It’s 11 years since Chloe Magee picked up her sole AIG FZ Forza Irish Open Badminton title and after last year’s loss in the mixed doubles final, she thinks it’s high time herself and her brother Sam added to their haul of silverware on home turf.

England’s James McCormick was the surprise leader after the opening stroke play round of the Radisson Blu-sponsored West of Ireland Amateur Open Championship at a damp and gloomy Rosses Point yesterday.

The Irish International campaign for 2007 is getting into its stride with two more groups heading to Europe to sharpen their teeth for the challenges that lie ahead on the European stage this season and beyond.

Cork hurler Seán Óg Ó hAilpín has been called into the Irish International Rules panel ahead of next month's two test matches against Australia in Croke Park.