Danny Sutcliffe quits Dubs panel as axed Simon Lambert hits out at Cunningham 'disrespect'

As reported in yesterday's Irish Independent, 2013 All-Star Sutcliffe will not be available for selection in a major setback to Dublin's 2016 title aspirations.

Despite making the trip to Boston for the Fenway Classic last month, Sutcliffe (23) was not in attendance at a players' meeting last night, having told Cunningham of his wish to leave the squad last weekend.

Lambert was informed he was surplus to requirements last week, along with goalkeeper Alan Nolan, and he voiced his frustration over Cunningham's decision.

"I'm disappointed to be left out, considering that I've been involved for the last eight years," the versatile Lambert said last night. "I came back from a career-threatening injury in 2013, missed all of 2014 and worked myself back into contention, starting both of the Galway games this year.

"The reasons given to me were, in my opinion, disrespectful from where I've come from. But look, I'm 27 and young enough still to potentially offer a lot to the team in the near future."

Nolan (30) made the goalkeeper's spot his own in 2014 after years in the shadow of Gary Maguire and was nominated for an All-Star following a string of excellent performances.

The St Brigid's man fell out of favour this year after conceding five goals against Galway in the Leinster quarter-final replay, and his inter-county career looks likely to end on a sour note, having been suspended for his part in the Boston brawl with Galway.

Elsewhere, Dublin chief executive John Costello has taken issue with the 'Scrooge-like' approach adopted by Croke Park with the amount of additional grant money being given to Dublin and Mayo after this year's All-Ireland semi-final replay.

Noting in his annual report that they were only given an additional ¤15,000 for contesting the replay, Costello pointed out that participants in the trio of All-Ireland hurling finals got ¤50,000. He added that half that amount was then taken off his board when the county's hurlers were fined for their involvement in the Fenway Classic brawl.

He said Dublin don't feel "a sense of entitlement" but they are aware that their commercial value to central coffers "exceeds any other county by a stretch".

"It would appear Charles Dickens' Ebenezer Scrooge has taken up residence off Jones' Road this festive season!" he suggested.

Aggression paying off for Tour hopeful Kilpatrick

The Banbridge man (33) has been a professional for seven years and while he’s dividing his time between the horses and cows on his parents’ farm, the third-tier Europro Tour and the PGA Irish circuit, he’s hoping to grab his chance with both hands in this Challenge Tour event at Mount Wolseley this week and gallop to victory.

In a four-way tie for second, two shots behind leader Robert Coles of England, the former East of Ireland winner refuses to give up on his Tour dream despite years of struggles.

“The Europro depressed me a wee bit last year,” said Kilpatrick, who is through to next month’s second stage of the European Tour Qualifying School. “Finishing seventh in a field of 120 and clearing a hundred quid is hard to take.

“But I believe I am still good enough to make it and I still enjoy it so I am playing just the Europro events I like this year and the big Pro-Ams on the Irish circuit.

“I have joined the PGA so I can start my PGA qualifications at Banbridge next year and fast-track it over two years because I have a degree.

“A week like this is win or bust for me so I will be more aggressive than the other guys and see what happens. And I love the course – I was seventh here when they had the Europro Tour event last year.”

Leader Coles (43), who won the last edition of the Irish Challenge held at Moyvalley six years ago, made eight birdies in a seven-under 65 to lead by two strokes from Kilpatrick, Welshman Stuart Manley, British Amateur champion Romain Langasque of France and American Daniel Im.

Rory McNamara, Simon Thornton, Alan Dunbar, Michael McGeady and Walker Cup player Gavin Moynihan signed for three-under 69s worth a share of 16th and Chris Selfridge and Ruaidhri McGee posted 70s, but Walker Cup players Jack Hume, Cormac Sharvin and Gary Hurley all had mixed days.

