Sports Digest

A round-up of this weeks other sports stories in brief ...

Ireland face busy schedule

CRICKET: Details of a busy international schedule for Ireland's cricketers were unveiled yesterday, writes Emmet Riordan. The senior men's team depart for South Africa on March 14th to prepare for the World Cup qualifiers that take place in the Gauteng region from April 1st to 19th. Ireland will need to finish in the top four of the ten-team event to qualify for the 2011 World Cup and have been placed in a group with Scotland, Namibia, Canada, Oman and a qualifier from Division Three of the World League.

Ravens, Steelers game to be tight

NFL: The Pittsburgh Steelers host the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship tomorrow in a contest where the players, coaches and fans know nothing will be given away easily. During the regular season, the Steelers and the Ravens had the top two defences in the league overall, were the top two against passing and ranked second and third against the rush. "When you look at it, they've got the number one-rated defence and we are pretty close to them," said Ravens defensive co-ordinator Rex Ryan. "So, we're expecting to hold up our end, and whatever that takes, that's what we are going to give up – one point less than we get." Meanwhile, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner may earn $4 million in bonuses if he leads his team to its first Super Bowl championship. Arizona play the Philadelphia Eagles in the  NFC Championship tomorrow.

Dennis to stand down after 28 years

MOTOR RACING: Ron Dennis will stand down after 28 years as McLaren Formula One team principal on March 1st and hand over to chief executive Martin Whitmarsh. "It's absolutely time for Martin to take over the job of team principal," Dennis said at the McLaren factory after world champion Lewis Hamilton and team-mate Heikki Kovalainen had unveiled their new MP4-24 car on Friday. "After March 1st he will adopt that responsibility."

U2 drummer to rock Croke Park

GAELIC GAMES: U2 drummer Larry Mullen Junior has collaborated with Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh "on the production of a mesmerising sound-track to accompany the GAA 125 spectacle firework and light show" which will take place after the Dublin versus Tyrone National Football League game at Croke Park on Saturday,  January 31st, writes Gavin Cummiskey. A GAA statement added, "Mullen's specially designed soundtrack, featuring a selection of contemporary and traditional Irish music, will feature the legendary commentator's bi-lingual tribute to the GAA." The pre-match entertainment begins an hour before the 7.30pm throw-in.
"2009 provides a real opportunity for us to reflect on what the GAA is all about – the promotion of Gaelic games, Irish culture and a sense of place and identity in each community," said former Armagh footballer Jarlath Burns, who is chairman of the GAA 125 committee.

Concannon's two goals decisive

GAELIC GAMES: Two goals in as many minutes in the opening half by corner-forward Eoin Concannon last night helped Galway to victory (2-16 to 0-5) over GMIT and booked a place in the final of the FBD Connacht League. Concannon fired home a superb opening goal after 17 minutes and killed off the hopes of the students with another marvellous strike a minute later.

Tattersalle seek week's extension

EQUESTRIAN: The organisers of the Tattersalls Ireland international horse trials have sought a week's extension from the FEI as they seek to finalise sponsorship of the three-day event due to be held at the Co Meath venue at the end of May, writes Margie McLoone. Fears that the horse trials could be cancelled this year were strengthened when the sales company's directors stated last month that they were reviewing the viability of the 2009 event due to the downturn in the Irish bloodstock industry. As the Ballygraffan horse trials in Co Down have already been cancelled, Irish event horse owners and riders are extremely anxious to see Tattersalls go ahead as they seek qualification to compete abroad. The May event is once again set to feature a HSBC world cup qualifier.

Maguire secures semi-final place

SNOOKER: Stephen Maguire secured his place in the semi-finals of the Masters at Wembley with an impressive 6-3 win over Australian Neil Robertson. The match featured the rarity of five centuries in a row as both players produced some stunning potting, but ultimately Maguire's class shone through as he saw out the ninth frame with a 113. He'll now meet either Ali Carter or Ronnie O'Sullivan.

O'Loughlin take excellent bronze

CYCLING: David O'Loughlin took an excellent third place in yesterday's individual pursuit at the Beijing track world cup, beating Volodymyr Diudia (ISD-Sport Donetsk) for the bronze medal position, writes Shane Stokes. It was the first Irish elite medal at a world level for over a decade. The Mayo rider was third quickest in the qualifying round, posting a four minute 27.563 seconds ride. This was almost 10 seconds off the time clocked by Jesse Sergent (New Zealand), but just 0.386 away from second-placed rider, Vitaliy  Shchedov (Ukraine). "It has been worth all the effort over the past few years," O'Loughlin said afterwards. "I am delighted to finally step on the podium for Ireland after coming so close in the past."

Ireland fight back for 1 -1 draw

HOCKEY: Ireland had to come back from a goal down against Canada at Belfield yesterday to secure a 1-1 draw in the first of a three-match series against the visitors, writes Mary Hannigan. Coach Gene Muller was less than pleased with the Ireland performance, not least "with some sloppy defending" and the struggle to convert chances in to goals, but expects better from his side over the weekend. Canada took the lead yesterday after just seven minutes, Tiffany Michaluk beating Mary Goode with a reverse stick strike. Ireland levelled in the 48th minute when Loreto team-mates Lizzie Colvin and Cathy McKean created the opening for Flinn – McKean hit the post but Flinn was first to the rebound to make it 1-1.