2006 Maine Forest Rally video. Click on image Saturday, November 25, 2006
Monday, October 23, 2006
The boys of the New York hurling team came down a hard road toget to the Ulster Hurling final, that was finally played this past weekend in Boston.
For a full run down on a great GAA weekend, clike here. Due to some technical problems I will not be able to post any pictures for a while..
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Donnelly takes victory for the Irish in Adirondack Park
By Neil McDaid
October 7th, Harrisville, NY. Perched behind the wheel of one of the top Mitsubishi Evolution Rally cars in the USA, Charlie [Celsus] Donnell, formally from Fintona Co Tyrone, would claim victory in the final round of the 2006 NASA/ESRC. On a day in which many of the top drivers in the event were caught out on the early stages, Donnelly was able to steer his very powerful open class Mitsubishi between the many rocks, jumps, off-camber bumps and some very large pine trees to take the victory at The Black River Stages Rally.
The Rally was run in the northeast corner of the vast Adirondack Forest Park in upstate New York, only some 30 miles from the Canadian border. The first frost of the fall would greet the rally crews early Saturday as they headed for the start of SS1 “Power Line 1”. At little over seven and a half miles this would be the longest stage of the rally. Danny O’Brien would set the early mark with a fastest time of 6:25 with Donnelly some 4 seconds of the pace.
Retirements would strike early for the Irish. Donal McGivney and Noel Gallagher, in their Subaru, dropped a front control arm over a crest. Donal managed to bring the Impreza to a safe stop, despite every effort by Donal and Noel Gallaher they were unable to get the Impreza up and running ending their rally.
SS2 “Fishing Hole 1”. Running first on the road, Charlie Donnelly was on a tear as he pushed the Mitsubishi at full tilt almost sideways through the entire stage. With no recce allowed on the stages driver and co-driver would have to rely on the stage notes provided by the organizers. Although these notes are generally very detailed they do not always highlight every hazard, like hidden rocks.
Hardly a mile into this short three and a half mile stage a series of left-right-left bends would claim a few victims. Danny O’Brien, running second on the road, would attack SS2 with the same commitment as the opening test. The notes called a “left four short” into a “right five short” into a “left six”.
Danny would enter the ‘left four’ a little too hot forcing him to slide into the right five. The rear of the car would clip a large rock hidden between the bends launching the car into a series of spins. I was perched about a hundred yards down the road and watched the Subaru head into the bushes. Within few seconds O’Brien had the car fired up and somehow got her back up onto the road. Unfortunately, the damage was done. The impact had broken a rear wheel and Danny had to pull over and change it, losing some 5 minutes.
By Neil McDaid
October 7th, Harrisville, NY. Perched behind the wheel of one of the top Mitsubishi Evolution Rally cars in the USA, Charlie [Celsus] Donnell, formally from Fintona Co Tyrone, would claim victory in the final round of the 2006 NASA/ESRC. On a day in which many of the top drivers in the event were caught out on the early stages, Donnelly was able to steer his very powerful open class Mitsubishi between the many rocks, jumps, off-camber bumps and some very large pine trees to take the victory at The Black River Stages Rally.
The Rally was run in the northeast corner of the vast Adirondack Forest Park in upstate New York, only some 30 miles from the Canadian border. The first frost of the fall would greet the rally crews early Saturday as they headed for the start of SS1 “Power Line 1”. At little over seven and a half miles this would be the longest stage of the rally. Danny O’Brien would set the early mark with a fastest time of 6:25 with Donnelly some 4 seconds of the pace.
Retirements would strike early for the Irish. Donal McGivney and Noel Gallagher, in their Subaru, dropped a front control arm over a crest. Donal managed to bring the Impreza to a safe stop, despite every effort by Donal and Noel Gallaher they were unable to get the Impreza up and running ending their rally.
SS2 “Fishing Hole 1”. Running first on the road, Charlie Donnelly was on a tear as he pushed the Mitsubishi at full tilt almost sideways through the entire stage. With no recce allowed on the stages driver and co-driver would have to rely on the stage notes provided by the organizers. Although these notes are generally very detailed they do not always highlight every hazard, like hidden rocks.
Hardly a mile into this short three and a half mile stage a series of left-right-left bends would claim a few victims. Danny O’Brien, running second on the road, would attack SS2 with the same commitment as the opening test. The notes called a “left four short” into a “right five short” into a “left six”.
Danny would enter the ‘left four’ a little too hot forcing him to slide into the right five. The rear of the car would clip a large rock hidden between the bends launching the car into a series of spins. I was perched about a hundred yards down the road and watched the Subaru head into the bushes. Within few seconds O’Brien had the car fired up and somehow got her back up onto the road. Unfortunately, the damage was done. The impact had broken a rear wheel and Danny had to pull over and change it, losing some 5 minutes.
Early trouble for O'Brien on SS2 as he makes junk of a rear wheelFellow Irish driver Enda McCormack, in a Mitsubishi, would also struggle through the same tricky section that caught out O’Brien. He would also spin but was lucky to get going again with no damage. Running ninth on the road Massachusetts driver Emilio Arce and co-driver Sarah Gardescu would have the biggest moment on the stage when they also came into the tight section with way to much speed. They would, unfortunately, roll the Impreza twice before coming to a rest against a stump of a large pine tree. Both Emilio and Sarah walked away uninjured. The same could not be said for their Impreza.
Brennan finds his mark after Turbo problems on the morning stsgesStages three and four would be a repeat of SS1 & SS2. Cavan man Paddy Brennan, a sure contender for the overall victory going into the rally, would do his best to stay on the pace while suffering mechanical problems early in the day because of a turbo pipe that would not stay connected on his open class Subaru.
Heading into the first service of the day back in the small town of Harrisville Charlie Donnelly, with his cousin Barry McCann as navigator, had built a commanding lead of 1 minute and 48 seconds over the second place crew of Brennan and Brady. Enda McCormack and Kieran McElhinney, also out of New York, would round out the top three for the Irish. With O’Brien’s off on SS2 he was now sitting in 14th some 4:24 back from Donnelly.
Heading into the first service of the day back in the small town of Harrisville Charlie Donnelly, with his cousin Barry McCann as navigator, had built a commanding lead of 1 minute and 48 seconds over the second place crew of Brennan and Brady. Enda McCormack and Kieran McElhinney, also out of New York, would round out the top three for the Irish. With O’Brien’s off on SS2 he was now sitting in 14th some 4:24 back from Donnelly.
Meep! Meep! a photgraphers nightmare, O'leary & O'leary
Much like Donnelly and Brennan, O’Brien, who had just clinched his third consecutive Eastern States Rally Championship title for 2006, had been one of the favorites for the overall victory coming into this year’s return of the Black River stages.
Further down the running order in the hotly contested M2 class a bit of a battle was taking place between the Boston Irish crews of Larry Duane and Eamon Sweeny in the Toyota Twin Cam Corolla and “Big Dan” Broslan and Martin Skelton in the Nissan Sentra. Sitting in second behind Dan Cook in the Datsun, Duane had pulled out a forty second lead over Broslan in third at the first service stop.
The afternoon stages would be made up of four stages all run twice. Danny O’Brien would go on the attack early to try and work down the time lost with the damaged wheel on SS1. The first time over SS5, “Jayville In,” O’Brien would set the second fastest time, just seven second off the blistering pace set by Donnelly. Again, on SS6 “Jayville out,” O’Brien would push Donnelly coming within four seconds of Charlie’s stage time.
Danny O’Brien would eventually set the fastest time over SS7 “Goose Pond in,” some six seconds faster than leader Donnelly, and also the stage win on SS12.
In the end, when the time cards were verified after a long day of 12 special stages over some very deceiving forest roads with hidden hazards, Charlie Donnelly would bring home the victory. After struggling for many years, pushing hard and trying to be competitive in lesser equipment Charlie finally proves his worth in the same Mitsubishi Evo that brought Tom Lawless to the overall victory in the United States Rally Championship in 2005. Charlie finished with a comfortable 2:21 cushion over Paddy Brennan who, despite numerous issues, was able to hang on to second.
Enda McCormack encored a 20 second penalty for a late arrival to time control 7, pushing him down to forth behind Randy Zimmer and Travis Sleight. Despite all the hard work from O’Brien, in the end it was a bridge too far to make up the difference lost on SS2, and he had to settle for 5th overall.
Showing some great driving form, Liam Mulvey, with Stephen Duffy on the notes, kept the tail out wherever possible on their Mazda RX3 as they took the class victory in M1 and 6th overall.
In M2 Class, Duane and Sweeney in the Corolla, in only their second full season in rallying, claimed the M2 class victory and 7th overall. Dan Broslan, who chased Duane all day, had no answer for the every increasing pace of his fellow Boston crew.
Looking forward to BRS 2007!
Kevin McBride devastated by Mollo,
where to go from here?
October 8th, 2006 - by Tomás Rohan
Kevin McBride's hopes of shot at the world heavyweight title evaporated in Chicago last night following a devastating second round stoppage at the hands of the unheralded Mike Mollo.
Mike Tyson's conqueror had hoped that a win over Mollo (with the lightly regarded WBA fedelatin title on the line) would hand him a top 15 ranking with the WBA and put him line for a shot at WBA champ Nicolay Valuev. The "Beast from the East" topped the bill at the Allstate Arena last night successfully defending his belt with an eleventh round stoppage of Monte Barrett.
McBride's prospects of being next in line for Valuev's title nose dived right from the first bell with Mollo showing little or no respect for the much bigger Irishman. The 26-year-old Illinois native entered the ring with a record of 16 wins and 1 loss which although statistically impressive had been compiled against club fighters and journeymen. (However it should be noted that aside from his shock win over Tyson the same accusation could be levelled at McBride.)
The only common opponent between both men was fringe contender DaVarryl Williamson who had recorded stoppage victories over both Mollo and McBride. Despite this McBride and his camp were confident that Mollo would not get in the way of their long awaited world title fight although it should be noted that Dan Horgan, a contributor to this site had predicted that Mollo would make short work of the "Clones Colussus."
Mollo had spent the early part of the opening round softening up the 278 pound McBride landing frequently to the mid section before a series of clubbing right hands floored the Boston based Monaghan man along the ropes.
McBride looked more embarrassed than hurt and offered a wry smile as referee Genaro Rodriquez waved him back into action.
Any hope that the nightmare first round would merely serve as a wake up call to stir McBride into action went out the window early in the second when he found himself on the floor for a second time. Once again McBride offered an embarrassed, almost bemused smile but it was becoming clear that his world title aspirations were on their last legs.
Sensing the finish Mollo followed up with another two fisted attack sending McBride reeling backwards before flooring him for the third and final time with a heavy left hook. Referee Rodriquez didn't even bother with the count even though McBride clambered quickly to his feet but offered little in the way of protest at the stoppage.
Instead he trouped back to his corner leaving behind his world title dreams and a substantial payday.
McBride's promoter Don King didn't seem overly concerned at the Irishman's defeat rushing to embrace the victory and waving an American and Italian flag in honour of Mollo's heritage. Judging by the uproarious laughter from the shock haired promoter in the ring it's unlikely he'll lose too much sleep over McBride's demise.