Amateurs Hume (72) and Sharvin (75) are not under pressure to perform but Maynooth University’s Gary Hurley simply ran out of gas after his professional debut in the Alfred Dunhill Links last week and posted a seven-over 79.

As for leader Coles, he reckons his good form in Ireland might have something to do with his Irish roots.

“My mother is from Cork and I have a Corkman caddying for me this week,” he said with a grin. “I am quite proud of my Irish roots. My mum lives in west Cork and all of my in-laws are Irish. “And I’m married to a girl called Sinéad too so there’s a strong connection there. I am proud of that!”

Versatile Brady happy to break scoring duck for Norwich

Brady's early goal at Upton Park wasn't enough for the Canaries to register a crucial victory as West Ham United twice battled back to claim a 2-2 draw but Martin O'Neill's first-choice left-back enjoyed resuming the position which first brought him acclaim.

The Dubliner was still attempting to break into Manchester United's first team when he became the record scorer for Ireland's U-21s in 2012 and, despite both Norwich and Ireland now deploying him in defensive roles, his goalscoring threat for both teams was evidenced by his instinctive finish against the Hammers.

"Growing up, I'd always been an attacking-minded player so the opportunity to play up there on Saturday was good," said the 23-year-old, a year on from his last Premier League goal, then as a Hull City player.

"It's been a while since I played high up the pitch. When the ball was played across at the back, I saw the defender wasn't getting there, and managed to get onto it and put it away.

Sloppy

"The frustrating thing was not holding on for the three points. We got sloppy in our play towards the end, West Ham brought on some of their big lads, and the late equaliser came.

"Still, it's a good away point and keeps us with a decent start to the season for us."

Elsewhere on the penultimate weekend of fixtures before Ireland assemble for the concluding Euro 2016 qualifiers against Germany and Poland, Jon Walters collected his third goal of the season.

The striker opened the scoring in Stoke City's 2-1 win over Bournemouth, another illustration of his worth to a club unwilling to meet his contract demands as his current deal nears expiration.

Marc Wilson's absence from the Potters squad due to a calf strain may represent a concern for O'Neill, especially as the man who recently displaced him at centre-back in the Ireland team, Ciaran Clark, hasn't kicked a ball in the Premier League since returning to Aston Villa from international duty.

The saga surrounding the allegiance of Clark's clubmate Jack Grealish continues following a report yesterday that the Ireland U-21 winger has chosen to switch to England. An update on the tug-of-war is expected on Thursday when Roy Hodgson names his squad for the final qualifiers against Estonia and Lithuania.

In the Championship, Joe Mason - watched lately by O'Neill yet not deemed worthy of inclusion in his bloated 40-man squad - scored for the fourth time this season in Cardiff City's 2-1 win over Charlton.

Swimming: Franklin, Seebohm to renew rivalry here

Just weeks after watching the sport's future stars grace the OCBC Aquatic Centre, Singapore swimming fans will get to watch the real deals in action when the country stages next month's Fina Swimming World Cup.

The Straits Times understands that American four-time Olympic gold medallist Missy Franklin, Australian world champion Emily Seebohm and Hungarian world record holder Katinka Hosszu are among a host of big names who have signed up for the Oct 3- 4 event.

Typically a short-course (25m) meet, the eight-legged World Cup series has adopted a long-course (50m) format this year to act as an Olympic qualifier, as well as to increase the participation of the national federations.

Ang Peng Wee, chairman of the Singapore leg's organising committee, said: "We are excited to announce a star-studded cast at the Fina/airweave Swimming World Cup Singapore 2015 presented by Yakult.

"With world-class swimmers in the line-up... the two-day meet promises to present exhilarating, elite, race action."

Hosszu is a regular face at the Singapore leg, having competed here since 2012.

But it will be the first time that Singaporean fans can catch two-time Fina Swimmer of the Year (female) Franklin, 20, race in the World Cup.

The California-born swimmer made waves at the London Olympics in 2012.

