Police called over 'ridiculous' gardens row

POLICE were called to diffuse a bitter row between rival allotment holders in Heanor.

A patrol van and two officers were sent to the Roper Avenue site on Sunday after keen growers Gary and Jane Wells clashed with members of the committee that runs the site.

Mr Wells, 40, claims he and his wife were served with a notice evicting them from their plot.

He said when they refused to leave, the committee members locked the allotments gates, trapping them inside, and called police.

When the two officers arrived, a shocked Mr and Mrs Wells agreed to leave the site.

Mr Wells, of Heanor, said: "The officers came with all the 'blues and twos' going. They said I had to leave as I had been given an eviction notice and if we didn't they would arrest us for breach of the peace. It is a ridiculous situation."

The father-of-three says he has lodged an appeal against the eviction with Heanor and Loscoe Town Council.

Mr Wells said the row started last August over a wildlife garden he and his wife created at the site that they wanted to open to the public.

He said some allotment holders were against it and following the committee's annual meeting, he and his 41-year-old wife, were sent a letter saying there had been complaints about them from other gardeners.

Terry Wright, secretary of the allotment committee, said: "I was not there on Sunday and until I know what is happening I will not be commenting."

A spokesman for Derbyshire police confirmed officers were called to the allotments on Sunday.

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Delays on M1 southbound after accident

DRIVERS travelling southbound on the M1 are facing delays after a car and a van were in collision between junctions 29 and 28.

One lane was closed following the incident, just after Tibshelf services at about 6.15am today, Thursday March 31.

The Highways Agency said drivers could expect delays of up to 20 minutes and normal traffic conditions should return by about 8.30am.

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Nottingham's Japanese community's work to help their home country

NARIAKI Kimura dashed home from work on Friday, March 11, to find his 13-year-old son sat shaking underneath a coffee table.

A 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami had hit the north east coast of Japan less than an hour earlier.

It had left the Kimuras' home, 120 miles to the south, in Ibaraki prefecture, shuddering on its foundations.

"His son had been home from school with a cold. He had learned there what to do in an earthquake. It's something he will never forget," said Nariaki's cousin Hiroko Clark, from Toton, who has been in regular e-mail contact with her Japan-based family since the dual natural disasters.

"My auntie's sixth floor flat in the same area was shaking [during the earthquake]. The cups and saucers in the kitchen were breaking everywhere.

"Nariaki said life was back to Victorian times by Japanese standards. There was no running water and electricity. He was queuing up for petrol for more than two hours just for 20 litres."

Without petrol for his car and with public transport cancelled, Hiroko said Nariaki had moved into a flat near his workplace.

"He says it's nothing compared to people who have lost their houses. Some of his colleagues have lost theirs."

As Hiroko talks, her fellow members of Hitomikai – the Anglo Japanese Society in the East Midlands – continue planning a fundraiser for survivors of the earthquake and tsunami in their home country.

Martial arts demonstrations, a flea market, Manga and Calligraphy workshops, Japanese cooking, and Origami classes will be among the highlights of Ganbare Japan – which translates as Go Japan – at Oban House in Chilwell Road, Beeston, between 10am and 3pm on Saturday, April 9.

Hiroko, who runs private classes in Japanese cooking, plans to host sushi-making demonstrations at the event.

Around 9,700 people have been killed by the earthquake and tsunami – with 16,500 more missing. The earthquake also triggered a series of explosions and fires at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant in northern Japan, causing radioactive iodine to leak into Tokyo's water supply.

Yuka Mayall, 40, from Stapleford, who came up with the idea for Ganbare Japan and is hosting the brainstorming session, is heartened by her home country's response to the crisis.

"My friend in Japan said the news had a story about people in a restaurant eating when the earthquake happened. They left but came back afterwards and paid. It was so honest. That's Japanese people.

"I think the TV news here has been good as we now know more about the nuclear situation in Japan."

Yuka, who works part-time at Higoi, a Japanese restaurant in Lenton, has friends in Tokyo and family in neighbouring Chiba prefecture.

"In Chiba they can't buy things like unleaded petrol and people in Tokyo are starting to use bicycles rather than cars to get around. Bikes are sold out. My friend, who runs a small noodle restaurant in Tokyo, says he should have opened a bike shop!"

The Japanese Government has estimated damages from the events of the last two weeks to be worth $309bn.

"If the Tokyo economy crashes, it will affect everyone. People are talking about having a G7 rather than a G8, by not including Japan. It's terrible," adds Yuka.

