The Ireland team to play Italy in the RBS 6 Nations Championship at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday has been named and coach Declan Kidney has opted for an unchanged lineup.

Ireland’s rugby squad finally get the opportunity to bounce back from the opening Six Nations defeat to Wales this week.

Ireland rugby star Cian Healy’s amongst the country’s international rugby stars trying to get their head around one of the most bizarre weeks ever in the sport.

THE 2012 Rás na hÉireann took place on February 12 at Oldbridge, Drogheda, with Coca Cola as title sponsor.

Glenmuir United advanced to the last 16 of the U11 Menton Seery National Cup after a deserved victory against a very well organised Corduff FC team in Dublin two weeks ago.

Cailin Coillteach, under Conor Hoban and trained by Andy Oliver, provided a late run to win comfortably by half-a-length in Dundalk’s opening six furlong handicap.

137 athletes, some well experienced but a lot of newbies, aligned the old Newry Road for the first Setanta Sportsmans Duathlon Race on Sunday last.

IN the darkening tunnel of Pairc Tailteann, Dundalk Colleges manager Leslie Toal reflected on a job well done after seeing his side overcome Knockbeg, in tough conditions last Saturday.

COOLEY Kickhams and Louth stopper Neil Gallagher was in no doubt as to the strong belief and character in the Wee County squad after Sunday’s result in Salthill.

Dundalk play their first pre-season game of 2012 when they take on Banbridge Town at Crystal Park on Saturday, February 11 at 2pm.

Dundalk fans will get their first opportunity to see Sean McCaffrey’s new look side in action when the Lilywhites play their first pre-season friendly of the year when they take on Banbridge Town at Crystal Park on Saturday, February 11 at 2pm.

THE Louth team has been named ahead of Sunday’s Allianz National Football League Division 2 game in Galway on Sunday.

It was a good weekend for the remaining Dundalk Schoolboys League clubs competing in the SFAI National Cup competitions.

DUNDALK FC Head of Youth Development Martin Connolly says he is baffled by Ireland Under-18 manager Paul Doolin’s decision not to include prolific striker Bob McKenna in the home based squad for the upcoming friendly international against Wales.

CENTURY man Paddy Keenan crowned his 100th game in Louth colours with a fantastic individual performance against Westmeath at Haggardstown on Sunday afternoon.

LEINSTER and Ireland star Jamie Heaslip has been looking ahead to Ireland’s opening Six Nations clash with Wales.