Then 17 years old, she won four golds, including the 200m backstroke title in a world record of 2min 4.06sec.

The mark still stands.

The following year, she stole the show at the World Championships.

She became the first woman to win six golds (three individual, three relays).

Franklin is set for an intriguing backstroke showdown with Seebohm, 23. At last month's World Championships in Kazan, Russia, the Australian dethroned the American in the 100m and 200m back, firing an opening salvo ahead of next year's Olympics.

Seebohm, Franklin and Hosszu finished first, second and third in the 200m back in Kazan.

Hosszu, 26, is also entering top form. She broke Ariana Kukors' six-year-old world 200 metres individual medleyrecord in Kazan, an impressive feat given that Kukors' mark was set in the era of the now-banned rubber suits.

Singapore swimmer Hannah Quek, 15, who had competed at last month's Fina World Youth Championships, said she is looking forward to the 200m back race.

A backstroke specialist, she said: "It is a great opportunity for backstroke swimmers like myself to pick up a few pointers.

"I am sure it will be a very close and tight race and I think this could possibly be the best race we've ever had in Singapore."

Bringing the American Youth into Sports

Sports are activities that most people in the United States have an interest in. Most of them prefer to remain as spectators on the sidelines, cheering for their favorite teams like crazy. On the other hand, some choose to go beyond just being mere spectators. They wanted to be right in the center of the action by playing a sport themselves.

Sports tend to be more popular with younger individuals. This may be due to the fact that they’re exposed to sports at school, through school teams for sports such as basketball, football, soccer, and swimming. At an early age, young people become interested at learning and mastering a sport. Playing a sport is also one way for them to build their bodies and keep themselves healthy.

Bringing the youth into sports has always been seen by policymakers as a way to protect this important segment of American society. Given the amount of bad influence that can be seen on the streets and the increasing number of young people who get involved in gangs, there is now an emphasis on using sports as a means to prevent kids from getting involved with such elements. Participation in sports also allows the youth to meet their counterparts from other communities, helping them build friendships and boosting their socialization skills.

One of the sports young Americans participate in is the youth rugby league. Rugby union is one of the world’s most popular sports, having a following in places such as Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The Rugby League World Cup, which the US men’s national team participated in, is highly anticipated by individuals everywhere.

The youth rugby league teams in the United States are being guided by the same people who are part of the national team. They help make younger individuals learn the sport and, eventually, play against each other in friendly competition. Doing so boosts the youth’s confidence and helps them stay away from unhealthy influences.

Youth rugby league is not the only sport younger Americans participate in. Clubs and teams for sports like hockey and volleyball are common in communities and schools. The popularity of such sports can help ensure the future of the United States and prepare the youngsters who will inherit the country from the current generation.

Walking before you run: fitness expert's steps to follow

For Forrest Gump, the answer was always clear — but for the average Canadian considering kicking off a new exercise routine, it's not as obvious, says Jeff Woods, a long-time personal trainer and fitness lifestyle commentator on the Canadian Learning Channel.

"They're both good for you and they're both going to reduce chronic disease, and they're going to add years to your life, but the running, according to evidence, seems to offer up greater benefits," Woods says.

In terms of overall fitness and health, five minutes of running is equal to 15 minutes of brisk walking, he says.

More specifically, the added intensity of a jog has a greater positive impact on heart and lung function. Accumulating over years, running just five to ten minutes per day can add about four years to a man's lifespan — and five to a woman's.

But there's a catch: it only works if you run consistently.

"If you're running once a year, it doesn't count," Woods says.

The sweet spot, according to Woods, is developing a running routine that sees you out two to three times per week, running for no more than four hours in total. Any more than that requires a hike in recovery time but no significant increase in aerobic capacity.

"It's not worth it," Woods says.

Walk before you run

The benefits of running also come with a trade-off in terms of rate of injury, however. Woods says about 50 per cent of runners can expect an injury at some point. For walkers, that number is only about one per cent.