"There's always been confidence in Japan."

Despite fears over Japan's future, Yuka is optimistic about her native country's ability to recover from the events of the past two weeks.

"I think Japanese people are knowledgeable and the country will manage to rebuild. They have already started building new houses. The people are strong."

Tomoko Smith, 44, from Mapperley, a theatre recovery nurse at Nottingham's Queen's Medical Centre, is also going over the plans for Ganbare Japan.

"I was in Kobe in 1995 when the last big earthquake hit. My house and my father's hotel were affected and we got a lot of support," he said.

On following the British media coverage of the earthquake and tsunami, she added: "What inspires me is that people are standing up and helping each other.

"I saw an old man sweeping the debris up the day after the earthquake. Some other countries just wait for the aid, but I was so proud of my country.

"The instinct is to help others. There's a big community spirit.

"It's easy to criticise the Japanese Government. There's so much to deal with and I'm sure they are doing their best. For the victim is may appear that there is not enough being done.

"There is difficulty with food [supply] and transport."

Toshimi Sato's parents and sister live in Chiba, about an hour south of Tokyo.

"The day of the earthquake I could not speak to my parents on the phone and they could not respond to my e-mails. All my information was coming from the TV news. It was really worrying," said the 45-year-old nursery nurse from Toton.

"My parents' house has been shaking quite often.

"My husband is English but we lived in Japan for 11 years and go back every year. He is very sad about what has happened.

"I feel strongly that Japan will survive. I think that out of this, people will build better relationships with each other."

Kiyoko Naish, 51, from Wollaton, has visited Nottingham High School to talk about the impact of the earthquake and tsunami, while other Hitomikai members have visited Radcliffe-on-Trent Junior School and Heymann Primary School, in West Bridgford.

Kiyoko also intends to visit The Minster School, in Southwell and Crossdale Primary School, in Keyworth.

"The boys at the High School responded so well and are empathetic with Japanese people.

"The Year 5 pupils are doing a science project about tectonic plates and why the earthquake happened.

"It's a great opportunity to tell people about Japan.

"Japanese people usually want to keep a low profile. It's a national characteristic, but we are here in Britain and want to speak up and raise awareness."

Kiyoko said the impact of the earthquake and tsunami had become more personal after speaking to a number of her friends in recent days.

"My best friend, who is living in Italy, said her cousin died in Miyagi in north east Japan near the epicentre of the earthquake.

Another friend said their cousin died. It's no longer someone out there suffering. It's my close friends and their relatives."

Mikiko Inoue, 46, from Long Eaton, who teaches numeracy at South Notts College's West Bridgford campus, said her sister living in Osaka felt the earthquake – despite being more than 350 miles away from its epicentre.

"She lives on the 14th floor of a high rise building and all the children and the cats ran under the table. I think it was terrifying.

"A huge earthquake is long overdue in Osaka. I think a lot of people there and in Tokyo feel guilty because it happened up north [of Japan].

"I was talking to my mum in Japan on the phone and she said the younger generation want to do something to help."

Mikiko added: "I very rarely came to Hitomikai meetings. Now, I think I've found a purpose."

Anyone wishing to get involved in Ganbare Japan can call Kiyoko Naish on 07905 895 018.

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?We are struggling, but second place is attainable?

Serbia national football team have come out of the Euro 2012 qualifying double-header with four points out of the maximum six and the tally would be considered a satisfactory one in another set of circumstances. The blunder against Estonia at home, coupled with the forfeited match against Italy and consequent defeat in the game, had put unwanted pressure on Serbia ahead of the behind-closed-doors clash with Northern Ireland in Belgrade and the visit to Estonia. There could be no more slip-ups. Vladimir Petrovic?s men bounced back from being 1-0 down to win the former match, and were six minutes away from completing the double win before Estonia drew level in appalling winter conditions in Tallinn on Tuesday.

Source: http://english.blic.rs/Sports//7518/We-are-struggling-but-second-place-is-attainable

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Donor drive held at college in memory of Notts journalist

A DONOR drive has been held in memory of a Notts journalist.

Former Bilborough College pupil Adrian Sudbury, of Pinxton, died of leukaemia in 2008, aged 27.

He had documented his battle with leukaemia online and set up an organ donation campaign.

Staff and students at the college were able to sign up to the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Register on Tuesday after a visit from Adrian's father, Keith, in December inspired interest.

