What do an award-winning street in Cork, an oak tree in Ardpatrick, and a church in Blackrock have in common?

The West Cork ladies footballers had some difficulty in securing a pitch to train on last Wednesday evening. Four days out from their county senior final date with Mourneabbey, it was hardly an ideal scenario to arise.

A gorse fire that scorched Bray Head and forced an evacuation of local residents has revealed a World War Two-era sign.

The National Monuments Service has confirmed it has been contacted about another Meath archaeological find uncovered by the heatwave — the possible childhood home of St Oliver Plunkett.

Dublin SFC final

It was only earlier this month that Bernard Brogan was providing Jim McGuinness with a most back-handed sort of compliment on his departure as Donegal manager.

By Rónán Mac Lochlainn

A Westmeath hurling supporter has been banned for 48 weeks for clashing with a referee after the county senior hurling final.

St Oliver Plunkett’s, from Mullingar, caused a major shock at Cusack Park, Mullingar, yesterday, beating champions Clonkill 1-9 to 1-8 to reach the Westmeath SHC final.

Last year’s defeated Cork County SHC finalists CIT advanced to the fourth round of this year’s competition as they saw off Carbery at Páirc Uí Rinn last night.

NUNS in Cobh, Co Cork, are currently enjoying their 15 minutes of fame as part of a new documentary.

WHEN Gerry McEntee strides out to patrol the Páirc Táilteann sideline tomorrow it will be a homecoming in more ways than one.

Colm Begley believes that GAA authorities should put measures in place so that players who are selected for International Rules duty avoid any potential 'club versus country' rows.

STEPHEN CLUXTON’S participation in the International Rules series looks increasingly questionable after Parnells qualified for the Dublin SFC quarter-finals following yesterday’s 1-18 to 2-9 extra-time win over St Sylvester’s in Swords.

TODAY

IRELAND’S chances of regaining the Cormac McAnallen Trophy have been dented by confirmation Alan Brogan will be unable to make the trip to Australia for the International Rules tests in Melbourne and the Gold Coast.

KILBRIN have qualified to meet Charleville in the semi-final of the Cork JAHC following their two-point replay victory over St Oliver Plunkett’s at Coachford on Saturday.

KILBRIN and St Oliver Plunkett’s will have to meet again following their exciting draw in the quarter-final of the Cork JAHC in Coachford on Saturday.

KILBRIN and St Oliver Plunkett’s will have to meet again following their exciting draw in the quarter-final of the Cork JAHC in Coachford on Saturday.

THE reputed head of a 14th-century Italian saint was sold for €3,500 at an auction in Co Meath yesterday.

JOHN MISKELLA is Cork’s biggest injury concern after Sunday’s league final win over Dublin, but will have to wait to assess the extent of the back problem he sustained in the Croke Park clash.

DUBLIN’S championship season may have ended with an All-Ireland SFC semi-final defeat to Cork but the next few months may rank as the best of Bernard Brogan’s outstanding career.

A Louth village closely linked to the legends of Cuchulainn won the coveted Tidy Towns 2010 for its idyllic charm today.

The message was clear from Jason Sherlock, Dublin's darling of their last All-Ireland SFC success back in 1995 - I'm still ready, willing and able.

Dublin manager Pat Gilroy has made three changes to his side for this Sunday's Leinster SFC semi-final against Westmeath at Croke Park.

St Oliver Plunkett’s/Eoghan Ruadh 0-13 Kilmacud Crokes 1-10

Dublin defender Colin Moran says it is now time to look forward - and not dwell on a disappointing 2008 - following the appointment of Pat Gilroy as the Dubs' senior football manager last week.

Ross McConnell has regained his starting place in the Dublin team for Saturday's GAA Football All-Ireland senior championship quarter-final clash with Tyrone at Croke Park, throw-in 4pm.

Dublin captain Alan Brogan sees the suspension of his team mates as an opportunity for fringe players to stake a claim in the Dublin first 15 that face Louth in their opening Leinster Championship tie in June.

YOU demur (Editorial, October 29) at the beatification in Rome of the 498 martyrs of the 1936-’39 Spanish civil war.

A group of pilgrims will follow in the footsteps of martyrs and saints during a 10 day trip to Rome and Assisi.

THE banners in St Peter’s Square on Friday last proclaimed “Santo Subito.” Translated, it means “a saint now.” The process may take a few years to start, but the faithful were returning their verdict much sooner.

President Mary McAleese is due to attend a ceremony today to commemorate the founding of the Irish College in Rome 375 years ago.