THOSE of us who were in the Mansion House last Wednesday week can still feel a lingering warm glow from our National Junior Sports Stars awards ceremony.

TODAY, the Irish Examiner sows the seed that will blossom into a treasured Irish sporting moment in years to come.

REPUBLIC of Ireland U-19 manager Sean McCaffrey has named a 20-man squad for next week’s double-header of friendly games with Portugal. The matches, on September 4 and 6 (both 7.30pm) will maintain preparations ahead of the first phase UEFA U-19 qualifying series.

SHAY Given and Kevin Doyle picked up the top gongs at the 17th eircom/International Awards in the Citywest Hotel in Saggart last night.

Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton is demanding nothing more than a decent display tonight from his makeshift side.

Republic of Ireland boss Steve Staunton has described the last few days of his fledgling managerial career as “a good test“.

Gardaí are still questioning a man in Dublin in relation to an incident in which Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton was approached by a man armed with a gun outside the team hotel in Portmarnock.

John O’Shea has laughed off the “circus” which has surrounded Manchester United team-mates Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo in recent weeks.

Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane and vice-captain Shay Given are both out of Wednesday's friendly against Holland at Lansdowne Road.

STEVE STAUNTON’S preparations for the European Championship qualifiers have been badly hampered by the forced withdrawal of a number of key personnel ahead of Wednesday’s friendly against Holland at Lansdowne Road.

Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton has suffered some blows to his squad ahead of next Wednesday’s match against the Netherlands.

SHELBOURNE’S Jason Byrne and Tottenham Hotspur teenager Terry Dixon could both see action against Chile in tomorrow night’s friendly at Lansdowne Road.

Republic of Ireland boss Steve Staunton has urged Bobby Robson not to travel to Portugal later this month – although believes his words will fall on deaf ears.

Ireland manager Steve Staunton has announced a 29-man squad for the friendly match with Chile in just over two weeks' time.

AS top of the table Cork City visit Belfield to take on UCD tonight, manager Damien Richardson attributes their strong start to their season in part to the experience of playing in Europe last year.

THE Republic of Ireland U-17 side claimed a place in the Nordic Championship final with a 3-1 victory over tournament favourites Denmark.