Donaghy prepares to hit the courts running

Basketball: The brightest sports star of 2006 will make a welcome return to the court next week when Kieran Donaghy suits up for the Tralee Tigers in the first round of the national cup against Kerry rivals St Paul's (formerly known as the Killarney Lakers).

Donaghy is unavailable for tomorrow's Superleague encounter at the National Arena against Shamrock Rovers Hoops as he is in Toulouse for an International Rules training camp. However, he has confirmed his intention to juggle three sports in the coming weeks.

The favourite for footballer of the year still has commitments with Austin Stacks GAA club, but is also expected to be a key figure as Seán Boylan's Irish team attempt to reclaim the Cormac McAnallen Cup from Australia in the International Rules series.

"Kieran is licensed up for the season and we should have him when he returns from France as there is a week gap before the International Rules," confirmed Tralee chairman Terry O'Brien.

"It is absolutely great to have him back because not only is he a key player and a lovely young lad but he is a huge draw to the club as everyone in the country wants to have their picture taken with him now."

Michael Quirke is also unavailable for the Tigers this weekend due to football commitments.

The other Superleague fixtures throw up interesting scenarios, particularly in Cork where former Killester coach Sasa Punosevac, now in charge of Neptune, hosts the north Dublin club on Sunday.

SATURDAY - Men's Superleague: Shamrock Rovers Hoops v Tralee Tigers, BI Arena, 7.30; Limerick Lions v Ballina, U of L, 7.30; UCD Marian v UCC Demons, UCD Sports Centre, 7.30; St Paul's v St Vincent's, Presentation Killarney, 7.30. Women's Superleague: Cork v Tolka Rovers, Neptune Stadium, 7.0; Meteors v Wildcats, Naomh Olaf, 6.45

SUNDAY - Men's Superleague: Neptune v Killester, Neptune Arena, 3.0. Women's Superleague: DCU Mercy v Killester, DCU, 3.30.