Dolphin 28 Ballynahinch 35 

As we near the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising, it is obvious the Government has abandoned ownership of the most seminal event in Irish history.

Your report on centenarian Kathleen Snavely, from Co Clare (Irish Examiner, February 16), the oldest living Irish-born person, who turned 113 on Monday, was a welcome respite from the media-led indulgence of so-called ‘celebrities’.

Freed from the constitutional constraints of the presidency, Mary McAleese, as a private citizen, rebuked Pope Francis for his qualified support for corporal punishment in the home, despite the Catholic Church being a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Joyce Anderson (Drinks companies should fund hospital clinics, February 9) suggests the extra revenue raised by government by the introduction of a minimum price on alcohol sales be used to establish a 24/7 clinic to care only for those disabled, incapacitated or injured by drink.

Receiving Cabinet approval for new legislation that sets a minimum price for alcohol, Health Minister Leo Varadkar said environmental health officers would be given powers of enforcement (‘Alcohol health warning to tackle bingeing’, February 4). Really?

Leinster Schools’ Junior Cup: Gonzaga College kick-started their Leinster Schools’ Junior Cup campaign in fine style at Donnybrook yesterday, when a blistering first-half performance helped them towards a comprehensive triumph over Newbridge College.

The expressions of indignation and condemnation from some in government at the heckling of President Michael D Higgins by anti-water charge protesters in Dublin smacks of double standards. (Water charges protest - Attack on President crossed a line, Editorial January 29).

Once more reputational damage has been done to whatever remaining integrity the Oireachtas has. 

All games kick off at 2.30pm unless stated

Dolphin 12 Young Munster 11

Two recent District Court determinations involving ‘celebrities’ raise issues about our justice system.

Victor Stevenson, ( Letters, November 22) asks how can Enda Kenny exclude the Westbank orphanage from the remit of the proposed mother and babies homes Commission of Inquiry having stated in the Maíria Cahill case that all allegations of abuse should be thoroughly examined?

Ceann Comhairle Sean Barrett (‘McDonald suspended from Dáil for two days,’ November 14) in adjourning Dáil Éireann after a suspension lasting four and a half hours due to a sit-in by Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald, said he regretted very much having to take this action but it was necessary to avoid “further reputational damage to the institution”.

ULSTER BANK LEAGUE DIVISION 1A:

Paying tribute to the fallen British and Commonwealth soldiers during Remembrance Day ceremonies in London, British prime minister David Cameron said, “We stand united to remember the courageous men and women who have served our country, defended our freedoms and kept us safe”. 

St Mary’s College 20 Lansdowne 38

The Irish Association for Emergency Medicine and the Minister for Health Leo Varadkar, have expressed concerns about the Government’s preparedness for any ebola cases. 

How many TDs will vote on Minister Jan O’Sullivan’s draft bill to to combat discrimination in the admissions policies of fee-paying schools — who have traditionally reserved places for the children of past pupils?

How many TDs will vote on Minister Jan O’Sullivan’s draft bill to to combat discrimination in the admissions policies of fee-paying schools — who have traditionally reserved places for the children of past pupils? 

Yet another arrogant and condescending Labour Party leader emerges in the Dáil (Irish Examiner, October 9).

Listening to the litany of phoney tributes being peddled in the media following the death of Rev Ian Paisley was vomit inducing.

U19 Interprovincials: Leinster were clinical defeating Munster (19-10) in Saturday’s U19 Interprovincial Championship at Templeville Road.

In 2008 Cork City fathers conferred the Freedom of the City on the late Taoiseach Albert Reynolds.

I have some reservations about John Bruton’s favoured location regarding the placement of a statue honouring John Redmond.

Just when you think you have seen the worst depths of sectarian decay in Northern society, along comes another sectarian nugget to chill the blood.

The apology from First Minister Peter Robinson to the Muslim community in Ireland over his controversial remarks on Islam and Muslims was overdue but nonetheless comprehensive and welcome.

In an attempt to distance himself from his initial robust defence of the remarks of the Belfast Protestant evangelical minister Pastor James McConnell who described Muslims as heathen, satanic and spawned evil, Northern Ireland’s First Minister Peter Robinson said he believed the pastor "has the right to freedom of speech" but that he "would never seek to cause any insult to any section of our community".

No doubt the cash windfall of the region of €70,000 donated to the Jack and Jill foundation by former Justice Minister Alan Shatter will be of significant assistance to this worthy charity.

All systems go for a re-match of the 2013 Leinster Schools Senior Cup final after holders Blackrock College were drawn against St Michael’s College in the quarter-final draw at Old Wesley RFC yesterday.

With Dublin clubs taking control of the top divisions in the Ulster Bank Leagues, fifth placed Young Munster are now the best of the Munster clubs.

Such is the interest in the Ulster Bank League derby between Dolphin and Cork Constitution tonight, the IRFU are streaming the game live for the first time.

St Mary’s College 19 Cork Constitution 24

Cork Constitution 22 St Mary's College 13

ULSTER BANK LEAGUE RESULTS:

St Mary's College 27 Shannon 20

Mark Roche was the hero on the Aviva Stadium’s back pitch on Saturday as Lansdowne FC made history by sealing their first Ulster Bank League top-tier title with a seven-point victory over Clontarf (32-25).

Ulster Bank League results

Lansdowne 35 St. Mary’s College 6

Mike Prendergast’s Young Munster have been training on all-weather surfaces in the build-up to this afternoon’s must-win Ulster Bank League clash with leaders Lansdowne at the Aviva Stadium.

Shannon’s resurgence continued as they dispatched Old Belvedere 28-17 on Saturday, their third win in five games helping them in their quest to preserve their Division 1A status.

Ulster Bank League Div 1A: St. Mary's College 20 Dolphin 18