FROM afar Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi seems a vain, powerful man used to getting his way.

HIS clinical free-taking was the toast of Cork in last year’s All-Ireland final and last week’s Allianz Division 1 opening win over Kerry but Conor Counihan has found fault with Daniel Goulding’s game — his tackling.

AT LEAST Kenny Dalglish will not have any pangs of guilt shooting through him this time. Prior to Saturday, the last time Dalglish managed a Liverpool team against Wigan Athletic he sent a defender on in attack, watched Steve Staunton score a hat-trick — and still did not pick him for the next game.

WHO says kids aren’t politically clued in?

ONLY yesterday morning one of the great cliches was set free once again and allowed to snort its way across breakfast tables everywhere.

TO the wider hurling public Darren McCarthy has carved a reputation as an excellent goalkeeper with Cork underage teams but for his club Ballymartle he will forever be associated with his contributions outfield after the stunning conclusion to yesterday’s All-Ireland club IHC final in Croke Park.

MEELIN rounded off their marvellous campaign with a flourish in Croke Park yesterday as they deservedly claimed the honours in the All-Ireland Club JHC final.

CLARE secured their first brace of league points when they crushed Kilkenny in Saturday’s Allianz NFL Division Four tie at Miltown Malbay.

FERMANAGH’S joint management pairing of Rory O’Donnell and Brian Johnston got an ideal start to their league campaign yesterday, scoring a facile 8-23 to 1-8 victory over injury-ravaged Cavan at Ballyconnell.

I AM probably an exception to the rule but I’m not a lover of hurling under lights.

IRELAND’S win against Wales on Wednesday, welcome and encouraging though it might have been, was placed in perspective by finding itself sandwiched between two thrilling trips down memory lane on ESPN Classic.

WIKILEAKS founder Julian Assange was on the sharp end of some unwelcome exposures himself yesterday as a former ally spilled the beans on the controversial Australian and his whistle-blowing organisation.

NICKY Henderson moved within two of the magical 2,000 career winners mark as Kells Belle obliged in the Bromfield “National Hunt” Maiden Hurdle at Ludlow yesterday.

I COULDN’T help but feel sorry for Italy at the final whistle on Saturday at the Stadio Flaminio, watching as their outstanding captain Sergio Parisse sank to his knees, shattered, heartbroken and drained after yet another heroic performance in defeat.

LIMERICK IT were deserving victors in this entertaining Fitzgibbon Cup tie at Belfield yesterday, but UCD will look on it as a mission accomplished too.

DECLAN KIDNEY will seek further clarification from International Rugby Board referees’ manager Paddy O’Brien following a day of frustration in Rome at the whistle of French referee Romain Poite.

AS phoney wars go, this was a compelling one.

RANGERS and Celtic will replay their Scottish Cup fifth-round tie after a pulsating encounter at Ibrox ended with both sides down to 10 men after sharing four goals.