A new TG4 documentary tells of Tom Molineaux, who boxed his way to freedom from slavery, before he died destitute in Ireland, writes Richard Fitzpatrick

Dwarfed by its magnificent neighbour, Achillbeg lies to the south east of the dominant landmass with which it shares a name. It forms the pinnacle of an inverted triangle and was once connected to Achill itself. Now, a narrow sound separates the two Achills through which a powerful current flows.

Former Republic of Ireland international Kevin Kilbane has never been shy in his support of Mayo and if Cillian O’Connor finally lifts Sam Maguire, Kilbane’s late father Farrell will be close to his thoughts.

League of Ireland fans might justifiably be relishing the sight of Daryl Horgan hitting the ground running at Preston but Martin O’Neill is probably even more gratified by the resurgent impact one of the older wingers in town is having at Deepdale.

Ireland’s build-up to the Euros starts kicking into high gear today, when the squad gathers at the National Training Centre for their first session of the week ahead of Friday’s friendly against the Netherlands.

The best performances and palaver from the Premier League.

If you want to see John Giles roll his eyes, then just mention stats.

Irish football chiefs are taking legal advice over claims that Republic of Ireland players were paid $10,000 (€8,900) each not to tackle Argentina star Lionel Messi during a 2010 friendly.

We ask a UEFA ref to clear up Kevin Kilbane’s Champions League confusion.

Once again, it was all about Roy on our television screens this week. But this time it was not Yer Man, it was Yer Other Man, says Liam Mackey.

In a decorated international career, Kevin Kilbane defied some of his club physiotherapists to bolster the Irish cause, and he feels James McCarthy may have to do likewise next month.

Kevin Kilbane thinks Darron Gibson urgently needs a change of scene from Goodison Park if he is to breathe new life into his club and international career.

Former Republic of Ireland international Kevin Kilbane believes a draw against Scotland on Friday will be enough to keep Martin O’Neill’s men on course for Euro 2016 qualification.

In the week that was in it, and with the long awaited Euros kick off now just 24 hours away, a conversation with Kevin Kilbane could only begin with one question: was he too now ready to come out of international retirement?

Former Ireland international Kevin Kilbane is in advanced negotiations with the FAI about taking up a coaching role with the Ireland’s youth teams.

Alan Hansen suggested this week that tonight’s Merseyside derby at Anfield is the biggest in the league in almost 30 years.

He might not have won it all – in fact the only medal he has in the cabinet is an old Division 3 medal from his early days with Preston – but Kevin Kilbane has certainly seen it all in football.

Kevin Kilbane has taken issue with Alex Ferguson’s criticism of Roy Keane’s managerial abilities, and says the Corkman would be only narrowly behind Mick McCarthy as his choice to be Ireland’s next manager.

There is nobody better to succeed Alex Ferguson at Manchester United than David Moyes, according to one of the few people to have both played alongside and under the Everton manager.

He was unheard of before being kicked by Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard last night, but now Charlie Morgan has more Twitter followers than the club he supports.

Aston Villa defender Richard Dunne is poised to return to training later this week after undergoing three operations this season.

Munster A 9 Rotherham Titans 9

Former Republic of Ireland international Kevin Kilbane has revealed a desire to be spend more time with his family played a part in his decision to call time on his playing career.

Kevin Kilbane has announced his retirement from professional football.

Giovanni Trapattoni insists that he has got no plans to step down as Ireland manager in the wake of Friday's 6-1 thrashing by Germany.

Coventry 3 Birmingham 2 (aet)

Irish left-back Greg Cunningham hopes his move to Championship outfit Bristol City can re-ignite his Ireland career.

Kevin Kilbane has called on Ireland’s veterans to stay on and help the Boys in Green reach the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Sun-soaked Sopot saw Wags and fans hit the sand in search of the elusive Irish tan yesterday.

Trying to find the hidden messages behind today’s clash at the Aviva Stadium.

Despite playing in six games and scoring once along the road to Poland, Kevin Kilbane was pretty sanguine yesterday when reflecting on not being part of the Euro 2012 squad.

It might not be the most captivating of games from a purist’s perspective, but today’s clash between Wolves and Bolton could prove one of the most important of the season.

A FAMILIAR face joined the Republic of Ireland team on their Aviva Stadium lap of honour last night and he’d love to be back for real.

THERE was plenty of forward thinking from Giovanni Trapattoni yesterday as his press conference to announce his European Championship play-off squad was dominated by the injury concerns ahead of next month’s games against Estonia.

JOHN O’SHEA has admitted Ireland would have settled with the task of beating Estonia over two legs to qualify for Euro 2012 before the qualifiers began.

KEVIN KILBANE admits he’s in a race against time to be fit for selection for Ireland’s final two group games of the European Championship qualifying campaign.

STEPHEN WARD says he will have “no qualms” if Giovanni Trapattoni decides to pick veteran defender Kevin Kilbane over him in the two crucial remaining Euro 2012 qualifiers.