An estimated 110,000 people attended the Bavaria City Racing Dublin motorsport demonstration today, despite an unseasonably cold downpour.
The event transformed Dublin City centre into a spectacular race track.
More than 70 vehicles were involved in the demonstration, including former F1 world champion Jenson Button who wowed the crowds in his Vodafone McLaren F1 car.
Dublin city’s iconic landmarks witnessed an array of motorsport action never seen within the city limits before including Formula 1, WRC, Superbikes, SuperCars, GP2, drifters and stunt vehicles.
Performing at the event were Button (Vodafone McLaren F1) Giedo van der Garde (Caterham F1), Eugene Laverty (Aprilia), Adam Carroll (Le Mans Spyker), Aron Smith (Motorbase Performance), Eugene Donnelly (Mini WRC), Terry Grant (Monster Street Mania) and a host of others.
Jenson Button, Vodafone McLaren F1 driver, commented: "The main thing for us was putting on a show so the weather didn’t really make much of a difference.
"It was great to see such a big crowd despite the weather. This event is great for motorsports fans in Ireland, they get to hear and see a F1 car and just went crazy."
Button reached to speeds of 100mph/160kph on the streets of Dublin today.
Peer Swinkels, board member of Bavaria N.V., explains: "We're extremely proud of having been able to bring the top in motor sport to Dublin.
"After Rotterdam and Moscow, the city centre of Dublin and its remarkable locations offer a magnificent new décor to treat the crowd to a true Formula One spectacle."
Gavin Collins, Event Director for Bavaria City Racing Dublin commented: "Today’s event has been a phenomenal success.
"The people of Dublin have turned up in their thousands and created a real festival atmosphere in the city.
"Bavaria City Racing has given every spectator a unique Formula 1 experience and shown that Bavaria City Racing has a huge future in Ireland.
Sunday, 3 June 2012
Brilliant Dubs Dismantle Louth
Leinster GAA Football Championship Quarter-Final: Dublin 2-22 Louth 0-12
Dublin sent out an ominous message to their championship rivals on Sunday when they hammered Louth by 16 points in the Leinster GAA Football Championship quarter-final at Croke Park.
The All-Ireland champions were always in complete control of proceedings at Headquarters, establishing an early lead and never looking back.
They led by six points after 34 minutes, and then two goals from Bernard Brogan, along with two other quick points before the break, helped them into a 2-11 to 0-3 half-time lead.
The match was effectively over, and the second half reflected this as both sides traded points with little gusto.
Darren Clarke managed 0-8 in total for Louth, all from set-pieces, while Bernard Brogan finished up with 2-5 in a sparkling display.
Darren Clarke managed 0-8 in total for Louth, all from set-pieces, while Bernard Brogan finished up with 2-5 in a sparkling display.
Although Dublin played well from the start, they weren't quite at their fluent best in the opening stages, and Clarke put Louth in front with an early free.
However, Stephen Cluxton responded with a 45', and then points from Bernard Brogan (2), Diarmuid Connolly (2) and Paul Flynn put Dublin 0-6 to 0-1 ahead after 18 minutes.
Clarke kept Louth in touch with a couple of frees but when Flynn launched over what was probably the best score of the game on 32 minutes, the gap was six points.
Then came the last first-half flurry which ended the Louth challenge. The first goal came after Dublin brilliantly blocked down a Louth attack, broke at pace and found Bernard Brogan, who finished very sweetly to the corner.
Points from Bryan Cullen and Kevin McManamon followed, before a second Brogan goal was bundled over in first-half injury time. This one lacked the grace of the first, and came after a few shots were blocked down, but it was worth the same amount of points and sent Dublin in 14 points ahead.
The second half, inevitably, became a somewhat stale affair. Dublin left Louth waiting before the start of the second half, with Pat Gilroy probably impressing upon his charges the importance of not letting up.
If that was what he said, it clearly worked as Dublin hit three quick points from Craig Dias, Alan Brogan and Bernard Brogan.
Louth still had only scored from frees, and surely shamed by an awareness of this, they picked up somewhat, with Clarke knocking over two quick frees before midfielder Ronan Carroll hit their first point from play.
The second-half became an effective practice game though, with both sides using their benches and sending on plenty of players to get some valuable game-time ahead of the rest of the summer.
McManamon, Dias, Denis Bastick and Connolly all hit points for Dublin in the final 15 minutes, but by now their intensity had obviously dropped, and Louth matched them, in scoring terms at least, for the final few minutes.
JP Rooney, Clarke, Adrian Reid and Ray Finnegan all pointed for Louth towards the end, but there was no escaping the reality which roared out from the scoreboard at the final whistle, and nobody will want to play Dublin having seen this.
Scorers for Dublin: B Brogan (2-5, 0-2f), D Connolly (0-3), K McManamon (0-3), S Cluxton (0-2, 2 45’), B Cullen (0-2), A Brogan (0-2), P Flynn (0-2), C Dias (0-2), D Bastick (0-1)
Scorers for Louth: D Clarke (0-8, 0-7f, 1 sl), R Finnegan (0-1), R Carroll (0-1), A Reid (0-1), JP Rooney (0-1)
Man questioned in connection with Offaly hit-and-run released
A man detained in connection with a fatal hit-and-run in Co Offaly yesterday has released without charge by gardaí today.
The victim, a man in his 20s,was killed after he was hit by a car on the Killeigh Road in Tullamore.
A man in his 50s, who was arrested yesterday evening, was today released without charge from Tullamore garda station
The victim, a man in his 20s,was killed after he was hit by a car on the Killeigh Road in Tullamore.
A man in his 50s, who was arrested yesterday evening, was today released without charge from Tullamore garda station
Interim examiner appointed to heating and plumbing supplier
The High Court has today appointed an interim examiner to a heating and plumbing supplier which employs 16 people.
Arcon Heating and Plumbing Suppliers Ltd sought the protection of the court after NIB appointed a receiver to the company late last week.