Truly this was an awful, awful performance by McBride. There is no other way of dressing it up. He looked like a man who simply didn't want to be there ironically enough in the same way that Mike Tyson clearly did not want to be in the ring with him on that shocking night in Washington on June 3 months ago. McBride folded from the kind of shots last night that had caused him to simply grit his teeth and fight on against "Iron Mike" but last night they sent him tumbling to the canvas.
Take nothing away from Mollo who did what he had to do and much to Don King's delight looks like a fighter who can shift tickets in the Chicago area. He can move on to a bigger fight but where too now for Kevin McBride?
Time will tell but it seems a long, lonely road back to anything like world title contention from here. Wherever that road takes him we wish Kevin well as despite some of his tongue in cheek statements about taking on both Klitschko's in the same night he is the epitome of the quiet, modest, gentle giant.
October 8th, 2006 - by Tomás Rohan
Kevin McBride's hopes of shot at the world heavyweight title evaporated in Chicago last night following a devastating second round stoppage at the hands of the unheralded Mike Mollo.
Mike Tyson's conqueror had hoped that a win over Mollo (with the lightly regarded WBA fedelatin title on the line) would hand him a top 15 ranking with the WBA and put him line for a shot at WBA champ Nicolay Valuev. The "Beast from the East" topped the bill at the Allstate Arena last night successfully defending his belt with an eleventh round stoppage of Monte Barrett.
McBride's prospects of being next in line for Valuev's title nose dived right from the first bell with Mollo showing little or no respect for the much bigger Irishman. The 26-year-old Illinois native entered the ring with a record of 16 wins and 1 loss which although statistically impressive had been compiled against club fighters and journeymen. (However it should be noted that aside from his shock win over Tyson the same accusation could be levelled at McBride.)
The only common opponent between both men was fringe contender DaVarryl Williamson who had recorded stoppage victories over both Mollo and McBride. Despite this McBride and his camp were confident that Mollo would not get in the way of their long awaited world title fight although it should be noted that Dan Horgan, a contributor to this site had predicted that Mollo would make short work of the "Clones Colussus."
Mollo had spent the early part of the opening round softening up the 278 pound McBride landing frequently to the mid section before a series of clubbing right hands floored the Boston based Monaghan man along the ropes.
McBride looked more embarrassed than hurt and offered a wry smile as referee Genaro Rodriquez waved him back into action.
Any hope that the nightmare first round would merely serve as a wake up call to stir McBride into action went out the window early in the second when he found himself on the floor for a second time. Once again McBride offered an embarrassed, almost bemused smile but it was becoming clear that his world title aspirations were on their last legs.
Sensing the finish Mollo followed up with another two fisted attack sending McBride reeling backwards before flooring him for the third and final time with a heavy left hook. Referee Rodriquez didn't even bother with the count even though McBride clambered quickly to his feet but offered little in the way of protest at the stoppage.
Instead he trouped back to his corner leaving behind his world title dreams and a substantial payday.
McBride's promoter Don King didn't seem overly concerned at the Irishman's defeat rushing to embrace the victory and waving an American and Italian flag in honour of Mollo's heritage. Judging by the uproarious laughter from the shock haired promoter in the ring it's unlikely he'll lose too much sleep over McBride's demise.
Truly this was an awful, awful performance by McBride. There is no other way of dressing it up. He looked like a man who simply didn't want to be there ironically enough in the same way that Mike Tyson clearly did not want to be in the ring with him on that shocking night in Washington on June 3 months ago. McBride folded from the kind of shots last night that had caused him to simply grit his teeth and fight on against "Iron Mike" but last night they sent him tumbling to the canvas.
Take nothing away from Mollo who did what he had to do and much to Don King's delight looks like a fighter who can shift tickets in the Chicago area. He can move on to a bigger fight but where too now for Kevin McBride?
Time will tell but it seems a long, lonely road back to anything like world title contention from here. Wherever that road takes him we wish Kevin well as despite some of his tongue in cheek statements about taking on both Klitschko's in the same night he is the epitome of the quiet, modest, gentle giant.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Big Kevin McBride ready for action Saturday, pictured here with his daughter GrainneKevin McBride back in the ring Saturday night
in Chicago against Mike Mollo
The McBride story to-date
It turned out that the third time was the charm for Irish heavyweight champion Kevin McBride when he met Mike Tyson on June 11 at the MCI Center in Washington, D.C.
Failed negotiations concerning Kevin’s purse negated the first two opportunities McBride had against “Iron” Mike. In 1995, 17-0-1 McBride was supposed to be Tyson’s first opponent in his comeback after serving four years in prison. Peter McNeeley eventually replaced McBride. Last year, Kevin was offered a match against Tyson, but once again purse negotiations broke down, and Danny Williams fought Tyson.
When the fight did finally happen, McBride made the most of his opportunity. Although he was a 20-1 underdog, he told everyone he knew to bet on him. He ran six miles every day leading up to the fight, and sparred every afternoon to whip himself into the best shape possible.
McBride’s plan was to absorb Tyson’s usual early barrage, then wear down the best fighter by far he had ever faced with his big frame. That was plan A. The good-natured Irishman and his manager Pascal “Packie” Collins had other plans.
“Plan B was we had a sniper in the arena,” joked Collins. “Plan C,” McBride said, “was to get the electricity pulled, hit Tyson with a sledgehammer, then put the lights back on.”
As it turned out, plan A was enough. McBride surprised Tyson from the outset. He stood his ground, weathered Tyson’s assaults and kept returning fire. So frustrated was Tyson that he resorted to head-butts (opening a cut over McBride’s left eye), twisted his arm and even bit his nipple.
After McBride pushed Tyson to the mat after an exchange in round six, Tyson decided he was done with the fight. Kevin McBride had retired Mike Tyson.
“All the disbelievers who said I’d never do it,” McBride said, “I hope they take their hats off to me now.”
McBride started boxing at the age of 9 as a means of defense from neighborhood bullies that were picking on him because of a speech impediment. Originally a member of the Clones Amateur Boxing Club, Kevin switched allegiances two years later to the Smithboro Boxing Club of County Monaghan. Under the coaching of Frank Mulligan, who trained Kevin throughout his amateur career and first 17 pro bouts, McBride captured three All-Ireland titles, highlighted by the 1992 Senior Super Heavyweight crown that qualified him for the 1992 Olympic Trials in Denmark, where earned a position on the Irish Olympic Boxing Team. Mulligan, incidentally, coached another Clones fighter, 2005 Boxing Hall of Fame inductee and former world featherweight champion Barry “Clones Cyclone” McGuigan.
At 18, Kevin became the youngest super heavyweight to compete in the Olympics and although he didn’t medal at Barcelona (Spain), he was part of Ireland’s most successful Olympic boxing team, including gold-medal winner Michael Carruth and silver medalist Wayne McCullough, who later became world bantamweight champion as a professional.
In 1992, McBride turned pro, signing with British promoter Frank Warren and later with British promoter Panos Eliades and manager Frank Maloney, the management team behind world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis. Kevin fought to a four-round draw with Gary Charlton in his pro debut (Dec. 17, 1992) and then went on to win his next 19 fights.
His first loss was in 1997 to Louis Monaco. Two fights later (June 2), McBride captured the vacant All-Ireland heavyweight title via a fifth-round TKO of Paul Douglas in Waterfront Hall in Douglas’ hometown of Belfast, Northern Ireland.
McBride suffered a loss to world heavyweight contender Axel Shulz in 1997 and two years later, thanks to his friend (former WBO super middleweight champion) Steve “Celtic Warrior” Collins, Kevin relocated in Boston and started training with Goody Petronelli, who had previously trained Collins as well as undisputed world middleweight champion Marvelous Marvin Hagler. Shortly after, Kevin recorded his most significant victory up to that time, a unanimous 10-round decision versus 19-1 Willie Phillips.
In 2002, McBride suffered his last loss when he was stopped by future world-class heavyweight (12-1) DaVarryl “Touch of Sleep” Williamson in five rounds due to McBride’s cuts.
McBride won seven fights in a row, all by knockout, before facing Tyson: (25-7) Gary Winmon (TKO2), Bahamian champion (16-11) Reynaldo Minus, (23-11-1) Craig Tomlinson (KO3) for the vacant IBC Americas heavyweight belt, (18-4-2) Najee Shaheed (TKO9) in an IBC Americas title defense, (14-26-3) Lenzie Morgan (KO1), (29-22-1) Marcus Rhode (KO3) and (15-2-1) Kevin Montiy (TKO5) in his last ring action (March 18, 2005).
The Luck of the Irish hasn’t always been in the corner with “The Clones Colossus.” Beside the first two failed proposals to fight Tyson, Kevin lost out on an opportunity to fight Danny Williams, who had defeated Tyson (July 30, 2004) as McBride’s replacement. Late in 2004, Frank Warren’s Sport Network reportedly presented McBride a six-figure offer to fight Williams at the Excel Centre in London. Unfortunately, at least for McBride, Williams instead opted to unsuccessfully challenge WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko for $1-million.
In December 2004, McBride, who had been ranked as high as No. 27 by the World Boxing Council, was dropped from the WBC ratings due to inactivity resulting from the time spent negotiating for the aforementioned Tyson and Williams fights.
McBride has learned from sparring with Lewis, former WBA heavyweight champion John Ruiz, IBF heavyweight title-holder Chris Byrd, Williamson, hot prospect Calvin Brock and others.
After the win over Tyson, McBride signed with legendary Don King. His head trainer is Goody Petronelli.
In his last appearance on April 1 in Cleveland, McBride disposed of Byron Polley with fourth-round technical knockout.
Failed negotiations concerning Kevin’s purse negated the first two opportunities McBride had against “Iron” Mike. In 1995, 17-0-1 McBride was supposed to be Tyson’s first opponent in his comeback after serving four years in prison. Peter McNeeley eventually replaced McBride. Last year, Kevin was offered a match against Tyson, but once again purse negotiations broke down, and Danny Williams fought Tyson.
When the fight did finally happen, McBride made the most of his opportunity. Although he was a 20-1 underdog, he told everyone he knew to bet on him. He ran six miles every day leading up to the fight, and sparred every afternoon to whip himself into the best shape possible.
McBride’s plan was to absorb Tyson’s usual early barrage, then wear down the best fighter by far he had ever faced with his big frame. That was plan A. The good-natured Irishman and his manager Pascal “Packie” Collins had other plans.
“Plan B was we had a sniper in the arena,” joked Collins. “Plan C,” McBride said, “was to get the electricity pulled, hit Tyson with a sledgehammer, then put the lights back on.”
As it turned out, plan A was enough. McBride surprised Tyson from the outset. He stood his ground, weathered Tyson’s assaults and kept returning fire. So frustrated was Tyson that he resorted to head-butts (opening a cut over McBride’s left eye), twisted his arm and even bit his nipple.
After McBride pushed Tyson to the mat after an exchange in round six, Tyson decided he was done with the fight. Kevin McBride had retired Mike Tyson.
“All the disbelievers who said I’d never do it,” McBride said, “I hope they take their hats off to me now.”
