget for Robbie Keane and Shay Given who missed out for their team.

Ciaran Clarke's recent run in the first team came to an end as he missed the home game against Manchester United through injury while for Richard Dunne it was a rocky 90 minutes in the 2-2 draw with Manchester United. John O'Shea had to watch from the bench as United came from 2-0 with 15 minutes to go to grab a point.

Fulham with both Stephen Kelly and Damian Duff in the line up made the trip up to Northeast of England and came home with a point in a 0-0 draw while Manchester City followed up their 0-0 draw during the week with another bore draw at home to Birmingham. Rival goalkeepers Shay Given and Colin Doyle spent the entire match on the bench as Stephen Carr and Keith Fahey both started and finished for Alex McLeish's side.

There were no Irish men on show at Upton Park as Ian Holloway shuffled his pack once again, there was no last minute heartbreak for ..................................................
http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/2010/11/13/football-republic-of-ireland-players-performance-in-uk-saturday-131110/

Ever wanted to be an All-Black for a day?

adidas and Elverys Sports have teamed up to offer five young rugby fans a unique chance to spend a day with the All-Blacks Team

Ever wondered what it would be like to don the infamous All-Blacks jersey? Be one of five lucky prize-winners this November and thanks to adidas and Elverys Sports, you will get the chance to experience what it's like to be part of the All-Blacks set up.

Five young rugby fans (aged between 10 – 12) will be selected to spend an entire day in the company of Dan Carter, Richie McCaw and the full All-Blacks team, watching them training, joining them for lunch and even being part of a gym workout with some of the players.

Full details on
http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/2010/11/02/competition-ever-wanted-to-be-an-all-black-for-a-day/

Phil "the power" Taylor is playing a one off exhibition at The Helix October 20th 2010

There is a huge buzz around darts this week the Bodog.com World Grand Prix in the City West hotel this week, With the worlds best dart player's on show.


We are delighted to announce that we are running a competition to have an opportunity for someone to throw a
game of 701 with Phil Taylor at the Helix and to bring 5 friends along with them.


The  exhibition is by Phil Taylor, 15 times World Darts Champion. Phil's record and reputation as the greatest living darts player is unimpeachable. With a string of records including, the only man to throw two nine dart finishes in one game, longest unbeaten run at the World Championships(44) and most overall World Championship final appearances with 17. Phil has often talked in interviews and his autobiography about his quests to achieve the perfect leg of darts – a nine-dart finish. He finally made television history by achieving the feat for the first time on live British television in 2002, at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, Lancashire, during his quarter-final match against Chris Mason in the World Matchplay Championship. He hit seven consecutive treble 20s, followed by treble 19 and double 12. This is a rare opportunity to witness Phil's incredible skill up close and in the flesh, a must see for any sports fan.

The emphasis of this event is on fun and not competition, and so to that end Phil will play 16 players, nominated by their club, a game of 701 on the night. We encourage all people interested in playing Phil on the night to contact us as soon as possible as places are going fast. There will also be an opportunity for people who purchase VIP tickets to meet Phil and watch him warm up at a pre-exhibition reception. There will be music, raffles and giveaways throughout the night so it promises to be fun for the entire family.

Tickets for the event

€15 – Balcony tickets

€20 – Ground Floor

€40 – VIP – Includes food and drinks reception with Phil at 7.15 pm

Clubs interested in nominating a player should call the box office for details

Box office : 01 700 7000

Web: www.thehelix.ie

Just comment on link below why you think you should get a chance to play THE POWER

http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/2010/10/07/play-phil-%E2%80%9Cthe-power%E2%80%9D-taylor-at-the-helix-on-october-20th/

[Ulster Bank Higher Education Centenary 7s – Group 1 Fixtures & Results]

There should be a great entertainment in DCU this afternoon and we will be relaying live score updates and results.

No Inter-County/Sigerson cup players are allowed play or freshers from division one teams

http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/2010/10/06/ulster-bank-higher-education-centenary-7s-fixtures-live-scores-results-wed-6th-oct/

