Sport

Eddie O'Sullivan, the Genesis Report and the IRFU

Unlike Brian Ashton, Marc Lievremont or Warren Gatland, Eddie O'Sullivan is under pressure this Six Nations to keep his job. In a sense, he is caught in a Catch-22 situation. His primary brief will be to raise the profile of Irish rugby and regain some positivity about the game. This can only be achived by results and good performances.

Kieran Fallon: Riding high

Kieran Fallon is an exceptional jockey with an innate understanding of horses. The major highs of his career are matched only by controversial lows, the latest of which puts his future in the sport in jeopardy
By Christy O'Connor

Rugby as garrison as GAA

Rugby was invented by an Irishman and is derived from an archaic form of gaelic football called ‘caid', according to rugby author Ciaran Cronin. Cronin's new book, Ireland Rugby Miscellany, says that William Webb Ellis may have been born in Ireland because his father worked here at that time. Webb Ellis had many cousins living near Clonmel and, it was caid that Ellis demonstrated to his friends when he picked up the football in Rugby, England in 1823. 

The tragic comedy of Steve Staunton

If there was one theme which defined the International Managerial Career of Stephen Staunton, it was comedy. From the first, infamous “Gaffer” press conference, to his bizarre posturing behind Ray Houghton moments before Ireland confronted Germany at Stuttgart, Staunton's reign had all the hallmarks of an Elizabethan farce.  A famous literary critic once theorized that the only thing to separate a Comedic play from a Tragic play is the ending.

Kerry Gold: going for the double

Evanne Ni Chuilinn talks to Kerry half-back, Aidan O'Mahony about Kerry's hard-fought battle to retain the Sam Maguire and win an elusive double not achieved since their All Ireland opponents, Cork, did it in 1989 and 1990.

All Black Ultimatum

The word emulating from the Irish Rugby training camp is that this Irish team is the most focused and well prepared Irish side to ever compete at a World Cup. Stronger, fitter and faster they may be, but they must also consider that the teams they will meet in France in a few weeks time are also preparing meticulously, not least two other members in Ireland's aptly named “group of death”, France and Argentina.

Top ten senior hurlers in 2007

The battle for Munster provided spectators with scintillating action while Kilkenny has once again asserted itself as the team to beat, claiming the Leinster title in spectacular style. Christy O'Connor, former custodian of the Clare goal, picks 10 of the best in the championship to date.

Top ten footballers in 2007

With the National League over and the provincial championships at the final stages, all eyes are now on the All-Ireland Championship. Former Cavan goalkeeper, Paul O'Dowd selects some football players who have made an impact so far in the championship.

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