Former Ireland full-back Girvan Dempsey has been appointed as one of two - the other is Wayne Mitchell - new Elite Player Development Officers.

Ireland U-21 midfielder David Meyler has played down all the hype and speculation linking him with a new, long-term contract at Sunderland.

Don Givens has announed the Republic of Ireland U21 team to face Georgia U21 tonight.

Connacht have raided English clubs Cornish Pirates and Otley for Brian Tuohy and Mike McComish, respectively, as part of the ongoing work to improve on their last place finish in the Magner's League last season.

Reigning champions Drogheda United take on struggling Galway United at United Park this evening, (kick-off 7.45pm).

ANDY KEOGH and Darron Gibson are included in the Republic of Ireland squad to face England in next month’s UEFA Under-21 Euro Qualifier.

REPUBLIC of Ireland U-21 manager Don Givens has told his players they could be just one game away from a senior call-up if they put on a show against Portugal in their opening European Championship qualifier at Turner’s Cross tomorrow night (ko 7.30pm).

UCD should prove too much for struggling Longford Town in tonight’s Premier Division clash at Belfield Park (kick-off 7.45pm).

FORMER Ireland prop Justin Fitzpatrick believes today’s Magners League game against the Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium could be the turning point in Ulster’s season.

SKIPPER Simon Best wants Ulster to break the French hoodoo during Sunday’s trip to Toulouse to end a dismal Heineken Cup campaign on a high.

Ireland ran out convincing winners in their final game of the pool stages at the IRB Under-21 World Championship in Issoire this evening.

THE Ireland U21 team to play hosts France on the opening day of the 2006 IRB U21 World Championship shows six changes to the side that lost 40-5 to England U21 in March in the final game of the U21 6 Nations tournament.

The Ireland Under-21 team to play hosts France on the opening day of the 2006 IRB U-21 World Championship has been announced.

The following 31 players have been selected for the next Ireland Under 21 squad session which will take place in Dublin on Sunday, January 15 – Tuesday, January 17 2006.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U-21 manager Don Givens insists Stephen Ireland’s prior fall-out with Brian Kerr will not block his path to again playing for his country.

Seeded second by virtue of last year's runners-up finish, Ireland Under-21s have been drawn to face France, Samoa and South Africa in the opening stages of June's IRB World Cup in Argentina.

ISRAEL manager Avraham Grant has claimed it will be an unfamiliar Israel team that Brian Kerr’s Republic of Ireland will face on Saturday week.

Republic of Ireland U 21 manager Don Givens has selected an 18-man squad for the European Championship qualification doubleheader with Cyprus and Switzerland at the beginning of September.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U-21 manager Don Givens has been forced to make two changes to his squad for Tuesday’s clash with Bulgaria at United Park, Drogheda (kick-off 7:30).

AUSTRALIAN U-21 coach Chris Webb has tipped Ireland to create a World Cup shock here at Hughenden in Glasgow tomorrow. Ireland face the might of holders New Zealand and Webb refuses to dismiss Ireland's challenge.

SPORTS fans in Galway are spoiled for choice this weekend.

CORK CONSTITUTION have been hit with injury woes in advance of tomorrow's crucial AIB League clash with Shannon at Temple Hill.

Connacht coach Michael Bradley has unveiled a host of new signings as the province bids to improve on last season's performances when they reached the quarter-finals of the Celtic League and Parker Pen Challenge Cup.

GARRYOWEN’S David Wallace and Richard Lane (UCC) have been added to the Munster squad for the knock-out stages of the Heineken Cup competition.

Ireland U-21 13

Italy U-21 19 Ireland U-2130

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U-21 manager Don Givens has called up five uncapped players for the friendly international against Scotland at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock, on February 11.