Stephen Ireland mouths off again: I'm not going to comment because the issue is too close to home:

MORE CONTROVERSY: Stephen Ireland

Stephen Ireland has said he has been misquoted; however, Cobh's Lord Mayor has demanded an apology from the 24 year-old.  
Ireland launched an astonishing attack on the Republic of Ireland, Giovanni Trapattoni and his hometown Cork in an explosive interview with a French magazine.The young man now appears to be back tracking.

The Newcastle midfielder, who last represented Ireland in September 2007, said he had “better things to do” than play for Ireland, labelled Trapattoni “the most arrogant man” he has met, and added he would rather shoot himself than live in Cork.

"APOLOGISE": words of Cobh Mayor (above)

Ireland has not played international soccer since he famously pulled out of an important Euro 2008 qualifier against the Czech Republic having made incorrect claims about the death of his grandmother(s). Although that sorry episode is in the past, the 24-year-old insists there is no chance of him wearing the green shirt again.

"SO FOOT": respected French football magazine

“I won’t come back,” Ireland told So Foot magazine.
“I feel nothing for the national team. I don’t feel at all guilty when they lose and when they win I never say ‘oh dear, I could have been there’.



"I'm upset with what has been printed this morning because I feel like I've been portrayed in the wrong way," - Stephen Ireland

“Even if Ireland had qualified for the World Cup I wouldn’t have gone. People are calling for me to return, but I only ever played five games guys!”

Having turned out for Ireland at various youth levels, the former Manchester City playmaker made an immediate impact in the senior side, scoring four goals in six appearances. However, he said he rarely enjoyed the international experience and suggested the fall-out from the Czech match was merely “a good excuse” to retire.

ARROGANT: Trapatoni; one fair point from Stephen Ireland

“International soccer doesn’t interest me,” he said. “Going away for three days to play in Andorra – I’ve got better things to do.

“Also, when you’re Irish you know you’ll never win the World Cup. Even when I played for the youth teams, I got fed up at having to go away. Everyone else was from Dublin and I came from Cork. I had to get the train on my own, pay for a taxi, there was no hotel, no food. The organisation was amateurish.”

There seemed to be a possibility of Ireland returning when he was called in for talks with Trapattoni, yet the player was none too impressed by the meeting. “I’ve never seen anyone so arrogant,” Ireland scorned. “I met him once. He was taking calls every two minutes and made me hang around for 15 minutes in his office.

“In the end, he said, ‘if you want to play then come, if not, it’s no problem’. He did that mainly so the press would leave him in peace.

“Foreign coaches, they’re no good,” Ireland added.

The midfielder did not restrict his tirade to the national team. He also expressed strong views on Ireland’s economic crisis and laughed off suggestions he may one day return to live in Cork.

“Ireland is reaping what it sowed,” he said. “We built blocks of flats just for the sake of it and now there’s no one inside them. It cost huge amounts of money and nobody is in a position to pay. But I don’t care about Ireland. I don’t know if I’ll go back one day. Live in Cork? I might as well shoot myself. I prefer Los Angeles.”

Ireland says Mancini ruined Man. City's family feel

Ireland’s club career has been faltering. He left City for Aston Villa last year but was sold on by Gérard Houllier in January after just 10 matches. In line to make his Newcastle debut against Everton tomorrow, Ireland will be looking to prove a point to the City manager Roberto Mancini.

“Mancini never liked me. He’s doing everything wrong. He got rid of everyone at the club – even the cook left. The family club I spent nine years with exists no more. What happens when Mancini goes? He takes his 50 recruits with him. Also, since he’s been there City matches are incredibly dull.”

So Foot is a respected monthly French soccer magazine renowned for taking an alternative look at the sport. The Ireland interview is in today’s edition.

Rugby: relief as Kearney becomes final "big name" to sign new deal with IRFU:

Hands up for today's news:  KEARNEY signs new IRFU deal

The IRFU has happily announced today that Ireland and Leinster fullback Rob Kearney has agreed terms on a new two-year contract.