Declan Murphy Bl for Arcon told the court the actions of the receiver, who has indicated the likelihood of redundancies at the company, would “profoundly damage the company’s prospects of surviving as a going concern”.
Chartered Accountant Mr Neill Hughes was appointed as interim examiner to Arcon Heating and Plumbing Suppliers Ltd, and related company Nearblue Limited, by Mr Justice Kevin Cross after being informed that an independent accountants report said that the company's have a reasonable prospect of survival if certain steps are taken.
The Judge also made orders, which were granted on an ex-parte (one side only) basis, dismissing the bank-appointed receiver. The matter was adjourned and will return before the High Court later this month.
Moving the petition on behalf of Arcon Mr Murphy said the firm is a supplier of products including boilers, renewable energy products and radiators to the building service sector.
The company, located at Rialto in Dublin 8, got into cash flow difficulties due to the downturn in the construction and property sector, and more recently when National Irish Bank withdrew from an invoice finance arrangement it had operated with Arcon since 1999.
The bank then appointed a receiver over the company.
It was now insolvent and unable to pay its debts, counsel said, adding that if an agreed scheme of arrangement can be put in place by Mr Hughes Arcon was confident it could trade profitably in the future.
Counsel said the receiver, who is due to meet with the company next Tuesday, had indicated the likelihood of redundancies at the firm.
Arcon believed that the receiver’s ongoing activities would “profoundly damage the companies business, reputation and standing.”
It was, counsel submitted, in everyone’s best interests that the company be placed into examinership and the receiver be dismissed.
Counsel said that in a winding up situation the liabilities of both Arcon and its holding company Nearblue exceeded their assets by more than €2.1m.
As going concerns the companies had an excess of liabilities over assets of approximately €700,000.
Counsel added that Arcon has been in business for 30 years and many of its’ employees have been with the firm for a long time.
The firm's directors are Patrick Joseph Anthony Callaghan, Andrea Brennan and William Roche.
Arcon Heating and Plumbing Suppliers Ltd sought the protection of the court after NIB appointed a receiver to the company late last week.
Declan Murphy Bl for Arcon told the court the actions of the receiver, who has indicated the likelihood of redundancies at the company, would “profoundly damage the company’s prospects of surviving as a going concern”.
Chartered Accountant Mr Neill Hughes was appointed as interim examiner to Arcon Heating and Plumbing Suppliers Ltd, and related company Nearblue Limited, by Mr Justice Kevin Cross after being informed that an independent accountants report said that the company's have a reasonable prospect of survival if certain steps are taken.
The Judge also made orders, which were granted on an ex-parte (one side only) basis, dismissing the bank-appointed receiver. The matter was adjourned and will return before the High Court later this month.
Moving the petition on behalf of Arcon Mr Murphy said the firm is a supplier of products including boilers, renewable energy products and radiators to the building service sector.
The company, located at Rialto in Dublin 8, got into cash flow difficulties due to the downturn in the construction and property sector, and more recently when National Irish Bank withdrew from an invoice finance arrangement it had operated with Arcon since 1999.
The bank then appointed a receiver over the company.
It was now insolvent and unable to pay its debts, counsel said, adding that if an agreed scheme of arrangement can be put in place by Mr Hughes Arcon was confident it could trade profitably in the future.
Counsel said the receiver, who is due to meet with the company next Tuesday, had indicated the likelihood of redundancies at the firm.
Arcon believed that the receiver’s ongoing activities would “profoundly damage the companies business, reputation and standing.”
It was, counsel submitted, in everyone’s best interests that the company be placed into examinership and the receiver be dismissed.
Counsel said that in a winding up situation the liabilities of both Arcon and its holding company Nearblue exceeded their assets by more than €2.1m.
As going concerns the companies had an excess of liabilities over assets of approximately €700,000.
Counsel added that Arcon has been in business for 30 years and many of its’ employees have been with the firm for a long time.
The firm's directors are Patrick Joseph Anthony Callaghan, Andrea Brennan and William Roche.
Tribesmen Ease Through to Face Offaly in Semis
Leinster GAA Hurling Championship Quarter-Final: Galway 5-19 Westmeath 4-12
Galway moved into the semi-finals of the Leinster GAA Hurling Championship with a 10-point win over Westmeath in Mullingar on Sunday.
Everything seemed to be going to script when Galway led by 1-12 to 0-4 after a relatively unremarkable first period, but a crazy burst of goals in the second half thrilled the more than 2,500 spectators at Cusack Park.
Having won the corresponding fixture last year by nine points after a real battle, the Tribesmen were determined to put the Lake County away early this time around, and they settled into a 0-5 to 0-1 lead early on, with Niall Burke hitting four frees.
Although Galway started without Joe Canning, who was still feeling the effects of a shoulder injury he aggravated in training during the week, there was an edge to their attack, as sub James Regan fired a goal from a tight angle in the 26th minute.
Minor star Niall O’Brien scored three first half frees for the home side, but they were totally overpowered and trailed by 11 points at the break.
David Burke added Galway’s second goal at the start of the second half to end the game as a contest, but Westmeath midfielder Joe Clarke raised a green flag in response and reduced the gap to 2-12 to 1-6.
David Burke and Cyril Donnellan added further Galway goals, with O’Brien pulling one back in between, as Westmeath refused to roll over despite being under intense pressure.
Andy Smith snatched a fifth for Galway and O’Brien hit his second before Brendan Murtagh scored Westmeath’s fourth, reducing the gap to 5-15 to 4-11.
In truth a shock was never really on the cards, but it was a thoroughly entertaining game nonetheless, with Galway moving into a semi-final against Offaly on June 17 with a first championship win of the year under their belts
Hayes: Deal for Spain banks would have huge implications for Ireland
Junior Finance Minister Brian Hayes said today that a deal on recapitalising Spanish banks through the ESM fund would dramatically change things for Ireland's debt.
The Government will join France and Spain in pressing for such a deal at an EU summit in Brussels at the end of June.
