MORE than 25 comedians from seven countries will descend on Co Tipperary this weekend for what’s become one of the most popular comedy festivals in the country.

It really has been the most amazing start to the greyhound year. First we had the freeze-up and no racing at Shelbourne Park and other venues for a full month. Now we have the situation that because of many of our leading dogs lack full fitness, a prestigious event such as the Joe Dunne Memorial Puppy Stake has had to be put back a week in order to attract sufficient entries.

HISTORY repeated itself at the opening stage of the Clonmel Festival yesterday to provide one of the three big surprises in the first round of the Boylesports Derby.