The 61-year-old, from Pinxton, works on the Register And Be A Lifesaver campaign, to continue Adrian's work to make more people aware of the importance of becoming a donor.

"To be able to go back to Bilborough College for the second time and get a fantastic response from the students and then to come along and do the spit testing is just fantastic for us, it really is good," he said.

"It's important because worldwide 37,000 people are waiting for bone marrow transplants and without a perfect tissue match they will die so the more people on the register, the more possibility there is for a tissue match, which will mean there is more lives saved."

Alison Lardi was personal tutor to Adrian – who worked for the Huddersfield Examiner – during his time as a student.

"By getting students on to the register from an early age, they can potentially remain on the register for 22 years, and more lives may be saved as a result," she said.

Principal Chris Bradford said: "At Bilborough College we are delighted to be involved with Register and Be a Lifesaver, which is the legacy of Adrian Sudbury.

"Keith Sudbury and his team have been in to talk to all our year 13 tutor groups to raise awareness of stem cell, blood and organ donation."

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Crestwood Wins Opener in Dramatic Fashion

5-4 over rival Streetsboro

Source: http://highschoolsports.cleveland.com/news/article/-4615099150439335130

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Reconciliation

Recap: The pro-Social Security argument for Social Security reform (and a follow-up); some useful political-science research suggesting that a government shutdown could help Obama and hurt both parties in Congress; and the political economy of entitlement reform in two tables.

Elsewhere:

1) I?ll be talking about the budget showdown on ?The Last Word? with Lawrence O?Donnell tonight.

2) Does Rick Santorum realize that this sort of thinking implies more immigration, not more forced pregnancy?

3) A new concept I?m glad to know: Campbell?s law.

4) Amazon takes your music into the cloud.

Source: http://feeds.washingtonpost.com/click.phdo?i=25a533f1beb4118474232a4ddf4dce22

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'It would've been easy to do nothing but I had to help attack victim'

The High Sheriff of Hull and the East Riding has given his annual awards for bravery and valour.

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Nothing sweet about LeBron's entourage

JUST when you start getting a bit down-in-the-dumps about the recession and so on, a sportsman comes forward to lift your spirits.

Step forward, Mr LeBron James!

 Like a one-man version of the IDA, LeBron is helping to keep unemployment down in the eastern states of the US by maintaining an entourage, the loose description usually draped over the hangers-on found orbiting a star in the sports or entertainment businesses - or maybe the intersection of both: the spotainment business?

Anyway, yesterday it all went wrong for said followers as the basketball megastar rocked up to the Cleveland Cavaliers’ home arena for a shoot around earlier this week, his entourage was denied entrance (there’s a backstory, of course - James left the Cavaliers recently for the Miami Heat, a departure which went down badly in Cleveland, hence the likely joy taken by the jobsworth on the gate in turning away the player’s pals).

James was eventually left in to take his practice shots, but we leave it to you to imagine the good grace with which he accepted this dent to his ego.

Reference to the entourage put us in mind of happier times, however.

While every two-bit rap star and actor has a collection of people at his or her beck and call nowadays - hence the superb TV series of the same name - few people know the origin of the term, or that it arrived into common usage thanks to sports in the first place.

Ray Robinson, a boxer so sweet he had to have the nickname ‘Sugar’ affixed to his name, wasn’t just one of the greatest fighters of all time. In a considerable heyday which stretched from the  ’40s through to the ’50s, Robinson had a collection of people trailing in his wake.

 There was a manager, sparring partners and trainers - the usual accoutrements of the pro boxer.

However, Robinson was also accompanied by a personal valet, a masseur, a barber and a short person - ‘midget’ was the term of the day - who served as a combination camp mascot and interpreter  (students of the exact parameters of the entourage are divided over the inevitable cast of beautiful women acting as outriders - members of the entourage or not? Decide for yourself).

In any event, Robinson is generally credited with founding the entourage as must-have accessory for the modern sports star.

 And that’s the official term. On one of his many overseas trips the boxer landed in France in 1951, where a liner steward, impressed by the group trailing behind him, referred to it as his ‘entourage’ with full Gallic emphasis.

Robinson liked the term and used it himself about his followers. It became part of his legend, along with the 200 professional fights between 1940 and 1965, the world titles at welter- and middle-weight, and the pink Cadillac he used to tootle around Manhattan.

And by the way, a lesson for LeBron James: nobody ever stopped Sugar Ray Robinson or his entourage from going anywhere.

