Kidney claims managerial award

DECLAN KIDNEY was yesterday rewarded for his achievements in 2009 by being named as the Philips Sports Manager of the Year for the third time in four years.

However, the Irish coach has already set his sights on 2010.

Unbeaten in 11 games in the calendar year, Ireland’s potential path to further glory is a complicated one with away matches against France, England, New Zealand and Australia in the first six months of next year.