Motor Sport

Limerick's Ed O'Callaghan (Opel Mantra), partnered by Ger Clancy, won the Kilmallock-based Mr Binman/Deebert House Hotel Mini Stage Rally.

Shane Mangan from Crecora, in the driving seat of his Mark II Ford Escort, following last Sunday's Limerick Motor Club Rally in Kilmallock. Picture: Keith Wiseman

The pair finished 15 seconds ahead of the Ford Escort of Ed Synan/Denis O'Connell with Cork duo Barry Meade/Colin Meade, also in a Ford Escort, in third position.

The outcome represented a magnificent inaugural victory for O'Callaghan, a true champion of the sport.

Those to secure class wins included Aidan Walsh (Ford Escort), Ian Roche (Peugeot 206 S1600), Jason McSweeney (Honda Civic) and Paul Clarke (Ford Escort). Mark Sheahan retired on the opening stage when his Renault Clio under-steered off the road around one mile from the stage finish.

Boxing

Andy Lee has been installed as favourite to remain in the professional ranks ahead of his home bout against Alejandro Gustavo Falliga of Argentina at the sell-out televised (RTE Two) Ladbrokes.com Fight Night at the University Sports Arena on Saturday night next.

Unbeaten in 14 outings in the paid ranks over the last year, the Limerick southpaw is guaranteed a real hero's welcome. "My ambition has always been to box in Limerick as a pro and I am really excited about it," Lee said. "The people of Limerick have always come out and supported me so I am looking forward to what promises to be a great atmosphere on the night."

He concluded: "I know the UL Arena so well. I trained there with the High Performance Squad when I was an amateur."

Also featuring on the card are Paul McCloskey and Matthew Mackin, who will be looking to push their claims for European Title Fights in 2008.

Awards

1956 Olympic Gold Medal Winner Ronnie Delaney is special guest at the 25th Sports Service Awards, which take place at Pery's Hotel, Glentworth Street on Friday next (7.30pm).

The brainchild a quarter-a-century ago of the late Jerry Burke, this awards scheme – run in partnership between Limerick VEC and Limerick City Sports Partnership – honours the unsung heroes of sport, such as those who coach athletes, manage under-age teams and in general work tirelessly behind the scenes in the promotion of sports.

In addition, the Chairperson (Breda Deedigan) will salute an individual or team that has excelled in the last year. Previous winners in this category have included All-Ireland winning Limerick U21 hurling manager Dave Keane and Shannon RFC, many times AIB AIL champions.

Gaelic Games

Former Trustee of the GAA Rory Kiely has labeled as a "joke" the likely allocation to clubs nationwide from the opening-up of Croke Park to other sports in recent times.

"Regarding the money coming from foreign games, what clubs are going to get is a joke," he stated. "We will only be getting crumbs. It's very disappointing as each county will only get around €250,000 over three years. If you break that down, you'll see very little real money coming down to the grassroots."

He added: "I believe there will be €38million allocated to regional projects. We need to get working immediately because it cannot be allowed to happen. That money must make its way to the clubs."

Mr Kiely remains a Limerick delegate to Munster Council.

Rugby

Jim Williams is committed to his role as assistant Munster Coach, according to a branch spokesperson. The former Wallaby back row has been linked in recent days with a return to a coaching role back home in Australia. A Munster spokesperson confirmed that Williams had informed them of the interest in his services, but said that the many-times former provincial captain was looking forward to several months of "intense, exciting and hopefully successful activity" before the season closes.

On the club scene, Bruff made it ten wins on the bounce in Division Three with a hard-fought 21-16 triumph away to Connemara.

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