"Irish" Wolves come back from the dead to secure big Premier point; though boss Mick McCarthy understandably frustrated by home fan's abuse:

Jamie O'Hara celebrates sensational late equaliser

One wonders if Wolves' wobbles & woes were worsened by their fans who were on their teams' back from very early on after a run of five consecutive defeats which Ireland striker Kevin Doyle labelled a "nightmare"            


             England's most Irish club; Wolverhampton Wanderers; came back from 0-2 down with six minutes remaining to secure an unlikely point at home to newly promoted Swansea.
             It was Wolves' first point in six league games and the Swans first point away from home at their fifth attempt.  Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers will wonder how on earth they didn't garner the maximum as they were well on top for all but the last ten minutes of the game.
             Wolves showed early nerves with players such as Karl Henry trying to get on the ball but giving it away far too often.  One wonders if Wolves' wobbles and woes were worsened by their fans who seemed to be on their teams' back from very early on after a run of five consecutive defeats which Ireland striker Kevin Doyle labelled a "nightmare."

Danny Graham gives Swansea lead they didn't look like relinquishing

              Swansea went ahead on 25 minutes with a smart finish from Danny Graham, though Roger Johnson was caught out at the back.  Graham showed good composure to finish with the home defender floundering in his wake.  The visitors went two up some 12 minutes later.  They  invited Wolves to push up before a defence splitting ball found Allen in space and he finished with composure beyond Hennessy.

KEVIN DOYLE's 85th minute goal Wolves hope

              Swansea could have been three up early in the second half with Hennessy making a good block from a one-on-one with Sinclair.  Midway through the second half, Swansea appeared to be well in control.  Wolves' boss Mick McCarthy made substitutions on 70 minutes; bringing on Sam Vokes, Guediorra and Milijas coming on for Ebanks-Blakes, Hammill and Jarvis.  The substitutions led to chants of "YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING" from a home 'support' that wasn't helping their team.

MICK McCARTHY: Happy with players and result but not fans

              The game appeared to be petering out entering the last 10 minutes; but Wolves got back into it six minutes from time with Kevin Doyle in the right place at the right time to poke home a rebound from a Vorns save.  Amazingly, Wolves were level 90 seconds later with O'Hara smahing home from 15 yards after being set up by Doyle.  Doyle, quite incredibly, nearly won it for the home side in injury time but at the final whistle, Wolves will be more than happy to earn a point from this game.

"We commited suicide," - Swansea boss Rodgers post game

              After the game; Wolves' main man Mick McCarthy cut a frustrated figure.  Whilst pleased with the eventual outcome of the game, there can be little doubt that Mick wasn't pleased with the boos and insults coming from home fans.  "The substitutions I made were all wrong.  I'm very lucky to get a draw today because everything I did was wrong," - said Mick sarcastically at the end of the game.  After the tremendous success Mick has had in more than five years at the club, he deserved more than what he got from his club's fans today and in recent weeks.

Cork Hallowe'en cracker from Title and getting back where they belong as Daryl Horgan scores candidate for goal of the season:

Daryl Horgan: Wonderful, wonderful goal for City

      After all the possible permutations, the mathematics have now become very straightforward.  Last night's home win over Longford Town means that Cork City now, quite simply need to beat Shelbourne at Tolka Park on Hallowe'en Eve to ensure guaranteed promotion and the Airtricity League First Division Title.  

            Shels still have three games to play but even if they beat Salthill Devon today and Finn Harps on Tuesday, the chance to win the title will remain in City’s hands.  City's 3-1 win over a Longford side that had nothing to play for, coupled with Monaghan's home defeat to Limerick City this weekend, means the remaining fixtures become a lot clearer for the Rebel Army.

Neal Horgan kept things tight at the back for City

            The first half of the first half at Turners' Cross was rather lively with chances for Davin O'Neill at one end and a good chance for Longford's former Man.  United star Keith Gillespie at the other.             The homes fans were shocked after six minutes when the visitors took the lead with a smart finish from Mark Salmon, though the City defence had fallen asleep. 

           City however reacted well to the setback and had a number of good scoring chances before Davin O'Neill forced the breakthrough with a tap-in on 26 minutes.  The home side proceeded to dominate the remainder of the first half, but Longford nearly went in front on the stroke of half-time, with Gillespie's effort being cleared off the City goal-line.

          

THE SIGN BEHIND THE GOAL SAYS IT ALL: City fans in their pomp

City were however well on top and should have been in front before they took the lead five minutes into the second half with a delicious lob from 25 yards off the boot of Daryl Horgan.  It was a pity that there was no television at the ground, because this was a truly great goal.
           City surprisingly took the foot off the pedal thereafter but wrapped up the three points five minutes from time with a penalty from Cummins after Derek O'Brien had been fouled in the box.

