Cork Constitution will have the support of the nation — well almost — when they take on Lansdowne in today’s Ulster Bank League battle at Temple Hill, the outcome of which will surely shape the destination of the title.

The Irish Coursing Club have received a ‘hands off’ warning over a decision taken by its executive to switch the Irish Cup meeting from its historical home in Co Limerick.

A total of 9,833 personal injury cases were successful in 2011, amounting to €209.8m in compensation payouts, an increase of 22% compared to 2010.

JUST days into the New Year and already we have the draw for the first major open track event of the year, the Tyrur Kennels Open 575 which will kick-off at Shelbourne tonight.

A BUSY weekend of Munster Junior Cup fixtures are set to be played this weekend with games across all four of the opening rounds down for decision.

Enda Bolger is responsible for five of the 16 runners as he seeks to continue his dominance of the Glenfarclas Handicap Chase at Cheltenham tomorrow.

THE three top teams in the First Division face stern challenges on Sunday as they battle for league glory, but the weekend’s standout game is in the Second Division, as two of the pacesetters, Old Christians and Galbally, come face to face.

SNOOPY Loopy is reported to be in fine shape for the Bet365 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby today as he bids to land his first success since the Betfair Chase.

Eric McNamara is to consider Ponmeoath for the Hennessy Gold Cup after the nine-year-old’s brave effort in the Kerry National.

Charles Byrnes is to give Merchent Paddy a well-earned break following his second success in a week at Leopardstown on Sunday.

ERIC McNamara will study the entries for the Slaney Novice Hurdle before deciding whether to commit Emergency Exit to the Grade Two contest at Naas on Sunday.

Lee Westwood made a bright start today to his bid first to stay alive and then maybe to get back into contention for the Irish Open at Adare Manor.

Charles Byrnes will only let dual Grade One-winning chaser Cailin Alainn take her chance over hurdles at Thurles on Thursday if the ground eases significantly.

A ‘MOUNTAIN’ of waste farm plastic which has accumulated on farms throughout the country over the past few years is proving a challenge for farmers and for Government re-cycling arrangements to deal with the problem.

Beef Or Salmon has not been ruled out of a fifth attempt at Cheltenham Gold Cup glory next March.

Michael Hourigan will make a decision on Beef Or Salmon’s participation at Aintree on Monday.

Michael Hourigan believes this year’s totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup could be a different story for Beef Or Salmon after three failed attempts.

Michael Hourigan declared Beef Or Salmon to be in top form ahead of a tilt at next month’s Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown.

A decision as to who rides crack Irish chaser Beef Or Salmon in Sunday’s Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup is expected in the next 48 hours.

SIX Limerick county councillors and two senior council officials depart later today on a nine day junket to China which will cost taxpayers in excess of €32,000.