The summer of 1990 is fondly recalled in Ireland by those of a certain age, and especially so in Cork.

Show jumper Richie Moloney is considering a shot at the World Cup final following his qualifier victory in North Salem, New York on Sunday.

So, what do the All Blacks who departed Auckland airport a few days ago for Rugby World Cup 2015 and the Kerry footballers who will set off for Dublin on Saturday for this year’s All Ireland Football Final have in common?

And so the ‘Hand Of Gaul’ turned into the ‘Hand-Out Of Gaul’.

“We’ll leave it there, so,” as he’d say himself, but let’s face it — we don’t want to.

The Co Sligo-based sports group that counts Real Madrid and Barcelona amongst its clients is set for a record year in 2014 and is on course to achieve €5 million in profits.

As you know, President Michael D Higgins has been in England for the last couple of days to promote ties between Ireland and the UK, and he's been doing a pretty good job of it.

Irish people will be paying for the mistakes of the financial crash for generations to come, President Michael D Higgins has warned in a speech to London’s business elite.

Defender Phil Jones has claimed Manchester United’s critics have been desperate for the Old Trafford outfit to fail this season.

FOOTBALL managers are paid to put a positive spin on events but even so, it was a surprise quite how upbeat Mark Hughes and David Moyes were after a draw that did neither side any favours.

OPPOSITION to the dreaded vuvuzela is beginning to escalate in England but sporting organisations here in Ireland are, in general, taking a more laissez-faire reaction to the ear-splitting plastic airhorn that provided the soundtrack to the first African-hosted World Cup.

STEVEN REID’S decision to concentrate on his club football at West Brom is not only Ireland’s loss but also Celtic’s, the midfielder having confirmed that, before deciding to sign for the newly promoted Premier League side on a permanent basis, he had been close to a move to the SPL.

CARLO ANCELOTTI has tipped John Terry to have a big impact on this summer’s World Cup.

Robbie Williams and Russell Brand were unveiled today as stars of the team for a re-boot of football anthem '3 Lions'.

WAYNE ROONEY, who went into this match in the form of his life and hailed as ‘unstoppable’, ended it injured and in despair – and now Manchester United’s rivals, and in particular Saturday’s opponents Chelsea, must be wondering if the bubble has burst.

Chelsea full-back Jose Bosingwa will miss the rest of the season and the World Cup with Portugal as he requires further surgery on a knee injury, the Premier League club have confirmed.

LESS than a month after ruthlessly dismantling Arsenal in their own backyard, Chelsea will now head into the New Year with alarm bells ringing, while even Carlo Ancelotti’s confidence is certain to be tested to the limit.

Richard Dunne insists he is ready to put the Republic of Ireland’s controversial World Cup exit behind him.

IRISH goalscoring legend Niall Quinn has added his voice to those who believe that it is now time for Irish football to put the ‘Hand Of Gaul’ firmly behind it and begin to look, with confidence, to the European Championship campaign.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter today apologised to the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) for earlier comments which dismissed their hopes of being granted an additional place at next summer's World Cup finals.

THE FAI has said that it is fully supportive of Ireland Assistant Manager Liam Brady’s withering criticism of FIFA President Sepp Blatter, even as a spokesperson for the world football governing body has confirmed what everyone already knew to be the case – Ireland will not be taking part in the World Cup finals in South Africa next summer.

GEORGE BURLEY’S troubled reign as Scotland manager looks certain to end this week after the Scottish FA confirmed they will hold talks over his future.

Next year’s World Cup Finals in South Africa will begin with a spectacular celebration concert.

Former England captain Bryan Robson is being lined up to succeed Peter Reid as Thailand coach.

EVERTON have jumped to the head of the queue for the signature of Ireland star defender Richard Dunne.

Keith Andrews has hailed the impact of managers Giovanni Trapattoni and Sam Allardyce as he attempts to achieve a double goal.

The Scottish Premier League have confirmed there will be no winter break next season – although it may be back the following year.

MANCHESTER CITY could shove Sam Allardyce to the brink of dismissal by ending their miserable run of away results at Newcastle tonight — but Sven-Goran Eriksson feels the Magpies boss is thick-skinned enough to withstand the pressure.

The Premier League have backed Newcastle's claim for compensation from the Football Association for the injury Michael Owen suffered while on England duty.

NEWCASTLE legend Alan Shearer is hoping former England team-mate Michael Owen can help spark a rousing end to the season.

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has dismissed suggestions that former England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson could be on his way to St James’ Park.

Sven-Goran Eriksson’s agent has dismissed claims the Swede has set his sights on Glenn Roeder's job at Newcastle as “malicious”.

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd and manager Glenn Roeder headed for Dublin today as they stepped up the search for a new striker.

MIDDLESBROUGH boss Gareth Southgate was preparing to unveil his first signing yesterday as Robert Huth, 21, had a medical.

United States 0 Czech Republic 3

The Irish women’s hockey team’s hopes of making the World Cup Finals were shattered this afternoon.

Newcastle striker Michael Owen is confident he will be fit for the World Cup finals despite a scare on his return from injury.

FIFA want to clamp down on racism at the World Cup finals, with points being deducted from guilty nations.

England midfielder Frank Lampard wants the Football Association to ignore nationality and simply appoint the best candidate to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson as England team boss.

American midfielder Claudio Reyna has signed a new one-year deal with Manchester City.

Nemanja Vidic could make his Manchester United debut in the FA Cup at non-League Burton Albion.

NEMANJA VIDIC, pictured, is only a work permit away from completing his £7 million (€10 million) move to Manchester United.

The Premier League have claimed the Christmas fixture pile-up is partly due to the four-week build-up desired by Sven-Goran Eriksson for his England players ahead of the World Cup finals.