JUST a couple of weeks ago, Munster’s second string side went to Shaw’s Bridge in Belfast and crushed a weakened Ulster opposition.

JOHN KELLY has finally returned to challenge for a place in Munster’s Heineken Cup squad after recovering from a knee injury.

THERE will be a reunion of sorts for Munster centre Rua Tipoki at Musgrave Park tonight.

WALES lock Ian Gough has dubbed New Zealand “honest cheaters” just four days before the two countries clash at the Millennium Stadium.

THE focus of attention in this A interprovincial at Musgrave Park yesterday was surely only on a few as Munster coach Declan Kidney draws the line on his Heineken Cup squad.

NEW Munster captain Paul O’Connell knows he has a tough act to follow.

WITH new Australian signing Tim McGann making his debut, Declan Kidney is looking for a stronger effort from his Munster charges when they take on Border Reivers in the Magners Celtic League at Thomond Park tonight (7.30).

JOHN KELLY has no fears of leading inexperienced troops into battle against Cardiff Blues at the Arms Park tonight (7.10).

MUNSTER may be Heineken Cup champions but they won’t get anything soft in the Celtic League opener against Cardiff Blues at the Arms Park tomorrow night.

FRANKIE SHEAHAN is set to resurrect his representative rugby career in a friendly game against Leicester Tigers at Musgrave Park on Friday night (7pm).

THERE were times at Inchigeelagh yesterday when Duhallow looked good, very good.

A POWERFUL second-half saw Blarney into the third round of the intermediate premier hurling championship at Newcestown last night and condemned Courcey Rovers to the back door route.

BEATEN Evening Echo Cork Co Premier IHC finalists last season, Aghada got a tough battle from up and coming Bishopstown at Midleton last night and in the end both sides settled for a replay, 0-13 to 1-10.

Duhallow 1-11 Muskerry 0-13

JUST one game in the permanent tsb Cork County SFC over the weekend where a superb opportunist goal by former inter-county player Pat Hegarty proved crucial as Carbery overcame Ballincollig 1-9 to 0-9 at Clonakilty.

GRITTY Erins Own held on to edge out UCC 1-8 to 0-9 in a hard-fought permanent tsb Cork County SHC contest at Pairc Ui Rinn last night with Sean Daly’s goal in the 22nd minute the decisive score.

ACTION aplenty in the permanent TSB Cork County SFC over the weekend, pride of place going to a youthful St. Nick’s side who edged out last year’s beaten finalists, Clonakilty, 1-11 to 2-7 in Newcestown.

Lisgoold 2-8 Muintir Bháire 2-8

Muskerry 4-15

Valley Rovers 3-14, Éire Óg 1-11