Minister Brian Hayes said that the policy of recapitalising the banks through the sovereign has not worked, and a new policy through the ESM is needed.
"That is something which would have huge implications for Ireland, I would have thought," he said.
"Because if Spain is too big to fall, it requires a new departure, a new policy, a new solution.
"And I would have thought, in that context, we then have an opportunity to renegotiate on the very things we're trying to do."
Dublin Fire Brigade celebrates anniversary
Dublin Fire Brigade officially celebrates its 150th anniversary today.
To mark the milestone, the brigade's Pipe Band will perform in Croke Park this afternoon at the Leinster Senior Football Championship quarter final double-header.
Yesterday evening, firefighters paraded through Dublin city centre from Parnell Square up to Dublin Castle.
As part of the celebrations, Fire Services from around the country will be in the city, as well as a large delegation of firefighters from the US
To mark the milestone, the brigade's Pipe Band will perform in Croke Park this afternoon at the Leinster Senior Football Championship quarter final double-header.
Yesterday evening, firefighters paraded through Dublin city centre from Parnell Square up to Dublin Castle.
As part of the celebrations, Fire Services from around the country will be in the city, as well as a large delegation of firefighters from the US
No Winner of Lotto
There was no winner of last night's Lotto jackpot draw worth €5,397,920.
There was no Lotto jackpot winner but more than 47,000 players won prizes, including one winner of €25,000.
Wednesday's jackpot is now heading for €6m
There was no Lotto jackpot winner but more than 47,000 players won prizes, including one winner of €25,000.
Wednesday's jackpot is now heading for €6m
Egan Inspired by McClean Progres
John Egan is taking inspiration from club-mate James McClean as he makes his way in international football.
The 19-year-old Sunderland defender made his debut for the Republic of Ireland's Under-21s in their 2-1 friendly defeat to Denmark last Monday, and will hope for another chance as they take on Italy with three precious Euro 2013 qualification points at stake.
But as the under-21s go about their business at Sligo's Showgrounds, McClean will be on duty with the senior side in Hungary as Giovanni Trapattoni's men continue their preparations for the Euro 2012 finals in Poland and Ukraine.
A year ago, 23-year-old McClean was playing his football for Derry City, but after breaking into the Black Cats' first team in December, he has enjoyed an impressive rise.
Egan said: "It gives all the young players hope. When you see what James has done in six months, it just shows that if you get your chance too and you take it, then it could turn out like that.
"He's made the Euros in six months - that's a very hard thing to do - but he's done it and I'm delighted for him.
"A year ago, he came over to us and he was with the reserves and he was doing very well and got his chance, and six months later, he is in the Euros.
"He deserves it. He has been unbelievable in games and he has scored great goals. He's a great lad as well and a good friend of mine, so I'm delighted for him.
"I hope he does well at the Euros."
Egan was already on Sunderland's books when McClean arrived in a bargain £350,000 switch from Derry last summer, and it did not take long for the winger to make an impression.
The Cork-born player said: "After a few games, you could see he had something. He impressed me straight away with his directness and running at players.
"He's a great man to have in your team because he covers every inch of grass on that left-hand side.
"He's a very good player and he has obviously shown that."
Egan had already represented Ireland at under-16, under-17 and under-19 level before he got his chance with Noel King's side, and that has helped him to settle in quickly.
He said: "I know a few of the lads from beforehand and there are a lot of good players in the squad.
"A lot of the lads have played Championship, League One or League Two this season and played 30 or 40 games, so obviously, their experience is vital to the team.
"There are a lot of talented players in the squad and they are a great bunch of lads to be around."
Ireland currently lie in third place in Group 7 with nine points from their four games to date, while leaders Italy's unblemished record has seen them amass 15 points.
However, King's side is now just a single win adrift of second-placed Turkey, the only team to beat them so far, with three games in hand after the Turks lost 1-0 in Hungary on Friday.
Egan said: "If we beat Italy, then we will be right in the hunt for qualification and obviously, that's the main goal.
"But we have to take the Italian game first and kick on from there."
King has drafted Burnley defender Kevin Long into the squad, while Sean Murray of Watford and Aston Villa's Samir Carruthers have also joined up following their involvement with the under-19s.
Italy boss Ciro Ferrara has included Newcastle full-back Davide Santon in his travelling party for the game.
The 19-year-old Sunderland defender made his debut for the Republic of Ireland's Under-21s in their 2-1 friendly defeat to Denmark last Monday, and will hope for another chance as they take on Italy with three precious Euro 2013 qualification points at stake.
But as the under-21s go about their business at Sligo's Showgrounds, McClean will be on duty with the senior side in Hungary as Giovanni Trapattoni's men continue their preparations for the Euro 2012 finals in Poland and Ukraine.
A year ago, 23-year-old McClean was playing his football for Derry City, but after breaking into the Black Cats' first team in December, he has enjoyed an impressive rise.
Egan said: "It gives all the young players hope. When you see what James has done in six months, it just shows that if you get your chance too and you take it, then it could turn out like that.
"He's made the Euros in six months - that's a very hard thing to do - but he's done it and I'm delighted for him.
"A year ago, he came over to us and he was with the reserves and he was doing very well and got his chance, and six months later, he is in the Euros.
"He deserves it. He has been unbelievable in games and he has scored great goals. He's a great lad as well and a good friend of mine, so I'm delighted for him.
"I hope he does well at the Euros."
Egan was already on Sunderland's books when McClean arrived in a bargain £350,000 switch from Derry last summer, and it did not take long for the winger to make an impression.
The Cork-born player said: "After a few games, you could see he had something. He impressed me straight away with his directness and running at players.
"He's a great man to have in your team because he covers every inch of grass on that left-hand side.
"He's a very good player and he has obviously shown that."
Egan had already represented Ireland at under-16, under-17 and under-19 level before he got his chance with Noel King's side, and that has helped him to settle in quickly.
