Former GAA president, Sean Kelly, said Croke Park was missing a great opportunity on All-Ireland final days by not allowing mascots parade with the competing teams.

IF you’d like to know what it feels like to start the most controversial minute’s music in Irish sporting history, there’s someone you can ask in the Phoenix Park.

THIS year is the 125th anniversary of the foundation of the GAA, and from the start of the season it has been celebrated accordingly, with all kinds of high-profile events, most spectacularly the night-time fireworks display at the opening NFL game in Croke Park between Tyrone and Dublin.

THE same way you know it’s a general election night when Brian Farrell wears a carnation in his lapel, so too the rich sound of the Artane Band heralds a landmark day in Croke Park for many of us.

One of the most famous warm-up acts in the country, the Artane Boys Band, kicked off the Oxegen music festival in Co Kildare this afternoon.

MUNSTER Council chiefs predict their provincial hurling final will buck the trend of poor attendances and expect over 45,000 at Semple Stadium on Sunday.

GARDAÍ are investigating a fire which started at St David’s School in Artane last evening.

Angry fans pick up on some unusual aspects of Sunday’s Munster final. Like the train that “missed” Thurles station and the way the Munster Council are “skirting” – or should that be “kilting” – the issue of the choice of band at the game.

... THE signs are there. Subtle indications. Oblique hints. You’re not getting hit over the head or anything, but if you have eyes to see you’ll see that the day is fast approaching and the portents are all around.

The draw has been made for the 2006 O'Neills Kilmacud Crokes All-Ireland Football Sevens tournament.

HE SAYS: “Look, I don’t mind where I play, it’s all about wearing the jersey.”

NIALL McNAMEE would never have believed that two weeks could take so long to pass.

THE Christian Brothers were in the news again this week in relation to a colleague who was apparently handy with his fists.

GOD must have been in the IFA, judging by the religious overtones that gripped the RDS yesterday for the association’s golden jubilee celebrations.

THE true test of a would-be Taoiseach’s credentials are not his aptitude at leading the country but his ability to lead a conga-line on the dance floor.

The GAA has confirmed that it will host a celebration in Dunmanway, Co Cork next Saturday to mark the 75th anniversary of the the first presentation of the Sam Maguire Cup.

AND so, with the last league game of the season, the hurling season really explodes into life.