BOXING
Irish middleweight Andy Lee will try to get back to winning ways at home in Limerick next July following his unexpected loss to Texan Brian Vera two months ago.

The Detroit-based southpaw was controversially stopped in the seventh round – despite being ahead on points and still throwing punches – in Connecticut and the Texan has poured cold water on a rematch.

CYCLING
Promoted by the Limerick Cycle Club, the Limerick Classic Tour 2008 will take place on Sunday next.

The tour is a 100 mile spin through some scenic parts of West Limerick, starting out from Mungret GAA Club, travelling out the N69 and passing through the likes of Askeaton, Foynes, Loughill and Glin, before turning south to encounter Barna Hill, Mullagharierk Mountains and the notorious Mass Rock Climb, close to the village of Ashford.

Registration from experienced riders will start at Mungret from 8am, with the real action to commence an hour later.

A shorter 60 mile tour is also an option.

Further details from Arthur at 087/9693905

SOCCER
As anticipated, Mike Hanley of Foynes has been elected Chairman of the FAJ Junior Council following its AGM which was hosted by the Desmond League at the Rathkeale House Hotel.

He held the deputy position since 2006 and his elevation to the top post is for the statutory two-year term.  “It’s a great personal honour, and a major honour also for the Desmond League, with which I have been associated since the very beginning over 40 years ago,” he said.  “I don’t think I could see myself existing without junior soccer.”

He added:  “I have been a member of the Junior Council since the early 1980s and will continue to work towards the betterment of junior soccer in Ireland.  Television coverage of the premiership is a serious threat to our very existence which is why I hope that as many as our venues as possible can be floodlit to allow for Friday and Saturday night fixtures.  That will be one of my main priorities over the next couple of years.”

One of his first engagements will be to present the coveted Oscar Traynor inter-divisional Cup at Clounreask, either to his beloved Desmond League or the LDMC, either way at Limerickman.