He said: "I know a few of the lads from beforehand and there are a lot of good players in the squad.
"A lot of the lads have played Championship, League One or League Two this season and played 30 or 40 games, so obviously, their experience is vital to the team.
"There are a lot of talented players in the squad and they are a great bunch of lads to be around."
Ireland currently lie in third place in Group 7 with nine points from their four games to date, while leaders Italy's unblemished record has seen them amass 15 points.
However, King's side is now just a single win adrift of second-placed Turkey, the only team to beat them so far, with three games in hand after the Turks lost 1-0 in Hungary on Friday.
Egan said: "If we beat Italy, then we will be right in the hunt for qualification and obviously, that's the main goal.
"But we have to take the Italian game first and kick on from there."
King has drafted Burnley defender Kevin Long into the squad, while Sean Murray of Watford and Aston Villa's Samir Carruthers have also joined up following their involvement with the under-19s.
Italy boss Ciro Ferrara has included Newcastle full-back Davide Santon in his travelling party for the game.
Olympic Torch continues Irish tour
The Olympic Torch will visit the Belfast slipways where the Titanic was built today as it begins its five-day relay through the North before arriving in Dublin later in the week.
The spectacular Co Antrim coastline and the setting for this year's golf Irish Open, Royal Portrush, are also on the itinerary.
Police in the North warned that the terrorism threat level remained severe and appealed for public vigilance.
The north coast is home to golf's former US Open winner Graeme McDowell and other sporting high achievers.
Former Olympic championMary Peters, who won the pentathlon in 1972, carried the golden lantern through a packed Belfast City Airport after it landed from the Isle of Man.
The arrivals hall was full of cheering, flag-waving children and past Olympians, eager to catch a glimpse of the flame, which is visiting every part of the UK ahead of this year's London Games.
The torch will also travel to 2013 City of Culture Derry and Dublin in a symbol of Anglo-Irish goodwill.
Among sporting figures expected to carry it in Ireland are Olympic boxing medallists Wayne McCullough and Michael Carruth, who will take part in the handover at the border.
Other highlights will be a celebratory event at St Stephen's Green in Dublin city centre on Wednesday and the crossing of the newly-built Peace Bridge in Derry linking the mainly nationalist west of the city with the mainly unionist east.
Celebrities taking part in the relay will include television personalities Zoe Salmon, Patrick Kielty and Colin Murray.
The first torch bearer was Karen Marshall, who has had Crohn's disease for 14 years.
She works full-time with marginalised young people, volunteers for her local church, for REACT (Reconciliation Education and Community Training) and is a member of the local District Policing Partnership.
Sports Minister Caral Ni Chuilin said: "She is a real inspiration to the local people of Tynan in County Armagh and today is an inspiration to all, becoming the first torchbearer here."
Ice skater Dempsey Andrews, 15, from East Belfast, carried the torch through part of Co Down. She has performed with Olympic skaters Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean.
The flame continues to Stormont and up the Co Antrim coast
The spectacular Co Antrim coastline and the setting for this year's golf Irish Open, Royal Portrush, are also on the itinerary.
Police in the North warned that the terrorism threat level remained severe and appealed for public vigilance.
The north coast is home to golf's former US Open winner Graeme McDowell and other sporting high achievers.
Former Olympic championMary Peters, who won the pentathlon in 1972, carried the golden lantern through a packed Belfast City Airport after it landed from the Isle of Man.
The arrivals hall was full of cheering, flag-waving children and past Olympians, eager to catch a glimpse of the flame, which is visiting every part of the UK ahead of this year's London Games.
The torch will also travel to 2013 City of Culture Derry and Dublin in a symbol of Anglo-Irish goodwill.
Among sporting figures expected to carry it in Ireland are Olympic boxing medallists Wayne McCullough and Michael Carruth, who will take part in the handover at the border.
Other highlights will be a celebratory event at St Stephen's Green in Dublin city centre on Wednesday and the crossing of the newly-built Peace Bridge in Derry linking the mainly nationalist west of the city with the mainly unionist east.
Celebrities taking part in the relay will include television personalities Zoe Salmon, Patrick Kielty and Colin Murray.
The first torch bearer was Karen Marshall, who has had Crohn's disease for 14 years.
She works full-time with marginalised young people, volunteers for her local church, for REACT (Reconciliation Education and Community Training) and is a member of the local District Policing Partnership.
Sports Minister Caral Ni Chuilin said: "She is a real inspiration to the local people of Tynan in County Armagh and today is an inspiration to all, becoming the first torchbearer here."
Ice skater Dempsey Andrews, 15, from East Belfast, carried the torch through part of Co Down. She has performed with Olympic skaters Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean.
The flame continues to Stormont and up the Co Antrim coast
Saturday, 2 June 2012
Offaly Through to Semis
Offaly 2-12 Wexford 1-13
Offaly made it through to the Leinster SHC semi-finals, but lived dangerously in t face of a spirited Wexford fightback at O’Connor Park.
The Faithful led by nine points at one stage, but were left hanging on by their fingertips at the end.
Shane Dooley’s 1-8 tally and a Joe Bergin goal broke the hearts of a brave Wexford outfit that looked capable of completing a sensational revival, but fell just short at the end.
An evenly balanced opening 10 minutes had the scores level on three occasions, with Shane Dooley and Wexford’s Paul Morris trading points.
But Wexford stepped up the intensity, and opened up a four points lead after Jack Guiney steered two frees between the posts and Diarmuid Lyng landed a superb score from distance.
They almost had a goal in the 17th minute, Paul Morris sending Lyng clear, but he was denied by goalkeeper James Dempsey with a superb reaction save.
Offaly recovered from a period of heavy pressure, and the recovery set in with an impressive rally, Dooley at the centre of it.
Brian Carroll, Joe Bergin, and Dooley were all on target as they went level by the 31st minute.
Weford did have another goal chance, whenGuiney was unlucky to smash a 20 metre free against the crossbar.