McBride started boxing at the age of 9 as a means of defense from neighborhood bullies that were picking on him because of a speech impediment. Originally a member of the Clones Amateur Boxing Club, Kevin switched allegiances two years later to the Smithboro Boxing Club of County Monaghan. Under the coaching of Frank Mulligan, who trained Kevin throughout his amateur career and first 17 pro bouts, McBride captured three All-Ireland titles, highlighted by the 1992 Senior Super Heavyweight crown that qualified him for the 1992 Olympic Trials in Denmark, where earned a position on the Irish Olympic Boxing Team. Mulligan, incidentally, coached another Clones fighter, 2005 Boxing Hall of Fame inductee and former world featherweight champion Barry “Clones Cyclone” McGuigan.
At 18, Kevin became the youngest super heavyweight to compete in the Olympics and although he didn’t medal at Barcelona (Spain), he was part of Ireland’s most successful Olympic boxing team, including gold-medal winner Michael Carruth and silver medalist Wayne McCullough, who later became world bantamweight champion as a professional.
In 1992, McBride turned pro, signing with British promoter Frank Warren and later with British promoter Panos Eliades and manager Frank Maloney, the management team behind world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis. Kevin fought to a four-round draw with Gary Charlton in his pro debut (Dec. 17, 1992) and then went on to win his next 19 fights.
His first loss was in 1997 to Louis Monaco. Two fights later (June 2), McBride captured the vacant All-Ireland heavyweight title via a fifth-round TKO of Paul Douglas in Waterfront Hall in Douglas’ hometown of Belfast, Northern Ireland.
McBride suffered a loss to world heavyweight contender Axel Shulz in 1997 and two years later, thanks to his friend (former WBO super middleweight champion) Steve “Celtic Warrior” Collins, Kevin relocated in Boston and started training with Goody Petronelli, who had previously trained Collins as well as undisputed world middleweight champion Marvelous Marvin Hagler. Shortly after, Kevin recorded his most significant victory up to that time, a unanimous 10-round decision versus 19-1 Willie Phillips.
In 2002, McBride suffered his last loss when he was stopped by future world-class heavyweight (12-1) DaVarryl “Touch of Sleep” Williamson in five rounds due to McBride’s cuts.
McBride won seven fights in a row, all by knockout, before facing Tyson: (25-7) Gary Winmon (TKO2), Bahamian champion (16-11) Reynaldo Minus, (23-11-1) Craig Tomlinson (KO3) for the vacant IBC Americas heavyweight belt, (18-4-2) Najee Shaheed (TKO9) in an IBC Americas title defense, (14-26-3) Lenzie Morgan (KO1), (29-22-1) Marcus Rhode (KO3) and (15-2-1) Kevin Montiy (TKO5) in his last ring action (March 18, 2005).
The Luck of the Irish hasn’t always been in the corner with “The Clones Colossus.” Beside the first two failed proposals to fight Tyson, Kevin lost out on an opportunity to fight Danny Williams, who had defeated Tyson (July 30, 2004) as McBride’s replacement. Late in 2004, Frank Warren’s Sport Network reportedly presented McBride a six-figure offer to fight Williams at the Excel Centre in London. Unfortunately, at least for McBride, Williams instead opted to unsuccessfully challenge WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko for $1-million.
In December 2004, McBride, who had been ranked as high as No. 27 by the World Boxing Council, was dropped from the WBC ratings due to inactivity resulting from the time spent negotiating for the aforementioned Tyson and Williams fights.
McBride has learned from sparring with Lewis, former WBA heavyweight champion John Ruiz, IBF heavyweight title-holder Chris Byrd, Williamson, hot prospect Calvin Brock and others.
After the win over Tyson, McBride signed with legendary Don King. His head trainer is Goody Petronelli.
In his last appearance on April 1 in Cleveland, McBride disposed of Byron Polley with fourth-round technical knockout.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
A few Boston GAA teams struggle in Philadelphia.
Sunday September 3, 2006 The Roscommon Ladies junior and senior teams have been knocked out of competition in the semi finals this weekend at the NACB play offs. McAnespies Junior A & B teams would also suffer the same fate. Remnants for tropical storm Ernesto left the playing fields in terrible condition. Fr. Tom’s junior hurling team and Galway intermediate football team faired better and are through to the finals today.. More to follow.
Sunday September 3, 2006 The Roscommon Ladies junior and senior teams have been knocked out of competition in the semi finals this weekend at the NACB play offs. McAnespies Junior A & B teams would also suffer the same fate. Remnants for tropical storm Ernesto left the playing fields in terrible condition. Fr. Tom’s junior hurling team and Galway intermediate football team faired better and are through to the finals today.. More to follow.
Update: Sunday 6:00pm EST/The Galway intermediate team would be the only Boston team to claim the victory in their final in Philadelphia. This caps off a great year for the team and manager Manus McFadden. In senior football McAnespies would fall to a rough and tough Chicago team, early injuries would take its toll on the Mac’s. In senior hurling a much different looking Wexford team, which claimed victory in Boston just a week earlier would lose in the final. More details to follow.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
In Ladies senior football, The Roscomon girls would not let the final slip away from them this year, as theyheld on to the very end to claim victory over thier rivals The Shamrocks.
Boston Ma. August 30, 2006. Boston can again lay claim to some of the best GAA action this side of the Atlantic Ocean, with the successful conclusion of the 2006 Boston Northeast GAA Championship finals that were played over this past weekend at the Irish Cultural center in Canton. In conditions that were to say the least miserable, a large crowd was in attendance in the pouring rain to witness some fine Gaelic football and hurling action. [For a full report on all the action, check out The Boston Irish Zine]It is on from here to Philadelphia this coming weekend for the North American Championship finals [click here for the full schedule of games]. All going well I plan on being on the sideline to capture all the action. The very best of luck to all the teams..
The NACB final will be played at
7979 State Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19136-3407
[looks better on the ground!]
The Boston teams that will feature in Philadelphia
2006 Ladies Senior Champions: Roscommon
2006 Ladies Junior Champions: Roscommon
2006 Men’s Senior Football Champions: McAnespies
2006 Men’s Junior Football Champions: McAnespies
2006 Senior Hurling: Wexford
2006 Junior Hurling: Fr. Toms
2006 Intermediate Football: Galway [Back to senior level football for Galway in 2007]
2006 Ladies Junior Champions: Roscommon
2006 Men’s Senior Football Champions: McAnespies
2006 Men’s Junior Football Champions: McAnespies
2006 Senior Hurling: Wexford
2006 Junior Hurling: Fr. Toms
2006 Intermediate Football: Galway [Back to senior level football for Galway in 2007]
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
In the end there was no holding McAnespies as the took the
victory over the Shannon blues in SFC
Boston Gaa: Sunday August 13th 2006
Ladies senior football/Championship
Tir na N’og 2-05 Shamrocks 1-14
The ladies of the Boston Shamrocks GFC would again leave their mark as they grabbed the victory over Tir na nog.
Tir na nog were lucky to show two goals on the score card as they were both by chance, easy scores. The Shamrocks will await the outcome of next Sunday’s semi final game between Roscommon and Tir na nog to determine who they will meet in the final
.
Hard to call, but I would give the edge to Roscommon in the semi final based on their performance in their last game.
Men’s senior football/Championship
Donegal 1-17 Mayo 0-05
A sense of urgency was obvious in the opening minutes of the first of the men’s senior football games to be played on this day. Donegal had to take this victory to move to the semi finals, an early favorite for the title, Donegal suffered a crushing loss to the Shannon Blues a week earlier. Donegal put down their deposit for the semi-final early in this game against Mayo and had the contract in hand by the half, never to look back.
Donegal goes onto meet McAnespies, this will surely be one of the best games of the year, tight to the end possibly going to extra time, don’t miss this one!
Senior hurling/Championship
Wexford 4-20 Fr. Toms 3-15
Massive stuff! Wexford steps forward as the team to beat, an awesome show of pressure and results. Fr. Toms played their game, contact, hard hitting, they would show with scores early but lost momentum, often not seeming to have the answers for the skill of Wexford.
Although both teams were already through to the championship semi-finals before the sliothar dropped Sunday, this game decided who would sit a top of the pile.
Bring your safety glasses next Sunday as there will be bits of hurls flying as Wexford goes onto meet Tipp in the semi final. I would have to give Wexford the edge, unless Tipp can bring the team back together for the finals.
Men’s senior football/Championship
McAnespies 0-11 Blues 0-8
After coming off a victory against Donegal last week Shannon Blues would come into Sundays match against McAnespies with a chance to go onto the finals. A game that could have gone either way, it was a hard fought first half. Macs would open quickly in the second, pulling away from the Blues. But with every bit of heart that could be found on the GAA field the Blues would bring it back within check to level the scores, down to the wire it went. These are two teams that have some great supporters and did they ever spur on their respective team to the very end. In the end there would only be one victor, the Mac’s would find that sixth gear and pulled away from the Blues.
Shannon Blues now face the daunting reality that they might be bumped down to Intermediate football for next year. They will playoff against Cork; the victor stays in the senior championship the losses steps down.
Semi Final ScheduleSaturday August 19
Field A
1:15 - Jr A semi-final Donegal v Cork
2:30 - Jr A semi-final Wolfetones v McAnespies
3:45 - Jr Hurling Semi-final
4:00 - Ladies Jr Ft semi-final Roscommon v Shamrocks
5:30 - Int Football semi-final Kerry v St. Colmbkilles
Sunday August 20 Field A
12:00 LSF semi-final Roscommon v Tir na nog
1:15 Senior Hurling - semi-final Galway v Fr. Toms
2:30 Senior Football - semi-final Donegal v McAnespies
3:45 Senior Hurling - semi-final Tipperary v Wexford
5:30 Senior Football - semi-final Wolfetones v Gaels
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Boston Gaa, Sunday August 6th 2006
Armagh ND Vs Cork SFC
An Armagh team that had it’s share of up and downs in the 2006 SFC [more downs that ups] would make good in their last championship game of the year. Down to Cork in the opening half of the game, Armagh would charge back to take the lead with goal by Mannion and go on to take the victory. Cork finds themselves needing to pull out all the stops or face relegation.
Cork 2:04 Armagh ND 1:10
Donegal Vs Shannon Blues SFC
Donegal could put this loss down to a four-week lay off, but for whatever reason this was not the same Donegal team that showed up in past outings.
Shannon Blues masterfully knocked Donegal out of the game before they got started. An early point from a free by Kevin Curran would put Donegal on the board first, but the Blues were well able to keep the northern boys at bay. Hard hitting on and off the ball would keep the New York based referee on the whistle, while offering up a few yellow cards along the way. The loss for Donegal leaves them in a must win game next Sunday against Mayo, to secure a place in the finals.
For the Blues, correct me if I wronf but if a series of events fall into place they could find themselves in the playoffs, stranger things have happened. If not they could face Cork in a relegation playoff game.
