The Irish Times - Sport

Clubs rumble on as county sides just grumble

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:44:31 GMT

SIDELINE CUT:There is something unsavoury and sad about the frequency with which disaffectedplayers now call up managers to trial, writesKEITH DUGGAN

Keflezighi's race win opens uneasy race debate

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:44:31 GMT

ATHLETICS:Even with an African-American president, America is far from a post-racial society, writesIAN O'RIORDAN

America's special showcase is truly a breed apart

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:44:31 GMT

EUROPEAN PROSPECTS RACE-BY-RACE GUIDE:A Breeders’ Cup victory can open up so many windows of opportunity for European horses, writesBRIAN O'CONNOR

Sunday's GAA Previews

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:44:31 GMT

Interprovincial SFC Final-Munster v Ulster, Ruislip, London, 2pm – The M Donnelly inter-provincial competition is on its travels again, with tomorrow’s final combining with the Chelsea-Manchester United Premiership summit to make it a big sporting day in London.

Manager becoming a role of more contention

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:44:31 GMT

MANAGERS:The boss of a county team has to not only justify himself to the county board, but also to the players in his charges. Where will it end, writesSeán Moran

Citizen Kidney has not lost his powers

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:44:31 GMT

INTERVIEW/IRELAND HEAD COACH:It's a year since Declan Kidney took over as Ireland's head coach and, needless to say, he has not changed a jot despite all the success, writesGerry Thornley

Some changes are just too hard to swallow

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:44:31 GMT

SOCCER ANGLES:Some supporters have been so disillusioned with the direction their clubs have taken, they have walked away and formed their own, writesMICHAEL WALKER

Defence may be weak point in Les Bleus' glittering armour

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:44:30 GMT

WORLD CUP 2010:If the Republic of Ireland are looking for a chink in the French set-up, they need look no further than their centre back pairing, writesMATT SPIRO

Ferguson promises his system will not be so 'open' against Chelsea

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:44:30 GMT

The United boss is still sticking by his defence despite some worrying performances, reportsDANIEL TAYLOR

Smyth up with the leaders

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:56:41 GMT

GOLF:DES SMYTH is just two shots behind leader Angel Franco after yesterday's opening round of the end-of-season Castellon Senior Tour Championship yesterday.

Chelsea's 12-month Fifa ban frozen

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:56:41 GMT

SOCCER/Chelsea v Manchester Utd:CARLO ANCELOTTI will only dip into the transfer market during the midwinter window in January if injuries to key players leave his squad depleted. The Italian was speaking after the Court of Arbitration for Sport froze Fifa’s 12-month suspension on Chelsea registering new personnel over the Gael Kakuta affair pending the hearing of the Londoners’ appeal.

Sports digest

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:32:37 GMT

Today's other stories in brief

Hoping for Haye-maker to bring down giant

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:32:37 GMT

BOXING WBA HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE BOUT:IF DAVID Haye follows his gambling instincts tonight and unleashes something dangerous but special on Nikolai Valuev, the real prize will be much greater than a quarter slice of a world title.

Woods makes his move in Shanghai

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:32:37 GMT

TIGER WOODS is on course for a remarkable 17th individual World Golf Championship title in 34 attempts after claiming a share of the halfway lead at the HSBC Champions in Shanghai.

O'Brien strikes early with Iron

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:32:37 GMT

MAN OF IRON gave Europe and Aidan O’Brien the perfect possible start to the weekend by winning the Breeders’ Cup Marathon at Santa Anita last night.

Rip Van Winkle can deliver a Classic Santa Anita tale

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:32:37 GMT

BREEDERS’ CUP:THE GLOBAL nature of top-class Flat racing may mean it is more than a little ludicrous billing tonight’s Breeders’ Cup action as some sort of equine Ryder Cup. But there is also no getting away from the frisson of anticipation caused by the suspicion that the Americans could well be in for a rare slapping.

Casey Jones looks the pick in Down Royal feature

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:32:37 GMT

IRISH PREVIEWS:UNLIKE SANTA Anita, this weekend’s Grade One feature in Ireland places a premium on stamina and although Notre Pere will probably start favourite at Down Royal this afternoon, Casey Jones could be a value alternative.