Offaly went level with Dooley’s fourth point in the 31st minute, and he brought his tally to 1-4 on 33 minutes, plucking the ball from beyond the grasp of two defenders to turn and plant the ball in the roof of the net.
Offaly led by 1-8 to 0-8 at the break, and pushed on with a second goal 10 minutes into the second half, Joe Bergin punishing defensive hesitancy with a first-time shot to the net.
Soon, they led by double scores, 2-11 to 0-9, after Brendan Murphy and Doley had rewarded enterprising approach play with unerring finishes.
Keith Rossiter and Ciaran Kenny tried to engineer a Wexford revival from the back, but one of the few attempts on goal they managed saw Harry Kehoe’s shot superbly blocked by David Franks.
They pulled back a goal through Guiney, who blasted a 58th minute free direct to the net, and as play swung from end to end, Dooley was denied a second goal by a splendid Eanna Martin save.
Wexford grew in confidence as the game built towards a critical climax, Gareth Sinnott and Guiney pegging back the Faithful advantage to a flimsy two, and time ran out for the visitors when Guiney’s driven free was stopped on the line by Derek Morkan
Offaly:Subs: S Ryan for Parlon (20), C Hernon for Mahon (65), D Molloy for Murphy (72)
Wexford: E Martin, W Deveraux, K Rossiter, S Murphy, D Redmond, M O’Hanlon, C Kenny, S Murphy, D Lyng (0-2, 1 s/l), G Sinnott (0-1), E Quigley, PJ Nolan (0-1), R Jacob (0-3), J Guiney (1-3, 1-3f), P Morris (0-3).
Subs: E Moore for Deveraux (h-t), D Stamp for Murphy (h-t), H Kehoe for Quigley (43), R Kehoe for Murphy (50)
Referee: J Sexton (Cork)
Offaly made it through to the Leinster SHC semi-finals, but lived dangerously in t face of a spirited Wexford fightback at O’Connor Park.
The Faithful led by nine points at one stage, but were left hanging on by their fingertips at the end.
Shane Dooley’s 1-8 tally and a Joe Bergin goal broke the hearts of a brave Wexford outfit that looked capable of completing a sensational revival, but fell just short at the end.
An evenly balanced opening 10 minutes had the scores level on three occasions, with Shane Dooley and Wexford’s Paul Morris trading points.
But Wexford stepped up the intensity, and opened up a four points lead after Jack Guiney steered two frees between the posts and Diarmuid Lyng landed a superb score from distance.
They almost had a goal in the 17th minute, Paul Morris sending Lyng clear, but he was denied by goalkeeper James Dempsey with a superb reaction save.
Offaly recovered from a period of heavy pressure, and the recovery set in with an impressive rally, Dooley at the centre of it.
Brian Carroll, Joe Bergin, and Dooley were all on target as they went level by the 31st minute.
Weford did have another goal chance, whenGuiney was unlucky to smash a 20 metre free against the crossbar.
Offaly went level with Dooley’s fourth point in the 31st minute, and he brought his tally to 1-4 on 33 minutes, plucking the ball from beyond the grasp of two defenders to turn and plant the ball in the roof of the net.
Offaly led by 1-8 to 0-8 at the break, and pushed on with a second goal 10 minutes into the second half, Joe Bergin punishing defensive hesitancy with a first-time shot to the net.
Soon, they led by double scores, 2-11 to 0-9, after Brendan Murphy and Doley had rewarded enterprising approach play with unerring finishes.
Keith Rossiter and Ciaran Kenny tried to engineer a Wexford revival from the back, but one of the few attempts on goal they managed saw Harry Kehoe’s shot superbly blocked by David Franks.
They pulled back a goal through Guiney, who blasted a 58th minute free direct to the net, and as play swung from end to end, Dooley was denied a second goal by a splendid Eanna Martin save.
Wexford grew in confidence as the game built towards a critical climax, Gareth Sinnott and Guiney pegging back the Faithful advantage to a flimsy two, and time ran out for the visitors when Guiney’s driven free was stopped on the line by Derek Morkan
Offaly:Subs: S Ryan for Parlon (20), C Hernon for Mahon (65), D Molloy for Murphy (72)
Wexford: E Martin, W Deveraux, K Rossiter, S Murphy, D Redmond, M O’Hanlon, C Kenny, S Murphy, D Lyng (0-2, 1 s/l), G Sinnott (0-1), E Quigley, PJ Nolan (0-1), R Jacob (0-3), J Guiney (1-3, 1-3f), P Morris (0-3).
Subs: E Moore for Deveraux (h-t), D Stamp for Murphy (h-t), H Kehoe for Quigley (43), R Kehoe for Murphy (50)
Referee: J Sexton (Cork)
BIG TASK AHEAD: TRAP
Giovanni Trapattoni is in no danger of under-estimating Ireland’s Euro 2012 opponents.
The Italian is renowned for his attention to detail, and has studied Group C rivals Spain, Italy – who lost 3-0 to Russia last night – and Croatia intently ahead of the big kick-off in Poland.
Interviewed during a question-and-answer session at the foot of the steps of the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta in Montecatini this evening, Trapattoni was in little doubt as to the task ahead of his players.
He said: “Spain are world champions, and we know the two most famous teams in Europe are Real Madrid and Barcelona and that the players in the national team mainly come from those two teams.
“They are the favourites. In each department – in defence, in midfield and in attack – they have amazing players.
“We know Italy and, despite what we have heard in the past few days and despite the result from last night, Italy is a nation and a team that has always achieved good results.
“They are very creative and they have players who are used to playing at a very high level, and this means they have a very strong background, so the match last night, I wouldn’t base anything on that.
“Croatia are unpredictable because when we think of these nations who were originally part of Yugoslavia and now are independent, they are living a second life and they are very, very strong.”
Ireland open their campaign against the Croatians, with whom they drew in Dublin last August, in Poznan on June 10, and then face Spain in Gdansk four days later.
