Rodriguez beats Roche and Robin
Alas, it wasn't to be. Last night at the Ballon d'Or awards in Zurich Ireland's Stephanie Roche was beaten to the Fifa Ferenc Puskas award for goal of the year by Colombia's James Rodriguez.
Roche’s wonder strike for Peamount United, which unless you’ve never used the internet you will have seen by now, received an entirely respectable 33% of the vote - three times as many as Robin Van Persie’s Flying Dutchman against Spain in the World Cup.
However Rodriguez came home with 42% of the 3.3 million votes cast, but on acceptance of the award he told us what we all knew already - that Roche’s “golazo” had deserved to win.
Viva Ronaldo
The main gong of the night was picked up by Cristiano Ronaldo, a third Ballon d'Or cementing his status as the world's best player and helping him further his quest to become one of the greatest of all time.
Messi casts doubt over future
Lionel Messi came in second place, and comments he made in an interview before the ceremony have cast further doubts over his future at Barcelona alerting Manchester United, the only club aside from Real Madrid able to afford him, to his potential availability.
Dalymount decision
A decision on the potential purchase of Dalymount Park by Dublin City Council could be made as early as next week, with Bohemians currently waiting to find out if Zurich Bank will accept a €3.4 million offer in settlement of their debt to the company.
The current proposal would see the council take over the freehold of the stadium as part of a plan which would include Shelbourne sharing the ground.
Wrong career choices
Dublin's Bernard Brogan spoke to Ian O'Riordan about how he chose the easiest possible career path in order to maximise his chances of making the Dublin senior football team, and how modern players are often choosing the wrong careers in order to afford themselves more time to train and play matches.
Dr Moyna echoes Cregg calls
Calls by Roscommon footballer and Connacht GAA strength and conditioning officer Cathal Cregg for inter-county players to be deemed ineligible for college competitions has been endorsed by DCU coach and sports scientist Dr Niall Moyna.
Meanwhile, Dublin's trip to play Kerry in the national league on March 1 could see reduced attendances as it will be played at the same time as Ireland's Six Nations fixture against England in Dublin.
Leinster consider appeal
Leinster are considering appealing Jack McGrath's three-game suspension handed down last Friday ahead of the vital Champions Cup fixture against Castres Olympique. If unsuccessful the ban could be extended, but with Cian Healy also unavailable Matt O'Connor faces a prop crisis.
Captain Jamie Heaslip remains a 50-50 decision due to a shoulder injury.
Cronin says Leinster yet to hit their best
Leinster hooker Sean Cronin believes while his side aren't playing to their full potential the blueprint for success is there - he spoke to Johnny Watterson.
Stander awaits Sarries
Munster's CJ Stander is relishing Saturday's do-or-die trip to play Saracens, and the backrow welcomed Keith Earls return to fitness.
Rory cuts down in Major year
It's going to be a big year for Rory McIlroy, and the world's best golfer is looking to increase his Major chances by reducing the overall number of tournaments he competes in across the season.
Unbeaten O’Brien guides Ireland home
Ireland's preparations for next month's cricket world cup continued nicely as an unbeaten knock of 80 from Niall O'Brien steered them to a three wicket win over Scotland, giving Phil Simmon's side control of the tri-series with the Scots and Afghanistan.