Shannon Blue 1:10 Donegal 0:11
Senior Hurling:
Tipp Vs Galway SHC
Again for the second time in two weeks Tipp would fall, for those of you not understanding the significance of this, you need to understand that this is a team that has not lost a game in nearly two years. Galway held the edge through the play, getting the ball past Kevin Jordon not once but twice…although in the end the victory by Galway was with a single point, Tipp were not themselfs. I say it now! get the B.S. resolved with Grady and fill the hole left in his absence. ”Coming together is a beginning.Keeping together is progress.Working together is success” by Henry Ford [and he's a boy would know].
Tipp 1:14 Galway 2:12
An Armagh team that had it’s share of up and downs in the 2006 SFC [more downs that ups] would make good in their last championship game of the year. Down to Cork in the opening half of the game, Armagh would charge back to take the lead with goal by Mannion and go on to take the victory. Cork finds themselves needing to pull out all the stops or face relegation.
Cork 2:04 Armagh ND 1:10
Donegal Vs Shannon Blues SFC
Donegal could put this loss down to a four-week lay off, but for whatever reason this was not the same Donegal team that showed up in past outings.
Shannon Blues masterfully knocked Donegal out of the game before they got started. An early point from a free by Kevin Curran would put Donegal on the board first, but the Blues were well able to keep the northern boys at bay. Hard hitting on and off the ball would keep the New York based referee on the whistle, while offering up a few yellow cards along the way. The loss for Donegal leaves them in a must win game next Sunday against Mayo, to secure a place in the finals.
For the Blues, correct me if I wronf but if a series of events fall into place they could find themselves in the playoffs, stranger things have happened. If not they could face Cork in a relegation playoff game.
Shannon Blue 1:10 Donegal 0:11
Senior Hurling:
Tipp Vs Galway SHC
Again for the second time in two weeks Tipp would fall, for those of you not understanding the significance of this, you need to understand that this is a team that has not lost a game in nearly two years. Galway held the edge through the play, getting the ball past Kevin Jordon not once but twice…although in the end the victory by Galway was with a single point, Tipp were not themselfs. I say it now! get the B.S. resolved with Grady and fill the hole left in his absence. ”Coming together is a beginning.Keeping together is progress.Working together is success” by Henry Ford [and he's a boy would know].
Tipp 1:14 Galway 2:12
Schedule for Sunday August 12th
12:00 Intermeadit Football >>St Columbkilles V Kerry
12:00 Intermeadit Football >>St Columbkilles V Kerry
1:15 LSHC >>Tir na nog V Shamrocks
2:30 SFC >>Donegal V Mayo
3:4 SHC >>Fr. Toms V Wexford
5:00 SFC >>McAnespies V Shannon Blues
Saturday, August 05, 2006
PASTRANA TAKES FIRST-EVER RALLY CAR RACING GOLD AT
X GAMES 12
MCRAE ROLLS IT, RIGHTS IT, MISSES GOLD BY 0.52 SECONDS
Los Angeles – August 5, 2006 Travis Pastrana and co-driver Christian Edstrom won the first-ever X Games Rally Car Racing gold medal, but Colin McCrae may have stolen away the
signature moment from the debut final at The Home Depot Center.
McCrae, who entered Saturday’s “Super Special” ahead of Pastrana by 0.5 second
overall, appeared to be headed for the gold as he re-entered the stadium for the final
push to the finish line.
That’s when the car got loose on McCrae and co-driver Nicky
Grist and rolled over. True to his reputation as a rally car racing legend, McCrae didn’t
miss a beat, kept his foot on the pedal, and when the car landed back on its tires gunned
to a silver medal finish – missing gold by just 0.52 seconds.
Ken Block and co-driver Alex Gelsomino drove away with the bronze medal.
Even Pastrana, who also took home X Games gold on Friday night in the Moto X Best
Trick, had praise for McCrae following the competition.
“It’s an honor to be next to Colin McCrae,” said Pastrana. “I’m very surprised to have
won the first X Games rally car event. No words can describe it.
It’s been the best week of my life.
I’m so happy that rally racing has a presence in the X Games.”
McCrae, disappointed the gold got away from him, was still excited about Rally Car
Racing’s debut at X Games 12.
“It’s not the way I wanted to finish,” said McCrae, “But it was the best show we could
possibly put on here at X Games. I’m so happy to get the first X Games rally racing silver
medal.”
Block added, “It’s exciting to take the first X Games bronze and to be racing in the
presence of Travis Pastrana and Colin McCrae.”
X GAMES 12
MCRAE ROLLS IT, RIGHTS IT, MISSES GOLD BY 0.52 SECONDS
Los Angeles – August 5, 2006 Travis Pastrana and co-driver Christian Edstrom won the first-ever X Games Rally Car Racing gold medal, but Colin McCrae may have stolen away the
signature moment from the debut final at The Home Depot Center.
McCrae, who entered Saturday’s “Super Special” ahead of Pastrana by 0.5 second
overall, appeared to be headed for the gold as he re-entered the stadium for the final
push to the finish line.
That’s when the car got loose on McCrae and co-driver Nicky
Grist and rolled over. True to his reputation as a rally car racing legend, McCrae didn’t
miss a beat, kept his foot on the pedal, and when the car landed back on its tires gunned
to a silver medal finish – missing gold by just 0.52 seconds.
Ken Block and co-driver Alex Gelsomino drove away with the bronze medal.
Even Pastrana, who also took home X Games gold on Friday night in the Moto X Best
Trick, had praise for McCrae following the competition.
“It’s an honor to be next to Colin McCrae,” said Pastrana. “I’m very surprised to have
won the first X Games rally car event. No words can describe it.
It’s been the best week of my life.
I’m so happy that rally racing has a presence in the X Games.”
McCrae, disappointed the gold got away from him, was still excited about Rally Car
Racing’s debut at X Games 12.
“It’s not the way I wanted to finish,” said McCrae, “But it was the best show we could
possibly put on here at X Games. I’m so happy to get the first X Games rally racing silver
medal.”
Block added, “It’s exciting to take the first X Games bronze and to be racing in the
presence of Travis Pastrana and Colin McCrae.”
Rhys Millen burns rubber as he slides the car around the paved course at the
Home Depot center home of Rally @ X-Games 12
ESPN Images/Shazamm
Will McRea lift the Gold?
The practice is complete; the stage is set for the explosive introduction of Rally @ X-Games 12 in LA. Rally America’s overall Championship points leader Travis Pastrana has already lifted a gold Medal in the Moto X Best trick competition.
ABC will air the Rally today between 3-6pm EST. Chances are good for Subaru to take the Gold, Silver and Bronze, with all but 4 of the 12 contenders in the Open Class AWD been Subaru’s. The crews have already completed several stages in the hills outside of LA earlier this week, but this is what it is all about, getting to the Home Depot center to strut their stuff. It should be an easy win for McRea, but after that it’s all up for grabs.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Rally America brings Colin McRea and a selection of US rally drivers to X-GAMES 12August 2, 2006) - Subaru Rally Team USA drivers Travis Pastrana and Ken Block are ready to kick off the first ever X Games Rally, today Aug 2, 2006.
The X Games Rally is a standalone, invite only event within the 2006 Rally America National Championship, it marks the first time any form of car racing has been included in the hugely popular ESPN X Games.
Today the invited drivers will tackle eight gravel stages north of Los Angeles, then on Saturday August 5th the event will conclude with a special stage in and around the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles, televised LIVE on ABC starting at 3pm EDT.
Joining Subaru Rally Team USA, all driving Vermont SportsCar prepared Subaru Impreza WRX STI rally cars, are former WRC Champion Colin McRae and 2005 Rally America PGT Class Champion Tanner Foust. McRae, one of the most successful World Rally Drivers in history as well as one of the most popular, is the clear favorite to take X Games Gold. McRae will be joined by his longtime co-driver Nicky Grist. Joining McRae will be 2005 Rally America PGT class Champion Tanner Foust and co-driver Scott Crouch.
In addition to Foust's rally career he also has found success as a Hollywood stunt driver and is a top drifter in the Formula D Series. The four drivers have completed two days of testing in their freshly built Open Class Subaru Impreza WRX STI rally cars.
These are new cars for the X Games, they are lighter and more powerful than the cars that Pastrana and Block have used thus far in the 2006 Rally America National Championship, where and his co-driver Christian Edstrom sit atop the overall standings after their recent 2nd Overall finish at the Maine Forest Rally.
All four cars will be shod with the latest BFGoodrich Tires. "We tested the cars for the first time on Monday and I instantly felt a very good difference, the cars are more nimble, more powerful," explained Pastrana. "I can't wait to showcase rallying at the X Games, its going to be amazing." "We are very focused, there are less total stage miles than a typical Rally America event, so everything counts so much, we really need to fast everywhere with no mistakes," said Ken Block's co-driver Ales Gelsomino.
The addition of rallying to the X Games will be a major boost for the growing sport in the USA. Hundreds of media from around the World are in Los Angeles covering the events and rallying will gain significant mainstream exposure. The Live coverage on a major network like ABC this Saturday afternoon will be a first for US rallying as well.
In addition to watching the rally stages on ABC this weekend, fans can keep up with the team and the event by visiting www.rally.subaru.com: for daily photo updates and news. Also, a daily blog at www.wrc.com: will follow Subaru Rally Team USA behind the scenes at the X Games while live updates and further event information can always be found at www.rally-america.com: . Subaru Rally Team USA is proudly supported by DC Shoes, BFGoodrich Tires, STI (Subaru Tecnica International), SPT (Subaru Performance Tuning), Alpinestars, Motul, PIAA, Recaro, Meguiars and Vermont SportsCar.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
DUDDY WITHDRAWS FROM BOUT Derry City’s John Duddy, an undefeated middleweight boxer, has withdrawn from an Aug. 10 bout in Las Vegas against Carlos Bojorquez because of heat prostration that Duddy sustained while training in New York. Duddy, 27, collapsed as he scaled the steps of his apartment building in Queens while clutching a heavy gym bag. He is 17-0 with 15 knockouts.
Eddie McLoughlin Duddy’s Manager and friend said, 'John just needs some rest as he had to see our sports doctor because he is suffering from heat exhaustion.
'However he will be back in full training in two weeks time. We are disappointed because we were all looking forward to the show in Las Vegas.
'But the important thing for us is that John is fully fit and well and at the moment he is not and the prudent thing to do was to withdraw him from the fight.'
Meanwhile Duddy's next fight could see him meet veteran Mexican Yori Boy Campas at Madison Square Garden on September 29.
McLoughin added: 'Campas is lined up for late September and that is a fight we all want to see
Eddie McLoughlin Duddy’s Manager and friend said, 'John just needs some rest as he had to see our sports doctor because he is suffering from heat exhaustion.
'However he will be back in full training in two weeks time. We are disappointed because we were all looking forward to the show in Las Vegas.
'But the important thing for us is that John is fully fit and well and at the moment he is not and the prudent thing to do was to withdraw him from the fight.'
Meanwhile Duddy's next fight could see him meet veteran Mexican Yori Boy Campas at Madison Square Garden on September 29.