City v Shelbourne: Entire season hinges on final game

           Cork City are now two points clear at the top of the table and though Shelbourne have two games in hand (but four points behind); if City win at Tolka Park on the 29th of this month, then the Rebel Army are champions and will play next season in the Airtricity League Premier Division.  After so much trauma in recent years, it is no more than City and their loyal fans deserve.           

"I dread the end," Brian O'Driscoll talks to Rugby World magazine about retiring from his sport:

Ireland's greatest ever rugby player is near the end

"Irish rugby will fall off a cliff when Brian O'Driscoll retires.  Quite simply the greatest player we have ever had," - Neil Francis            

               Irish rugby legend Brian O'Driscoll has spoken of his dread of finally hanging up his boots.  Having achieved almost everything in his sport; (the World Cup being the only major trophy the Dubliner has not lifted), O'Driscoll admits the end is nigh for him.       

2009 Grand Slam:  Probably BOD's finest moment

                  The Ireland captain said he believes he has another 18 months before he finally calls time on his incredible career.  The 32 year-old has admitted that he is terrified at the thought of leaving the dressing room for the last time.  O'Driscoll, who earned the first of his record 123 caps in 1999; has said that his dream is to avoid injury and retire at the 2013 Lions Tour of Australia.  
            "When you're involved for 10, 12, 14 years, that's a huge part of your life.  I've spent over a third of my life playing professional rugby, so it's going to have a huge impact when the day comes that I'm not doing it anymore and I'm dreading it. 

LEGEND:  Brian celebrates 2011 Heineken Cup Final win

 Once you're not part of a squad, you'll never feel the same way with those lads that still are.  It's a tie-in that nobody else can unless you're part of a squad.  I see guys who were hugely popular with Leinster over recent years;  John Fogarty, Malcolm O'Kelly and others, and because they're not part of every day training, they just can't have that connection."

Brian gives a coaching lesson

                Speaking of the future, Brian said rugby would continue to play a big part in his life, particularly at the rugby academies where he says youngsters' manners are just as important as their performance on the field:  "I'd love to be able to do some more academies, teach some of the things I've learned and get kids active."

Setanta could return to Cork after release from Carlton:

Setanta Ó hAilpín might not have played his last game for Cork

             Setanta Ó hAilpín's future in the AFL is in doubt after being released by his Carlton today Blues.  Ó hAilpín had been looking to move away from the Melbourne club but the trade window closed without him securing a new deal and he was subsequently delisted by Carlton. 

            The former Young Hurler of the Year signed for Carlton in 2004 and went on to make 80 appearances for the AFL outfit.  Despite the apparent lack of interest, O hAilpin's manager believes the 28-year-old will be snapped up in next month's draft.  This is despite the fact that no club came for him during trade week which has just ended.

Setanta: Released by Carlton Blues today

             “I think Setanta's opportunities are still there, and his last game of football was a preliminary final so he must be offering something," - said Blues Head Coach Michael Quinlan upon revealing the news of Setanta's departure. 
               Hopes are high in Ireland and particularly on Leeside however that the 6'5" colossus could return to the Rebel county during the next few months and perhaps resurrect his GAA career.

"I'm finally FREE," - Real life Shawshank Redemption as DEWEY BOZELLA wins 2011 ESPN Arthur Ashe Award for Courage:

"Whatever the prosecution and police did, I'm gonna let go because I've got to move on with my life," - Dewey Bozella upon being released from prison after serving 26 years for a crime he did not commit

            Having been finally released from prison in October 2009;  Dewey Bozella had achieved what had become his life goal; to prove his innocence.  In 1983; the then 24 year old was given a 20 year to life sentence for the 1977 murder of a 92 year old pensioner in her appartment in Poughkeepsie, New York.  Upon being incarcerated in New York's infamous maximum security Sing, Sing Prison, Bozella set about proving his innocence.  He refused to admit to the crime he was convicted of committing, even when in front of the parole board, who denied him parole on four ocassions.

Newspaper describes 1990 freedom deal which Bozella refused

            In 1990 he was offered his freedom provided that he admitted his guilt.  However, he would not budge and continued to go about proving his innocence.  Bozella contacted the Innocence Project (IP) who examined his case.  When the IP discovered that there was no DNA evidence remaining to be tested they referred the case to WilmerHale - one of the leading law firms in the United States.

"A man's reputation is everything if he's fighting for a worthy cause.  My worthy cause was my freedom," - Dewey Bozella

            

               Whilst imprisoned he became Sing, Sing's lightheavyweight boxing champion.  He continued to pursue his quest from freedom and WilmerHale found knew evidence showing police corruption, cover-ups and prosecution malpractice.  This evidence was eventually brought before the courts and on October 30th 2009, Mr. Bozella was finally released from prison.  "After all the years, I've finally gotten my name cleared," - said Mr. Bozella in the immediate aftermath of his release.  Mr. Bozella clearly had no anger towards those who wrongly imprisoned him.   "I'm glad that it's over.  Whatever the prosecution did, whatever the police did, I'm gonna let it go.  If I worry about what they did I'm never gonna get where I need to go," - said Dewey on the courthouse steps.

