Today's other sports stories in brief
Big-gun Scots backing Monty
GOLF:Former Ryder Cup captains Bernard Gallacher and Sam Torrance have thrown their weight behind fellow Scot Colin Montgomerie's bid to lead Europe in Wales in 2010.
The Ryder Cup committee will announce the new skipper in Dubai today, with Montgomerie and Jose Maria Olazabal in the frame.
Gallacher, who was European skipper in 1991, 1993 and 1995, believes Montgomerie is the ideal candidate, both from a playing and business point of view.
“From a business side, Monty would be quite important,” Gallacher said. “He will pull in sponsors and will keep the competition on the front pages for the next two years. I think it is the right decision from a golfing point of view, but it is also the right decision for the Ryder Cup.”
Olazabal’s recent declaration of interest in the role has made today’s decision too close to call.
McDonough calls it a day
WOMEN'S HOCKEY:Jenny McDonough yesterday announced her decision to retire from the Ireland international team.
The 27-year-old Belfast Harlequins forward won 117 senior caps under coaches Riet Kuper and Gene Muller since her debut against England in 2002.
Commenting on her decision, McDonough said “After much consideration I have made the difficult decision to retire from international hockey.
“There is a clear focus towards the Olympics in London in 2012 and as I am unable to commit to this campaign I feel it is time for me to step aside and retire from the team.”
Death of Cork hurling legend
HURLING:The death has taken place of former Cork hurler Connie "Sonny" Buckley, the oldest surviving All-Ireland-winning captain.
Born in 1916, he played minor for the county in 1933, and, although his senior career largely coincided with a barren spell for the county, he captained Cork from centre forward to the first of the four-in-a-row in 1941, and also featured in the 1939 Thunder and Lightning final defeat by Kilkenny.
A member of Glen Rovers, he played for Cork with clubmates Din Joe Buckley, his brother, and Jack Lynch, both of whom were members of all four winning teams, 1941-44.
Irish riders set to begin racing
CYCLING: Following a training camp in Calpe, Spain, the An Post M Donnelly Seán Kelly team are preparing for the start of the racing season, writes Shane Stokes.
The first riders will line out in the Grand Prix Marseillaise this Sunday, then begin the five-day Etoile de Bessèges on Wednesday.
The team will do a range of world-ranked races across Europe, returning to Ireland for the FBD Insurance Rás, the Tour of Ireland and the national championships.
“We are finalising our racing calendar for the year, but it looks like the team will be back in Ireland for the first time on May 17th for the Rás,” said Seán Kelly, the general manager of the team.
“We are already looking forward to it as it’s always great to return home and showcase our success as a continental team. In 2008, Stephen Gallagher was the first Irish winner in four years and he will be back to defend his title this season.”