McLoughin added: 'Campas is lined up for late September and that is a fight we all want to see
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Monday, July 24, 2006
Maine Forest Rally 2006
Newry Maine, Saturday July 22nd, Early results had awarded Italian driver Alfredo DeDominicis the overall win – and an X Games slot. But in an unusual turn of events, he was dropped out of first place in a series of post-rally protests. Race officials handed him a 24-second penalty for a rule infraction, costing him the win. Late Saturday, there was still a possibility of a final appeal that could return him to the top slot
Pictured Ramana Lagemann and co-driver after the last stage on Saturday
The overall victory was awarded to Ramana Lagemann and co-driver Michael Fennel who eked out a tight victory at the Maine Forest Rally which will also know qualify them for a starting position at the first-ever X Games Rally.“I can’t even put it into words,” said Lagemann, accepting hugs of congratulations from his beaming crew after pulling his Ford Escort Cosworth across the finish line. “It was meant to be.”
Team Subaru USA driver Travis Pastrana would take second overall pending the outcome of the appeal, while Matt Iorio would continue his run claiming the last spot on the podium with a fine third place finish. More to follow..
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Boston Gaa results for Sunday
July 9, 2006
Jr. A-Football Championship
Tones 1-21 >>Galway 1-05
Ladies Senior Football Championship
Shamrocks 2-11 >>Tir na Nog 3-03
Senior Hurling Championship
Wexford 6-24 >>Cork 0-02
Tipp 2-12 >>Fr Toms 3-08
Senior Football Championship
Gaels 2-13 >>Blues 1-10
McAnespies 2-08 >>Donegal 1-08
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Ronan Morgan one of the men behind Rally Ireland along with "Mr. WRC" himself David Richards
Ireland wins place in World Rally Championship
The World Rally Championship (WRC) is coming to Ireland for the first time ever with the announcement today in Paris that Rally Ireland has successfully secured a place in the WRC calendar from the 2007/2008 season.
The first Rally Ireland WRC will take place from November 18th - 20th 2007, and is set to become the largest sporting initiative ever undertaken on the island of Ireland.
Max Mosley, president of motorsport’s world governing body the Féderation International de l’Automobile (FIA) was full of praise for the Irish event: “We are pleased to welcome Ireland to the FIA World Rally Championship. Your team worked hard in their bid and set very high standards. Rally Ireland will bring many new and unique features to the championship including being the first round to run competitive stages cross border.”
Sponsored by Fáilte Ireland and the Northern Ireland Events Company, Rally Ireland’s entry into the WRC has been the culmination of 18 months work by the team, and their sponsors.
Speaking of the success, Minister of Arts, Sport & Tourism, John O’Donoghue TD said: “This is a wonderful success for Irish motorsport and Irish sport in general and all the more so as it is a cross-border initiative. The WRC has an annual TV viewership of more than 800 million, so the images of Ireland shown abroad will be of great benefit to the tourism industry.”
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt. Hon. Peter Hain MP was similarly delighted with the impact that the WRC will make: ‘As a motorsport fan, I am delighted with this decision made by Max Mosley and the FIA. Having seen at close hand the impact that Rally Ireland has made to date, I am excited by what hosting a full WRC round will be able to contribute to the economy and the development of social cohesion.”
Research commissioned by Rally Ireland in 2006 found that the WRC could be worth more than €46 million each year, generated from spend by spectators, as well as the international media coverage from the event.
The WRC is run on all types of surfaces - snow, gravel, tarmac and ice. The season has 16 rounds and begins with the historic Monte Carlo rally. The championship visits countries as diverse as Argentina, New Zealand, Japan and Sweden. The current world champion is Frenchman Sebastien Loeb who drives a Citroen Xsara. The WRC has one of the fastest growing TV audiences, with an annual viewership of more than 800 million in almost 200 countries.
Rally Ireland was founded by Ronan Morgan and Seán O’Connor, who have almost 35 years WRC experience between them. Dubliner Ronan Morgan, a former championship-winning co-driver rallied for more than 20 years, and was the event Director of Wales Rally GB before starting the Irish bid. Wicklow-based Seán O’Connor has worked since 1991 in the World Championship as a sponsorship and marketing consultant and has managed a number of top International drivers.
Ireland wins place in World Rally Championship
The World Rally Championship (WRC) is coming to Ireland for the first time ever with the announcement today in Paris that Rally Ireland has successfully secured a place in the WRC calendar from the 2007/2008 season.
The first Rally Ireland WRC will take place from November 18th - 20th 2007, and is set to become the largest sporting initiative ever undertaken on the island of Ireland.
Max Mosley, president of motorsport’s world governing body the Féderation International de l’Automobile (FIA) was full of praise for the Irish event: “We are pleased to welcome Ireland to the FIA World Rally Championship. Your team worked hard in their bid and set very high standards. Rally Ireland will bring many new and unique features to the championship including being the first round to run competitive stages cross border.”
Sponsored by Fáilte Ireland and the Northern Ireland Events Company, Rally Ireland’s entry into the WRC has been the culmination of 18 months work by the team, and their sponsors.
Speaking of the success, Minister of Arts, Sport & Tourism, John O’Donoghue TD said: “This is a wonderful success for Irish motorsport and Irish sport in general and all the more so as it is a cross-border initiative. The WRC has an annual TV viewership of more than 800 million, so the images of Ireland shown abroad will be of great benefit to the tourism industry.”
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt. Hon. Peter Hain MP was similarly delighted with the impact that the WRC will make: ‘As a motorsport fan, I am delighted with this decision made by Max Mosley and the FIA. Having seen at close hand the impact that Rally Ireland has made to date, I am excited by what hosting a full WRC round will be able to contribute to the economy and the development of social cohesion.”
Research commissioned by Rally Ireland in 2006 found that the WRC could be worth more than €46 million each year, generated from spend by spectators, as well as the international media coverage from the event.
The WRC is run on all types of surfaces - snow, gravel, tarmac and ice. The season has 16 rounds and begins with the historic Monte Carlo rally. The championship visits countries as diverse as Argentina, New Zealand, Japan and Sweden. The current world champion is Frenchman Sebastien Loeb who drives a Citroen Xsara. The WRC has one of the fastest growing TV audiences, with an annual viewership of more than 800 million in almost 200 countries.
Rally Ireland was founded by Ronan Morgan and Seán O’Connor, who have almost 35 years WRC experience between them. Dubliner Ronan Morgan, a former championship-winning co-driver rallied for more than 20 years, and was the event Director of Wales Rally GB before starting the Irish bid. Wicklow-based Seán O’Connor has worked since 1991 in the World Championship as a sponsorship and marketing consultant and has managed a number of top International drivers.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Friday, May 26, 2006
McRae and Grist set for the Donegal Rally, Ireland
Letterkenny, Ireland, June 16-18th 2006. It’s on. After weeks, if not in fact years, of rumor, speculation and cryptic clues the organizers of the Shell Donegal Rally have announced the Holy Grail of rallying: McRae is coming.
Before McRae makes his appearance in the USA for the 2006 X-Games, Colin will take on one of the most challenging tarmac rallies in Europe, the Donegal International.
The name McRae is nothing new to the Donegal as Colin’s father Jimmy is a past winner of the event. Younger brother Alistair has also took on the tough tarmac stages of Donegal several times in the past.
Clerk of the Course Danny Gormley has confirmed that Colin McRae, the biggest name in World rallying, has entered this year’s Donegal with regular co-driver Nicky Grist. The news will electrify Irish rally fans, and send shockwaves through the regular competitors in the Irish Tarmac rally series. And it’s a serious assault: he’ll be driving his Metro 6R4. Danny Gormley said: “We’ve hoped for this for a long time and it’s fitting that he’s coming on the 35th anniversary of the Rally. We can’t wait to see him tackle the classic stages like Knockalla and Atlantic Drive. Donegal is buzzing, and Irish rallying is in for a real treat.” “Rally fans will know what this entry means in terms of interest and I would appeal to all marshals who were thinking of coming to Donegal to spectate this year, to get in touch via our website and bring their gear with them. We want Colin and Nicky to enjoy the stages and the famous Donegal craic in equal measure. Roll on June 16th.”
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Canton Ma. May 23rd, after thunderstorms stopped the game this past Sunday, Cork took up where they left off and went on to take the victory over McAnespies in their season opener. Cork 1:10 McAnespies 0:07
Game pictures: Here
Rally Ireland takes another step closer to a round of the WRC
May 23rd 2006: Ireland edges closer to World ChampionshipRally Ireland has welcomed the positive news of the FIA Observation Reportof their 2006 WRC Candidate event. The FIA Report was received by Motorsport Ireland this morning. Official FIA Observers, who attended the event in March, have reported that Rally Ireland has the capability to host a round of the WRC.
Motorsport Ireland Chairman, John Naylor, was pleased with the Report: “This is very positive news indeed, and it confirms what Motorsport Ireland has believed for many years; that Ireland can host a round of the WRC.”
Ronan Morgan, co-promoter of Rally Ireland said: “We’re obviously delighted with the Report from the FIA, as this demonstrates and confirms our ability to organise and deliver an event at the WRC levels expected. We know we have a great support network here in Ireland which came out in force to help achieve this goal.”
But with the FIA plans not yet announced, Rally Ireland, General Manager, John Bristow is aware that the job is not done yet: “We can’t afford to sit back just yet though, because five other countries want to be in the Championship and we don’t know whether the FIA will even maintain the current championship structure. We need to keep our voices heard so that no matter how the WRC proceeds in the future, we’re ensuring Rally Ireland has a place in that.”
Following this year’s event, Rally Ireland organisers received positive comments and feedback from many of the international drivers, media and teams about the scenery of the rally. With unique tarmac and more than 3,000 kilometres of coastline, Rally Ireland would provide a new and exciting addition to the WRC.
Motorsport Ireland Chairman, John Naylor, was pleased with the Report: “This is very positive news indeed, and it confirms what Motorsport Ireland has believed for many years; that Ireland can host a round of the WRC.”
Ronan Morgan, co-promoter of Rally Ireland said: “We’re obviously delighted with the Report from the FIA, as this demonstrates and confirms our ability to organise and deliver an event at the WRC levels expected. We know we have a great support network here in Ireland which came out in force to help achieve this goal.”
But with the FIA plans not yet announced, Rally Ireland, General Manager, John Bristow is aware that the job is not done yet: “We can’t afford to sit back just yet though, because five other countries want to be in the Championship and we don’t know whether the FIA will even maintain the current championship structure. We need to keep our voices heard so that no matter how the WRC proceeds in the future, we’re ensuring Rally Ireland has a place in that.”
Following this year’s event, Rally Ireland organisers received positive comments and feedback from many of the international drivers, media and teams about the scenery of the rally. With unique tarmac and more than 3,000 kilometres of coastline, Rally Ireland would provide a new and exciting addition to the WRC.