"When you run, it's a ground force of about two and half times your bodyweight. It's only about 1.2 times when you walk."

For that reason, Woods says it's important to walk before you run — simply to give your body a chance to work up to the higher-stress exercise. He also recommends an accompanying strength-training routine. Most injuries occur in new runners who skip this step, jumping straight into a more intense running routine, he says.

And not all people are cut out to pick up the pace, Woods says.

"You have to do what works for you. A program is only successful if it's sustainable. If you're constantly getting injured from your running program, note to self: you're not a runner."

Regardless of whether you're walking or running, it's also important to consider the climate, Woods says. In the hot weather, less is more.

"You're not going to get a positive training response when it's this hot out because not only are your working muscles competing for blood, your skin's competing for blood so it can cool effectively."

Woods recommends exercising late at night or early in the morning to avoid the worst of the weather.\

Resource From: http://www.cbc.ca

Swimming With Dolphins In Cancun - The Best Place For Vacations

Swimming With Dolphins In Cancun - The Best Place For Vacations

Cancun is famous for one of the few places in the world where you can get an exciting wide variety of swim-with-dolphin options at some of the most beautiful places on earth. You will race across the surface of the dolphin swim area and learn of the incredible power of these magnificent animals. Here at several dolphinariums you can feel the thrill of the foot push as two dolphins use their noses to lift you clean out of the water and push you for up to 20 meters at very fast speeds.

Cancun is known for its vacation activities. The Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, and Puerto Aventuras provide you the one stop tour at Cancun. The warm and crystal clear water of the Caribbean makes The Cancun a perfect place for making your dream of swimming with the dolphin come true. The tropical climate, white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, archaeological views, and a multitude of tours from jungle tours to adventure tours and the rest of the best day tours makes Cancun a wise vacation choice.

Swimming with Dolphins at Cancun and watching them jumping out of the water, gives a sense of the power and grace these beautiful sea creatures possess. Taking a ride on a pair of dolphins is Just like something out a mythological tale you will be swept away on the snouts of 2 beautiful dolphins. Swimming with Dolphins at Cancun, a group of dolphins will swim freely with you long enough and you can enjoy playing with them.

You will learn interesting facts and get to swim with dolphins, play games with these gorgeous gentle animals. An education about this lovely animal- dolphin, a kiss from a dolphin and a free time to spend with dolphins are also there in the programme at Cancun. It is even recommended that due to the popularity of the Dolphin Royal Swim at Cancun you should make your reservation as far in advance as possible.

Join the American Hiking Society

Have you taken up hiking as another type of family entertainment? Is it true that you are a genuine climber that invests hours on difficult trails? Would you like to figure out how to wind up more included in climbing the country over? Climbers of any foundation will need to look at the "American Hiking Society". This general public is a collusion of nearby hiking clubs and gives an abundance of assets and exercises for explorers of any foundation.

They have an abundance of occasions to browse including National Trails Day and Winter Trails Day. A huge number of trail occasions are held the country over in June and January urging climbers to get included in preservation and other hiking exercises. For instance, amid the Winter Trails Day climbers can figure out how to snowshoe, crosscountry ski, and numerous other winter exercises along the hiking trails. It is an incredible approach to get together with kindred climbers and experience the extravagance and fun of hiking.

Explorers can likewise take an interest in volunteer excursions, occupations, and temporary positions. Amid 2005 they arranged 1-2 week volunteer excursions where explorers can help out in building pathways, lodges, and safe houses. Climbers won't just have the capacity to bond with their kindred explorers, yet increase the value of the magnificence of the hiking background for others. It is a learning knowledge that is inestimable.

Do you climb on the grounds that you are attempting to build your wellness? The American Hiking Association has discovered the climbing trails only for you. They have distinguished the main ten "wellness" trails the whole way across the nation. These trails are certain to give you an awesome workout. Besides, you can avoid the limits and fatigue of your standard rec center workout. Most of the trails are arranged on the East and West drifts. A trail outline including length and territory are given. This will help you to begin on your wellness trek.

