THERE’S a subtle connection between Killarney and the Scottish Highlands – both became big tourist destinations in the 19th century and both entertained Queen Victoria.

SEAMUS COLEMAN had one of those ‘pinch me’ moments just hours after joining up with the Republic of Ireland senior squad for the first time on Monday.

TO the victor the spoils, and the label of showing ‘bottle’, but Cork’s stuttering march to next month’s final owes most to Dublin’s utter lack of composure – and it would be a foolish Rebel who would view this triumph in any other light.

KIERAN McGEENEY has rarely been shy about offering his opinions on referees but the Kildare manager actually spoke up for the game’s officials yesterday by claiming that some of football’s rules are impossible to implement.

Monday lunchtime, September 6

JUST LAST week Tony Blair visited Ireland to publicise his autobiography.

NEH NEPTUNE coach, Pat Price, has appealed to referees to “sit up and take notice” of the physicality being directed at their American player, Juwann James.

IT’S a sorry state of affairs when one’s aspirations are limited to a desire to see the local rivals prospects of silverware run their course for yet another campaign.

DIDIER DROGBA reckons Chelsea now have the mental edge over their rivals for the Premier League title.

IT WAS so cold last Saturday evening in Croke Park that we had to rely on gossip about the world’s most famous golfer to keep ourselves warm.

IT’S Conor Counihan’s conundrum.

STEPHEN JONES and Ronan O’Gara are used to going hammer and tongs at each other and this British & Irish Lions tour is no different.

THERE may have been a school of thought that Tyrone had enjoyed an untroubled ride through the Ulster Championship, but when the stage was shifted to Croke Park yesterday, the Red Hands men were put through an exacting ordeal.

TONY MOWBRAY was handed a harsh dose of reality in his first competitive game as Celtic boss as his side crashed 1-0 to Dinamo Moscow in the first leg of their Champions League third qualifying round clash at Parkhead.

Barcelona 1 Shakhtar Donetsk 0

Crescent Comprehensive 10 Glenstal Abbey 9

Glanmire CC 2-11 North Monastery 1-11

LIVERPOOL boss Rafael Benitez believes the crowd at Anfield inspired his players to their fantastic Champions League victory over Chelsea.