Pat Ryan has been confirmed as coach of the Cork senior hurling team, replacing Frank Flannery, who stepped aside last month.

The standard of refereeing at inter-county level came in for strong criticism at yesterday’s annual Cork County Board convention in Pairc Uí Chaoimh, with the allegation that there is now "a serious lack of application" of the rules.

Dr Crokes and Kerry star Eoin Brosnan admitted his side needed the goal he scored to get past the Clonmel Commercials challenge.

Criticism of the way the Cork county championships are being run continues to grow.

PJ Nolan and Gary Moore are Wexford’s biggest injury worries ahead of Saturday’s All-Ireland SHC phase 3 qualifier with Cork at Semple Stadium in Thurles.

HE may have just missed out on leading Kerry to the biggest prize in football last September but Colm Cooper is intent on firing Dr Crokes to All-Ireland Club glory.

CROKES boss Harry O’Neill said yesterday that meeting UCC in the Munster club final was “probably the final everyone wanted”, given two of his players – Daithí Casey and Johnny Buckley – won Cork championship medals with the College earlier this season.

WHOEVER in the GAA came up with the idea of nominating a club to represent their division in a county championship has a lot to answer for.

EVERY county final exists on two levels.

CORK captain Mary O’Connor has expressed her disappointment at the clash between the All-Ireland ladies football final and the Cork senior football decider on Sunday.

PAUL HESSION and David Gillick will round off what has been a sensational season for Irish sprinters, when they compete in the VTB World Athletic Final in Thessalonki tomorrow and Sunday.

NEW Clare senior hurling coach Mike McNamara is convinced tiny Tulla can win the Munster Club championship and make a bold bid for All-Ireland honours next St. Patrick’s Day.

WEST Cork breeder Seamus Lehane continued a marvellous season at Carbery Show in Skibbereen where he captured the Cork County yearling championship and the young horse championship.

THE curtain falls today on the first half of colleges activity for the season, with some finals down for decision.

IT will be very much a case of Hamlet without the Prince should Niall Cahalane fail to line out with Castlehaven against An Ghaeltacht in tomorrow’s Munster Club SFC semi-final in Killarney (2.45pm).