University College Cork’s memorable 2011 GAA season received further recognition last night as the college handed out its Sport Star awards for the year.

Paul O’Connell is hopeful he can complete his rehabilitation in time for Munster’s Heineken Cup quarter-final against Ulster in four week's time after suffering a knee injury in Ireland’s 17-17 draw with France last weekend.

THANKS to the vagaries of the rugby calendar, one man’s promotion to the national side can leave his club shirt more exposed, which is exactly the case as Brian Blaney fills in for Bernard Jackman as Leinster’s hooker this week.

The Welsh Rugby Union have admitted they are already considering contingency plans to find a replacement for caretaker coach Scott Johnson if the Australian returns Down Under.

IRFU chiefs last night emphatically rejected fresh claims that Lansdowne Road is trying to put Connacht rugby out of existence.

THE FAI last night insisted that it must honour its broadcast contract with Sky Sports as the Government cleared measures to make international soccer games available on non-subscription channels.

Rugby chiefs were united in support of last night’s decision to conclude the 2001 Six Nations Championship next season after the postponement of all matches involving Ireland because of the foot-and-mouth crisis.