LEOPARDSTOWN Racecourse yesterday announced a new five-year deal which will see the 100% Irish owned BHP Insurances Ltd company sponsor the Irish Champion Hurdle until 2015.

An extra 800 tickets have become available for Connacht's glamour pre-season clash with South Africa next month following a decision to bring in temporary terracing to the Sportsground.

Former Meath managerial great Sean Boylan looks set to lead Ireland into battle against Australia in the 2006 International Rules Series.

Aer Arann have announced that it is teaming up with first division club Galway United in a sponsorship deal for the 2005 season.