They will hope their hopes of qualification remain alive when they return to Poznan to face Italy on June 18 in what could be a tense showdown.
The Republic are unbeaten in three meetings with the Italians under 73-year-old Trapattoni, drawing home and away in the last World Cup qualifying campaign and beating Cesare Prandelli’s side in Liege last summer.
Assistant manager Marco Tardelli too knows the scale of the challenge ahead of the Irish, but he already has a certain scenario in mind.
Tardelli said: “We played a friendly game against Croatia in Dublin and we saw that they are a very good team. [Luka] Modric as a player is a little bit like [Andrea] Pirlo.
“He plays a little bit more up front than Pirlo does and he is very fast. I am very scared about Croatia.”
He added with a smile: “But I already have a plan: we draw against Croatia, then we win against Spain and then we win against Italy and we qualify from the group.”
The comments of both men came as they were honoured by the town of Montecatini as part of the Festa della Repubblica celebrations, which saw them both added to a walkway of fame.
A crowd of hundreds gathered to hear them speak before the official ceremony was carried out on the eve of the Ireland squad’s departure for Hungary tomorrow
The Italian is renowned for his attention to detail, and has studied Group C rivals Spain, Italy – who lost 3-0 to Russia last night – and Croatia intently ahead of the big kick-off in Poland.
Interviewed during a question-and-answer session at the foot of the steps of the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta in Montecatini this evening, Trapattoni was in little doubt as to the task ahead of his players.
He said: “Spain are world champions, and we know the two most famous teams in Europe are Real Madrid and Barcelona and that the players in the national team mainly come from those two teams.
“They are the favourites. In each department – in defence, in midfield and in attack – they have amazing players.
“We know Italy and, despite what we have heard in the past few days and despite the result from last night, Italy is a nation and a team that has always achieved good results.
“They are very creative and they have players who are used to playing at a very high level, and this means they have a very strong background, so the match last night, I wouldn’t base anything on that.
“Croatia are unpredictable because when we think of these nations who were originally part of Yugoslavia and now are independent, they are living a second life and they are very, very strong.”
Ireland open their campaign against the Croatians, with whom they drew in Dublin last August, in Poznan on June 10, and then face Spain in Gdansk four days later.
They will hope their hopes of qualification remain alive when they return to Poznan to face Italy on June 18 in what could be a tense showdown.
The Republic are unbeaten in three meetings with the Italians under 73-year-old Trapattoni, drawing home and away in the last World Cup qualifying campaign and beating Cesare Prandelli’s side in Liege last summer.
Assistant manager Marco Tardelli too knows the scale of the challenge ahead of the Irish, but he already has a certain scenario in mind.
Tardelli said: “We played a friendly game against Croatia in Dublin and we saw that they are a very good team. [Luka] Modric as a player is a little bit like [Andrea] Pirlo.
“He plays a little bit more up front than Pirlo does and he is very fast. I am very scared about Croatia.”
He added with a smile: “But I already have a plan: we draw against Croatia, then we win against Spain and then we win against Italy and we qualify from the group.”
The comments of both men came as they were honoured by the town of Montecatini as part of the Festa della Repubblica celebrations, which saw them both added to a walkway of fame.
A crowd of hundreds gathered to hear them speak before the official ceremony was carried out on the eve of the Ireland squad’s departure for Hungary tomorrow
Sligo Rovers settle for draw as McGuinness sent off
League leaders Sligo Rovers had captian Jason McGuinness sent off as they had to settle for a 0-0 draw at Bohemians.
The damage to Sligo's quest for a first title since 1977 was minimal, however, as they remain six points clear at the top of the table going into the break.
The main action came late in Phibsboro as McGuinness was dismissed on 79 minutes for a foul on Bohs' Keith Buckley, his second booking.
Sligo had dominated the second half up until then. But following McGuinness' red card, Bohs' midfielder Dave Mulcahy might then have won it with perhaps the game's best chance on 84 minutes.
Mulcahy turned well from Buckley's through ball only to see his shot saved one-handed by Gary Rogers.
Shamrock Rovers failed to take advantage as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Cork City at Tallaght Stadium.
Rovers topscorer Gary Twigg finally brought the game to life when heading home Aaron Greene' cross on 86 minutes.
But Cork responded brilliantly to level two minutes later when John Dunleavy got his head to a cross from the right to power the ball past Oscar Jansson
A late flurry of goals gave St. Patrick's Athletic a 4-0 win at Monaghan United as they leapfrogged Shamrock Rovers back into second place in the table.
Leading from Christy Fagan's 34th minute strike, St. Pat's finally killed off Monaghan with three goals in six minutes late on.
Jake Kelly rifled a shot past Chris Bennion to make it 2-0 on 83 minutes. Winger Kelly added the third two minutes later, punishing poor defending from a corner.
Midfielder Greg Bolger got St. Pat's fourth goal a minute from time.
A solitary Philly Hughes goal saw Shelbourne deservedly end Derry City's three-match winning league run at the Brandywell.
Hughes struck on 71 minutes to take advantage of defender Shane McEleney' weak back header to run through and shoot past Ger Doherty.
Jason Byrne scored twice as Bray Wanderers beat UCD 3-1 at the Carlielse Grounds.
The veteran striker, fast approaching 200 league goals, put Bray ahead on 17 minutes. Danny Ledwith levelled from a free-kick nine minutes later.
But Bray took command in the second half and Byrne struck again - with his 12th of the season and 191st in total - on 68 minutes. John Mulroy added a thrid goal in stopapge time.
Drogheda United got their first win in four league games with a 2-1 victory over financially troubled Dundalk in the Louth derby at Oriel Park.
Sean Brennan put Drogheda ahead two minutes before half-time when sidefooting home a cross from brother Ryan following a quickly taken free-kick.
Substitute Gary Shanahan equalised for Dundalk on 63 minutes.
But within three minutes Drogheda got what proved their winner as captain, and ex-Dundalk midfielder, Paul Crowley headed home at the back post from Eric Foley's cross.