Cork fans to enjoy Ring-side seats

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:32:37 GMT

IT PROMISES to be more Joe Deane than James Dean but Corona Cork Film Festival director Mick Hannigan is confident the festival’s celebration of the 125th anniversary of the founding of the GAA this Sunday will win favour with both movie buffs and hurling fans.

England must show signs of progress

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:32:37 GMT

INTERNATIONAL/England v Australia:IT WAS Alan Jones, the coach of Australia’s 1984 grand slam winners, who summed up Test rugby better than most. “One day you’re a rooster,” Jones announced, “the next you’re a feather-duster.”

Gatland talks down All Blacks

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:32:37 GMT

Wales v New Zealand:NOT SINCE their then team manager Geoff Evans declared in 1995 that Wales were bigger, better, faster and fitter than New Zealand have the men in red gone into a match against the All Blacks so aggressively bullish despite decades of failure in the fixture.

Soccer shorts

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:32:37 GMT

Today's other stories in brief

Parity much more positive for Cork

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:32:37 GMT

Galway Utd 2 Cork City 2:A LIVELY night on the banks of the Corrib ended in delight for Cork City, and disappointment for Galway United.

Rovers keep status with easy victory

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:32:37 GMT

Sligo Rovers 3 Drogheda U 1:SLIGO ROVERS preserved their Premier Division status for another year with victory over Drogheda United at the Showgrounds last night.

Delaney gives Derry some cheer

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:32:36 GMT

Dundalk 1 Derry City 2:DUNDALK AND Derry City played out an entertaining game on a night of goodbyes at Oriel Park, with Clive Delaney’s late header securing a fourth-place finish for Stephen Kenny’s side.

Bohemians make their 11th title official

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:32:36 GMT

Bohemians 1 Bray Wanderers 1:BOHEMIANS WERE officially crowned League of Ireland champions for the 11th time in the club’s proud, 119-year history after fighting out a draw with bottom club Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds last night.

Mahon's men escape play-off with a promising spirit

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:32:36 GMT

LEAGUE OF IRELAND PREMIER DIVISION/St Patrick's Athletic 1 Shamrock Rovers 0:PETE MAHON may not quite have delivered on his target upon arrival back in September of making Richmond Park “a fortress” again, but last night’s win over their southside rivals made it seven points from 15, which suggests he was roughly half way there.

McCarthy fancies Ireland to beat France

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:32:35 GMT

MICK McCARTHY insists his Wolves side will go for goals this afternoon but given the rate Arsenal have been scoring of late, a scoreless draw at home may feel like a victory by the time the final whistle is blown at Molineux.

Torres told to rest for three weeks

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:32:35 GMT

FERNANDO TORRES faces three weeks on the sidelines after flying to Spain for a second opinion on his troublesome groin problem, according to reports in the Spanish press.

Five posers for the united manager

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:32:35 GMT

Five issues Alex Ferguson should think about

Ancelotti not about to bottle it

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:32:35 GMT

RICHARD WILLIAMStalks to Carlo Ancelotti ahead of tomorrow’s vintage encounter with fellow wine buff Alex Ferguson

Horan due back early next year

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:32:35 GMT

RUGBY:MARCUS Horan should be back playing in the new year, perhaps even in January, after yesterday undergoing what an IRFU statement said was a “routine medical procedure” to correct an irregular heartbeat.

No madness in Kidney's method

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:32:35 GMT

RUGBY:IRELAND SQUAD announcements have become like maths equations of late. In pruning their squad of 39 to 31, the Ireland management have moved 13 players to the 22-man Irish A squad, called in seven others not in the original panel and ruled out Marcus Horan and the injured Tony Buckley. Yet there is clear method to such musical chairs.

Hoping for a mix of youth and experience

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:35:25 GMT

RUGBY ANALYSIS:As the autumn Tests loom how committed is Declan Kidney is to experimentation? asks LIAM TOLAND

Rainbow looks Classic value

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:24:42 GMT

BREEDERS’ CUP PREVIEW:LINGERING FEARS among American horse players that Santa Anita’s synthetic Pro-Ride surface is more suitable to Europeans than themselves could come home with a vengeance if Rainbow View can land tonight’s Ladies Classic.