"Never let fear determine who you are.  Never let where you come from determine where you are going," - Dewey Bozella upon receiving ESPN's 2011 Arthur Ashe Award for Courage

 

             On 13th July 2011; Dewey Bozella was honoured at ESPN's annual ESPY awards ceremony when he was awarded the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage.  Upon receiving the award; Dewey spoke of a quote he heard from legendary boxing trainer Cus D'Amato shortly after being incarcerated:  "The hero and the coward both feel fear.  The hero uses his fear and projects it onto his opponent, while the coward runs.  This is a metaphor for all of us.  Never let fear determine who you are.  Never let where you come from determine where you are going."  Dewey spoke of how he memorised this quote whilst in prison and of how he wanted not merely to survive his Sing, Sing nightmare, but to thrive and eventually to teach children and save others.

15 October 2011: Dewey Bozella retires with a 100% pro record

               Throughout his years in prison, still Dewey had one dream left in his sport; to compete in one professional fight.  As an up and coming amateaur;  Dewey's pro dream was taken from him.  However, upon his release, he wanted one pro fight.  Just one. Former World Champion Bernard Hopkins gave Dewey a fight on the undercard of his own Title fight.  It was an easy fight for Dewey to prepare for and undertake, as he had won the hardest fight he would ever face.  Dewey Bozella proceeded to beat Larry Hopkins - a man 22 years his senior - this weekend and retired with a 1 and 0 professional record.

100 year-old becomes World's oldest marathon finisher:

Fauja Singh: first 100 year old to complete marathon

            100 year-old Fauja Singh became the oldest man ever to complete a marathon this Sunday as he completed the 42km event along Toronto's waterfront.  The Indian-born Englishman Fauja Singh will likely be named the Guinness World Record holder for the world's oldest marathoner for completing the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. 

             The centurion finished the race in a time of just over eight hours and 25 minutes.  He finished in 3,528th place with five runners finishing behind him.  Earlier in the week, Singh set eight world records at Scarborough's Birchmount Stadium track for running distances as short as 100 metres to as long as 5,000 metres. 

SINGH WHEN YOU'RE RUNNING: centurion during epic race

             Singh only took up running about 11 years ago, just before he turned 90 after his wife had died.  He says he trains by running 16 kilometres a day, everyday.  

The run marked the eighth marathon for Singh.  In the same marathon in 2003, he set a record in the 90-plus category of five hours, 40 minutes and one second.

Indycar to be asessed as young star killed in pile-up

HORROR CRASH:  English driver Dan Wheldon dies

            Dan Wheldon, who moved to the United States from his native England with hopes of winning the Indianapolis 500 and went on to prevail at his sport's most famed race twice, died on Sunday evening after a massive, fiery wreck at the Las Vegas Indy 300. 

            The 33-year-old, who won the Indy 500 for the second time this May, won 16 times in his IndyCar career and was the series champion in 2005.  He was airlifted from the Las Vegas track after the horiffic crash and taken to a nearby hospital, but was dead on arrival, becoming the first Indycar drive to die in a crash since 30 year old Paul Dana back in 2006.            

Drivers crashed at 225mph on perilous circuit

            As word spread of Wheldon's fatal injuries;  other drivers were visibly upset.  Ashley Judd, wife of Indycar champion Dario Frachitti was seen in tears at trackside.  The race was cancelled soon after word had spread with the drivers leaving the track. 

            Drivers returned shortly afterwards to undertake a five-lap tribute drive with many drivers openly in tears.  When drivers returned to the track, Wheldon's #77 was the only one on the towering scoreboard.  Franchitti sobbed uncontrollably as he got back into his car for the tribute laps. Over speakers at the track, the song "Danny Boy" blared, followed by "Amazing Grace" as hundreds of crew workers from each team stood solemnly.

Dan Wheldon en route to Las Vegas University Hospital

            The race was only minutes old when Wheldon, who started at the back of the 34-car field and was in position for a US$5 million payday if he could have won the race, was one of 15 cars involved in a wreck that started when two cars touched tyres.  Wheldon's car flipped over a safety barrier and into what is called the "catch fence" above the SAFER barrier before bursting into flames.  Rescue workers were at the scene quickly to out the flames, exctract him from the car and airlift him to nearby Las Vegas University Hospital with injuries described as "unsurvivable" from a tangle resulting initially from two cars' tyres touching at over 22o miles per hour.

Ashley Judd reacts to news of driver's death

            Wheldon is survived by a wife and two young children.  In 2010; Wheldon released a photo book called  "Lionheart"  detailing his racing and personal life.  "There's a lot of my wedding in there," Wheldon said. "I wanted there to be a lot of photos of my wife. She was the most beautiful bride on her wedding day the world had ever seen." 

Dan Wheldon: 1978 - 2011 R.I.P.