A new name will adorn the Women’s National Cup in a fortnight after Liffey Celtic powered past champions DCU Mercy to join first-time finalists Brunell in the blue riband on January 27

Courtyard Liffey Celtics are the outright leaders of the Women’s Super League following a 54-50 win over Ambassador UCC Glanmire on Saturday.

Basketball stalwart Jimmy Diggins received a standing ovation when he was presented with Basketball Ireland President’s Award at the National Arena on Saturday.

He suffered heartache and bitter frustration in the dying moments of the National Cup final, but there was a tincture of consolation yesterday for passionate UCD Marian head coach Ioannis Liapakis, named SuperLeague coach of the year.

Ambassador UCC Glanmire were crowned Women’s Super League champions following a thrilling 76-63 win over Liffey Celtics at Waterford IT on Saturday night .

Ambassador UCC Glanmire face Liffey Celtics in the Women’s Super League final as the curtain comes down on the basketball season at the Waterford IT tomorrow night.

A hectic weekend of basketball action begins tomorrow with the St Patrick’s Day Men’s SuperLeague final at the National Arena.

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors moved into second place in the Men’s Super League following their impressive 90-78 win over Killester at Clontarf.

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors coach Mark Bernsen believes his side will face a true test of character when they travel to Dublin tomorrow for a crucial Men’s SuperLeague clash against in-form Killester.

A late free throw by Kieran Donaghy ensured Garvey’s Tralee Warriors were crowned Champions Trophy winners in an epic, 74-73 win over league champions, Templeogue, at Letterkenny, yesterday.

C & S UCC Demons completed their Men’s premier league campaign with a resounding 99-74 win over basement side Eanna at the Mardyke Arena yesterday.

Champions elect C&S UCC Demons will receive their Men’s Premier League trophy and medals after Sunday’s game against basement side Eanna at the Mardyke Arena.

Everton have been given a major boost ahead of next week’s crucial Capital One Cup semi-final second leg at Manchester City with midfielder James McCarthy and defender Seamus Coleman likely to be fit.

How the Irish fared...

It’s safe to say Darragh MacAnthony has had better weekends.

Manager Mick McCarthy has warned potential suitors a "bonkers offer" will be required if Daryl Murphy is to leave Ipswich.

A Dublin man who stabbed his former girlfriend’s new partner after hiding in her flat to confirm his suspicions about her new relationship has been jailed for seven years.

Over 10,000 people found themselves having to avail of the services of a leading homeless charity last year.

A government report reveals it is unlikely to hit its targets for ending long-term homelessness by 2016.

The number of people at risk of homelessness and seeking information from Focus Ireland soared by 76% last year, according to the organisation’s annual report. 

A homelessness charity has started providing detailed advice packs to community centres after they reported a "surge" in requests for help from people at risk of losing their homes.

Two Donegal landowners have been interviewed regarding possible water pollution and illegal waste disposal at a lake where 33 swans were found dead in the past week.

Jockey Gwen Daly remains in hospital after sustaining a back injury in a fall at Ballinrobe on Tuesday night.

Racegoers were treated to a display of vintage Paul Carberry on the opening day of the new jumps season in Ballirnobe last night as former champion Paul Carberry completed a magnificent 927/1 four-timer on Six Stone Ned, Fairymount Lord, Turnonthegas and Corskeagh Royale, his first and last winner trained by Noel Meade.

OILILY, confidently handled by Davy Russell, streaked away with the www.racinghomeforeaster.com Hurdle at Cork yesterday.

CHARLIE SWAN’S Stephanie Kate made a successful return to flights when producing a fine display in the Munster Hurdle at Clonmel yesterday.

Dublin Thunder could seal SuperLeague status tonight by claiming the senior men’s National Cup at the National Basketball Arena.

WHAT St Brigid’s joint-manager Mark Byrne said about Garrycastle this week is open to interpretation.

THE fall before the rise. The trough that preceded the peak.

WHEN Gerry McEntee strides out to patrol the Páirc Táilteann sideline tomorrow it will be a homecoming in more ways than one.

IT doesn’t get more local than this.

ST BRIGID’S manager Mark Byrne conceded he thought his team were dead and buried at half-time of this Dublin SFC semi-final on Saturday.

RESIDENTS of an apartment complex who could be asked to vacate their homes because of safety concerns are considering launching a legal class action, it emerged yesterday.

WHILE two-thirds of technology firms in Ireland have said they are seeking to hire staff in 2011, some companies may not be fully utilising R&D tax credit incentives that may be used to hire additional key employees.

The Government is being warned that cutting social welfare payments will force more people into the poverty trap.

CHRISTMAS came early for some, but not all, as thousands of people queued yesterday for seasonal jobs at supermarket chain Marks and Spencer.

MEN’S formal wear retailer Blacktie is understood to be sizing up opportunities for expansion into the British market, with London believed to be its primary focus.