Ollie Baker's spell in charge of the Offaly senior hurlers is over after two years in charge. The former All-Star midfielder from Clare will not be seeking a third year with the Faithful county.

Loughrea full-forward Johnny Maher has been suspended for eight weeks following his involvement in some ill-tempered incidents during last month's replayed Galway SHC final against St. Thomas.

Coolderry captain Brendan O'Meara has had to park his wedding date until next month due to the Offaly club's involvement in their first ever All-Ireland Club SHC final tomorrow at Croke Park.

Today was going to be a milestone date in the life of Coolderry’s Brendan O’Meara, a day long in the planning when he would finally walk up the aisle with his beloved, Jessica Kennedy from nearby Lorrha.

Coolderry forward Cathal Parlon has praised his side's collective work ethic as one of the main reasons why the small Offaly club are contesting their first ever AIB All-Ireland Club Senior Hurling final this St. Patrick's Day.

In defying the bookies’ odds by beating Limerick and Munster champions Na Piarsaigh in the All-Ireland Club SHC semi-final at Parnell Park on Saturday, Loughgiel Shamrocks didn’t just win the right to contest the All-Ireland final on St Patrick’s Day, they also won respect for Antrim hurling.

“No complaints,” was the reaction of veteran Na Piarsaigh forward Damien Quigley after Saturday’s comprehensive extra-time loss to Loughgiel Shamrocks in this All-Ireland Club SHC semi-final at Parnell Park.

It’s been a year where sportstars at home and abroad have again had plenty to say for themselves. Fintan O’Toole and John Riordan picked out their best offerings

Galway hurler Ger Farragher has welcomed the return of Alan Kerins to the westerners' squad after a two-year absence.

REIGNING All-Ireland club hurling champions Ballyhale Shamrocks were last night drawn to face O’Loughlin Gaels in the semi-finals of this year’s Kilkenny SHC as they chase five-in-a-row county senior titles.

Ballyhale Shamrocks 0-19 Newtownshandrum) 0-17