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Double All Ireland medal winner with Cavan in 1947 & 1948 and former TD, Minster and Taniste John Wilson passed away today.
A great footballer in his time and one of the great Cavan Team of 1947 beating Kerry in the famed final in the Polo Grounds in New York.  A proud Cavan Gael. May he rest in Peace.

http://www.hoganstand.com/Cavan/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=80160

Anyone got a link to this once great site, I had in my favourites but it seems to be inactive. It was a great archive site with some great articles. Is the owner a member here?

A forum for the best youtube clips, here a good Irish one to start the ball rolling.

http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=IdJSrldXtc4

Mick O'Dwyer has had a minor heart scare according to the Examiner and has been told to rest up.

Hope he makes a full recovery and is back prowling the sideline in no time.

http://www.irishexaminer.com/text/story.asp?j=13408648&p=y34x9xzz&n=13409119

Well its the week thats in it and the first of this years provincial finals, sees bitter rivals Kerry and Cork do battle in Killarney this Sunday.

Everyone from Kerry looks forward to this game all year and even though the qualifiers take some of the gloss off the fixture it is still one of the great GAA derbys. Let hope the crowds from both counties come out to support it.

Cork will be itching to take a Kerry scalp for the second year running in a Munster final and I can see very little between either team. Nothing gets the blood boliing in either camp than that opposition jersey.

There will be some fantastic individual battles on display next weeend,
Donaghy v Canty
Brosnan v Spillane
Darragh O'Se v Nicholas Murphy
Marc O'Se v Masters
Anthony Lynch v Paul Galvin
Tom O'Sullivan v Cussan
O'Neill v O'Mahony

to name just a few. I hear on the grapevine Cork are flying in training, there are no reported injuries from the Kerry camp though there are a few hamstrings from the Cork training camp in La Manga 2 weeks ago.

No word on the Kerry line up just yet , though I'd expect little change except maybe Griffin in for Quirke at midfield but Quirke's height may be used to counter act Cork.

So looking forward to a cracking game in prospect and a good bit of banter with the langers.

Hurling Qualifiers fixtures

The details of the Hurling Qualifiers fixtures have been announced.

Liam McCarthy Cup

June 30th

Round 1
Group 1A
Antrim v Clare, Casement Park
Laois v Galway, Portlaoise

Group 1B
Dublin v Cork, Parnell Park
Limerick or Tipperary v Offaly, Gaelic Park/Thurles

July 7th

Round 2
Group 1A
Antrim v Laois, Casement Park
Clare v Galway, Cusack Park

Group 1B
Dublin v Limerick or Tipperary, Parnell Park
Cork v Offaly, Pairc Ui Chaoimh

July 14th

Round 3
Group 1A
Galway v Antrim, Pearse Stadium
Laois v Clare, Portlaoise

Group 1B
Offaly v Dublin, Tullamore
Limerick or Tipperary v Cork, Gaelic Ground/Thurles

Beginning next Thursday at 11.0 on TV3, the Hurling Bootcamp sees rugby legends Mick Galwey and Peter Clohessy, Olympic Gold medallist Michael Carruth, world champion rower Gearóid Towey, Football All Stars Charlie Redmond and Liam Hassett and Setanta presenter Paul Collins trying to master the art of hurling.

Former Cork All-Ireland-winning manager Donal O'Grady plays the Simon Cowell role in 'Chop Idol', with Wexford great Martin Storey and Cork's Ger Cunningham cast as hurling's answer to Sharon and Louis.

The knock-out competition is all for a good cause - €25,000 will be donated to a charity of the winner's choosing.

The participants will be challenged to develop key hurling skills, such as rising the ball, soloing, hand-passing, free-taking, and striking and tackling - apparently the participants don't mind that 'The Claw' has a clear advantage in the latter.

Given the latest racism row to erupt on Big Brother over the use of the word "Nigger" what are peoples views on this.