Foley was then sent off in the 90th minute for a second booking
The damage to Sligo's quest for a first title since 1977 was minimal, however, as they remain six points clear at the top of the table going into the break.
The main action came late in Phibsboro as McGuinness was dismissed on 79 minutes for a foul on Bohs' Keith Buckley, his second booking.
Sligo had dominated the second half up until then. But following McGuinness' red card, Bohs' midfielder Dave Mulcahy might then have won it with perhaps the game's best chance on 84 minutes.
Mulcahy turned well from Buckley's through ball only to see his shot saved one-handed by Gary Rogers.
Shamrock Rovers failed to take advantage as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Cork City at Tallaght Stadium.
Rovers topscorer Gary Twigg finally brought the game to life when heading home Aaron Greene' cross on 86 minutes.
But Cork responded brilliantly to level two minutes later when John Dunleavy got his head to a cross from the right to power the ball past Oscar Jansson
A late flurry of goals gave St. Patrick's Athletic a 4-0 win at Monaghan United as they leapfrogged Shamrock Rovers back into second place in the table.
Leading from Christy Fagan's 34th minute strike, St. Pat's finally killed off Monaghan with three goals in six minutes late on.
Jake Kelly rifled a shot past Chris Bennion to make it 2-0 on 83 minutes. Winger Kelly added the third two minutes later, punishing poor defending from a corner.
Midfielder Greg Bolger got St. Pat's fourth goal a minute from time.
A solitary Philly Hughes goal saw Shelbourne deservedly end Derry City's three-match winning league run at the Brandywell.
Hughes struck on 71 minutes to take advantage of defender Shane McEleney' weak back header to run through and shoot past Ger Doherty.
Jason Byrne scored twice as Bray Wanderers beat UCD 3-1 at the Carlielse Grounds.
The veteran striker, fast approaching 200 league goals, put Bray ahead on 17 minutes. Danny Ledwith levelled from a free-kick nine minutes later.
But Bray took command in the second half and Byrne struck again - with his 12th of the season and 191st in total - on 68 minutes. John Mulroy added a thrid goal in stopapge time.
Drogheda United got their first win in four league games with a 2-1 victory over financially troubled Dundalk in the Louth derby at Oriel Park.
Sean Brennan put Drogheda ahead two minutes before half-time when sidefooting home a cross from brother Ryan following a quickly taken free-kick.
Substitute Gary Shanahan equalised for Dundalk on 63 minutes.
But within three minutes Drogheda got what proved their winner as captain, and ex-Dundalk midfielder, Paul Crowley headed home at the back post from Eric Foley's cross.
Foley was then sent off in the 90th minute for a second booking
Claire McAreavey loses patience with noisy courtroom
After six testing days in court it was the first marked sign of frustration from Michaela McAreavey's loved ones.
Claire, her sister in law, had sat stoically through hour upon hour of often-harrowing evidence despite regular interruptions from the packed rows of the public gallery behind her.
The most jarring have been the laughs that greet the often theatrical wrangles between defence and prosecution counsel.
As another ripple of levity broke out this afternoon, it appeared Ms McAreavey decided enough was enough.
"Be quiet please," she implored, turning round to confront the main offenders.
They duly fell silent.
Her father Brendan joined her in courtroom five of the Supreme Court in Port Louis, Mauritius this week, taking the place filled by Michaela's brother Mark Harte in the first four days of proceedings.
The honeymooner's widower John is elsewhere on the island, unable to attend until he is called as a prosecution witness.
It must be a long, painful wait; one set to go on for the remainder of this week at least - the original fortnight timescale for the whole trial was torn up long ago.
The latest outburst in the public gallery came as defence lawyer Ravi Rutnah challenged a Mauritian forensic scientist on one of her answers.
Principal state counsel Mehdi Manrakhan objected, insisting his counterpart could not argue with an expert's opinion.
"I'm not arguing," Mr Rutnah fired back. "I'm asking a question of a scientific nature."
The now-familiar testy exchanges from the bar prompted the giggles to which Ms McAreavey reacted.
Soon afterwards judge Prithviraj Fecknah admonished Mr Rutnah for again challenging the scientist, this time after she asked him to explain a question.
"Please, please counsel don't get carried away," said Justice Fecknah.
"It happens that a witness doesn't get your question, the simple thing is to ask the question again, not to go on a discourse."
The gallery had otherwise been relatively subdued on day six of the high-profile trial.
Inspector Sunilduth Nucchedy certainly was not providing opportunity for a comic response.
While some of his police colleagues have faltered in the witness box under cross-examination, the senior officer from Grand Gaube, one of the first on the murder scene, appeared wholly at ease as the questions rained down on him.
Calm and collected throughout, at one point the pristinely turned-out officer raised his hand like a traffic patrolman to urge defence barrister Rama Valayden to hold a question until the judge was ready.
Mr Nucchedy noticed the judge's habit of typing his trial notes into the laptop in front of him as he goes along. It explains the odd halo of light which seems to surround him, high upon his seat at the front of court, as the screen illuminates his features.
As he heeded the witness's gentle signal, Mr Valayden explained: "I am not used to having a judge with a computer; my first time."
The judge was also thankful. "I am grateful to the witness for waiting," he said.
Later in the afternoon, when Mr Rutnah attempted to pose a question to the forensic scientist for a second time, the judge glanced at his screen before stepping in.
"This question has been asked already," he pointed out.
"That's the advantage of a judge taking notes."
Claire, her sister in law, had sat stoically through hour upon hour of often-harrowing evidence despite regular interruptions from the packed rows of the public gallery behind her.
The most jarring have been the laughs that greet the often theatrical wrangles between defence and prosecution counsel.
As another ripple of levity broke out this afternoon, it appeared Ms McAreavey decided enough was enough.
"Be quiet please," she implored, turning round to confront the main offenders.
They duly fell silent.
