Rory McIlroy is by a distance the Irish sportsperson of the decade, writes Kieran Shannon.

PlayStations, personal stereos, third-level education and traffic — John Giles’ big four inhibitors of sporting talent.

April 15, 1989 was the day George Hamilton went to cover an FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough and, with John Giles, ended up on air for two hours reporting live for RTÉ on an unfolding disaster that would take the lives of 96 people.

Stephen Ireland wants to wait until a permanent manager of Ireland is appointed before making a decision about a return to international duty.

HUNDREDS of children escaped the terror of a triple shooting yesterday morning because a charity event curtailed their usual weekly football gathering at their local park.

A visit to the Aviva Stadium the night before last, for the launch of John Giles’ autobiography, in the company of a jovial cast of hundreds including Nobby Stiles, Liam Brady, Eamon Dunphy, Ray Treacy, Mick Martin, Packie Bonner and many more familiar faces from the world of football.

THE household names have given way to the names of households.

NEVER mind playing the world champions on their own turf – Bulgaria in Sofia tomorrow will be the toughest game yet of Ireland’s World Cup campaign.