Updates in Rugby, Equestrian, Gaelic Games and Soccer…
RUGBY
The Munster Rugby Squad jet off to Portugal today to continue their pre-season training.
The province’s lions contingent are back in harness for the trip to the Algarve while new signings Tony Moreland and Julien Brugnaut will get their chance to bed in to the squad.
South African Centre Jean De Villiers isn’t expected to wear red until he’s released by his club next month but is on track to sign in time for the Heineken Cup deadline on September 17th.
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EQUESTRIAN
Ireland’s biggest equestrian event gets underway today with plenty of local involvement to look forward to.
The Failte Ireland Dublin Horse Show jumps into action at the the RDS with Marie Burke from Doora competing as an international rider in the biggest Classes.
Rena Marie Queally from Ennis rides Kilmore Royal in the Amateur class while fellow Ennis rider Paul Mc Dermott is on ‘’Whatever II’’ in the young rider competition,
Clare riders dominate the 138 pony section with Tulla’s Tom Foley, Cratloe’s Eoin McMahon, Killaloe’s Aine Lucinda Wood and Siobhan McCarthy of Quin all in the line up.
Tom Foley and Eoin Mc Mahon will also be in the 148 pony section where they are joined by Laura Costello from Quin Co Clare.
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GAELIC GAMES
In Gaelic Games, One game in the Junior A hurling championship round 2 last night.
Scariff came through their encounter with Clooney Quin by 2-06 to 0-9 in Bodyke.
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SOCCER
Australian Soccer coach Pim Verbeek has named a host of household names in his Soccerroos squad to face the Republic of Ireland in Limerick next week.
Everton’s Tim Cahill, Champion’s League winner Harry Kewell and Ex-West Ham Defender Lucas Neill are all set to be involved in next Wednesday’s friendly at Thomond Park.
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In Schoolboy Soccer
Avenue United are flying the flag for Clare in the 2009 Umbro Galway Cup.
Today’s the opening day of the elite underage tournament with the Ennis lads competing in the U-13 Club Boys competition.
Avenue have been drawn with Templeogue, Galway and host side Salthill Devon and got off to a winning start this morning.
They came from a goal behind to beat Templeogue 2-1. Eimhin Courtney got the equaliser with 15 left and had a penalty saved in the closing stages before Evan Courtney forced home the winner with a minute left.