There were fears that if one of the "marquee" names in Irish rugby were tempted by French fortunes (who can pay up to three times more than Irish provinces); that it'd open the floodgates for many more big Irish names to follow suit. However, Kearney appears to be one of the last "big names" to sign a new deal with the IRFU. The new contract will see him playing rugby for his home province until the end of the 2013 season.

Kearney, who is currently receiving treatment for a knee injury, joins a list of

HAPPY DAYS: Legend Brian will finish his playing days here

international players such as legend Brian O'Driscoll, Ronan O'Gara, and Jamie Heaslip who
have agreed new contracts in recent months.

Louth native Kearney who has earned 27 caps to date; made his Ireland debut against Argentina in 2007 at Croke Park.

Football: 125th anniversary of IFAB; meeting this weekend in Wales:

International Football Association Board; celebrating 125 years

The body who have ultimate responsibility for law changes in football  have their Annual General Meeting in Cardiff this Saturday. The International Football Association Board comprises football's founding members (the FA's of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). When any football rule is planned to be introduced/changed; the World governing body; FIFA has four votes, whilst the FA, FAW (Wales), SFA (Scotland) and IFA (Northern Ireland) have one vote each. For a rule to be introduced/ammended six votes are required before the rule can be passed; meaning that at least two of the Home Football Associations must approve a rule change before the rule can be changed.

It will be some time before we see chips in footballs

This weekend, IFAB (along with FIFA) will have their AGM in Cardiff. There are a number of issues up for discussion. One of those is the issue of goal-line technology. Football’s law-making body is expected to approve more experiments with goal-line technology systems on Saturday, but there is still a long way to go before any hi-tech device helps a referee make a decision.

A year after goal-line technology was rejected by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the item is back on the agenda following tests carried out at FIFA's headquarters in Zurich under the auspices of the Swiss-based technology research institute EMPA.

 Although all 10 systems trialed failed FIFA’s stringent tests last month, there has been a notable shift in the board’s attitude towards using a hi-tech system.

Sources close to world soccer’s governing body told Reuters all 10 companies which took part in the trials failed to meet FIFA’s criteria, but that does not mean experiments will cease as FIFA is now willing to embrace a system if it can deliver a verdict to the referee within one second.

2010 IFAB/FIFA AGM; FIFA Headquarters Zurich(for World Cup year)

“The results of the tests will be considered by the International Board meeting in Wales and it will decide,” a FIFA spokesman said.

There will be a number of other issues on the agenda on Saturday. Most interesting amongst these is probably the introduction of a "vanishing spray" for referees to use to indicate the distance required (10 yards from the ball) for a defensive wall to stand.

Saturday’s event marks the 125th anniversary of the Board which was put together in 1886 at the behest of the four British associations, 18 years before FIFA was formed. The four Home Football Associations (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) have and always will have the final say on any footballing rule changes. The 125th Annual General Meeting will take place at Celtic Manor, Newport, Wales between 4th and 6th March 2011.

Ireland batter Brits: who cares what "sport" it is!:

KEVIN O'BRIEN slashed a crucial 113 runs for Ireland

Kevin O'Brien scored a 50 ball century to provide the driving force for Ireland to overcome England's 328 runs and win their "World" Cup Group B match by three wickets. O'Brien was eventually run out for 113 from 63 balls and was undoubtedly the main difference between the sides. I am personally skeptical about how a sport that is only played in 20 countries can have a "World" Cup; but we've beaten the Brits, so who cares?! I don't mean to take away from Ireland's achievements though. To beat a Test playing nation such as England is a phenomenal achievement for a small nation where cricket is the sixth biggest sport (at best). Having beaten Bangladesh in the opening game and now England; Ireland have every chance of reaching the knock-out stages.

Mooney saw Ireland home to complete biggest ever World Cup run chase

O'Brien's century was the fastest in the history of the event; an amazing feat against a side that won the Ashes away from home in Australia only weeks ago.

Let's get the party started!

The result ranks as one of the great World Cup shocks - taking its place alongside Ireland's victory over Pakistan in 2007 and Kenya's wins against West Indies in 1996 and Sri Lanka in 2003.

