A few years ago, a Bantry friend nonchalantly pointed at the full moon as we hurtled towards his hometown and predicted a night of violence, destruction and half-eaten chicken suppers.

NO LONGER the loveable losers that last year became the first US sports franchise to lose 10,000 games, the Philadelphia Phillies can put away their symbols of futility.

THE Philadelphia Phillies got off to a good start in the World Series, beating Tampa 3-2 in the opening game of seven.