Hogan takes stand:Two themes have dominated this week: Bloody Sunday and the playing of the British national anthem. Feelings have tended to run high.
The most recent development has the nephew of the Tipperary footballer Mick Hogan, who was shot and killed by British forces on Bloody Sunday, calling on the Irish public to welcome the English and respect their anthem.
"My uncle was a victim of the times. If it was not him shot on the day it would have been another player," said Michael Hogan of Currasilla, Grangemockler, Co Tipperary.
"Personally if I had to vote on the issue I would not support other sports being played in Croke Park but I accept the democratic decision of the GAA to go down that road."
Michael, who has been pursued by national and international media in advance of the game, hopes all the attention and the historical significance of the occasion might revive interest in the events of November 21st, 1920.
"I would like to think that this game might encourage younger generations to read about the events of Bloody Sunday and take an interest in what happened," he says. "It's a very important part of the history of South Tipperary, of our country and of the GAA."
The main Croke Park stand was named after Hogan in 1924.
Elwood keeps faith
As expected, Eric Elwood has made just one alteration to the Irish under-20 team that beat France 19-16 (yes, that was the final score) to face England tomorrow night at Dubarry Park, Athlone, kick-off 7.30pm.
UCD number eight Seán O'Brien comes in for Tommy O'Donnell, with team captain David Pollack returning to the openside flank and Kevin Sheahan dropping off the bench.
Leinster and Blackrock fullback Luke Fitzgerald was again ruled out by injury.
With both teams having won their opening two games, this match is a potential championship decider.
More is the pity, RTÉ opted to televise the AIB club international at Donnybrook. Nothing is at stake in the representative game between amateurs, while in Athlone the future of Irish rugby is attempting to shine. Go figure.
IRELAND: Felix Jones (Seapoint); Shane Monahan (Dublin University), Darren Cave (Belfast Harlequins), Aidan Wynne (Buccaneers), Keith Earls (Thomond); Ian Keatley (UCD), Paul O'Donohoe (UCD); Cian Healy (Clontarf), Richard Sweeney (St Mary's College), Jamie Hagan (Greystones); Conor McInerney (UCD), Andrew Browne (Galwegians); Thomas Anderson (Dungannon), David Pollock (capt, QUB), Seán O'Brien (UCD). Replacements: Ger Slattery (Young Munster), Ruaidhri Murphy (Lansdowne), Neilus Keogh (UCC), Tommy O'Donnell (UL Bohemians), David Drake (Ballymena), Niall O'Connor (Belfast Harlequins), Kyle Tonetti (Blackrock College).
Legends look fresh
A fairly significant international slipped quietly under the radar two weeks ago as the Irish Legends handed their French counterparts a comprehensive 36-5 beating at Anglesea Road.
England arrive at the home of Old Belvedere RFC tomorrow night for the 7pm kick-off.
Coached by Jeremy Davidson and managed by Paul Wallace (and sponsored by Euroconstruction), the Irish team contains several names to conjure with, including winger Richie Wallace, who ensures the full complement of Wallace brothers are taking on the English this weekend.
England field six former full internationals - Mike Teague, Derek Eaves, Nigel Heslop,Steve Ravenscroft, Mike Harrison and Kevin Dunn - but we're predicting another Irish victory on the premise they have more men still in their 30s.
IRISH LEGENDS XV:Kenny Murphy; Richie Wallace, Maurice Field, Jonathan Bell, Darragh O'Mahoney; Alan McGowan, Christian Saverimutto; Gary Leslie, John McDonald, Angus McKeen; Brian Rigney, Roger Wilson; David Corkery, Liam Toland, Ben Cronin.
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