Ulster Bank Higher Education Centenary 7s – Group 1 Fixtures & Results

Time   Round   Team 1   Score   Score   Team 2   Venue   Referee
2010-10-06 11 00 AM   1   Colaiste Dhulaigh   -   -   Liverpool Hope University   Santry Avenue   TBC
2010-10-06 11 00 AM   1   St Patrick's College   -   -   Carlow Institute of Technology   Santry Avenue   TBC
2010-10-06 11 00 AM   1   Ollscoil Chathair Bhaile Átha Cliath/Dublin City University   -   -   Institute of Technology Tralee   DCU Sportsgrounds   Brian Smith
2010-10-06 11 00 AM   1   Dublin Institute of Technology   -   -   RCSI   DCU Sportsgrounds   Brian Smith
2010-10-06 11 00 AM   1   Institute of Technology Sligo   -   -   St Patricks College Thurles   DCU Sportsgrounds   Gary Mc Cormack
2010-10-06 11 20 AM   1   G.M.I.T.   -   -   Trinity College Dublin   Santry Avenue   TBC
2010-10-06 11 20 AM   1   Institute of Technology Tallaght   -   -   Cork Institute of Technology   DCU Sportsgrounds   TBC
2010-10-06 11 20 AM   1   Tipp Inst/St Pat's   -   -   N.U.I. Galway   DCU Sportsgrounds   Brian Smith
2010-10-06 11 20 AM   1   University College Dublin   -   -   Napier University   DCU Sportsgrounds   TBC
2010-10-06 11 20 AM   2   Colaiste Dhulaigh   -   -   St Patrick's College   Santry Avenue   TBC
2010-10-06 11 40 AM   2   Trinity College Dublin   -   -   Carlow Institute of Technology   Santry Avenue   TBC
2010-10-06 11 40 AM   2   G.M.I.T.   -   -   Liverpool Hope University   Santry Avenue   TBC
2010-10-06 11 40 AM   2   Ollscoil Chathair Bhaile Átha Cliath/Dublin City University   -   -   G.M.I.T. Letterfrack   DCU Sportsgrounds   TBC
2010-10-06 11 40 AM   2   Dublin Institute of Technology   -   -   Athlone Institute of Technology   DCU Sportsgrounds   TBC
2010-10-06 11 40 AM   2   Instititute of Technology Blanchardstown   -   -   Napier University   DCU Sportsgrounds   TBC
2010-10-06 12 00 PM   2   Institute of Technology Tralee   -   -   Institute of Technology Tallaght   DCU Sportsgrounds   TBC
2010-10-06 12 00 PM   2   RCSI   -   -   Tipp Inst/St Pat's   DCU Sportsgrounds   TBC
2010-10-06 12 00 PM   2   St Patricks College Thurles   -   -   University College Dublin   TBC   TBC
2010-10-06 12 00 PM   3   Colaiste Dhulaigh   -   -   Institute of Technology Tralee   Santry Avenue   TBC
2010-10-06 12 00 PM   3   St Patrick's College   -   -   G.M.I.T.   Santry Avenue   TBC
2010-10-06 12 20 PM   3   Carlow Institute of Technology   -   -   Liverpool Hope University   Santry Avenue   TBC
2010-10-06 12 20 PM   3   Cork Institute of Technology   -   -   G.M.I.T. Letterfrack   DCU Sportsgrounds   TBC
2010-10-06 12 20 PM   3   N.U.I. Galway   -   -   Athlone Institute of Technology   DCU Sportsgrounds   TBC
2010-10-06 12 20 PM   3   St Patricks College Thurles   -   -   Napier University   DCU Sportsgrounds   TBC
2010-10-06 12 20 PM   4   St Patrick's College   -   -   Institute of Technology Tralee   Santry Avenue   TBC
2010-10-06 12 40 PM   3   Ollscoil Chathair Bhaile Átha Cliath/Dublin City University   -   -   Institute of Technology Tallaght   DCU Sportsgrounds   TBC
2010-10-06 12 40 PM   3   Dublin Institute of Technology   -   -   Tipp Inst/St Pat's   DCU Sportsgrounds   TBC
2010-10-06 12 40 PM   3   Instititute of Technology Blanchardstown   -   -   Institute of Technology Sligo   DCU Sportsgrounds   TBC
2010-10-06 12 40 PM   4   Colaiste Dhulaigh   -   -   Carlow Institute of Technology   Santry Avenue   TBC
2010-10-06 12 40 PM   4   G.M.I.T.   -   -   Liverpool Hope University   Santry Avenue   TBC
2010-10-06 1 00 PM   4   Institute of Technology Tralee   -   -   Cork Institute of Technology   DCU Sportsgrounds   TBC
2010-10-06 1 00 PM   4   RCSI   -   -   N.U.I. Galway   DCU Sportsgrounds   TBC
2010-10-06 1 00 PM   4   Institute of Technology Sligo   -   -   Napier University   DCU Sportsgrounds   TBC
2010-10-06 1 00 PM   5   Colaiste Dhulaigh   -   -   G.M.I.T.   Santry Avenue   TBC
2010-10-06 1 00 PM   5   St Patrick's College   -   -   Liverpool Hope University   Santry Avenue   TBC
2010-10-06 1 20 PM   4   G.M.I.T. Letterfrack   -   -   Institute of Technology Tallaght   DCU Sportsgrounds   TBC
2010-10-06 1 20 PM   4   Athlone Institute of Technology   -   -   Tipp Inst/St Pat's   DCU Sportsgrounds   TBC
2010-10-06 1 20 PM   4   Instititute of Technology Blanchardstown   -   -   University College Dublin   DCU Sportsgrounds   TBC
2010-10-06 1 20 PM   5   Institute of Technology Tralee   -   -   Carlow Institute of Technology   Santry Avenue   TBC
2010-10-06 1 40 PM   5   Ollscoil Chathair Bhaile Átha Cliath/Dublin City University   -   -   Cork Institute of Technology   DCU Sportsgrounds   TBC
2010-10-06 1 40 PM   5   Dublin Institute of Technology   -   -   N.U.I. Galway   DCU Sportsgrounds   TBC
2010-10-06 1 40 PM   5   Instititute of Technology Blanchardstown   -   -   St Patricks College Thurles   TBC   TBC
2010-10-06 2 00 PM   5   Institute of Technology Tralee   -   -   G.M.I.T. Letterfrack   DCU Sportsgrounds   TBC
2010-10-06 2 00 PM   5   RCSI   -   -   Athlone Institute of Technology   DCU Sportsgrounds   TBC
2010-10-06 2 00 PM   5   University College Dublin   -   -   Institute of Technology Sligo   DCU Sportsgrounds   TBC

