[caption id="attachment_66652" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="Ireland's Jonathan Sexton signed autographs for fans after training Monday. "]
The Irish rugby team are ranked 8th in the World, their lowest ranking ever, as they prepare for their opening game in the World Cup against the US in New Plymouth, New Zealand on 9/11. Ireland has had a dreadful build-up to the finals, losing all four games: to Scotland, France twice and England, but captain Brian O'Driscoll is determined to go out on a high. He said: ''I have been involved in three World Cup finals and the best I have done is getting to the quarterfinals, so I wouldn't say that is anything to shout about. I don't want to finish my career having not achieved on the biggest stage, so I'm going to give it my best shot.'' It may have happened before with other countries, but this I think will be the first time at a Rugby World Cup that two Irishmen will coach opposing teams, Declan Kidney for Ireland and Eddie O'Sullivan with the US. And to make it every more interesting both coaches are Cork natives. And another Cork native George Hook coached the US at the 1987 Rugby World Cup.
O'Sullivan says he may not play his first choice XV against Ireland and might rest some of best players for the Russia game. Eddie said: ''Realistically the Russia game offers us the greater chance of a win than the opener against Ireland and with just a four day turnaround between the games we may not be able to select our strongest team.'' The Irish squad left Dublin last week without Gordon D'Arcy, who picked up a calf injury during a recovery session after the defeat to England. David Wallace, who injured his knee against England, also missed out and will be out of action for up to six months. His place in the squad has gone to Jamie Heaslip. D'Arcy's departure was delayed for 48 hours as the Irish medical team were worried that the affected area of his leg could swell up on the long flight
WEXFORD HOPE FOR
CAMOGIE REPEAT
For a few years the All-Ireland Camogie and Under 21 hurling finals were played on the same day at Croke Park, the Sunday after the All-Ireland senior hurling final. But last year the associations decided to go their separate ways; Camogie stayed at Croke Park, with the hurling switching to Thurles. The same situation applies this time around and that allows Camogie, who are 80 years old this year, to stage their three finals at GAA headquarters. The first-ever Camogie final was played in the Sportsground, Galway in 1932 where Dublin beat Galway. This year's senior final is a repeat of last year where Wexford beat Galway and we could see a similar result this time. In the intermediate final Antrim play Wexford, with Down and Waterford meeting in the junior decider.
Meanwhile in Semple Stadium on Saturday evening Dublin and Galway meet in the All-Ireland under 21 hurling final. Dublin hurling is on a high right now, but they have never won an All-Ireland under 21 title. Galway has nine wins, the last coming in 2007 when they beat The Dubs. Unlike their seniors, Galway don't play under 21 hurling in Leinster and they produced an upset when beating Limerick in the semifinal, without playing a competitive game in advance. Still I fancy Dublin to make history on Saturday evening.
MURPHY TAKES OVER IN WICKLOW
Harry Murphy is the new Wicklow senior football manager. He will have a difficult task following in the footsteps of the legendary Mick O'Dwyer, who really raised the Garden County's profile in his five years in charge. Murphy has been in charge of Rathnew for 12 years and led them to seven Wicklow County titles and a Leinster club title in 2001.
Also Luke Dempsey is expected to stay on with the Carlow senior footballers for another year. Under Dempsey Carlow qualified for the Leinster semifinal this year for the first time since 1958.
MCKENNA IN DRIVING SEAT
Alison Nicholas, the English-born captain of the European Solheim Cup team, has named players from seven different countries in her team to play the US at Killeen Castle in Country Meath at the end of the month. Ireland is not represented, but former Irish golfer Mary McKenna will be the buggy driver for the captain. Nicholas said: ''I am delighted that Mary has agreed to work with me, my vice-captains and the team and trust me she will be more than my buggy driver.''
MCQUILLAN WILL REF SAM FINAL
Cavan native Joe McQuillan has been confirmed as referee for this year's All-Ireland senior football final between Dublin and Kerry on Sept. 18. McQuillan, from the Kill Shamrocks club, has previously refereed Leinster finals, a Munster final plus All-Ireland club and under-21 finals. Meath's David Coldrick will be the standby referee. Padraig Hughes of Armagh will take charge of the minor final between Dublin and Tipperary.
KENNELLY TO RETIRE
A few weeks back he said he would knuckle down and try and win his place back in the Sydney Swans team, but now Kerry-born Aussie Rules player Tadhg Kennelly says he is retiring. The 30 year-old from Listowel says he will quit at the end of the current AFL season and that he is likely to stay in Australia in a coaching role with Sydney or maybe working in the media. Meanwhile Irish International Rules selector Kevin O'Brien says he is happy that Kennelly is staying fit and admits that the Kerryman is still in their plans for the two tests against Australia in Melbourne and the Gold Coast at the end of October. Kennelly has played for Ireland previously against Australia in International Rules games.
HARRINGTON HAS FAITH IN WOODS
Ireland's Padraig Harrington reckons that Tiger Woods, who has won 14 majors can still break Jack Nicklaus's all-time record of 18 majors. The Dubliner said: ''I still believe when Tiger turns up and plays well in a given week he is capable of winning any Major he plays in. He still has a good ball flight and he still hits it well. Once he put it together in a given week he can win.''
