When Michael Cusack founded the Gaelic Athletic Association in 1884 he had two main aims: to re-establish hurling as the national game and to promote athletics throughout the country.

Cork hurling manager Jimmy Barry-Murphy has admitted the county’s poor form is something of a worry to management.

The Cork hurling and football sides will clock a combined 1,388km in travelling to league games in Antrim and Mayo this weekend.

Conor Mortimer has been approached about becoming a member of Ireland’s Olympic handball European Championships team.

Jamie Coughlan felt like as if they could keep running forever.

Former Ireland senior rugby coach Eddie O’Sullivan is lending his experience to the Irish Olympic Handball Association as it pursues a spot at the 2016 Games.

The host of retirements from inter-county fare has taken the hurling community by surprise.

Jamie Heaslip will make his 100th Leinster appearance in Llanelli and is named in a strong line up which includes nine Ireland internationals.

Cardiff Blues 9 Toulouse 6

Montauban 13 Munster 39

KILMACUD CROKES 1-10 ST. OLIVER PLUNKETTS/EOGHAN RUADH 0-13

IRELAND and Australia may be renewing their tetchy rivalry in Perth this week but an altogether more ancient struggle will get its latest airing at Parnell Park tonight when the best the northside and southside can muster battle for the Dublin SFC title.

Three further athletes - 400 metres hurdler Michelle Carey, marathon runner Pauline Curley and 800 metres specialist Thomas Chamney - have today been added to the Irish Olympic team for next month's Games in Beijing.

Former England coach Clive Woodward is to join the board of Leicester Tigers.

AFTER the glitter of the European indoor championships, the spotlight swings to Sligo Racecourse this weekend where teak-tough Clareman Seamus Power bids to reclaim the national inter-clubs cross-country title.

LAST year David Campbell made what might have seemed a disastrous financial decision — particularly for someone with a Masters Degree in Finance — when he sold up all his possessions and went to South Africa to pursue a career in athletics.

AS GAA chiefs discuss the future of the International Rules series with the Australian Football League, the AFL are planning a tri-nation competition involving Ireland and South Africa.

The BBC is training eight people as spies for a new undercover TV show.

British police have released two men who were arrested after home-made bombs were found at a flat near Gatwick airport.