Monday, May 22, 2006
Click on the picture above to link to pictures from Sunday 21st 2006Boston GAA Results Sun May 21
2006Orla Benson Cup Semi Final
Shamrocks 1-03 Tir Na Nog 0-03
The Pat O’Brien Cup Semi Final
Armagh ND 0-11 Wolfe Tones 2-03
The Sheehan Cup Semi Final
Tipperary 1-08 Fr Toms 0-06
Round one of the Senior Football Championship
Donegal 1-09 Connemara Gaels 1-08 Cork v McAnespies called off in the second half due to severe weather Game will be replayed Tuesday @6:00
Shamrocks 1-03 Tir Na Nog 0-03
The Pat O’Brien Cup Semi Final
Armagh ND 0-11 Wolfe Tones 2-03
The Sheehan Cup Semi Final
Tipperary 1-08 Fr Toms 0-06
Round one of the Senior Football Championship
Donegal 1-09 Connemara Gaels 1-08 Cork v McAnespies called off in the second half due to severe weather Game will be replayed Tuesday @6:00
Friday, May 19, 2006
McRae behind the wheel of a Subaru again, all is good in Rally world!
WRC Legend Colin McRae To Compete In First Ever X Games Rally Author: Vermont SportsCar Colin McRae, one of the most successful and most popular drivers in rallying's long history, has accepted his invitation to compete at this summer's X Games Rally, a part of ESPN's X Games 12 in Los Angeles, California.
McRae will drive a Sobe No Fear Gold Energy Drink Subaru Impreza WRX STI rally car prepared by Vermont SportsCar, the same group that manages Subaru Rally Team USA for Subaru of America, Inc.
The legendary World Rally Champion will team up with his long time co-driver Nicky Grist.The annual X Games is the premier action sports event in the world, featuring athletes from across the globe competing for medals and prize money in sports including BMX Freestyle, Moto X, Skateboard, Surfing and Rally.
X Games 12 will be telecast live on ESPN and ABC. Rally racing is the latest sport to be added to the X Games lineup and although final details have not been announced the X Games Rally event is expected to consist of traditional stage rallying and a televised stadium stage in front of thousands of fans.
Colin McRae is widely regarded as one of the best and most popular rally drivers of all time. He was the first driver to reach 25 World Rally Championship victories and in 1995 he became the youngest World Rally Champion ever. His spectacular, full attack driving style is what has made him a fan favorite across the World, and he continues to have a fan and media following that is unmatched by any other rally driver.
After competing in over 120 WRC events, McRae has run a limited schedule of rallies over the past two years, opting to try his skills at both the Paris Dakar Rally as well as the Le Mans 24 Hours. No stranger to Subaru, McRae campaigned the World Rally Championship for the Subaru World Rally Team from 1991 through 1998, earning theDrivers' Championship in 1995 and helping Subaru secure theManufacturers' title for three consecutive years beginning in 1995.
McRae is well known to American fans through the success of his series of Colin McRae Rally video games, produced by Codemasters. The games have been top sellers on multiple gaming platforms in the USA, and have sold millions of units Worldwide. But this marks the first time that rally fans and gamers will be able to see the legendary McRae in person, competing on US soil. Codemasters recently announced that the next Colin McRae Rally game will be released on next-generation systems sometime in 2007.
McRae's Open Class 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX STI rally car will be fully backed by the new Sobe No Fear Gold Energy Drink. Naturally, McRae's rally car will feature the bold gold and black graphics found on the drink's 16oz cans. "When we first caught wind that rally was going to be a part of the 2006 Summer X Games, we knew we wanted to be involved," says Eric Johnson, SoBe/No Fear special projects. "Mark Simo, CEO of No Fear and Boris Said, No Fear Racing Nextel Cup driver, have a relationship with Colin McRae and we made contact with him and his management team immediately. Colin was interested in being involved right from the onset. We believe rally has a bright future in the United States and to have one of the sport's elite figures participating in Summer X will be great for both the event and thesport in general."X Games 12 will be held in Los Angeles, California, August 2nd through 6th.
Source: Vermont Sports Car
Thursday, May 18, 2006
LONDON IRISH MOTOR CLUB
London Calling by Sean Moriarty
For Immediate Release – London 16-05-2006
Earlier this year group of London based LONDON motorsport enthusiasts came together to form the London Irish Motorclub. The club has only been in existence since mid March but has already gained approval from the Motorsport Association. Membership stands at around 60 people at the moment but the club are keen to attract more like-minded individuals. The club boasts such well-known rally competitors as John Reddington and Ollie O’Donovan on their membership book, indeed O’Donovan was elected inaugural club President at the clubs first official meeting in March.
The new club hope to start organising single venue rallies and sprints by the end of the year or early in 2007. Well-known rally competitor Gerard Moroney is currently in negotiation with venues in the London area. Another step forward was taken following the announcement that the club is now affiliated to the Association of South Eastern Car Clubs. This means that, from next year on, any event that the club organises will be included in ASECC championships, adding greatly to the financial viability of such events and also guaranteeing quality entries. Club Chairman Mike Smith was instrumental in securing this affiliation, through his contacts in the Creavan Motor Club.
The clubs official website is now up and running and can be accessed at www.londonirishmotorclub.com
An official launch night is planned for Saturday the 15th of July. Eugene Donnelly’s championship winning Corolla WRC will be on display at the Tir Chonail Gaels GAA Club in Greenford ,Middlesex. Also on display the same evening will be rally and racing cars owned by current members including Gerard Moroney's Subaru WRC and John Reddington’s Ford Escort Mark 2. Kevin Creaven will show his sprint prepared Escort and Paul McDevitt will present his Toyota Corolla Twin Cam. All competition cars can be regularly seen in action on events throughout the U.K. Michael O’Brien’s BTRDA championship front running Subaru will also be present.
Later that same evening the club will run a social evening in the function room of Tir Chonail Gaels, including in-car footage on a big screen and a fund raising raffle. A late night disco will follow this. Tickets are available from Bernard Glackin on +44-7939-838847.
The following day the club has taken a stand at the nearby Uxbridge Motor show. Over 20,000 visitors attend the annual show and the same array of vehicles will be present for Sunday’s activities.
If you live in the London area and would like to join the U.K’s newest Motor Club make your way to either Greenford or Uxbridge on the weekend of July the 15th and 16th. The club are keen to attract anyone with an interest in motorsport from the London area, not just members of the large Irish community and all comers are assured of a warm welcome and a promise to put the “craic” back into motorsport.
Membership secretary Paul McDevitt can be contacted on 07817-205770 or log on to the official website http://www.londonirishmotorclub.com/
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Useful addresses
Tir Chonail Gaels GAA Club, http://www.uxbridge-autoshow.com/
Middlesex Show Ground Berkeley Avenue,
Greenford Off the A40, Western Avenue, Middlesex, Uxbridge
UB6 ONZ
For further details please contact Press Officer Sean Moriarty 07908-830689 0r seaniemort@hotmail.com
London Calling by Sean Moriarty
For Immediate Release – London 16-05-2006
Earlier this year group of London based LONDON motorsport enthusiasts came together to form the London Irish Motorclub. The club has only been in existence since mid March but has already gained approval from the Motorsport Association. Membership stands at around 60 people at the moment but the club are keen to attract more like-minded individuals. The club boasts such well-known rally competitors as John Reddington and Ollie O’Donovan on their membership book, indeed O’Donovan was elected inaugural club President at the clubs first official meeting in March.
The new club hope to start organising single venue rallies and sprints by the end of the year or early in 2007. Well-known rally competitor Gerard Moroney is currently in negotiation with venues in the London area. Another step forward was taken following the announcement that the club is now affiliated to the Association of South Eastern Car Clubs. This means that, from next year on, any event that the club organises will be included in ASECC championships, adding greatly to the financial viability of such events and also guaranteeing quality entries. Club Chairman Mike Smith was instrumental in securing this affiliation, through his contacts in the Creavan Motor Club.
The clubs official website is now up and running and can be accessed at www.londonirishmotorclub.com
An official launch night is planned for Saturday the 15th of July. Eugene Donnelly’s championship winning Corolla WRC will be on display at the Tir Chonail Gaels GAA Club in Greenford ,Middlesex. Also on display the same evening will be rally and racing cars owned by current members including Gerard Moroney's Subaru WRC and John Reddington’s Ford Escort Mark 2. Kevin Creaven will show his sprint prepared Escort and Paul McDevitt will present his Toyota Corolla Twin Cam. All competition cars can be regularly seen in action on events throughout the U.K. Michael O’Brien’s BTRDA championship front running Subaru will also be present.
Later that same evening the club will run a social evening in the function room of Tir Chonail Gaels, including in-car footage on a big screen and a fund raising raffle. A late night disco will follow this. Tickets are available from Bernard Glackin on +44-7939-838847.
The following day the club has taken a stand at the nearby Uxbridge Motor show. Over 20,000 visitors attend the annual show and the same array of vehicles will be present for Sunday’s activities.
If you live in the London area and would like to join the U.K’s newest Motor Club make your way to either Greenford or Uxbridge on the weekend of July the 15th and 16th. The club are keen to attract anyone with an interest in motorsport from the London area, not just members of the large Irish community and all comers are assured of a warm welcome and a promise to put the “craic” back into motorsport.
Membership secretary Paul McDevitt can be contacted on 07817-205770 or log on to the official website http://www.londonirishmotorclub.com/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Useful addresses
Tir Chonail Gaels GAA Club, http://www.uxbridge-autoshow.com/
Middlesex Show Ground Berkeley Avenue,
Greenford Off the A40, Western Avenue, Middlesex, Uxbridge
UB6 ONZ
For further details please contact Press Officer Sean Moriarty 07908-830689 0r seaniemort@hotmail.com
Moto-cross and X-Games superstar, Travis Pastrana is now set to debut Rallying in front of a whole new audience at the 2006 X-Games.
Initial driver selection for the 2006 X-GAMES rally has been made
May 17th 2006, Rally America announces the drivers that have been selected for the inaugural X Games rally this August in Los Angeles.
No great surprises in the selection, missing are some of the most consitant top finishers in USA rallying over the past few years. Also missing are the top compititors from the “other” US series NASA Rally.
There was never a question that Travis Pastrana would be a shoe in, after all Travis is most likely one of the reasons Rally was event considered for the Games. Colin McRae will be a massive attraction without question, no confirmation on what he will drive at this time, best the good money will be on seeing Colin behind the wheel of an Impreza, where he belongs!
Out of the action in 2006, Canidian Pat Richard, the man most belive should have been behind the wheel of any factory backed efford by Subaru in 06, I expect that he will surly collect some metal at the games.
No great surprises in the selection, missing are some of the most consitant top finishers in USA rallying over the past few years. Also missing are the top compititors from the “other” US series NASA Rally.
There was never a question that Travis Pastrana would be a shoe in, after all Travis is most likely one of the reasons Rally was event considered for the Games. Colin McRae will be a massive attraction without question, no confirmation on what he will drive at this time, best the good money will be on seeing Colin behind the wheel of an Impreza, where he belongs!
Out of the action in 2006, Canidian Pat Richard, the man most belive should have been behind the wheel of any factory backed efford by Subaru in 06, I expect that he will surly collect some metal at the games.
Paul Choiniere who we expect to see at STPR and Maine will most likely pilot the Hyundai, possibly seeing some factory support dollars to boot. Privateer Matt Iorio, Ken Block of Subaru USA and Tanner Foust make up the balance of the initial selection.
.
I expect to see, Seamus Burke, Andrew Pinker, Alfredo DeDominicis and the 2005 NASA Rally Champion Tom Lawless, all factor in deciding the final open spots for the X-Games. Maybe we will see Shane Mitchell in car #45 make a comeback for STPR and steal the show?