As a non watcher of the program and only picking up what is in the media about this today, is the girl being made a scapegoat for her naive comments or is there an underlying racism running through society in general. Was it a slip of the tongue or a calculated remark to provoke controversy. Should the girl on BB have been allowed to apologise for her mistake and move on. I am sure the British media will be all over her like a plague.

I dont like the term myself and would never use it but there was a time not so long ago when black people were a vary rare sight all over the country and I think in the past some of us may have been racist in our terms in describing them, and some of our parents were subjected to the "No Blacks, No Irish, No Dogs" signs outside guesthouses and hotels in England, and we have all heard someone or been called a "Paddy" at some stage but do you view it as racist or just slang?

As a now more travelled nation and as we move to a more multicultural society we are becoming more and more acceptable of differing cultures and not viewing people of differing background as a threat to our society. But is there still a high level of racism in country.

The Nigger Word has become a taboo word to use since the 1960's when the civil rights came to the fore in the US and has been replaced by the more PC African-American recently, but the one thing that always annoys me is when a non black person uses the term its racism, but when black people like rappers etc use it, it is seen as some kind of accepted slang term.

There is an old saying "Stick and Stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me". Just wondering what people think.

I know its of little interest to most of ye, but the All Ireland Champions set out in chase of that elusive 2 in a row on Sunday. Live on TV as well I believe.

This time last year Waterford made a good game of it for about 50 mins with Kerry eventually pulling away and winning 16 pts to 8pts.

Sunday will be Pat O'Shea's first championship outing and it will be interesting to see how we come out of the blocks, last year the Munster campaign was a disaster for Kerry, the first time ever I believe they failed to score a goal. The heads were not right and I just wonder do we have the hunger for the long summer ahead. Winning Munster has to be the first target.

Kerry manager Pat O'Shea reports no injury worries ahead of Sunday's Munster SFC semi-final against Waterford in Dungarvan.

Midfielder Tommy Griffin, who had been an injury doubt, proved his fitness by coming through a club game for Dingle last weekend, and is expected to renew his successful partnership with Darragh O Se.

Footballer of the Year Kieran Donaghy and Killian Young have been taking a full part in training in recent weeks and will also be contention for starting places. Donaghy is expected to start at full forward where he will be flanked by Colm Cooper and Mike Frank Russell.

Team probably named tomorrow.

Waterford named an unchanged team last night.

Lawrie Sanchez has resigned as Northern Ireland manager with immediate effect to take up a permanent role in the Premiership.
Sanchez has presided over a hugely successful period for Northern Ireland since taking up the job just over three years ago.

However, questions had been raised about his future after he decided to take over as caretaker manager at Fulham last month, while also retaining his international post.

He has now decided to relinquish the Windsor Park job after being appointed to the Fulham vacancy on a permanent basis.


I suppose Fearon will be happy.

Lucky for ye Offaly hoors that Moneygall sneaks inside the Offaly border by a few miles or Barack Biffo Obama would be pulling hard for the home of hurling in Tipp.

Moneygall to be the new Ballyporeen.

The clash of the top 2 should make for an interesting game at the weekend.

No Kerry team yet but probably tonight, the Dr Crokes players will be out so that will be a loss and Tomas O'Se is struggling with a leg injury.

However Kieran Donaghy should be back from his recent suspension but will have to cool the head if he doesnt want a 3rd red card of this campaign. Darragh O'Se got 2 yellows in the last game so should be available. Bryan Sheehan is back training too from his recent injury so Kerry will have a fairly strong panel to pick from.

New faces Donnacha Walsh, Ronan Hussey, Ronan O'Flaherty and Seamus Scanlon all played well against Limerick and will be hopeful of a start if taken on the trip north.

Donegal are motoring well with 4 from 4 and one more win should see them almost in the semi. I have not seen them live this year so cant comment on their strengths.

Letterkenny is all ticket for the game on Sunday, not sure of its capacity but shoud lbe a good atmosphere.

Kerry are flyin up on Saturday so should be well rested for the game on Sunday afternoon but will probably take only a trimmed down panel to keep the costs down, hopefully Radio Kerry will be carrying the game, anyone know if TG4 have it.

