Back in 2011, those at the coalface of Munster men’s and boys’ hockey got a major fright on a winter’s night in Mallow.

French fashion house Thierry Mugler has become the latest high-profile sponsor to distance itself from Oscar Pistorius as the Paralympian fights murder charges in South Africa.

Rory McIlroy’s official unveiling with sports giant Nike took on Academy Award presentation proportions but with the world number one denying his reputed $200m (€150m) deal is about the money.

When you’re 23, top of the world, have a Major in your back pocket and €10.5m in prize money this season it’s fair to say you’re hot property.

Apparel-maker Oakley has sued Rory McIlroy and Nike, insisting the world No 1 and the equipment giant breached his existing contract with Oakley when he recently signed a new deal with Nike estimated to be worth $250m.

Disgraced Lance Armstrong could be forced to repay his Tour de France winnings after being stripped of his seven titles for doping offences.

UCI president Pat McQuaid and his predecessor Hein Vergrubben didn’t get to where they are by talking first and thinking second...at least you’d hope not anyway.

Rory McIlroy certainly stirred the 94th PGA Championship final round by electing to wear a bright red shirt throughout his Ocean Course winning cruise.

After university, Carol worked in America with elderly people with mental illness: she worked with men with head injuries, and for a time, living in British Columbia, she was a contributing copy editor for a newspaper.

Treble-winners Cork Harlequins and Dungarvan were the big winners at this year’s Munster Hockey Awards, held at Garryduff on Friday night.

FORMER Offaly star Ger Oakley has claimed player welfare has been a issue in the county for the “last six or seven years”.

Melbourne Rebels say they have “lost confidence” in Danny Cipriani following the England international’s latest disciplinary breach.

RECENTLY retired Offaly stalwart, Ger Oakley, has questioned Joe Dooley’s ability to oversee progress as manager of the Faithful County’s hurlers.

OFFALY hurling duo Brian Mullins (pictured) and Ger Oakley have confirmed their retirement from the inter-county scene.

BREAKTHROUGH Dublin forward Eoghan O’Gara believes the Sky Blues are still a step behind football’s elite teams despite their impressive championship campaign.

Derek Morkan has been rewarded for an impressive National League campaign by being named in the Offaly team for Sunday's Leinster SHC quarter-final against Antrim.

West Brom 3 Leicester 0

ROY KEANE remains bullish about his Ipswich side’s chances of making the Championship play-offs despite admitting disappointment at yet another draw.

Offaly have been hit with a catalogue of injuries prior to tomorrow’s All-Ireland SHC qualifier with Cork at Tullamore.

OFFALY have been hit with a catalogue of injuries prior to tomorrow’s All-Ireland SHC qualifier with Cork at Tullamore.

Wexford 2-17 Offaly 0-16

Wexford 0-13 Offaly 1-13

IT’S been a frustrating start to this season for Kilkenny full-back Noel Hickey.

RITCHIE HOGAN comes into the Kilkenny team at right half forward for tomorrow’s Allianz NHL final against Tipperary at Semple Stadium, Thurles.

PAUL IFILL and Ireland U21 winger Sean Scannell fired Crystal Palace into the fourth round of the FA Cup at the expense of Leicester.

IAN WOOSNAM’S affinity for eastern Europe this year continued after the Welshman fired a six under par round of 65 to lead after the first round of the inaugural Casa Serena Open in the Czech Republic.

LONG before the phrase ‘doing a Derby’ became the voguish term to describe abject failure in the Premier League, Stoke City had cornered the market in top-flight under-achievement.

EVER SINCE a flood engulfed Hillsborough in the summer, Sheffield Wednesday have suffered a torrent of troubles. It is a significant consolation, however, that the club’s heads are still above water as the season hurtles towards its finale.

Laois 1-17 Offaly 2-13, Portlaoise

IF ever Ian Holloway required a show of support from his players this was the occasion. The Leicester City manager could not have been presented with a more emphatic demonstration that he has their complete backing at the Walkers Stadium.

Leicester 1 Crystal Palace 0

Leicester 1 Crystal Palace 0

Leicester have completed the signing of Derby captain Matt Oakley for an initial £500,000.

PAUL JEWELL must be the only Premier League manager that views a fortuitous draw against a struggling Championship side as a step in the right direction.

Danny Mills goes straight into the Derby squad for Sunday’s FA Cup third-round tie against Sheffield Wednesday at Pride Park.

BOLTON got off to a winning start in 2008 in what could be Nicolas Anelka’s last match for the club.

Derby boss Paul Jewell faces a striker dilemma ahead of tomorrow’s Barclays Premier League game at Bolton after selling Steve Howard to Leicester.

Derby 1 Blackburn 2

Derby manager Paul Jewell made three changes to his side as they went in search of their second league win of the season.

Derby manager Paul Jewell will take a head count ahead of his side’s Barclays Premier League clash with Liverpool at Pride Park on St Stephen's Day.

Derby midfielder Matt Oakley is a doubt for the Barclays Premier League trip to Newcastle.

PAUL JEWELL admits his hopes of revitalising Derby rest on whether chairman Adam Pearson can convince an American consortium to invest in the club.

Derby 0 Middlesbrough 1