Kavanagh set to captain Donegal

New Donegal manager John Joe Doherty has confirmed that Rory Kavanagh will captain the team when they get their Dr McKenna Cup campaign underway in January.
The 26-year-old from St Eunan's of Letterkenny will take the mantle from Kevin Cassidy, who is unavailable for the McKenna Cup campaign where Donegal will play University of Ulster Jordanstown, Fermanagh and Derry.
One man who might have challenged Kavanagh for the skipper's role was 2006 All-Star Karl Lacey.
However, the Four Masters clubman is currently taking a sabbatical in Australia and New Zealand, but has given his word to Doherty that he will return before the Ulster championship meeting with Antrim in June.
'I spoke to Karl on two occasions before he left. He was hoping to be back by May. We hope he keeps that schedule and we would be very happy if he came back sooner,' Doherty said.
Doherty has also named his panel for the McKenna Cup with Ciaran Bonner, Stephen McDermott and Brendan Boyle recalled to the fray, while Ross Wherity of St Eunan's is the new face on the 30-man panel.
Injury prevents Colm McFadden, Barry Dunnion, Michael Murphy and Michael Hegarty from joining the panel, although Doherty is hopeful the quartet will be available for Donegal's first NFL fixture of 2009 away to Kerry.

Source: RTE sports

Dingle, Ireland, called "most beautiful place on Earth" by National Geographic

DINGLE, Ireland (CNN) -- Fewer tourists and relatively warm temperatures may be reason enough to put Ireland on your list of winter travel destinations, especially Dingle Peninsula, once ranked by National Geographic Traveler as "the most beautiful place on Earth." ..read more

Monticello Motor Club "Let the Snow fly"

Winter Driving Series – Monticello Motor Club Let the snow fly – The MMC Winter Driving Series is designed to deliver driving excitement, rally car style, on our track that happens to be covered with ice and snow!

On December 20th, 2008, weather permitting, MMC will be opening for the first time in the winter. An exciting fun filled day of getting sideways and mastering four-wheel drifts awaits you.

Come check out Dave Mirra, BMX legend and 2008 Rally America Rookie of the Year. He will be driving his Open Class 2007 Subaru Impreza WRX STI rally car. Vermont Sports Car, who runs Subaru Rally Team USA will be bringing Travis Pastrana's championship winning 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI rally car for participants to check out. Utilizing the South Circuit, groomed to perfection, the Winter Driving Series will be open to all licensed driving enthusiasts. Bring your friends and family to watch as you test the limits of your car through time-trials, open lapping sessions, and other exciting formats. Just because winter is here doesn’t mean the motoring fun must come to a halt.

So let it snow at the Monticello Motor Club. Winter Driving Series Highlights:

• MMC South Circuit - 1.8 Miles with 11-turns consisting of large sweepers, increasing and decreasing radius corners, and thrilling elevation changes.

• Exciting Formats – Go against the clock in head to head time trials or test, tune, and practice your skills in our open lapping sessions.

• Rally Events – Break out the rally car, mix it up with fellow drivers of Rally New York and the USRC to put on a show for spectators.

2008-2009 Schedule Weather Permitting:

Please call or check http://www.drivemmc.com/ for the latest track conditions. Schedule will be updated by noon the day preceding each event.

Event Location: 67 Cantrell Road, Monticello, NY 12701

Registration and Vehicle Inspection: 8:00am - 9:00amEvent Hours: 9:00am - 4:30pm•

 Dec. 20, 2008 – Opening Day - Testing/Open Sessions/Time Trials – Open to First 50 Cars – Limited space available, call to register today!•

Hospitality/Driver Services Food and beverages will be available to spectators and drivers for purchase. Facilities are limited so please dress appropriately. Rules and Regulations Events from January - March will be limited to the first 100 cars and pre-registration is required. Entrants will have the option of participating in time trials, open lapping sessions, and other formats (subject to MMC participation agreement)! Seatbelts and helmets must be worn at all times. Studded tires are not permitted. Admission is $250 per driver and $15 per person for spectators. MMC requires a credit card authorization form on file to cover additional fees for towing and any damage to the facility. All drivers must read and acknowledge additional rules and regulations in the participation agreement prior to entry.Vehicle Inspection Participant’s vehicles are required to pass an inspection. This is to ensure no studded tires are equipped, working seat belts are installed, all safety lights are operating properly and each driver has an approved SNELL 95 or newer helmet. Vehicles will also be inspected to ensure there are no loose objects within, and that the vehicle is track ready.

Check out http://www.drivemmc.com/ for all details, scheduling and updates.

We will be back in 2009

Look for regular updates in 2009, we would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and peaceful holiday season.