Hopefully we can keep our winning run going and avoid the potential of dropping a division. Its a crucial weekend for all teams involved.

Report from the Kerry London game last weekend.

I went down to Stacks park yesterday to watch Kerry play London in the opening round of the Division 2B hurling league. Despite being the first match, this game would be a relegation decider. Hurling is a wonderful spectacle... majestic, brave and skillful. In Kerry, it's just a spectacle... like arriving at the scene of an accident... Your horrified but curious, you survey the damage, you shake your head and wonder will anyone survive this. 200 souls braved the arctic conditions to watch this 'titanic' struggle. 

Kerry started slowly, they weren't used to playing to such a big crowd. A bit like the Irish rugby players in Croke park last week, the weight of expectation seemed to get to them. We couldn't shake the Londoners, so a substitute was brought in. Normally, this is done for tactical reasons. In Kerry, it's like throwing petrol on a fire. Tom Murnane from Kilmoyley is the least talented hurler I've ever seen. He spent his time running around the field waving his arms like windmills, roaring at anyone when the sliotar came into his area of the field.

He then realised what the hurley was for... he smacked the London centre forward over the head. The ref had a word... he probably told Tom he wasn't herding cattle today. Tom got the message, he did his helicopter impersonation for the rest of the game avoiding any trouble. The clock ticked down towards full time, the teams were deadlocked. The tannoy system informed us there would be three minutes of injury time. 

I was on my feet, fists clenched, bellowing wildly at the pitch. I couldn't help it... Division three was too horrible to contemplate. Our whole season was coming down to these last few desperate minutes. The crowd roared as Kerry midfielder Kieran Dineen of Abbeydorney battered a hopeful ball over the on-rushing London defense, everybody was caught out of position... everyone that is, except Tom Murnane. 

I stood there constipated in fear... could Tom provide the laxative? Each wild swing was greeted with a grimace and a groan. The sliotar was skipping towards the London goal, the keeper was rushing out. Tom did the only thing he could, he collided with the keeper and hoped the ball had enough power to make the line. Whether the ball would've got there we'll never know, Kerry full-forward Mikey Boyle hammered the sliotar into the empty net from a couple of yards out.

The stand went ballistic. Kerry had won. Funny how Kerry hurling is like overcoming constipation... it's a terrible struggle, the result isn't too pretty but the relief is palpable.

Is this game in Clones?

Kerry Team
Diarmuid Murphy
Marc Ó Sé
Tom O'Sullivan
Padraig Reidy
Tomás Ó Sé
Aidan O'Mahony 
Killian Young
Darragh Ó Sé
Tommy Griffin
Daniel Bohane
Eamonn Fitzmaurice
Bryan Sheehan (Capt)
Declan Quill
Kieran Donaghy
Mike Frank Russell

A couple of changes from the Cork game, Brendan Guiney is sick and is replaced by Padraig Reidy with Killian Young moving to wing back. Donaghy moves from Midfield to Full forward and his clash with Barry Owens will be interesting, if Owens plays. Tommy Griffin moves to midfield in his place.

Daniel Bohane gets his first Kerry start at number 10 with Bryan Sheehan moving from Full Forward to No 12 and replacing Donnacha Walsh.

Will be an interesting game for Kerry just hoping they continue to show the improvements they have shown in the Cork game.

Pat O'Shea has a busy weekend, off to Nenagh with Dr Crokes for their replay on Saturday with Moorefield, I am sure there will be a few Crossmaglen heads lurking around this game.
Then on Sunday he dons his Kerry tracksuit for the game with Fermanagh.

Anys news from Fermanagh?

Lots of action this weekend in the AI Senior, Intermediate and Junior football competitions with all semi finals down for decision.

Best of luck to the 3 Kerry representatives, Dr. Crokes, Ardfert and Duagh in their respective games.