Kennelly plays down role in final incident

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:30:24 GMT

KERRY FOOTBALL:KERRY'S TADHG Kennelly has defended himself in the controversy over remarks in his autobiography about the incident when he flattened Cork's Nicholas Murphy early in the All-Ireland football final.

Sports Digest

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:47:41 GMT

BASEBALL: The New York Yankees won the World Series for a record 27th time after an inspired performance from Japanese designated hitter Hideki Matsui saw them beat the Philadelphia Phillies 7-3, for a 4-2 series win.

Hermes tie looks the pick

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:47:41 GMT

THE MEETING of Hermes and Railway Union in Booterstown tomorrow is the pick of the ESB Irish Senior Cup second round, the game one of three all-Leinster ties, with Pembroke Wanderers hosting Glenanne and cup holders UCD away to Bray.

Ireland draw with England

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:47:41 GMT

HOCKEY:IRELAND’S 4-4 draw with European Champions England yesterday ended their preparations for the World Cup Qualifying tournament in Quilmes, Argentina, which begins on November 14th.

Semenya case: ASA president suspended

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:47:41 GMT

ATHLETICS NEWS:SOUTH AFRICA’S Olympic governing body has suspended the president and board of Athletics South Africa over their handling of 800 metres world champion Caster Semenya’s gender verification tests.

Up to 100 boats expected as Kinsale gets prestigious event

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:47:41 GMT

SAILING DRAGON GOLD CUP:AS HOWTH Yacht Club prepares for next year’s Etchells World Championships, Irish clubs are preparing for a run of similar major events rolling out for the next few years. Kinsale is the latest following this week’s announcement that the prestigious Dragon Gold Cup will be held there in 2012. Up to 100 boats are expected.

Ireland squad 'in good shape' and hope for medals in Manchester

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:47:41 GMT

CYCLING PARALYMPIC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS:FOLLOWING LAST weekend’s first World Cup in Manchester, at which several Irish riders competed, the paralympic squad have headed to the same venue for the track world championships.

Breath of fresh air for handicappers

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:47:41 GMT

GOLF:GOLFERS WITH the night-time breathing disorder obstructive sleep apnea can improve their game and cut their handicap by up to three strokes by treating their sleeping problem, according to a small US study.

Lowry's 66 leaves him two behind Watney

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:47:41 GMT

GOLF:IRISH OPEN champion Shane Lowry left seven of the world’s top 10 golfers in his wake yesterday as he got off to a blistering start at the €4.7 million World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions in Shanghai. The Clara native ended day one in a tie for second spot after he carded a six-under-par 66 to trail America’s Nick Watney by two shots.

Smullen closes gap on Murtagh with 959-1 treble

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:47:41 GMT

RACING: LEOPARDSTOWN REPORT:PAT SMULLEN’S hopes of overhauling Johnny Murtagh in the jockey’s championship were boosted with a 959 to 1 treble at Leopardstown yesterday that included a hugely impressive November Handicap success for Rite Of Passage.

Sheridans the stars once again for Seneschelstown

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:47:41 GMT

MEATH SFC FINAL: SENESCHALSTOWN 2-8 WOLFE TONES 1-8:claimed the county title for the second time in three years when just holding out 14-man Wolfe Tones in the replayed final at Páirc Tailteann last night.

Jennings to train with Brumbies

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:47:41 GMT

RUGBY NEWS ROUND-UP:SHANE JENNINGS is due to depart for Australia to train with the ACT Brumbies and a rugby league franchise, during their pre-season, to ensure he returns in peak condition when his suspension ends on January 6th.

Dundalk contracts dispute 'resolved'

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:47:41 GMT

LEAGUE OF IRELAND:DUNDALK YESTERDAY denied reports their players refused to train on two days earlier this week ahead of the home meeting with Derry City at Oriel Park tonight.

Roma make Fulham pay

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:47:41 GMT

EUROPA LEAGUE: Roma 2 Fulham 1:ROMA CAME from behind to beat nine-man Fulham at the Stadio Olimpico in Europa League Group E last night.

