Gaining just a fraction of a second over their rivals on the opening stage, Gareth MacHale/Brian Murphy (Ford Focus WRC) went on to dominate the opening leg of six stages of the Letterkenny-based Topaz Donegal International Rally.

LIMERICK manager Justin McCarthy introduces James Ryan and Paul Browne for his side’s NHL clash against Cork at Páirc Uí Chaoimh tomorrow.

Dessie Keenan, driving a hired McKinstry S9 Subaru WRC, won the Monaghan Rally today after taking the lead on the very first stage.

BEATING Shannon in the AIB League was a welcome first for Dolphin as they preserved their unbeaten home record at Musgrave Park yesterday and jumped into contention for a top four place.

Reigning Dunlop National Rally Champions, Aaron MacHale/Killian Duffy (Ford Focus WRC) have won the Castlebar based TF Royal Hotel & Theatre Mayo Rally, the opening round of the Dunlop National Rally Championship.

Shannon 31 Dungannon 0

Cavan driver Patrick Elliott and co-driver Paul McLaughlin won the Tom Hunt Motors/Sligo Park Hotel Rally in their Subaru WRC today.

Tipperary 0-17 Clare 1-12

Shannon 21 Clontarf 11

Shannon 37 Cork Constitution 20

Buccaneers 3 Shannon 56

There were some top quality performances at the National Indoor Championships in Nenagh today with sprinters in particular, catching the eye.

Shannon 24 Blackrock College 11

Pallasgreen 1-9 Bruree 0-9

RIVAL coaches Brian Walsh of Cork Constitution and Geoff Moylan of Shannon are waiting until this morning to finalise their sides for today’s AIB League Division One final at Lansdowne Road.

Munster 17 Edinburgh 28

MUNSTER coach Alan Gaffney is taking no chances with most of his star players in advance of the Heineken Cup semi final with Wasps.

THE class and capacity for hard work of former internationals Karen Humphreys and Claire McMahon were instrumental in helping Pegasus of Belfast to an exciting win over Cork Harlequins in the semi-final of the Irish Senior Cup at Queen's University ground on Saturday.

MUNSTER have suffered another injury blow ahead of the Heineken Cup with star signing, Christian Cullen diagnosed with a serious shoulder injury which could sideline him for up to eight weeks.

Munster 22 Celtic Warriors 21

ULSTER apart, these are vital weeks for the Irish provinces in the Celtic League.

Munster 26 Glasgow 10

I T’S A big evening in the fledgling Celtic Cup with the four Irish provinces all in action.

Clare 3-9, Galway 3-9

NEW Leinster coach Gary Ella has marked out young Barnhall player Brendan Burke as a star of the future.

Munster38 Rotherham 19

Midleton 13, Shannon 22

Munster 64 Viadana 0

THE Munster management is taking nothing for granted ahead of tonight’s Heineken Cup clash with Viadana at Musgrave Park (7.30pm).

Munster 33 Connacht 3

England 3 Ireland 1

JEREMY STAUNTON has been given another opportunity to climb the ladder of Irish full-backs by his selection on the Munster team to meet Swansea at Musgrave Park tomorrow evening (7.30).

Munster 48, Ebbw Vale 23

JEREMY STAUNTON will be encouraged to make use of his pace in the wide, open spaces of Musgrave Park on Friday night.

Shannon chalked up a badly needed victory at Crowley Park when they proved too strong for a Galwegians side who had Connacht players back on duty for the first time this season.