Boxer Darren Sutherland was a role model to children by returning to the classroom to get into university, it was claimed tonight.

THREE gold medals put the perfect finishing touch to what was a remarkable week for Irish boxing at the Olympic qualifying tournament here on Saturday, with John Joe Joyce, Darren Sutherland and Ken Egan not only qualifying for Beijing, but winning their respective divisions.

THE Irish boxers at the World Championships in Chicago have all been issued with new iPods and will be able to watch some of their best performances to the background of their favourite music as part of their preparations.

DEHYDRATION among jockeys has become a major problem in Irish racing and random testing may have to be introduced to combat it.

ONCE soup and sandwiches awaited inter-county footballers after training sessions. Now it’s more likely pasta and bananas. Mark Gallagher explores the roles of dieticians in the world of the GAA.

THE Turf Club has launched a major safety review of the entire horse racing industry which, it is hoped, will help prevent a repeat of last year's tragedies which saw the deaths of jockeys Kieran Kelly and Sean Cleary.

WINNING managers swear by it. Teams shocked in the league by lowly neighbours use it as an excuse. And recently retired players shudder at the thought of it.