Benfica pile on the pressure

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:47:41 GMT

EUROPA LEAGUE: Everton 0 Benfica 2:THE HEAVIEST European away defeat in Everton’s history followed by their largest home reverse; it is safe to say David Moyes will be glad to wave goodbye to Benfica.

Stalemate of little use to gutsy Celtic

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:47:41 GMT

EUROPA LEAGUE: Hamburg 0 Celtic 0:CELTIC’S EUROPA League hopes hang by a thread after playing out a gutsy but ultimately goalless draw with Hamburg in the Nordbank Arena.

Too much banking on Torres

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:47:41 GMT

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: KEVIN McCARRAon the fallout from Liverpool’s deficiencies in front of goal

FAI to hold emergency meeting over Derry's future

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:47:41 GMT

LEAGUE OF IRELAND:THE BOARD of FAI will hold an emergency meeting tomorrow to consider Derry City’s future amid growing concerns about the club’s ability to survive the deepening crisis that has enveloped it.

Thoughts turn to possible successor

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:47:41 GMT

CLARE HURLING:WITH MICHAEL McNamara still expected to make no move in response to demands from his players that he step down from the position of Clare senior hurling manager until Tuesday’s county board meeting there were no signs in the county that the clubs are ready to force the issue.

Givens returns Treacy to international exile after alleged breach of curfew

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:47:41 GMT

SOCCER UNDER-21 NEWS:DON GIVENS has admitted Keith Treacy has been returned to international exile for another breach of discipline with the Ireland under-21 squad.

No surprises in France's party

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:47:41 GMT

SOCCER WORLD CUP 2010 PLAY-OFFS:GENERALLY SPEAKING, he does not have a whole lot in common with Giovanni Trapattoni. When it came to naming his squad for the forthcoming World Cup play-offs between the Republic of Ireland and France, however, Raymond Domenech managed to be about as predictable as the veteran Italian with the only real talking point being his decision to omit a midfielder tirelessly talked up by others.

Debate on dementia attracts the headbangers

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:22:04 GMT

AMERICA AT LARGE:Neither the NFL nor Congress came out well of a public inquiry into the long-term effects of playing football, writes GEORGE KIMBALL

Sports digest

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:11:33 GMT

Today's other stories in brief

Ireland to apply for full status

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:11:33 GMT

CRICKET:THE INTERNATIONAL Cricket Council (ICC) have confirmed they have received a letter from Cricket Ireland (CI) noting their intention to apply for full member status.

FIA plans legal review into exit

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:11:33 GMT

MOTOR SPORT:FORMULA ONE was plunged into fresh chaos last night when it emerged Renault had held emergency talks yesterday over following Toyota out of the sport. The French manufacturer was said to be considering whether to continue running a team, reduce its commitment to supplying engines for others or to withdraw altogether.

Woods believes China could be next powerhouse of golf

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:11:33 GMT

WORLD GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP:TIGER WOODS believes the inclusion of golf at the Olympics could help China become a golfing powerhouse sooner rather than later.

O'Brien bullish about Winkle

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:11:33 GMT

AIDAN O’BRIEN feels Rip Van Winkle (drawn 10) represents his best ever chance of winning the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

Rayeni can wrap up a memorable season for Oxx and Kinane

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:11:33 GMT

JOHN OXX and Mick Kinane have enjoyed an unparalleled year through the exploits of Sea The Stars, so Rayeni would be an appropriate big-race winner on the final day of the turf Flat season at Leopardstown this afternoon.

Dublin board confident of deal by spring

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:11:33 GMT

DESPITE DUBLIN County Board chief executive John Costello setting a November 1st deadline for the announcement of a new sponsor, the board remains confidant a new deal will be in place before the National League’s start next spring.

Johnson welcomes back tried and trusted

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:11:33 GMT

ENGLAND v AUSTRALIA:IT HAS taken a while but Martin Johnson says he can finally sense something stirring within his own-brand England squad. Yesterday he came as close as he has ever done to conceding his side were effectively a rabble this time last year, as opposed to the more united bunch preparing for the forthcoming autumn series. The return of three World Cup-winning gunslingers, all intent on helping their former sheriff see off a tricky posse of autumn visitors, seems to have improved his mood significantly.

