THE biggest surprise about Eamon Dunphy’s hatchet job on Ireland’s performance against Italy last week was that anyone was surprised.

FOR A guy who isn’t even getting his game, you’d have to say that Andy Reid is playing a blinder for Ireland.

NOT for the first time where Rafael Benitez and Carlo Ancelotti are concerned, it’s the Liverpool manager who finds himself three down – except it’s not even half-time yet.

SINCE we’re so desperately short of reality television, here’s an idea for a new one – Gaffer Swap, which is just what you think it might be, except with the added, exciting twist that the managers involved don’t exchange jobs, they exchange personalities.

TIME for some sympathy for the devil, me thinks.

AND so the last Sunday in September is almost upon us and there’s just a nerve-tingling 24 hours to go to one of the biggest events in the sporting calendar, as two ancient rivals and neighbours prepare to renew battle in the presence of a massive crowd and with millions more tuning in on television all over the world.

IN the great tradition of ‘Private Eye’ – translation: in an act of shameless ripping off – we begin today with an abject apology.

WITH thanks to the late great Ian Dury, it is my rare pleasure today to present reasons to be cheerful (part three).

CORK CITY have overcome some big name opponents in the course of their 25 year history but none has proved quite as formidable as the tax man.

NOW all of 85 years of age, Tomás Mac Giolla made a rare public appearance in the pages of Hot Press this week, reflecting on a colourful and controversial life in Republican and left-wing politics in Ireland.