There are also some invitations that have not yet been confirmed to Rally America, the rumor mill is churning out the names of some WRC competitors along with a few big names in Nascar. It’s anybody guess at this point… When all is said and done,[and there will be a lot said!] this will surely give US Rally a much need shot of exposure
Before the games we have STPR and Maine to look forward to…looking at the entry list for STPR the deck is stacked for another great weekend in Wellsboro Pa.
By: Neil McDaid
.
“The official word from Rally America”
A hotshot motocrosser, a World Rally champion and a multi-time U.S. champion are among the drivers who will battle it out for gold at the first-ever X Games Rally this August in Los Angeles.
.
I expect to see, Seamus Burke, Andrew Pinker, Alfredo DeDominicis and the 2005 NASA Rally Champion Tom Lawless, all factor in deciding the final open spots for the X-Games. Maybe we will see Shane Mitchell in car #45 make a comeback for STPR and steal the show?
There are also some invitations that have not yet been confirmed to Rally America, the rumor mill is churning out the names of some WRC competitors along with a few big names in Nascar. It’s anybody guess at this point… When all is said and done,[and there will be a lot said!] this will surely give US Rally a much need shot of exposure
Before the games we have STPR and Maine to look forward to…looking at the entry list for STPR the deck is stacked for another great weekend in Wellsboro Pa.
By: Neil McDaid
.
“The official word from Rally America”
A hotshot motocrosser, a World Rally champion and a multi-time U.S. champion are among the drivers who will battle it out for gold at the first-ever X Games Rally this August in Los Angeles.
WRC veteran Colin McRae, known to fans as one of the most successful rally drivers of all time and the man who lent his name to a wildly popular series of driving video games, will race against a raft of homegrown talent, including motocross superstar turned Subaru Rally
Team USA driver Travis Pastrana, eight-time U.S. champ Paul Choiniere and 2005 title holder, Pat Richard.Also selected to compete are: D.C. Shoes founder and Subaru Rally Team USA driver Ken Block, Production GT title contender and stunt driver Tanner Foust, and 2005 North American champion Matt Iorio.
“These competitors have a lot of talent and we’re really proud to have them representing rally at the X Games,” says Rally America spokesman J.B. Niday.
“We’re going to show America what some of the best driving in the world looks like.”This year’s X Games Rally will feature a dozen teams competing for a gold in Open class cars. Rally America is awaiting final confirmation from several more drivers who have been invited to compete, and the last two spots will go to the top finishers of the next two rounds of the championship – the Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally in early June, and the Maine Forest Rally in July.“There are going to be a lot of people very eager to try for X Games Gold – especially with such a competitive field already named,” says Niday. “The Rally America series is always exciting, but the chance to qualify for the X Games will up everybody’s game for the next two rounds.”The X Games Rally will also feature a demonstration of two-wheel drive talent, although there is no word yet which Rally America competitors will be selected.The Rally America national championship is a challenging, all-season series comprised of nine events across the country, beginning with Sno*Drift in January and wrapping up 12 months later with the Reno Rally in Reno, Nevada.Speed factors and podium finishes in the 2005 and 2006 championship, and the likelihood that these teams willbe series regulars in the future, were among the key factors considered by the X Games Rally selection committee for the Open Class competitors.The annual X Games is the premier action sports event in the world, featuring athletes from across the globe competing for medals and prize money in sports including BMX Freestyle, Moto X, Skateboard, Surfing and Rally. X Games 12 will be telecast live on ESPN and ABC.Rally America, a Minneapolis, MN, based corporation, holds the sanctioning and marketing rights to the Rally America Championship. The company was founded in 2002 by rally driver and CPD Rally Team owner Doug Havir.
Source: www.rally-america.com
Source: www.rally-america.com
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Will any of the top Irish Rally drivers in the USA get selected for a place in the 2006 XGAMES?
It will only be a matter of hours or days before fans will know who they can expect to see competing in the inaugural X Games rally this August in Los Angeles.
The race will feature a dozen teams competing in Open class. All but two will be selected by a seven-member committee that is expected to make its first selections by the end of the week.
The final spots will go to the winners of the next two rounds of the Rally America series.“Drivers are being considered on their merits,” says Rally America spokesman J.B. Niday, who is one of the members of the selection committee.As many as four exhibition-only two-wheel drive entries will also be selected.
There is no application process; instead, the committee will determine as many as eight competitors based on talent and commitment to the series. Speed factors and podium finishes in the 2005 and 2006 championship, and the likelihood that these teams will be series regulars in the future, will be among the key factors considered.“When people tune in to watch this rally, I want them to see the same guys at the X Games as they see in the series,” says Niday.
As many as four high-profile drivers from outside the series will also be invited to compete. Under the selection criteria, they must have a demonstrated ability in a rally car or a similar vehicle.“They have to be able to present themselves well,” says Niday.But there will be an opportunity for two more competitors to earn a chance to compete in the X Games rally.
The highest finisher among Open Class, PGT and Group N competitors at the Susquehannock Trail and the Maine Forest rallies will qualify for the event, and runners-up will qualify as alternates.For the exhibition two-wheel drive entries, the committee will be looking for excitement as well as speed. The first picks -- three drivers from the motorsports community at large and three Rally America drivers – will be made as early as Friday. Even so, it will be a few weeks before selections are announced. Drivers will have a week to respond to invitations, and the list won’t be announced until competitors are confirmed.
The members of the committee are competitor and DC Shoes founder Ken Block, Special Stage owner and competitor Ben Bradley, veteran driver and team owner John Buffum, Sport Compact Car journalist and competitor Dave Coleman, co-driver and TV host Nathalie Richard, automotive writer and rally expert Bill Wood, and Rally America Managing Director J.B. Niday.---
The following is the official selection criteria document for the X Games 12 Rally:
X Games 12, Rally America, Rally EventI.
The event shall have 12 Open Class entries as well as a small field of 2WD exhibition-only entries numbering either 2 or 4.
There should be no more than 3 alternate Open Class entries.
The 12 Open Class entries, as well as the alternates shall be in cars prepared to Rally America Open Class specifications.
The Rally America Technical Director shall inspect the competition vehicles, prior to the event.II.Invitees will receive no expense reimbursement, appearance fee or other compensation, other than the prize purse, from either ESPN or Rally America.
The prize purse will be established by ESPN. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place Drive and Co-Driver will receive X Games medals.
There will be no prize purse or medals for 2WD entries.All invitees will have 7 days to accept their invitation. Failure to acknowledge will be considered a rejection of the invitation.All invitees competition vehicle must be accepted as legal, competitive and presentable by Rally America at least one week prior to X Games registration.
Entries will be selected under the following criteria:1. At Large Entries. a. No less than 2 and no more than 4 high profile drivers who are not recognized as Rally America competitors shall be invited. b.
They must have demonstrated their ability in a rally car or similar vehicle. c.
They must also be capable of performing competitively relative to the rest of the field. 2. Rally America Entries. a.
There shall be no less than 6 and no more than 8 plus the first alternate entry.b.
The selection committee will only consider drivers who have competed in Rally America National rallies.c. New Rally America fans should reasonably expect to see these drivers in the future.d. Judgment criteria will include, but not be limited to, 2005/2006 podium finishes and Speed Factors.3. Last Chance Entriesa.
There shall be 2 last chance entries plus the last two alternate enries based on the following Rally America results.b.
The highest finisher, not already invited, among Open Class, PGT and Group N at Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally will receive an invitation to the X Games Rally.c.
The second highest finisher, not already invited, among Open Class, PGT and Group N at Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally will receive an invitation to be the second alternate entry to the X Games Rally.d. The highest finisher, not already invited, among Open Class, PGT and Group N at Maine Forest Rally will receive an invitation to the X Games Rally.e.
The second highest finisher, not already invited, among Open Class, PGT and Group N at Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally will receive an invitation to be the third alternate entry to the X Games Rally.f.
If a competitor, previously invited as an alternate, qualifies for a full invitation under either b. or d. above, then the alternate from that rally, as selected under c. or e. above moves up and the next fastest finisher becomes the 3rd alternate.4. 2WD Entries. a.
The most exciting 2WD drivers, not necessarily the fastest.b. These shall number no less than 2 and no more than 4 entries.III.
The selection committee shall have 7 members representing Rally America officials, competitors, as well as journalists actively covering rally who are familiar with the current drivers and agree to follow the selection criteria.
1. Ken Block. Founder of DC Shoes, hires high profile athletes, 2005 Rally America Rookie of the Year driver.
2. Ben Bradley. Organizer, Owner of Special Stage, long time competitor.
3. John Buffum. Hall of Fame driver, long time team owner
4. Dave Coleman. Sport Compact Car writer, rally driver5. J.B. Niday. Rally America Managing Director
6. Nathalie Richard. 2005 Rally America Overall and Group N champion co-driver, host of Rally America 2006 TV program
7. Bill Wood. Media writer has followed U.S. rally for over 25 years
Rally America
Help Make LIVESTRONG DAY One to Remember"It's time for our nation to address our issues. Together, we can help change things for the better. As a team, we can make a difference for survivors."-Lance Armstrong
On Wednesday, May 17, you can help Lance and the LAF be a voice for change. Thousands of people will take part in LIVESTRONG Day events across the country to raise awareness of and bring attention to an issue that impacts all Americans - cancer.
Two participants from each state have been selected to participate in Washington, D.C. They will meet with their elected officials, participate in interactive advocacy presentations and listen to guest speakers discuss how to make an impact on Capitol Hill and in their own communities.Whether in your local community or in Washington, D.C., you can participate and help make LIVESTRONG Day one to remember.
Organize a LIVESTRONG Day event in your local community. To organize a LIVESTRONG Day event, you will organize activities, contact others in your area and be a point-of-contact for a local event. We have provided a list of local LIVESTRONG Day local event ideas for you to consider. Submit your event now!
Participate in LIVESTRONG Day in your local community. By attending a LIVESTRONG Day event, you help to raise awareness and meet others who are involved in the fight.
View the event calendar for an event near you.
Do you have additional questions about LIVESTRONG DAY and ways you can participate? Read our list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for more information.
The application for travel to Washington, D.C. on May 15-17, 2006 is now closed. If you have not been selected to participate in D.C., you may want to consider organizing an event in your community.
Monday, May 15, 2006
Collazo to Hatton: ‘Make Good on Re-Match Promise’
Collazo Says He’ll Make Good on His Promise to Fight Hatton in England
BROOKLYN, N.Y. May 15th 2006—Luis Collazo, who lost his World Boxing Association welterweight title by a razor-thin decision against England’s Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton on Saturday in Boston, has asked Hatton to make good on his post-fight promise to grant him a re-match.
“Ricky and Team Hatton were great sportsmen before and after our fight on Saturday,” Collazo said from his home in Brooklyn, N.Y. today. “I take Ricky as man of his word. He said I gave him his toughest fight ever. He admitted that I hurt him on several occasions. He said he knew the fight was close. He also said he would give me a re-match. Now he needs to make good on that promise.
