There will be racing at the Markets Field this Thursday but not on Monday or Thursday of next week. There will be the usual meeting this Saturday while the three nights a week racing season will get underway commencing Monday February 11.

Andrew McNamara is likely to be retained by the connections of Sizing Europe for the Smurfitt Kappa Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in March after the Croom jockey's mount brilliantly captured the €150,000 AIG Europe Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown – McNamara only came in for the spare ride at a late stage.

Sport has been a dominant feature in the Hartnett household in Rathkeale for many years. And if the progress being made by 24 year old Keith is anything to go by, another trophy cabinet may be necessary if his success rate continues.

Irish Open venue Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort has hosted a most informative visit of a tourism delegation from Carnoustie Country.

Limerick is renowned for its sports fanatics and Des Horgan, secretary manager of Kennedy O'Brien's Golf Society, now known as The Exiles, loves his sport.

A repeat of last year's frustrating All-Ireland Football Qualifier is on the cards at the Gaelic Grounds on Sunday next, when Limerick welcome Louth to the Gaelic Grounds (2.30pm) in the opening round of Division Three in the Allianz National League.

Aedscoil Rís await the winners of the replayed Thurles CBS/Our Lady's, Templemore Credit Union-sponsored Dr Harty Cup at the semi-final stage.

In a surprise development Timmy O'Connor has turned-down an offer to manage the Limerick U21 hurling team!