SUZANN PETTERSEN struck a blow for Europe seven weeks out from the Solheim Cup with victory in the Ladies Irish Open at Killeen Castle yesterday.

FORMER Wales boss John Toshack has taken over as manager of Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2012 qualifying rivals Macedonia.

TOP jockeys from around the world will be going all out for personal and team glory in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup at Ascot.

THERE are growing fears that nothing has gone right for Cork in a sporting sense since the visit of a certain royal tourist to the city last May.

WILLIAM HILL has reported strong growth in its online division in Ireland, but is still finding the retail market here challenging.

RORY McILROY could be without his close friend Graeme McDowell on the PGA Tour next season with the Portrush man confessing last night that he is not ruling out a return to Europe in 2012 to concentrate on making the Ryder Cup team.

NEW season, new beginnings. But, for Sean St Ledger, that means a lot more than most.

ON the training ground there is no love lost between any of the contenders for the Irish number two jersey but young Sean Cronin has doffed the cap to the battling Jerry Flannery for his determination, following a succession of injuries.

HE may be deemed a stand-in for skipper Brian O’Driscoll, but Leo Cullen will walk tall en route to the Murrayfield halfway line this afternoon as Ireland’s 100th captain.

LEWIS MOODY will be on trial at Twickenham today (2.30pm) after England manager Martin Johnson insisted the Rugby World Cup captaincy is still up for grabs.

GALWAY girl Alison Walshe may lead the way in Meath but she’s playing under an American flag and won’t be back at Killeen Castle for the Solheim Cup next month.

BRITAIN’S Nick Skelton revealed the secret of his jump-off win against Ireland yesterday in a thrilling Nations Cup contest at the Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show — a pint of Bulmers.

THE opening round of the Ladbrokes.com Derby will draw to a conclusion at Shelbourne Park this evening and, with twelve heats, there should be no shortage of clues as to the possible outcome of the world’s greatest greyhound competition.

IRELAND coach Declan Kidney yesterday backed newcomer Mike McCarthy to make a big impact in his international test debut against Scotland tomorrow.

The 27-year-old Edinburgh hooker was one of five Scotland players withdrawn from club service after the Six Nations, but will pack down for tomorrow’s EMC Test at Murrayfield for his first action since the victory over Italy on March 19.

TEENAGE Irish golf sensations Lisa and Leona Maguire get another look at what life is like in the paid ranks at Killeen Castle today — but they’re in no rush to join the professional game.

NOT for the first time in football, we are obliged to reflect on the profound meaning of David St Hubbins’ sage observation: “It’s such a fine line between stupid and clever”.

THE FAI have confirmed that they have lodged a complaint with RTÉ concerning a July 16 edition of ‘Saturday Sport’ on Radio One which has seen the programme’s presenter Des Cahill effectively blackballed by the association.

IRELAND’S World Cup 2014 destiny will be partly in the hands of Ronaldo this evening.

THERE was no doubt about who was the star of the warm-up show at the Aviva Stadium yesterday, as Manchester City unveiled their new €40 million man, Sergio Aguero.