Skippy's heart still beats for City: Whilst Friday's League opener will have plenty of political interest:

MICK WALLACE: New Wexford T.D.

Cork City fan and politician: O'Brien

The 2011 Airtricity League of Ireland season opens on Friday night at 7:45p.m. at Turner's Cross when Cork City host Wexford Youths. There will be plenty of political interest as Wexford Youth's owner (who has unearthed such stars as Kevin Doyle) is a newly elected T.D. (Member of Irish Parliament). There will also be plenty of political interest on the Cork City side as newly elected Johnathan O'Brien is a part-owner of The "Rebel Army" City side.

Caulfield & Morley (right) celebrate winning the League in 1993

"The memories are the players I met along the way, the stadiums and the teams I played against. I'm thankful and proud to have all that," - former Cork City star Pat Morley

  
Cork City FC legend Pat Morley says he is willing to help out his former club should his services be needed.
The club's joint leading scorer (with John Caulfield on 129 - pictured left), says that having worked under Damien Richardson, he would be willing to perform a similar role under Tommy Dunne.
Although he had a spell with Shelbourn before returning to Cork City in 1998, he maintains his heart was always with his hometown club.

"Cork City is in my heart and I'd like to help out in any way I can," - Pat Morley


"Believe it or not, losing a cup final to Cork City was a highlight for me. It was an incredible night eventhough we lost. I was in with all the City lads after the game, I didn't stay in the Shelbourne dressing room, I was in the Cork City dressing room when the game ended.
"I was lucky enough to win it with Shelbourne the year before. I didn't shake the City player's hands, I hugged every one of them. The only thing I didn't do was get in the team photo. It didn't matter to me that I was on the other side, they were my friends.
Throughout an illustrious career that included a nine-month stint with Glasgow Celtic, he won two FAI Cups and one league.

INCREDIBLE TALENT: Derry's Liam Coyle

"I've had loads of high lights, but I think the biggest for me was winning the league with Cork City in 1993. There was so much going on at the time with the play-offs (Cork City, Bohemians and Shelbourne were involved in a three-way play-off to decide the league title after all three had finished level on points). To win the league up in the RDS, the emotion was incredible. As a Celtic fan, playing and scoring against Rangers and witnessing the hatred was a big thing for me. I'm not religious but I blessed myself after scoring, which definitely got a reaction I think All the European games were massive; especially Bayern Munich and Galatassary, they were huge games."

KEVIN DOYLE: a fantastic talent unearthed by Mick Wallace

The League of Ireland was Morley's bread and butter and he made 350 appearances against some of the greatest players ever to play in the league. 
"The greatest League of Ireland player I ever played with was Liam Coyle from Derry City. He was a gentleman and an incredibly gifted player."
"While it was sad to see City almost go bankrupt; it's great to see Cork City on the up again and with players like Danny Murphy re-signing, this could be a very good season for City. I am willing to help in any way I can I can because Cork City is in my heart."

Tribute to Ryan Giggs from a NON Manchester United a fan:

Giggs with his Premier League winning wine bottles

"What drives me on is the memory of the defeats, not the victories" - 
Ryan Giggs 



Ryan Giggs today equalled the Manchester United all-time league appearance record held by Bobby Charlton of 606 appearances for the Red Devils. Giggs' achievement is all the more impressive when one considers the amount of European games that Giggs has played compared to Charlton (more than three times as many). There is also little doubt that football today is played at a higher standard than Charlton's day.
Ryan Giggs is the only footballer to have played (and scored) in every Premier League season having made his debut as a raw 17 year-old back in the 1991-'92 season. Giggs' trophy haul of nine Premier League Titles, two European Champions League and three FA Cups is unlikely to be approached, let alone, beaten.

Giggs has had 135 United team-mates since his 1991 debut above

Ryan Giggs is a testament to what can be achieved through hard work, dedication and "doing the right thing" every day of your professional life. Giggs realised at a very young age that he loved football and has done everything he can since to maintain a career at football's highest level for as long as he possibly can. More importantly than that; Ryan Giggs is also a good guy.

