“When the game was over, Loughnane slumped to the ground in frustration, and as he thumped his hurley off the turf, one could imagine his feelings and those of the many other Clare people in the ground. It was a sad setback for a hopeful team and one that may take some time to get over”

Paddy Downey, whose death took place yesterday at the age of 84, was one of Ireland’s best-known and respected sports journalists, whose vivid prose and expertise on Gaelic games enriched the pages of The Irish Times for over three decades.

THREE doyens of GAA writing, with over 130 years of service behind them, were honoured last night as the Gaelic Writers’ Association announced their inaugural Hall of Fame winners at a function in the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel in Dublin.

HE was called an urban terrorist, and his name featured on a banner hanging from a plane over Croke Park.

Today in Tralee Golf Club there’s a golf classic with a difference. It’s a fundraiser for three hospital-related charities, organised by former Kerry All-Ireland winning captain Ger Power in memory of his daughter Jane, who passed away last year. He spoke to Michael Moynihan.

By expressing admiration for interviewers who listen and develop conversations, Bill O’Herlihy might have been talking about himself. The TV Personality of the Year spoke to Michael Moynihan.

THE hurlers and footballers chosen on the very first All-Star teams 35 years ago will be honoured at a function in Croke Park today, hosted by the GAA and Vodafone.

Our GAA correspondent Jim O’Sullivan covers his 70th All-Ireland final tomorrow, 35 years after his first. Pat Spillane (pictured) fuelled the debate at the Ring of Kerry Golf Club this week about changing times, while Colm O’Connor stroked it.