Fitzgerald flourishes as he trusts his instincts

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:11:32 GMT

PLAYERS RETURN from Lions tours in all manner of conditions, both mentally and physically. Some take longer to recover than others. In Luke Fitzgerald’s case, he has begun to make good on his avowed intention to turn his acute disappointment into a source of positive energy.

Horan and Flannery remain main doubts

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:11:32 GMT

AUTUMN INTERNATIONALS:MARCUS HORAN, especially, and Jerry Flannery remain the primary concerns ahead of the Test against Australia on Sunday week at Croke Park. Horan’s condition has been the subject of much rumour-mongering since he left the pitch 17 minutes into Munster’s Heineken Cup win against Treviso two-and-a-half weeks ago feeling faint and dizzy, and more definitive word on his wellbeing will be known tomorrow.

Ranieri expects a difficult test

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:11:32 GMT

Roma v Fulham:ROMA COACH Claudio Ranieri is expecting a very hard game against Fulham this evening at the Stadio Olimpico. The Giallorossi, still without forward Francesco Totti through a knee injury, go into the game third in Group E, one point behind second-placed Fulham and two behind leaders Basle with three games remaining.

Pride and points at stake for Everton

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:11:32 GMT

Everton v Benfica:EVERTON MANAGER David Moyes is determined his side will restore their battered reputation in Europe this evening. Benfica arrive at Goodison Park after inflicting a 5-0 defeat on the English club in Lisbon, their heaviest loss in continental competition.

Mowbray needs touch of Fortune

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:11:32 GMT

EUROPA LEAGUE/Hamburg v Celtic:TONY MOWBRAY is considering starting fit-again Marc-Antoine Fortune in tonight’s crunch Europa League meeting with Hamburg. Fortune came on as a second-half substitute in Saturday’s 3-0 Premier League win over Kilmarnock, his first action since injuring his knee against Arsenal in August.

Rangers denied by late equaliser in Bucharest

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:11:32 GMT

Unirea Urziceni 1 Rangers 1:RANGERS’ Champions League hopes were left hanging in the balance when a late equaliser from Unirea Urziceni denied them a crucial first victory in the tournament this season. Rangers headed into last night’s clash in Bucharest knowing defeat would spell the end of their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages.

Barcelona freeze in Russia as Inter Milan revive their campaign

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:11:32 GMT

Rubin Kazan 0 Barcelona 0:BARCELONA endured another frustrating Champions League night against Rubin Kazan last night, having to settle for a goalless draw in a Group F match played in sub-zero temperatures.

Arsenal just play the way they like to play

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:11:32 GMT

Arsenal 4 AZ Alkmaar 1:ONE OF Arsene Wenger’s catchphrases is “the football that we like to play”. It can come across as a bit snooty, but when it works there is little to do but sit back and enjoy it. After a night of clockwork passing and clinical shooting, it is hard to envisage Arsenal will have too much trouble cementing their place in the knockout stages as Group H winners.

Talismanic Torres toils in vain

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:11:32 GMT

ANDY HUNTERon how even an heroic effort from the injured Fernando Torres was not enough last night

Hines seals victory with winner in injury time

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:11:32 GMT

SOCCER/ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE:FORTUNE MAY continue to hide for Gianfranco Zola, but his players do not. Here he lost two more key performers to injury, including top scorer Carlton Cole, and saw his team concede a dubious second-half penalty, but defiant West Ham rebelled against malevolent circumstance to plunder their first victory in 10 Premier League games.

Liverpool on the brink of expulsion

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:11:32 GMT

SOCCER/CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUP PHASE/Olympique Lyon 1 Liverpool 1:LIVERPOOL ARE on the brink of elimination from the Champions League after conceding a close-range equaliser to the otherwise muted Argentinian Lisandro Lopez in the last minute. The visitors, third in the group, are now five points adrift of Fiorentina immediately above them. A mere two fixtures remain for Rafael Benitez’s men.