Bryan McCrystal has shown himself a talent on two wheels and as a triathlete in recent years, but it was on the soccer pitch that the Dundalk man first created shockwaves. Ahead of the Rás, he spoke to Brian Canty.

There has been only one Irish winner of the An Post Rás in the last decade and that trend is unlikely to change this year, writes Brian Canty.

Yesterday morning, the first comprehensive report into cycling’s failings of the past was unveiled and one year’s work, by three people, who conducted 174 interviews, was condensed into 228 chilling pages, writes Brian Canty.

Brian Canty gets a Rocky Mountain ride on the ultimate road trip with his father in Colorado — where the mountains are high along with the people.

Welcome to your Thursday morning briefing. Let us ensure you’re up to speed on what’s happening and are prepared for the day ahead.

They are some of the sharpest sleuths in the Revenue Commissioners’ arsenal. Brian Canty goes to Cork Airport to learn how sniffer dogs go about their job

A brave Wexford woman in her 60s has just completed one of the world’s most gruelling endurance events just months after winning her battle against cancer, writes Brian Canty

Who rides a city bike and why? As the two-wheelers make their debut in Cork, Brian Canty tags along for a day in Dublin to find out.

Bad news for men with beards – a new survey has found that their attractiveness may fade as facial hair becomes mainstream. Brian Canty grows a beard – and notes the impact ‘the peak beard effect’ has on the opposite sex.

One of the oldest cities in the world, Lisbon has a captivating history. Reborn in recent years through European funding, it still has enough magic on its streets to leave Brian Canty enchanted.

Paddy Clarke takes the yellow jersey into today’s final stage of the Kerry Group Rás Mumhan – level on time with Mark Dowling (DID Dunboyne) – following yesterday’s thrilling third stage.

Brian Canty gets a taste for the easy-going ambiance of Neven Maguire’s cookery school.

Abu Dhabi has a lot more going for it than just giant shopping malls and attracts more visitors than India. Brian Canty checks out the Ferrari theme park and a desert safari.

More questions than answers — and Lance Armstrong is still the only one who can repair the damage he caused

Ireland will have four representatives in the Tour of Britain which starts tomorrow in Ipswich.

With the Games just around the corner and tickets all but sold out, Brian Canty looks at how you can watch it on the cheap in London

Mark Nugent went one better than his runner-up position in the Osborne Butchers sponsored Blarney criterium on Saturday night when he won the Donal Crowley memorial race in Blarney yesterday.

Staying in the homes of strangers is a fun, cheap way to travel. Just open your door in return, says Brian Canty

The Kerry Group Rás Mumhan takes centre stage this weekend with the 500-plus kilometre stage race attracting a massive field of more than 170 riders.

AP McCoy: My Autobiography

Morzine is a cracking little hideaway nestled at the foot of the French Alps and ideal for both the novice and expert skier. Book a chalet, says Brian Canty, and enjoy the slide.

“I WILL always be with you...”

ST BROGAN’S College Bandon set out tomorrow in search of the first of a possible two All-Ireland titles when they play Ferbane Schools in the “A” SFC final in Cashel (3.30pm).

Dromina 2-13 Argideen Rangers 0-9

THE Cork minor hurling selectors have made a number of changes, particularly in attack for Sunday’s All-Ireland hurling championship semi-final against Kilkenny at Croke Park, 1.45pm throw-in.

Tipperary2-12

TIPPERARY are chasing a hat-trick of titles when they play Cork in the Munster MHC final at Semple Stadium tomorrow (1.15 pm). The defending champions have made

DERRY may be without centre back Kevin McCloy for their Bank of Ireland SFC qualifier against Dublin on Saturday afternoon.

Valley Rovers 3-14, Éire Óg 1-11

Galway 1-20 Cork 0-8

St Brogans, Bandon 3-7 Scoil Phobail, Sliabh Luachra 0-11

Scoil Ruane, Killenaule 3-9