Her father Brendan joined her in courtroom five of the Supreme Court in Port Louis, Mauritius this week, taking the place filled by Michaela's brother Mark Harte in the first four days of proceedings.
The honeymooner's widower John is elsewhere on the island, unable to attend until he is called as a prosecution witness.
It must be a long, painful wait; one set to go on for the remainder of this week at least - the original fortnight timescale for the whole trial was torn up long ago.
The latest outburst in the public gallery came as defence lawyer Ravi Rutnah challenged a Mauritian forensic scientist on one of her answers.
Principal state counsel Mehdi Manrakhan objected, insisting his counterpart could not argue with an expert's opinion.
"I'm not arguing," Mr Rutnah fired back. "I'm asking a question of a scientific nature."
The now-familiar testy exchanges from the bar prompted the giggles to which Ms McAreavey reacted.
Soon afterwards judge Prithviraj Fecknah admonished Mr Rutnah for again challenging the scientist, this time after she asked him to explain a question.
"Please, please counsel don't get carried away," said Justice Fecknah.
"It happens that a witness doesn't get your question, the simple thing is to ask the question again, not to go on a discourse."
The gallery had otherwise been relatively subdued on day six of the high-profile trial.
Inspector Sunilduth Nucchedy certainly was not providing opportunity for a comic response.
While some of his police colleagues have faltered in the witness box under cross-examination, the senior officer from Grand Gaube, one of the first on the murder scene, appeared wholly at ease as the questions rained down on him.
Calm and collected throughout, at one point the pristinely turned-out officer raised his hand like a traffic patrolman to urge defence barrister Rama Valayden to hold a question until the judge was ready.
Mr Nucchedy noticed the judge's habit of typing his trial notes into the laptop in front of him as he goes along. It explains the odd halo of light which seems to surround him, high upon his seat at the front of court, as the screen illuminates his features.
As he heeded the witness's gentle signal, Mr Valayden explained: "I am not used to having a judge with a computer; my first time."
The judge was also thankful. "I am grateful to the witness for waiting," he said.
Later in the afternoon, when Mr Rutnah attempted to pose a question to the forensic scientist for a second time, the judge glanced at his screen before stepping in.
"This question has been asked already," he pointed out.
"That's the advantage of a judge taking notes."
Four road deaths spark urgent warning from RSA
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has issued an urgent appeal today for all motorists to take greater care using the roads over the Bank Holiday weekend.
This follows the deaths of four people in collisions in Co Cork, Co Meath and Co Offaly in the last 24 hours.
Following the tragic deaths Mr Noel Brett, CEO, Road Safety Authority reminded people that “using the road is the most dangerous thing we do every day and the risks of being involved in a collision increase over a Bank Holiday weekend.
“I would urge everyone to take greater precautions when using the road and not to be complacent about their safety. I’m urging drivers to slow down, never drink-and-drive and wear your seatbelt and ensure your passengers are belted in too.
“Motorcyclists should wear proper personal protection gear and slow down. I’m asking cyclists and walkers to be seen to stay safe on the road, by wearing a high visibility jacket or armband. But most of all we need to expect the unexpected because all it takes is a split second for tragedy to strike.”
“If we all make a little effort to collectively take greater responsibility for our safety on the road this bank holiday weekend we can prevent any further tragedies from happening.
“This is especially important given the heavy rain, predicted by Met Éireann for today and tomorrow, which will make conditions on the road even more challenging.”
A total of 73 people have been killed on the road to date this year.
One person was killed over the June Bank Holiday in 2011 and 12 people were seriously injured.
This follows the deaths of four people in collisions in Co Cork, Co Meath and Co Offaly in the last 24 hours.
Following the tragic deaths Mr Noel Brett, CEO, Road Safety Authority reminded people that “using the road is the most dangerous thing we do every day and the risks of being involved in a collision increase over a Bank Holiday weekend.
“I would urge everyone to take greater precautions when using the road and not to be complacent about their safety. I’m urging drivers to slow down, never drink-and-drive and wear your seatbelt and ensure your passengers are belted in too.
“Motorcyclists should wear proper personal protection gear and slow down. I’m asking cyclists and walkers to be seen to stay safe on the road, by wearing a high visibility jacket or armband. But most of all we need to expect the unexpected because all it takes is a split second for tragedy to strike.”
“If we all make a little effort to collectively take greater responsibility for our safety on the road this bank holiday weekend we can prevent any further tragedies from happening.
“This is especially important given the heavy rain, predicted by Met Éireann for today and tomorrow, which will make conditions on the road even more challenging.”
A total of 73 people have been killed on the road to date this year.
One person was killed over the June Bank Holiday in 2011 and 12 people were seriously injured.
MEP calls on Government to keep referendum campaign promises
Campaigners who called for a 'No' vote in the EU fiscal treaty referendum are challenging the government to honour the promises it made before the vote.
Last night, Taoiseach Enda Kenny insisted he would use the result of the referendum to strengthen Ireland's hand in talks with other European leaders on the bank debt.
Socialist MEP Paul Murphy said that the Government also has a responsibility to provide stability, growth and investment.
"The Government and the Yes side promised stability, recovery, investment - I think it's important now that they argue for that on a European level," he said.
"We'll see whether the austerity treaty comes into being, it's not guaranteed to be ratified yet in the 12 eurozone member states, but I definitely think there's a need for a growth pact for massive public investment across Europe in order to get people back to work."
Last night, Taoiseach Enda Kenny insisted he would use the result of the referendum to strengthen Ireland's hand in talks with other European leaders on the bank debt.
Socialist MEP Paul Murphy said that the Government also has a responsibility to provide stability, growth and investment.
"The Government and the Yes side promised stability, recovery, investment - I think it's important now that they argue for that on a European level," he said.
"We'll see whether the austerity treaty comes into being, it's not guaranteed to be ratified yet in the 12 eurozone member states, but I definitely think there's a need for a growth pact for massive public investment across Europe in order to get people back to work."
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