Forbes Magazine reveal the Top Five salaries of US sports coaches for year ended 31st December 2010: With thanks to Carl Andrews of Universityreviewsonline.com

NICK SADAN:  U.S. university's highest earning Head Coach

While it is unusual for me to feature non-Irish related stories on this site; exceptions can be made.
Major (U.S.) college sports have become big business and top College coaches (unlike top college athletes) have become big hitters and very wealthy men to boot. The two highest revenued American college sports are (American) football and basketball. These sports also attract the highest paid coaches. College coaches' salaries are now eclipsing those of professional coaches, indicating just how big college athletics has become. Are the coaches worth the vast sums that they are paid? That is for you to you to decide. Here is a list of the
Top 10 Coaches' Salaries in U.S. Universities:*

1st. Nick Sadan, Alabama: Annual Salary: US$6,087,345:

Nobody takes their football more seriously than Alabamans, as evidenced by the dollar amounts tossed around during the last several months involving Auburn, its coaching staff, Cam Newton, and Saban. Amid his rival's controversial national championship run, Saban quietly became the first coach in college sports to receive a yearly salary in excess $6 million, making him the fourth highest paid football coach on any level — behind the New England Patriots' Bill Belichick, Washington Redskins' Mike Shanahan and Seattle Seahawks' Pete Carroll. The only other coach outside of football who definitely earns more than Saban is Phil Jackson of the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers, who has won more championships, 11, than any other coach in professional sports history.

Brown is laughing all the way to the bank

2nd. Mack Brown, Texas: Annual Salary: US$5,161,500
The second highest paid coach in college football guided his team to 5-7 record in 2010, an abysmal result for a program with an abundance of inherent advantages. Brown isn't considered a masterful gameday tactician like Saban, and his salary is more of a reflection of his contributions to the University of Texas. For example, when he inked his latest deal in 2009, UT President William Powers Jr. defended it by claiming that the athletic program Brown has provided $6.6 million for the university's academic programs. His presence has also helped bring forth the creation of the Longhorn Network, which will be developed and operated by ESPN and pay UT $300 million over 20 years. Brown is truly a "CEO coach."

Hands up for Bob Stoops' bank account

3rd. Bob Stoops, Oklahoma: Annual Salary: US$4,767,500

 After winning the Fiesta Bowl and finishing in the top 10, Stoops received a nice incentive-based $192,500 raise to go along with his automatic raise of $200,000 that took effect on the first of the year. The University of Oklahoma athletic department, which claims to be completely self-sustaining, defended the contract by highlighting the publicity and fundraising dollars he has added during his time as the head coach. The immense revenue that comes from football has enabled the athletic department to contribute to the schools academic programmes.

Coach K:   Duke University

4th. Mike Krzyzewki, Duke: Annual Salary: US$4,095,099:

Coach K is a living legend who certainly deserves to be the highest paid coach in college basketball. In 2010, he won his 12th ACC championship, appeared in his 11th Final Four and won his fourth national championship. Even though his teams were viewed as underperforming during the few seasons prior to last, his salary has almost tripled in the time period. Duke, a private university ranked among the nation's best, views Krzyzewski as not only the face of its basketball program, but a main spokesperson for the university.

Gorgui Dieng and Rick Pitino (right above)

5th. Rick Pitino, Louisvile: Annual Salary: U$4,073,093: 

Prior to signing a contract extension through the 2016-17 season in 2010, rumors were swirling that Pitino was planning to leave the program. As was the case during his stints as the head coach at Providence and Kentucky, multiple NBA teams were soliciting his services. Pitino was also embroiled in a scandal in which he was accused of rape by a woman with whom he had an affair. Supported by the University of Louisville, he issued an apology for the affair, and the woman was eventually found guilty of extortion. With the overtures and drama mostly gone, he has resettled into his position and the Cards are preparing to enter their eighth NCAA tournament appearance in 10 seasons under Pitino.

* Some figures are exact; others are rounded, depending on the source.