SINSEAR (AIB)
Semi-Finals - 18.02.2007
Mullingar 2.15 St Brigids v Crossmaglen
Referee: Eugene Murtagh, Longfort

Limerick 2.15 Moorefield v Dr. Crokes *Live TG4
Referee: Brian Tyrell, T. Árann


IDIR-MHEANACH
Semi-Finals - 18.02.2007

Kingspan 2.30 Touramakeady v Ballymacnab
Referee: Joe McQuillan, An Cabhán
E.T. if necessary

Limerick 12.30 Confey v Ardfert
Referee: Maurice Condon, Port Láirge
E.T. if necessary

SÓISEAR
Semi-Finals -17.02.2007
Moneygall 2.30 Park/Ratheniska  v Duagh
Referee: Michael Collins, Corcaigh
E.T. if necessary

SÓISEAR - 18.02.2007
Markievicz Pk 2.00 Killala v Greencastle
Referee: Derek Fahy, Longfort
E.T. if necessary

Lots of full-match coverage of Allianz League matches, both live and deferred, third level and second level colleges, Suzuki Ladies Football Leagues as well as the annual showcase of the final stages of the AIB All-Ireland Club Hurling and Football Championships are included in the comprehensive list of TG4 GAA coverage for Spring 2007, details of which were released today. (A full list of TG4 GAA match coverage for Spring 2007 is below).

The first weekend of TG4's Football League live coverage for 2007 gets off to an exciting start next Sunday 4th February with the first of the channel's live broadcasts as All-Ireland champions Kerry take on Mayo in Castlebar. This match will be followed by full deferred coverage of the clash between Westmeath and Laois and will also include extended highlights of the Dublin v Tyrone match which is being played on Saturday evening in Croke Park.

Live coverage of GAA fixtures continues on TG4 every Sunday from the early February to the middle of May. Coverage will continue to be produced by Nemeton, the Waterford independent production company based in the Ring Gaeltacht, presented by Micheál Ó Domhnaill with commentary by Brian Tyers, Mac Dara Mac Donncha and Tomás Ó hAilín.
   
GAA BEO ON TG4 - 2007
SUNDAY 4 FEBRUARY
2:00pm     Coverage starts
2:30pm     Live:     Mayo v Kerry - Allianz National Football League, Division 1A, Round 1
                 Deferred match:  Westmeath v Laois - Allianz National Football League, Division 1B
                 Highlights from Dublin v Tyrone at Croke Park (previous night)

SATURDAY 10 FEBRUARY
12:45pm     Coverage starts
1:00pm       Live:    Ballyhale Shamrocks v Toomevara, AIB All-Ireland Club Hurling Championship Semi-final
Venue: O,Moore Park, Portlaoise

SUNDAY 11 FEBRUARY
12:45pm      Coverage starts
1:00pm        Live:    Loughrea v Cushendall, AIB All-Ireland Club Hurling Semi-final, Venue: Mullingar
                    Full showing of Ballyhale Shamrocks v Toomevara, AIB All-Ireland Club Hurling Semi-final
                    Full showing of Kerry v Cork, Allianz Football League, Round 2 (from previous night)

SUNDAY 18 FEBRUARY
2:00pm         Coverage starts
2:15pm         Live:   Dr. Crokes v Moorefield, AIB All-Ireland Club Football Semi-final
                     Deferred match:  St. Brigids v Crossmaglen Rangers
                     Deferred match:  Tipperary v Limerick from Nenagh - Allianz Hurling League, Round 1

SUNDAY 25 FEBRUARY
2:00pm         Coverage starts
2:30pm         Live:  Donegal v Dublin, Allianz National Football League, Round 3
                     Deferred match:   Galway v Armagh, Allianz National Football League, Round 3
                     Highlights >from Cork v Tyrone at Páirc Uí Rinn  (previous night)

SUNDAY 4 MARCH
2:00pm     Coverage starts
2:30pm     Live:   Allianz National Hurling League, Round 2  -  Kilkenny v Tipperary
                 Deferred match:  Allianz National Hurling League, Round 2  -  Waterford v Cork

SATURDAY 10 MARCH
Fitzgibbon Cup Final - Live coverage
(Hosted by Carlow IT)

