Though the world’s eyes are on the World Cup, which is just beginning to gather momentum in Brazil, it is hard not to see the sports events in Limerick this weekend as far more meaningful and — in human terms — far more important.

France coach Raymond Domenech has warned his Les Bleus players that if they are not fit for a training camp on May 18 they will be ruled out of World Cup contention.

Philippe Senderos has welcomed the prospect of a loan move to Celtic in a bid to resurrect his World Cup dream.

Third seed Luke Donald will face former Ryder Cup captain Bernhard Langer in the opening round of the World Match Play on Thursday.

Former Ryder Cup skipper Tony Jacklin has been named captain of the Rest of the World Team to face the United States in the third UBS Cup at Sea Island in Georgia from November 21-23.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter appears to be in favour of allowing the controversial vuvuzela to remain a part of the World Cup.

Ireland boss Joe Schmidt has branded Saturday’s Canada clash in Cardiff a potential “banana skin”, but Crowley has told his Canucks squad to be realistic about their World Cup aims.

THE Republic of Ireland women’s U17 side will make history today when they step onto the world stage in Trinidad to face Brazil in the FIFA Women’s U17 World Cup.

Qatar’s economy looks far from top form as it wraps up a flurry of building projects for the 2022 World Cup.

The Republic of Ireland’s 40-year run of misery against Denmark has continued as Ireland were left to retreat to the back-up of a Euro 2020 play-off.

Ex-Australian star winger David Campese has launched another broadside at England coach Clive Woodward, saying he will not still be coaching the side in 2007 because his players will become “sick of him”.

THEY’RE forbidden words — unless you’re an official sponsor, of course.

A fourth American takeover of a Premiership club is on the cards after wealthy businessman Will Chang announced he is considering a move for an English side.

Thierry Henry has not even made it into the final three short-list for the FIFA World Player of the Year award – a decision that is sure to infuriate his Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

Jonny Wilkinson will arrive in Paris on World Cup business tomorrow, admitting he still “can’t bear the idea” of missing a kick.

Farmers in Colombia really love soccer!

An Irish cricketer has apologised after tweeting that he hoped Margaret Thatcher’s death had been “slow and painful”.

“The Russian Football Union does not have enough money to pay Capello’s salary.”

The IRFU have confirmed that Tommy O’Donnell will miss the Rugby World Cup through injury.