[Rest of article on]

The Premiership is regarded by many as the best league in the world and Irish players have been contributing for over a decade now. Earlier stars of Roy Keane and Denis Irwin will go down as some of the Premiership's finest.

Irish soccer continues to churn out high quality players year in year out and the recent progression of Irish league soccer has seen many graduate to the upper echelon of soccer. Many of the more 'established' Irish stars came from small clubs, like Cherry Orchard, and are now playing their football on one the worlds biggest stages. It really is a great testament to our small but great country.

The 2010-11 season is already brewing up to be one of the greatest ever and many Irish players are prominent at big clubs. We have players at the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham and Aston Villa, some of the biggest clubs in Europe.

Here we take a quick look at some of our International stars and how we see the season panning out for them. Also included are the names of 14 young Irish schoolboys who are making waves as they come through the ranks of the Premiership's finest. These will be the future of Irish football.



Robbie Keane – Tottenham
It's safe to say that Robbie Keane has had more clubs than you or I have had hot dinners but the Irishman is a talented footballer. The Irishman has had eight different clubs and is still only aged 30. The majority of them have been English but the Dubliner has had spells in Italy (Inter Milan) and Scotland (Celtic). In chronological order Keane spent time at Coventry, Wolves, Inter Milan, Leeds, Tottenham, Liverpool and is now back at Spurs. Keane spent a turbulent few months at Liverpool before transferring back to London and Spurs again. The unrest didn't stop there though as the Irish captain was loaned out to Celtic after struggling for form. However, in Scotland Keane scored in 12 of his 16 games at Parkhead. Pretty impressive from Keane but the Scottish league isn't exactly taxing and he certainly has something to prove now. Keane has all the attributes to do well in the Premiership. His pace, work rate and top class movement make him a defenders nightmare. On his day his finishing is exceptional although he has been guilty of some horror misses. It's hard to know what to expect for Keane this year after Tottenham did so well without him last year. He may be asked to stay at the club due to the fixture overload Spurs will experience this year. The London outfit will be pushing for a Champions League spot and if successful Harry Redknapp will need a big a squad as possible. On the other hand it wouldn't be a surprise to see Keane on the move again but to whom? The future is unclear for Irelands greatest ever goal scorer at the moment, club wise that is. Internationally, Keane is one of the first names down on Giovanni Trapattoni's team. 100 caps has produced 43 goals and that tally will only get bigger. Keane is desperate to hit the 50 mark for his country.