SUNDAY 11 MARCH
2:00pm     Coverage starts
2:30pm     Live:   Allianz Football League, Round 4  -  match to be confirmed
                  Deferred match:   Allianz Football League, Round 4  -  match to be confirmed

SATURDAY 17 MARCH
1:30pm        Coverage starts
2:00pm        AIB Club Hurling Senior Championship Final
3:40pm        AIB Club Football Senior Championship Final
Venue:  Páirc an Chrócaigh

SUNDAY 18 MARCH
2:00pm     Coverage starts
2:30pm     Live:   Allianz Hurling League, Round 3  -  match to be confirmed
                 Deferred match:   Allianz Hurling League, Round 3  -  match to be confirmed

SUNDAY 25 MARCH
3:00pm       Coverage starts
3:30pm       Live:   Match to be confirmed
                    Deferred match:   Match to be confirmed
Games:  Allianz National Football League Round 5  and  Allianz National Hurling League Round 4

SUNDAY 1 APRIL
3:00pm     Coverage starts
3:30pm     Live:   Match to be confirmed
                 Deferred match:   Match to be confirmed
Games:  Allianz National Football League Round 6  and  Allianz National Hurling League Round 5

SUNDAY 8 APRIL
3:00pm     Coverage starts
3:30pm     Live:   Match to be confirmed
                 Deferred match:   Match to be confirmed
Games:  Allianz National Hurling League Quarter Finals  and  Allianz National Football League Round 8

SUNDAY 15 APRIL
Live:        Allianz National Football League Semi Finals
Live:        Allianz National Hurling League Semi Finals

SATURDAY 21 APRIL
Live:           Cadburys All Ireland Under-21 Football Semi Finals

SUNDAY 22 APRIL
Live:           Allianz National Football League Finals ˆ Division 1 & 2

SUNDAY 29 APRIL
Live:           Allianz National Hurling League Finals ˆ Division 1 & 2       Double header

SATURDAY 5 MAY
Suzuki Ladies National Football League Finals
6:00pm Division 1 Final
7:45pm Division 2 Final
SUNDAY 6 MAY
Cadburys All Ireland Under-21 Football Final

New Kerry football manager Pat O'Shea has unveiled his backroom team for the coming season.

Fresh from his Munster club success with Dr Crokes, O'Shea has named Sean Geaney and Dr David Geaney as his selectors. The team will be trained by John Sugrue, who plays midfield for county champions South Kerry.

Dingle man Sean Geaney is a former Kerry player and managed the county minor side before handing over the reins to John Kennedy. Dr Dave Geaney has been involved with Kerry teams as a medical officer for many years and is attached to Castleisland Desmonds.

At 29, Surgue will be one of the youngest ever trainers of a Kerry team. He is a physiotherapist by profession and after a spell in Portlaoise, is now based in Killarney. O'Shea met the players for the first time last week and was given assurances by everyone, including veteran midfielder Darragh O Se, that there would be no one else following defenders Seamus Moynihan and Mike McCarthy into retirement.

Being announced tonight also in the Citywest. 5 nominees instead of 4 for the football.

Very tough to call here, Kilkenny won the double but Cork played some good hurling and won through some tough close games.

King Henry was only on fire during the last 2 AI games, Donal Og had a great season but will his ties to the GPA hinder his vote.

I think Tommy Walsh or Cha Fitzpartick might sneak it and from what I have seen of Walsh this year he will get my vote. Thought he was very consistant in most games.

The GPA awards are on in the Citywest tonight.
Who is your favourite to win the Opel sponsored car?

Logic would say it will be Donaghy or O'Se or will there be an anti-Kerry voting block to vote in Clarke or McDonald.

Personally I would vote for O'Se I thought he had a great years league and championship, while Donaghy was in good form earlier in the year the move to Full forward transformed his and our season. He contributed hugely to our AI success in the last 4 games but I think the amount of ball won in midfield by O'Se and the way he controlled games was a bigger factor.

Anyway its up to the players votes themselves so we will see tonight what their take on the season is.
Lets see who can match their vote here?