In Ireland, there is only one currency that trades at a profit when it comes to minority sports, so Fiona Doyle was front and centre with the general public last month when she won silver and bronze medals at the World University Games in Gwangju.

Probiotic drinks company Yakult Ireland is to sponsor the Connacht Rugby team in terms of providing product support to the club for the 2009/10 season.

Multi-Olympic champion Michael Phelps will make his competitive return from a three-month ban in May at the Charlotte UltraSwim in the United States.

THE World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) have criticised the handling of doping allegations against Australian star Ian Thorpe, claiming confidentiality was breached by revealing his name prematurely.

Michael Phelps claimed a record seventh gold medal at the FINA World Championships in Melbourne to stake his claim to swimming immortality.