Need to discover different explorers in your general vicinity? Searching for a nearby climbing club to join? Not certain where to look? You're in fortunes on the grounds that the American Hiking Association offers a national trails catalog from which you can locate a climbing gathering close you. Contact data for neighborhood climbing clubs is accessible on their site.

Need new hiking apparatus for your next excursion? Looking for a book on trail data? The American Hiking Association has a hiking store with apparatus, maps, aides, and trail devices. Best of all, in the event that you turn into a part, you will get a markdown on your buy. A bit of you buy will be put aside for trail protection. Skip looking around piece supper for climbing rigging and head to their web hiking store that will have all that you require.

Emergence Of Internet Sports News Today

Online sports news today is becoming a fundamental part of all newspapers and websites nowadays. Using the emergence of knowledge technology and internet, everyone has began taking into consideration the occasions occurring in sports.

Furthermore large fans of sports prefer to not miss any headline even just in their busy work hours or other daily existence agendas. It has led to an immediate rise in online search of sports news today.

Various occasions and competitions are quickly up-to-date from various sources within a few momemts. It has additionally been possible due to wide coverage of reports channels and media. Furthermore sports fans can search various posts and blogs to sign up and discuss activities happening worldwide. Online sports news also give option to individuals to election for his or her favorite team, sport star, competitions etc. Latest news could be utilized from various general in addition to especially devoted sports websites. With this you simply need just one click of the mouse button and within fractions of the second you're inundated with lots of sports related information and news.

Ronnie O'Sullivan chalk incident being investigated

An investigation is under way after Ronnie O'Sullivan placed his chalk on the table in the World Championship.

O'Sullivan, 39, broke snooker rules by lining up a shot with the chalk but was not reprimanded by the referee during his match against Stuart Bingham.

A World Snooker spokesman told BBC Sport it will look into the incident.

"The referee is unaware, Ronnie is too but for me, that is a foul. You are not allowed to do that," said BBC Sport pundit Ken Doherty.

Andy Murray falls to Novak Djokovic again in Miami Open final

Andy Murray was unable to end his losing run against Novak Djokovic, as the world No 1 walked off with a second successive Miami Open title after a fierce tussle on Sunday.
The Briton had lost his last six matches against Djokovic and it looked to be going against him again when he dropped the opening set at Crandon Park on a tie-break. Third seed Murray battled back valiantly to snatch the second set and take the match into a decider, only for his game to desert him as Djokovic claimed a 7-6 (7-3), 4-6, 6-0 victory after almost three hours on court.
Murray was looking to wrestle back the title he won in 2013 and applied pressure from the start, earning his first break point in the opening game but he wasted it with a forehand into the net. However, another opportunity came along on Djokovic’s next service game and this time Murray moved up a gear, forcing his opponent out wide before finishing him off with an overhead smash.
The advantage was wiped out immediately, though, with Murray firing long to gift the Serb a break back.
Murray refused to give in and his persistence, helped by some well-struck balls, paid off in the seventh game when an error from Djokovic once more put Murray a break up. Yet again he was unable to defend his advantage as Djokovic snatched the break back, and the pair continued to slog it out to eventually usher in the tie-break. This time Murray’s game let him down badly, as two poor forehands and a pair of sloppy shots into the net allowed Djokovic to wrap up the set with remarkable ease.
It had taken well over an hour to decide the opener and it was no surprise energy levels dropped in the second as the heat began to take its toll.
Murray nevertheless found something in reserve to fight off two break points in the third game before squandering one of his own on Djokovic’s serve as the set threatened to reach an impasse.
Frustration crept in for both players at times as they fought to gain the upper hand but there was still plenty to keep the crowd entertained despite the obvious fatigue on court. And it was Murray who seized the chance as the match passed the two-hour mark.
With Djokovic serving to stay in the set, two errors from the Serbian followed by a lovely forehand down the line from his opponent set Murray up with three set points. And he hammered home his advantage with a fierce backhand return to take the match into a final set.
It looked like Murray held the edge but his momentum quickly went at the start of the third, with Djokovic breaking twice to drain the last dregs of energy from his opponent. It proved a disappointing climax to an enthralling match, with Murray broken again before Djokovic served out successfully for his fifth Miami title.

