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.”

www.donegalinternationalrally.com

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.

Click on the picture above to link to pictures from Sunday 21st 2006

Boston 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

PICTURES FROM SUNDAY

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

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/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.

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.

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

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.

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.”

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).”

S:Don King Promotions

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.

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

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.

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

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

Connemara Gael also took care of

Mayo earlier in the day with a score of

Gaels 1-9 May0 0-1

Boston Gaa, game schedule for

Sunday May 7,1/4 Finals

1:00 Mayo v Connemara Gaels - Football

2:00 Wolfetones v Christophers - Football

3:00 Wexford v Galway - Hurling

4:00 Armagh Notre Dame v Columbkilles - Football

*Game time subject to change

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;

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.

Duddy Press conference video

NEW YORK (May 3rd) --Jack Dempsey's Restaurant & Bar @36W 33rd St., in the shadow of the Empire State building . WBC Continental Americas middleweight champion
"Ireland's" John Duddy (16-0, 14 KOs) has signed an exclusive contract with
Irish Ropes.
Duddy, now rated No13 by the WBA, has fought for Irish Ropes his entire pro
career. The native of Derry, Northern Ireland lives and fights out of Queens
(NY).
"I feel great about signing with Irish Ropes," Duddy said. "Over the past
three years we've put together a good team. I couldn't see any reason not to
sign with them. It's fantastic and they were very generous. I'm really,
really glad. Wherever I go in boxing, Irish Ropes is going to be there.
"We're like a family - Eddie (McLoughlin) and everybody in Irish Ropes. We
talk openly about everything and that's what is needed, especially in
boxing. It's been great. Right now training has been very good and I can't
wait to go to training camp."
The Irish sensation Duddy is training for his first title defense June 10
against Freddy Cuevas (25-8-1, 17 KOs) on Top Rank's Miguel Cotto-Paulie
Malignaggi pay-per-view show at famed Madison Square Garden.
"We've worked with John on a handshake deal," Irish Ropes president Eddie
McLoughlin explained. "I'm sure he got better offers from other promoters,
but we have built a team of people that he's very comfortable with. John
Duddy already is one of the most exciting fighters in the world today and
some day he will be a world champion."

Clan Duddy Press Conference: Video of the press conferance can be seen here, there is a little shake in places, sorry.. but remember it is free so no complaining!!

BOSTON GAA, Sunday April 30th 06
by Neil McDaid


Ladies football: Roscommon Vs Tir Na Nog

Roscommon ran riot over a disjointed Tir Na Nog on their way to the final of the Maureen Doherty cup. Can this be the year for the Roscommon ladies?

Roscommon: 4-09 - Tir Na Nog 1-00

Sheehan Cup: Tipp Vs Cork

You can be sure there was a bit of a discussion in the Sly Fox in Quincy, Sunday evening about the one that got past Jordon in the Tipp net, a rare fecking occurrence indeed. It might have giving Cork a bit of a boost in the opening 15 minutes of the game, but it was to be the only bright spot for McSweeney’s crew. Tipp were a little off their game in the first half, maybe a bit surprised by a determined Cork team. Tipp would soon pull things together and go on to take the victory over Cork, and move to the next round.

Tipp: 3-13 Cork 1-1

O’ Brian Cup
Shades of past glory days shined Sunday, as a gritty Galway team, who are now managed by a past player Manus McFadden, took down the mighty Shannon blues.

Galway 0-04 - Shannon Blues 0-02

Other O'Brian cup games played Sunday

Connamara Gaels 1-05 - McAnespies 0-05

Mayo 2-10 - NE Celtics 0-02