CORK boss Denis Walsh placed several of the county’s upcoming talents under the microscope in Passage West yesterday and was rewarded with a thoroughly convincing victory in a senior hurling challenge against Clare.

IT’S SAID a team reflects the personality of its manager; this All-Ireland SHC qualifier offered diametrically opposing arguments on that particular hypothesis. On the one hand, offering proof positive was Galway.

This week, the Economic and Social Research Institute said recession will occur in Ireland for the first time in 25 years. This means the economy will shrink for at least six months in a row. Conor Ryan looks at the likely battlegrounds in the fight to regain control of the economy.

CASTLEKNOCK College and St Mary’s College, Carlow, became the first schools to qualify for the last 16 in the Thomas Crosbie Holdings All-Ireland Schools Quiz following last night’s sessions at the Montrose Hotel, Dublin.

Dublin hurler Kevin O'Reilly is eagerly awaiting the results of an MRI scan which will decide whether he can play any part in this summer's championship.

Dublin 2-7 Galway 1-8, Parnell Park

Wexford 1-12 Clare 1-10

Dublin manager Tommy Naughton has named an unchanged team for Saturday evening's All-Ireland hurling qualifier against Clare (Parnell Park, throw-in 6pm).