Other sports news in brief
ICC to go ahead with tournament in Pakistan
CRICKET:The International Cricket Council (ICC) are expected to confirm, within the next 24 hours, Pakistan as the venue for this year's Champions Trophy tournament.
An ICC security delegation have been visiting Pakistan over the last few days to check on arrangements for the tournament amid fears that players and officials may not be safe.
But after several days of inspections, the world's governing body are expected to give the green light for the tournament to go ahead, but in two venues instead of three.
Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi had been pencilled in as the original venues for the tournament pending security checks.
The ICC are now, however, expected to name just Lahore and Karachi as venues to cut down the amount of travelling by the teams and potential for flash points.
An ICC delegation including Geoff Lawson, the Pakistan coach, is also likely to visit New Zealand and Australia with a view to calming players' fears about travelling to the region.
Another delegation is expected to visit England next week to talk to the South African and English players about their security fears.
Counihan honoured
GAELIC FOOTBALL:Conor Counihan, manager of the Cork senior football team, has been named Philips manager of the month for July.
Last month Cork defeated Kerry at Páirc Uí Chaoimh by five points to win the Munster final.
Death of Buccaneers' Grace
RUGBY:Buccaneers RFC have lost one of their most popular and valued members with the sudden passing of Jim Grace, who served the club for many seasons in various roles, most notably as honorary secretary from the mid-1990s until 2005, during which Buccaneers evolved into one of the top senior clubs, writes Gerry Thornley.
The Kilkenny native was gregarious and wonderful company, often the club's welcoming face to visitors over a long involvement, first with Athlone RFC and more recently as Buccaneers.
He was equally passionate about music and could be counted upon to lead in club sing-songs.
Although ill for three years, Grace battled with fortitude and bravery and recently celebrated his 60th birthday. The wit and craic of "Running Bear" will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Josie, daughter, Ann, son-in-law, Pearse, and grandchildren, Grace and Jack, to whom goes deepest sympathy.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
New race for Cheltenham
HORSE RACING:Promising young jump jockeys have been handed a great opportunity to display their talents on Cheltenham Gold Cup day.
A new race, the Conditionals' Hurdle, a handicap over an extended two-and-a-half miles, will be added to the blue-riband card in March.
Cheltenham's director of racing Simon Claisse said: "We have long held the view that a race for the potential champion jockeys of the future would be a great addition to the festival, and a handicap for conditional jockeys was one of the races that was under close consideration when we first extended the meeting to four days."
Other changes to the festival, being staged from March 10th to 13th, include a first-race time of 1.30pm each day (30 minutes earlier than in recent years) and the feature on all four days being the fourth race, with a 3.20pm start.
Munster mourn Mossie Kelly
RUGBY:Munster rugby has been saddened to learn that Mossie Kelly, father of the recently retired Munster and Ireland winger/centre John, passed away peacefully at home after a long illness, writes Gerry Thornley.
A lovely man, who always had a friendly greeting for everyone, he and his wife, Noreen, seemed never to miss a Munster match.
Our sincerest condolences to Noreen, John, Helen and Fiona and the extended family and friends.
Burial follows Mass today at noon in Passage West.
