THE financial commitment of the British government to the hosting of the 2012 Olympic Games in London will have a direct impact on GAA units in the north of Ireland, claims Ulster Council secretary Danny Murphy.

Suicide bombings have killed nearly 50 people and wounded dozens in two Iraqi villages, including a large truck bombing today that ripped through an outdoor market and buried victims in rubble, officials said.

THE GAA in Dublin must encourage the participation of non-nationals if it is to realise its potential, warns County Secretary John Costello in his annual report.

THE Evening Echo Co SHC semi-final between Newtownshandrum and St Finbarr’s definitely goes ahead at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday following the decision of the Munster Council to rule the Erins Own appeal out of order.

BRITISH forces using tanks broke down the walls of Basra jail to free two service personnel arrested for firing on Iraqi policemen, it was reported last night.

THE phone calls to the Irish Examiner come thick and fast in the weeks before and after the Munster Finals.

An explosion targeted a US convoy today in southern Baghdad, leaving a US vehicle in flames, while gunmen south of the capital assassinated a member of the Babil provincial council.

JOHNNY PILKINGTON will be available to play with Birr in Sunday’s AIB Leinster club hurling final against Kilkenny champions O’Loughlin Gaels in Portlaoise.

THE Golfing Union of Ireland’s plans to move its headquarters from Glencar House in Dublin to a state of the art centre at Carton House, in Maynooth, were outlined by president elect Albert Lee at last night’s meeting of Munster Branch delegates in Mallow.

THE Management Committee of the Leinster Council has refused a request from the Dublin County Board seeking a contribution for their senior footballers’ holiday fund.