Richard Dunne – Aston Villa
Standing at nearly 6 foot 2 inches Richard Dunne has been one of the Premiership's most commanding centre halves over the last decade. Four years at Everton, nine at Manchester City and now currently with Aston Villa Dunne has established himself as one of the Premierships finest. Pace, power, positioning and awareness have made him one of toughest centre backs to come up against. Throw into the mix his ability in air, in the defensive third and attacking third, along with great bravery, making him the complete package. Manchester City should be rueing letting the Dublin man go last year. His record speaks for itself and he's certainly a better and more consistent defender than Kolo Toure and maybe even Joleon Lescott, the two current Manchester City centre halves. Manchester City loss has been Aston Villa's gain though and Dunne again had another fine season in 2009-10. Helping Villa to another good year and a place in Europe. Dunne must have been looking forward to another good season but the departure of Martin O'Neill must be a concern for the "Honey Monster". O'Neill brought great morale to Villa Park and Villa will now find it an awful lot tougher to finish in the top 6. Dunne, however, is a leader and a pro so let's hope for another good year for towering defender.


Stephan Carr – Birmingham City
The flying full back is still going strong at the age of 33 and had a fine season with Birmingham last year. Birmingham proved to be one of the toughest teams to break down in 2009-10 especially at home and Carr was part of a four man back line capable of holding out any Premiership team. The right full back has obviously lost a bit of the pace he once had but still rates a flyer. His many years at top clubs like Tottenham and Newcastle have given him a great experience edge and his will to win is second to none. The Dubliner is very aggressive and has a top class work rate. Birmingham boss, Alex McLeish, seen these characteristics and swiftly handed Carr the captains arm band for the 2009-10 season. Carr repaid him with a stellar season which helped the Blues to a top ten finish. They exceeded all expectations to finish ninth and Birmingham fans will be hoping for another good year. It's hard to see Birmingham progressing further than ninth this year but given the solid back line along with the tenacious and hard working midfielders they possess, they will prove tough nuts to crack especially at St. Andrews. The arrival of Ben Foster should also help replace Joe Hart. Carr retired from International football in 2007 but judging on last seasons performances, he could well still hold down a place on the panel.



Keith Fahey – Birmingham City
After failing to settle in England as a teenager with Arsenal and Aston Villa Keith Fahey moved back to his native Ireland in 2003. The now 27-year-old had spells at St. Patricks Athletic and Drogheda United but was clearly too good for the League Of Ireland. Birmingham snapped up the centre midfielder in January 2009 and Fahey was a key player in Birmingham's promotion push in 2008-09. He made his Premiership debut against Manchester United at Old Trafford last year but in truth was only a bit part player in 2009-10. However, Alex McLeish recognised his talents and gave him a contract which ends in 2013 saying "he has proved himself a Premiership player". Fahey's attributes include quick feet, skill and a good passing ability. His final ball has always been one of his deadliest weapons and has always been to the fore in assist rankings wherever he's gone. Fahey can also play on the wing and has done so for Birmingham in the past. He's only been capped at Senior level once for Ireland but is certainly worthy of his place in the current squad.

Rest of article on
http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/2010/08/13/republic-of-ireland-footballers-playing-in-the-premiership-20102011-season/

The Open Championship returns to St. Andrews for the 139th renewal of golf's flagship event and, as ever, all eyes are on World Number 1 Tiger Woods, whose last two appearances at this course resulted in runaway successes in 2005 and at the turn of the millennium.

In any other year then we'd be expecting 6/4 or shorter about Tiger continuing his love-affair with the home of golf but after some well-documented personal problems and some below-par displays, 6/1 is widely available about the 14-time Major Champion. Whenever Woods lines up the first decision to be made is whether to be with or against him and this year more than any that question has divided opinion. On the one hand, you've a player yet to win a tournament who missed the cut at Quail Hollow and withdrew when well-held at Sawgrass, whose previously exceptional putting skills have deserted him for all bar 9-holes at Pebble Beach and whose problems with the driver remain in tact. His supporters, though, will point to Tiger's performances at the highest level. Firstly, he returned to play his first tournament in months at Augusta and took fourth, before filling the same spot in the US Open. So, in two major tournaments this year Tiger Woods has placed twice and, for those liking a back-to-lay proposition, he's traded much shorter than his starting price.

I happen to be in the second bracket, in that I believe that while backing Tiger in relatively low-grade affairs has proven a quick way to the poor house this year if we honed in on the majors no money has been lost. Remember, when asked which four courses Tiger would like the majors to be staged at he replied "St. Andrews four times" and despite his excellent Pebble Beach demolition job in 2000 there can be little doubt the course on which Tiger has performed his best over the years is the Old Course at St. Andrews, so where better to kick-start part two of his career? Yes he missed the cut in this event last year but that was on his first try at Turnberry and he very nearly rallied to make it; had he done who is to say he wouldn't have gone on to contend?

