January

The post-Christmas gloom is dispelled on yet another famous afternoon in Thomond Park

The post-Christmas gloom is dispelled on yet another famous afternoon in Thomond Park. Mighty Saracens come to take on Munster for a crucial European Cup match but fall to a late Keith Wood try and an impeccable conversion from Ronan O'Gara. In sunnier climes, Manchester United fall prey to Vasco de Gama in the World Club championships, losing 3-1. DJ Carey indulges in a rare but convincing cameo as a Kilkenny footballer. The team still loses. Boxing fever courses through London in the formidable shape of Mike Tyson. The former heavyweight champion is in town to take apart the latest bum of the month, Julius Francis. That the British Home Office allows a convicted rapist to enter Britain is the subject of some controversy. His opponent puts the moral predicament is context. "If he isn't allowed in, I stand to lose a lot of money." Mike woos the public and puts on a one-man shopping season. Frank Warren, the fight promoter and the man who will foot the bill, visibly pales as his fighter loads his cart with diamond watches before turning his eyes to the automobile section. In the ring, he floors Francis with a few half-hearted shots. Andre Agassi ousts Yevgeny Kafelnikov in the Australian Open while Lindsay Davenport powers her way to victory over Martina Hingis. Kurt Warner leads the St Louis Rams to a Superbowl victory over Tennessee.