“In the spirit of good sportsmanship, I think it would be only right for our second fight to take place on his home turf in Manchester. I would be honored to accept his invitation for an immediate re-match in England.”
Collazo Says He’ll Make Good on His Promise to Fight Hatton in England
BROOKLYN, N.Y. May 15th 2006—Luis Collazo, who lost his World Boxing Association welterweight title by a razor-thin decision against England’s Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton on Saturday in Boston, has asked Hatton to make good on his post-fight promise to grant him a re-match.
“Ricky and Team Hatton were great sportsmen before and after our fight on Saturday,” Collazo said from his home in Brooklyn, N.Y. today. “I take Ricky as man of his word. He said I gave him his toughest fight ever. He admitted that I hurt him on several occasions. He said he knew the fight was close. He also said he would give me a re-match. Now he needs to make good on that promise.
“In the spirit of good sportsmanship, I think it would be only right for our second fight to take place on his home turf in Manchester. I would be honored to accept his invitation for an immediate re-match in England.”
The sportsmanship between England and America was not limited to the ring combatants at the TD Banknorth Garden. Many of the visiting British journalists polled after the disputed decision honestly admitted they believed the American, Collazo, had defeated their countryman.
While the polling among all journalists showed mixed results, it was clear that more than half had Collazo winning the fight. Two highly respected American journalists scored Collazo the winner by a four-point margin of 116-112. Of those who had Hatton as the winner, few, if any, had him winning by more than a single point.
Only one of the four officials assigned to work the fight by the Massachusetts Boxing Commission had significant world championship experience.
Byron Ogelsby, Collazo’s assistant trainer, may have summed it up best with his comments at the post-fight press conference.
“Ricky Hatton was exposed tonight,” Ogelsby said. “Until he redeems himself in a re-match with Luis Collazo, he has no business talking about fights with Floyd Mayweather Jr. or any of the others (welterweight elites).”
While the polling among all journalists showed mixed results, it was clear that more than half had Collazo winning the fight. Two highly respected American journalists scored Collazo the winner by a four-point margin of 116-112. Of those who had Hatton as the winner, few, if any, had him winning by more than a single point.
Only one of the four officials assigned to work the fight by the Massachusetts Boxing Commission had significant world championship experience.
Byron Ogelsby, Collazo’s assistant trainer, may have summed it up best with his comments at the post-fight press conference.
“Ricky Hatton was exposed tonight,” Ogelsby said. “Until he redeems himself in a re-match with Luis Collazo, he has no business talking about fights with Floyd Mayweather Jr. or any of the others (welterweight elites).”
S:Don King Promotions
Friday, May 12, 2006
Roscommon, New York sides named
Friday, May 12
John Maughan has named his first championship side as Roscommon boss ahead of their Bank of Ireland Connacht SFC against New York this weekend.
The Rossies have included four championship debutants in a team in which the likes of David Casey, Seamie O'Neill and Stephen Lohan will be relied upon for experience.
Richard Dooner at left wing back, Sean Fahy at 15, Enda Kenny at left corner forward and Stuart Daly at right wing back are the newcomers.
ROSCOMMON - D Lennon; P O'Connor, D Casey, S McDermott; S Daly, J Nolan, R Dooner; S O'Neill, B Mullin; S Lohan, G Heneghan, M Finneran; E Kenny, G Lohan, S Fahy.
New York have also named their side for the Connacht championship clash at the Gaelic Grounds in New York on Sunday.
Roscommon make the long journey stateside as red hot favourites, but manager John Maughan will not be taking the exiles for granted and knows they will provide a stern test.
NEW YORK - C Greene; N Corbett, J Mitchell, D Rooney; C McKeever, A Rooney, P Murphy; K O’Connor, G Dowd; A McCarron, S Munnelly, D Dorgan; M Dobbin, R Moran, V Gavin.
Friday, May 12
John Maughan has named his first championship side as Roscommon boss ahead of their Bank of Ireland Connacht SFC against New York this weekend.
The Rossies have included four championship debutants in a team in which the likes of David Casey, Seamie O'Neill and Stephen Lohan will be relied upon for experience.
Richard Dooner at left wing back, Sean Fahy at 15, Enda Kenny at left corner forward and Stuart Daly at right wing back are the newcomers.
ROSCOMMON - D Lennon; P O'Connor, D Casey, S McDermott; S Daly, J Nolan, R Dooner; S O'Neill, B Mullin; S Lohan, G Heneghan, M Finneran; E Kenny, G Lohan, S Fahy.
New York have also named their side for the Connacht championship clash at the Gaelic Grounds in New York on Sunday.
Roscommon make the long journey stateside as red hot favourites, but manager John Maughan will not be taking the exiles for granted and knows they will provide a stern test.
NEW YORK - C Greene; N Corbett, J Mitchell, D Rooney; C McKeever, A Rooney, P Murphy; K O’Connor, G Dowd; A McCarron, S Munnelly, D Dorgan; M Dobbin, R Moran, V Gavin.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
James Clancy fighting in Boston Garden
Saturday night against Tyrone Smith
BOSTON (May 11, 2006) - Unbeaten Irish heavyweight James Clancy (7-0, 1 KO)
takes on Boston police officer Tyrone Smith (5-1-1, 2 KOs), former New
England Golden Golves champion, on Saturday night's Ricky Hatton-Luis
Collazo undercard at the TD Bank North Garden (aka Boston Garden).
Clancy, now living in the Boston suburb of Waltham, is from Clare, Ireland.
He has followed the path other successful Irish boxers such as Barry
McGuigan, Steve Collins, Wayne McCullough and more recently Kevin McBride
and John Duddy have traveled from the Emerald Isle to the United States.
"An Irish fighter in the states, especially in Boston or New York City, is
worth his weight in gold. I believe that there is more respect for Irish
boxers here than back in Ireland or England. It's a privilege for me to be
fighting on the Hatton-Collazo card in the Boston Garden, which is much like
Madison Square Garden. This is going to be great for me and everybody else
on the card.
"I've been working on my power because I want to become more of a
boxer-puncher. I'm going to be aggressive Saturday night and really work the
body. I want to keep fighting, build my record up, and see what course it
takes. When I go home to Ireland I'll be well known."
Clancy's supporters will be out in force having purchased nearly $20,000 in
tickets. They'll be waving Irish flags, singing the traditional "soccer"
chant, and wearing plenty of green.
Boxing was part of growing up back in Clare for James and his younger
brother, Mark, who is an undefeated cruiserweight (4-0-1) as a professional.
James developed into a five-time Irish national champion, highlighted by his
All-Irish Senior honor in 1995. As an amateur Clancy defeated present Irish
heavyweight champion and his close friend, Kevin McBride, who was the
youngest Irish Olympic boxer ever and last year retired Mike Tyson.
Clancy's shot at the 1996 Olympics failed when he was injured against the
English champion in a qualifying match. James was sidelined for eight
months, continued his amateur career for a while, and then got out of the
sport. In 2001, he decided on a a change of scenary, moving to Boston and
using the civil engineering degree that he had earned from RTC in Cork to
become a fulltime construction worker.
"I hadn't fought for two years until Kevin (McBride) asked me to go down to
Petronelli's Gym (in Brockton)," James explained. "I did a little sparring,
one thing led to another, and instead of returning to fight as an amateur, I
decided to turn pro."
Clancy, who lost a 3-2 decision to Calvin Brock as an amateur, made his pro
debut March 17 2003, stopping Dan Veskovic in the second round of their
fight at The Roxy in Boston. He continues to spar with the "Clones
Colossus," McBride, as well as other New England fighters such as 2004 U.S.
Olympian Jason "Big Six" Estrada and USNABC cruiserweight champion Matt "Too
Smooth" Godfrey.
James, 33, works out of the South Boston Gym and is trained by Jimmy
Gifford.
McBride said he'd abdicate his Irish heavyweight title to give Clancy an
opportunity to fight for it against Colin Kenna. First, though, James has to
get past a tough cop named Smith, fighting on the biggest stage of his
career.
Source-JC-PR
Monday, May 08, 2006
Boston Gaa, May 7th 2006,Galway hurling club are back in action after failing to field a team in 05. Off to a flying start from the first whistle, Wexford showed a little more organized play, Galway made some inroads but this was not to be their day eventfully falling to Wexford 1-7 to 0-6 .
All Tones!
Christopher’s were clearly out matched by the Tones from the start.
Christopher’s were clearly out matched by the Tones from the start.
Despite a barrage of scores in over the head of the Christopher’s keeper, the team fought on motivated maybe by a great effort from the young Kenneally brothers.
Wolf Tones 1-9 Christophers 0-2
Wolf Tones 1-9 Christophers 0-2
Big, Bad, and organized
As if it were July and under pressure in the Championship, Armagh Notre Dame under their new manager Connor McKeever ran onto the field all business. Although Columbkilles were never going to be a factor against the Northern crew, Armagh never let up. At times Armagh passed on easy points taking some tries on goal, but Murphy in goal for the Kills made a few massive saves to spoil their effort.
Armagh 1-11 Columbkilles 0-2
As if it were July and under pressure in the Championship, Armagh Notre Dame under their new manager Connor McKeever ran onto the field all business. Although Columbkilles were never going to be a factor against the Northern crew, Armagh never let up. At times Armagh passed on easy points taking some tries on goal, but Murphy in goal for the Kills made a few massive saves to spoil their effort.
Armagh 1-11 Columbkilles 0-2
Connemara Gael also took care of
Mayo earlier in the day with a score of
Gaels 1-9 May0 0-1
Saturday, May 06, 2006
25 Years on, Irelands republican prisoners who died in the 1981 hunger strikes are remembered
At 1.17 a.m. on Tuesday, May 5th 1981, having completed sixty-five days on hunger-strike, Bobby Sands MP, died in the H-Block prison hospital at Long Kesh. Bobby was a truly unique person whose loss is great and immeasurable. He never gave himself a moment to spare. He lived his life energetically, dedicated to his people and to the republican cause, eventually offering up his life in a conscious effort to further that cause and the cause of those with whom he had shared almost eight years of his adult life. In his own words: "of course I can be murdered but I remain what I am, a political POW and no-one, not even the British, can change that."
Bobby Sands was the first of ten prisoners to die on hunger strike fighting for some basic rights.
The Right not to wear a prison uniform;
At 1.17 a.m. on Tuesday, May 5th 1981, having completed sixty-five days on hunger-strike, Bobby Sands MP, died in the H-Block prison hospital at Long Kesh. Bobby was a truly unique person whose loss is great and immeasurable. He never gave himself a moment to spare. He lived his life energetically, dedicated to his people and to the republican cause, eventually offering up his life in a conscious effort to further that cause and the cause of those with whom he had shared almost eight years of his adult life. In his own words: "of course I can be murdered but I remain what I am, a political POW and no-one, not even the British, can change that."
Bobby Sands was the first of ten prisoners to die on hunger strike fighting for some basic rights.
The Right not to wear a prison uniform;
The Right not to do prison work;
The Right of free association with other prisoners;
The Right to organize their own educational and recreational facilities;
The Right to one visit, one letter and one parcel per week.
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