New book for athletics fans
GOLD, Silver and Green: The Irish Olympic Journey is a book about sport but also about the politics of sport. Dealing with the first quarter century or so of the modern Olympic Games, the book examines how Irish participants fought not only sporting battles but often significant political ones too, given the fact that Ireland did not have independent nation status.
The famous efforts of decathlon champion Tom Kiely to represent ‘Tipperary and Ireland’ in 1904, and of world long-jump record holder Peter O’Connor to climb a flagpole armed with an Irish flag are given ample coverage in the work. The GAA’s attitude to the Olympic Games is also explored. The book will be published on February 1st and is written by Kevin Mc Carthy.
Macra na Feirme / National Dairy council Indoor Soccer Competition
OVER 39 teams from 21 counties will descend upon Gormanstown, Co. Meath this weekend to take part in the National Dairy Council Indoor Soccer. Competitions will take place in both mens and womens divisions. This is a hugely popular competition in Macra and will see over 300 Macra members take part.
Macra na Feirme National President Michael Gowing says it is very important for members to take care of their health and well being and this is why Macra na the NDC provides a wide range of sporting competitions for its members, along with health and well being information on the www.macra.ie website.
Sign in time for men is between 10 and 10.30 and for women it is between 12 and 12.30.
Harty Cup Hurling
ARDSCOIL Ris have been drawn to face Our Lady’s Templemore in the quarter-finals of the Dr. Harty Cup. St. Flannan’s of Ennis play Thurles CBS and Nenagh CBS face De La Salle, Waterford. Ardscoil finished top of their qualifying group by beating Cashel CBS and St. Colman’s of Fermoy and drawing with Midleton CBS. The quarter finals are scheduled for January 20th.
Cronin to stay at Connacht
SEAN Cronin, who recently played his 25th Magners League game for Connacht, has signed a one-year contract extension with the province.
The 23-year-old joined Connacht in the summer of 2008 having spent three years in the Munster Academy and he made his full international debut when introduced against Fiji at the RDS in November.
He also made his mark with Connacht in the Amlin Challenge Cup last month, scoring a crucial try in the away win over Worcester Warriors.
Connacht CEO Gerry Kelly said he was delighted that Cronin had committed to Connacht for another year.
“It is very encouraging to see a young player come here and progress to be a full international inside a year-and-a-half,” said Kelly.