My chief concern then isn't his driving as this course isn't long and he can keep that club in the bag. It isn't his course form which is exceptional, nor his season form which has been good when it's needed to be. It is his putting. Tiger missed a host of short putts in his most recent outing in the AT&T, although one could make the excuse that he was trying those greens for the first time......
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Rest of article on
http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/2010/07/13/british-open-golf-preview-betting-advice-thursday-15th-july/

[Declan Rix "The DR" day two Royal Ascot preview]

Declan Rix "The DR" day two Royal Ascot preview
2.30 Ascot – Jersey Stakes
Not a bad renewal of the Jersey Stakes with solid English, Irish and French Guineas form on offer. The brilliant Canford Cliffs indicated that the Irish Guineas form may prove best ahead of the English and French equivalents. This would have to give the Irish raider, Free Judgement, a stand out chance. He is currently vying for favouritism with the Godolphin horse but I feel he may be slightly flattered by the run. They went a hell of a gallop at the Curragh that day and he just seemed to stay on past beaten horses. Today's drop to seven furlongs won't be ideal either and he may be vulnerable to a speedier type. His three lbs Group penalty won't aid his cause either. However, his speed rating gives him a chance and he seems to be improving but I think the winner will come elsewhere. Shakespearean was very impressive when beating an average field giving them six lbs. That was a very nice introductory run but he too may be flattered by the bare result. Frankie had the run of the race that day and the second horse never settled so the form may be suspect. He too has a three lbs penalty to carry. There won't be much between Red Jazz, Field of Dream and Rodrigo De Torres on their Newmarket run but I feel Red Jazz may turn the stables today. With all that being said though, my selection will be Meezaan. John Gosden's inmate ran a blinder in the French Guineas to finish fifth behind Lope De Vega and Dick Turpin. That form has since been well boosted and he must have strong claims. He was turned over at short odds in a small field two runs back but the ground was deemed too quick that day. He is quite a heavy topped horse so rapidly drying conditions at Ascot would be a concern. His form is rock solid though so hopefully the ground doesn't get too quick. ........
http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/2010/06/16/declan-rix-the-dr-day-two-royal-ascot-preview/

Best Bets For Day Two of Royal Ascot
The opening day of the Royal meeting at Ascot promised much, and it certainly delivered. Unfortunately the second day fails to match it in terms of overall quality, but there are still enough talking points and betting opportunities to make it obligatory viewing and very good racing.

3.50 Prince of Wales Stakes (Group One)
Wednesday's feature race is the Prince of Wales Stakes over a mile and a quarter. Considering that in the past ten years this race has gone to such superstars as Duke of Marmalade, Manduro, Ouija Board, Dubai Millennium and Fantastic light it must be said that this renewal is sub standard. While the lack of a superstar makes it less of a spectacle, it does mean that the race is more open and of increased interest from a betting point of view, which may help offset the disappointment.............
http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/2010/06/16/best-bets-for-day-two-of-royal-ascot/

[Live scores]

Cork U21 v Waterford U21 – Team news, Live scores & Result – Pairc Ui Chaoimh, 7.30pm

Bord Gais Munster U21 Hurling Championship

Cork U21 0-00 0-00 Waterford U21 – Pairc Ui Chaoimh, 7.30pm

Cork to start with one change No 12 Aidan Walsh is replaced by No 22 Mark Collins the Waterford team is unchanged

Cork: C McCarthy; S McDonnell, E Keane, C O'Sullivan; J Nagle, W Egan (capt), L McLoughlin; D Kearney, S Farrell; M Bowles, C McCarthy, A Walsh; R Clifford, T Murphy, L O'Farrell.

Waterford: S O'Keeffe; Shane Kearney, B Coughlan, N Connors; J Prendergast, P Mahony (capt), S Daniels; S Fives, O Whelan; R Fenton, S Ahearne, Shane Kearney; B O'Sullivan, M Shanahan, T Ryan.

The winners will meet Tipperary in the Semi-Final on July 15.

http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/2010/06/02/cork-u21-v-waterford-u21-team-news-live-scores-result-pairc-ui-chaoimh-7-30pm/

Munster Senior Football Championship quarter-final
Clare 0-05 0-02 Waterford, Dungarvan, 3.00pm
after 25min

http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/2010/05/23/gaa-live-scores-results-sunday-23rd-may/