The O’Donovan rowers began it at the Rio Olympics four years ago. After that, it seemed anything the oarsmen and women of West Cork achieved, so, too, could the young rugby players of the region.

Niall will lead a team that includes his younger brother Rory and their cousin, Jack O'Sullivan.

Munster head coach Johann van Graan has lauded Rosscarbery native John Hodnett after his man of the match Pro 14 league debut in the runaway 68-3 victory over Southern Kings at Musgrave Park on Friday night.

Munster achieved their essential aim of taking all five Guinness Pro 14 points from the visit of the lowly Southern Kings by the half-time whistle at Musgrave Park and after that, it was little more than a romp for a bang-in-form home side who thrilled the appreciative Cork crowd of 6,854 with ten tries on a delightful evening for attacking football.

Further evidence of the influence of West Cork rugby in the Munster team has come with the inclusion of Rosscarbery flanker John Hodnett for his first Guinness Pro 14 start — against South African side Southern Kings — at Musgrave Park this evening, kick-off 7. 35.

A run of two wins from their last eight games has increased the focus on the squad and management for all the wrong reasons.

Some may be in need of tender loving care, but properties at this Valentine’s Day auction could provide the perfect match, writes Tommy Barker

It was the numbers beyond the 45-5 scoreline which truly showed how productive Munster’s pre-season win over London Irish was.

Despite all those stars jetting east to the Land of the Rising Sun, the absentee which generated the most debate was the one left at home.

Three Academy players will make their first Munster starts in Friday's friendly against London Irish.

Tommy Barker on a superb fermoy period home with zoned land.

Two of Ireland's U20 Six Nations winners are among the four players added to the Munster Academy for next season.

Presentation Convent is about to leave the order’s hands, after almost 100 years in their ownership.

Towering Munster Academy lock Thomas Ahern will make his Ireland U20 debut in today’s final Pool B clash with Italy at the World Rugby U20 Championship in Santa Fe (kick-off 2.30pm Irish time — live on eir Sport 1).

A combination of Ryan Baird's 21st-minute red card and a luckless spate of injuries left the Ireland Under-20s exposed down the final stretch as Australia ruthlessly took advantage to claim a 45-17 bonus point win in Santa Fe.

Ireland head coach Noel McNamara has been forced to make two changes for tomorrow's World Rugby under-20 Championship match against Australia.

Captain Charlie Ryan praised the collective efforts of his Ireland Under-20 side as they repeated their Six Nations heroics with a brilliant 42-26 bonus point win over England on the opening day of the World Rugby U-20 Championship in Santa Fe.

Ireland U20s coach Noel McNamara insists his full focus is on the upcoming Junior World Cup despite suggestions that he could be a possible candidate for a role with Munster under Johann van Graan.

The party will be whittled down to 28 before departure for Santa Fe, via Amsterdam and Buenos Aires. Ireland face England, Australia and Italy in their pool: a tough task.

One of the strongest farmland sale zones in Munster in recent years has been the ‘eastern end’ of West Cork — and in particular, the fertile lands between Cork City and Clonakilty.

There is sure to be a good deal of interest in a West Cork farm currently for sale with Clonakilty-based auctioneers Hodnett Forde Property Services.

UCC will be ready to apply for planning permission for their new sporting facilities in the autumn as the college looks to build on the incredible success achieved on the field over the last year.

Over 5,500 tickets have been sold for the game at Musgrave Park, which kicks off at 7:15pm on Friday night.

Billy Scannell, the younger brother of internationals Niall and Rory, will be looking to make his first U20 cap on Friday.

Ireland made it two from two in the the Six Nations U20 Championship after following up their home win over England with a comfortable victory against Scotland at Netherdale last night.

It's a starting fifteen shot-through with senior provincial experience.

There are many farms with stunning views on the Wild Atlantic Way, but this one includes a superb coastal stretch of the famous tourist route that runs right through it.

Lansdowne continue to look the team to beat in Ulster Bank League Division 1A after winning at Tom Clifford Park for the first time since 2011, while defending champions Cork Constitution have leapfrogged Terenure College in pursuit of the second home semi-final berth.

SET out off north of the Baltimore route, by Skibbereen Golf Club and a five minute spin by car at a spot called Licknavar, is this extended bungalow, up for sale with a €225,000 AMV.

Mature gardens, a decked viewing terrace half way down sloping landscaped grounds, woodland and a stream at the boundary add to the pleasures of West Cork’s Ardaravan House.

Interest is already strong in a unique 93-acre residential coastal holding at Oughmina near Goleen, at the southern tip of Ireland.

Tommy Barker finds a fantastic and private west Cork hideaway.    

On the outskirts of Bantry in West Cork, a 34-acre farm has just come on the market; one which is as laden with intrigue as to its true value, because it is blessed with the qualities of golden location and top-class land.

Trish Dromey reports on a sweet, petite Rosscarbery bolthole buy.

The Wild Atlantic Way is good for business along Ireland’s indented coastline, say the couple about to sell up a well-performing local shop and cafe/restaurant, which they’ve developed through the recession.

Kerry 3-12 Cork 1-5 Munster U16 Football