A new alliance and lobby group representing the interests of jockeys, GAA, soccer, and rugby players, is set to be launched in the coming weeks.

Athlone Town players Igors Labuts and Dragos Sfrijan will appeal against the 12-month suspensions handed to them yesterday after an independent disciplinary committee found them to be in breach of FAI rules.

Bray Wanderers’ players last night sought further reassurances of the financial future of the struggling club.

A lawyer who suggested convicted rapist Ched Evans could be innocent has defended his views after they were removed from the website on which they were first published.

A lawyer for a body representing footballers has likened convicted rapist Ched Evans to the Guildford Four as a fourth high-profile Sheffield United patron resigned over the ongoing row.

Christy Fagan of St Patrick’s Athletic has been named players’ player of the year.

Keeping things in perspective is what Fran Gavin does. Charged with running the SSE Airtricity League, he has mastered the art of standing back and looking at the big picture.

As well as captaining League of Ireland club Bohemians, Owen Heary also coaches young players on giving depression the boot.

ONE of the League of Ireland’s most familiar faces has decided to hang up his boots.

SHAMROCK ROVERS last night categorically denied one of their players racially abused Derry City striker Eamon Zayed during Monday’s Premier Division game at Tallaght Stadium.

Stephen Ireland has been nominated as best overseas player of the year by the Professional Footballers’ Association of Ireland (PFAI), despited his continued absence from the international squad.

DERRYCITY have rejected Celtic’s request to take highly-rated midfielder Niall McGinn on a week’s trial at Parkhead.

Derry City chairman Pat McDaid has revealed that he rejected Celtic’s request to take their highly-rated midfielder Niall McGinn on a week’s trial at Parkhead.

Irish football’s hottest prospect, Niall McGinn, has welcomed the inclusion of Celtic into the race for his signature.

ONE is pleased to wish Fran Gavin and Noel Mooney a Happy Christmas and, with even more than the usual reflex festive cheer, a particularly prosperous New Year.

SHELBOURNE manager Pat Fenlon wouldn’t rush any decision on his future in football.

The Professional Footballers’ Association of Ireland (PFAI) has blocked Shamrock Rovers' work permit application for new goalkeeper Russell Payne.

The PFAI, the Irish soccer’s players’ union, has voted in a new management committee to see it through to next summer.