IF Michael Collins hoped the Northern Offensive would concentrate the political focus on Northern Ireland, he must have been sorely disappointed, because the orgy of murder was not confined to the North.

A facile win for Tipperary in this Munster MHC semi-final in Semple Stadium last night, a resounding win over a Waterford team that had been beaten in the last two Munster finals and were this year fancied in some quarters to go all the way.

A brilliant second-half fightback ensured victory for Minane Bridge in a closely contested DH4 final at Páirc Uí Chaoimh yesterday.

CENTRE Rory O’Loughlin and replacement wing David Busby finished off well-worked moves for the Ireland Schools to outgun the Ireland Clubs in this Age-Grade International at Merrion Road yesterday.

ARD SCOIL RÍS remain on target for a third Avonmore Milk Munster Schools Junior Cup since 2003 after they edged home by two penalties to one against Castletroy in yesterday’s semi-final at Dooradoyle.

IT HAS been a great few sporting days for Ard Scoil Rís.

JOINT tournament favourites Ard Scoil Rís and Crescent Comprehensive are in action this afternoon as the Avonmore Munster Schools Junior Cup quarter-finals get underway.

ON the day when one Kerry midfielder departed the inter-county scene, another commanded the headlines after yesterday’s Sigerson Cup quarter-final at the Mardyke.