IRELAND’S Martin Fagan and multiple world champion Lornah Kiplagat were named European Athletes of the Month for October on the back of their scintillating form on the road circuit.

IRELAND’S adopted astronaut returned to Earth after 101 days in space yesterday to an emotional reunion with his wife and children.

IRELAND’S Scott Evans is hoping that his return to home soil can inspire him to a successful run at this weekend’s Yonex Irish International Championships in Lisburn.

IRELAND’S Kirsty McGarry is almost certain to give the Ladies Super G downhill event tomorrow a miss in order to concentrate on the Ladies Slalom events scheduled for February 22 and 24.

HARRY MARSHALL yesterday said his forthcoming disciplinary hearing will not prove a distraction as he lines out in today’s Samsung Super League opener in La Baule, France.

IRELAND’S David Higgins fired a six under par 66 to position him on the shoulder of leader, Kyron Sullivan of Wales at the halfway stage of the Madeira Island Open.

IRELAND’S John O’Shea is one of a number of Premiership stars seen in action recently wearing the latest evolution of the adidas F50 boot.

IRELAND’S Alistair Cragg continued his indoor season in flawless fashion with a double victory at the 2004 Southeastern Conference Championships in Lexington, Kentucky at the weekend.

IRELAND’S Billy Twomey and Cian O’Connor put their rivals in the shade at a sunbaked Dublin Horse Show as they claimed victory in the two main classes.

IRELAND’S Peter Charles survived a dramatic moment at Hickstead when his hat slipped over his face and he jumped blindfold down the Derby Bank - but still managed to go clear and repeat his 2001 victory in the Bunn Leisure British Jumping Derby with Corrada.

IRELAND’S Damien Duff and Robbie Keane have been bizarrely excluded by a FIFA panel of so-called experts in a 33-strong short-list for its all-star team of the tournament.

IRELAND’S Peter Clohessy has set his sights firmly on a place in the Lions Test side for the series against Australia this summer.