OPEL TO SPONSOR GAELIC PLAYERS AWARDS:Opel has rekindled its long association with Irish sports after it announced its sponsorship of the Opel Gaelic Players Awards, which it is running in conjunction with the Gaelic Players Association.
The three-year sponsorship deal, which will cost Opel €1 million annually, will involve a number of initiatives, including the players awards.
The awards, which will run from February to October and will incorporate both the National League and Championship seasons, will name an inter-county hurler and footballer each month; a team of the year for both games and a hurler and footballer of the year.
The player of the year, who will receive an Opel Astra Sport Hatch, below, will be picked by GPA members from a shortlist chosen by independent panels.
CULLEN PRESSURED TO ABOLISH MOTOR TAXES: Minister for Transport, Martin Cullen, came under pressure from the motor industry to abolish tax on motor vehicles at last week's presentation of the Yourcar.ie Motor Industry Person Of The Year Award 2006.
Yourcar.ie CEO Pearce Flannery said: "The Irish consumer and by association the Irish motor industry is at a distinct and quantifiable competitive disadvantage due to the taxation policies levied on the private motorist."
The Motor Industry Person Of The Year Award for 2006 went to Mr Cyril McHugh, pictured, CEO of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (Simi) in recognition of his contribution to the motor industry in Ireland.
'RUSTY RETURNERS' WREAKING HAVOC: Drivers returning to the road after taking an extended break from their cars are causing thousands of accidents a year, according to new research.
A survey of 1,700 British adults showed a third had taken a break from driving, often admitting they felt less confident when they got back behind the wheel.
The study, by insurance firm Zurich, found many "rusty returners" admitted to being more hesitant when driving after a break, sometimes struggling to park their car. Most of those questioned said it would be a good idea to go on a refresher driving lesson to regain confidence and skills.