Dustin Johnson rides pressure to mark his comeback with Doral title

It is debatable whether this is the biggest win of Dustin Johnson’s career. He already had a WGC title to his name before adding the first such event of 2015. It is, though, unquestionably the most significant and by quite some distance.
In only his fifth tournament since returning from a six-month absence to address what he called “personal challenges”, Johnson found himself back on the podium. The 30-year-old’s golfing talent has never been in question; an ability to develop that, rather than succumb to the distractions of life, more so.
Perhaps fatherhood – Johnson became a dad in mid-January – will bring a fresh sense of maturity. Upon his return to competitive golf Johnson had admitted to a damaging relationship with alcohol; now the headlines around him are suddenly more endearing. For the eighth season in succession Johnson will have at least one victory to his name. That is the best streak on the PGA Tour.
He has catapulted himself into the top six in the world rankings and, if not already, is a live candidate for the Masters in April. The ease with which Johnson handled pressure over the closing stretch at Doral is not particularly common in professional golf. Should Johnson harness that more often he will win multiple major championships.
Johnson prevailed by one shot, a success secured with a closing round of 69. Given the ferocious set-up of the Blue Monster course there should be no shock at all attached to the fact some of the biggest hitters on tour made up the numbers. That said, Johnson led greens in regulation as well as driving distance over the four tournament days.
Bubba Watson, seeking to become the only player other than Tiger Woods to claim back-to-back WGC titles, raced into a two-shot lead at the turn but frittered away three strokes on the inward nine. The two-times Masters champion finished third.
Watson had briefly been the one to upstage JB Holmes, who had led by five with 18 holes to play. Holmes, who partnered Johnson, had to hole from 43ft on the final green to force a play-off. As the putt slid right of the cup Johnson knew he had two to win and made no mistake with a lag from the fringe of the green. “Welcome back” was the general message to Johnson from golfing insiders thereafter.
“It has been a tough road but a lot of really good things came out of it,” said Johnson of his recent absence. “It feels awesome to get that win. I knew I was really good, I just knew there was something missing that could make me great. I started working hard on that and it is showing now. This might be the best win.”
Johnson’s fiancee, Paulina Gretzky, and baby Tatum were on hand to celebrate the triumph. Adam Scott will rue what might have been, the Australian’s 75 on day three ultimately costing him a proper tilt at glory. He finished fourth, five adrift of Johnson, after shooting a Sunday 71.
“I’m very happy with what I saw out there,” said Scott. “It felt like I started off the year on the right foot. Hopefully I can build on this and just get better.”
Rory McIlroy’s week was rather summed up on the 72nd hole. The Northern Irishman had produced his finest golf of the tournament to get to two under par for his closing round before dumping the same number of balls into a water hazard from the tee.
Fittingly the second of them came from the face of the three-iron which he had tossed into a lake on Friday. A double bogey was the consequence. Before exiting Miami, McIlroy was to return the infamous club to Donald Trump, Doral’s proprietor, who had earlier presented it to the world No1 on the driving range. His tie for ninth seemed somewhat inconsequential by close of play; this is a work in progress with Augusta National in mind.
“My game is just not quite there,” McIlroy admitted. “I’ve got a week off now to try and work on it a little bit. I am pretty disappointed with how I played overall. I felt it was a little better again today for the most part but that was a bit of a disappointing finish. It is just not quite 100%.”
Johnson has no such concerns. If this is an indicator of things to come, very interesting times await.