Source: http://feeds.examiner.ie/~r/iesportsblog/~3/aLBpBCgg9gU/post.aspx

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Residents hope CCTV will cut crime in West Hull street

CCTV has been fitted in Aylesford Street to combat growing arson attacks and anti-social behaviour making life a misery for residents.

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Green Port Hull turbine plans 'brilliant' for city's future

Residents in Victoria Dock have thrown their support behind the Green Port Hull development at an exhibition in the Timber Dock in Hull.

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Green politics Scotland

�200k to help ladies spend a penny at races

IT'S a great day out and the champagne and Pimms flows freely.

But that brings one major downside at The Journal Ladies' Day.

As any woman will tell you, that are never enough toilets at the glitzy annual event, which attracts almost 15,000 visitors to Beverley Racecourse.

But now, ladies will spend less of their valuable drinking and betting time queuing to spend a penny.

A major �200,000 refurbishment has seen 14 female toilets installed in the grandstand and paddock area, where there was previously had just four.

The men's toilets in the area have also been ripped and out and replaced.

The scheme has also seen a new entrance area at the former Jockeys' Loft Restaurant, which has now been renamed Nosebag Cafeteria, installed.

Sally Iggulden, chief executive of Beverley Racecourse, hopes the work improves racegoers' experiences.

She said: "Ladies' Day is the one day of the year when we have problems with the toilets.

"The toilets tend to flood during really busy periods.

"We know you can have a brilliant day, but if a venue can't get the toilets right, it's something people can remember.

"We are fortunate in that we are a non-profit-making organisation and we are able to put money back into the facilities."

So far, about 6,000 tickets have been sold for Ladies' Day, which is on Wednesday, August 10.

This year is the first time the grandstand and paddock area will be ticket-only.

The work, part of the racecourse's ongoing improvement programme, has been completed in time for the start of the 2011 season on Wednesday, April 6.

Next Wednesday's seven- race programme begins at 2.10pm.

The racing season runs until September 20.

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Previewing the 2011 softball season

Kristen Boros and the Elyria Pioneers should make another run deep into the Division I postseason. - (Lynn Ischay / The Plain Dealer)

Checking out the top players and teams as the softball season gets started.

Source: http://highschoolsports.cleveland.com/news/article/-1804622913284106160

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1982

SNEINTON pensioners were learning karate. An increase in muggings was making older residents worried about safety, but some were taking matters into their own hands. Or fists.

A four-week course of talks and demonstrations at Sneinton Hermitage Community Centre taught pensioners to be ready for an attack and gave them more confidence to go out.

The lessons were being given by a tutor of Zanshin Shotokan Karate Dojo and would involve advice on tackling a mugger as well as avoiding situations which could lead to attack.

"He told us to carry handbags clasped in our hands in front of us and not at our sides," one participant said of an early class.

World Cup stars were queuing up to play in Don Masson's testimonial match at Meadow Lane. Six players almost certain to play for England or Scotland in Spain that summer were committed to join the squad that would face a Magpies past-and-present team.

They included Forest trio Peter Shilton, Viv Anderson and John Robertson, former Reds Trevor Francis and Asa Hartford and Arsenal's Kenny Sansom.

Facing them would be former Meadow Lane favourites such as Arthur Mann, who was then playing for Mansfield Town, Les Bradd, of Wigan, and David Needham, of Forest.

Skegness was getting a new look. The entrance to the open-air swimming pool had been cleared away and the adjoining Embassy Ballroom had been gutted as part of a �1m scheme to create an entertainment centre. That involved converting the Embassy to an amusement arcade and building an entrance foyer for a 1,200-seat octagonal theatre which would be built as a rear extension.

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Dubs and Cork looking good, but Banty feeling the heat.

Under Discussion: Round Five of the Allianz Football League

Chatting are: Eamonn Fitzmaurice, John Fogarty, Tony Leen, Daragh O Conchuir, Fintan O'Toole and Ray Silke

TONY LEEN: Once again a Kildare game is making the headlines today. Great pictures of McGeeney and Banty in today's papers, but the serious point here is that Meath lost again, despite McEnaney's protestations that they are going in the right direction. Royal supporters won't agree if they slip to an ignominious season in Division 3.

JOHN FOGARTY: Meath could still avoid Division 3 football, it has to be said. They face Derry next but John Brennan's side, after a storming start, are so inconsistent right now. Aside from the lack of mobility, I believe Banty inherited an almost ready-made attack. It was about putting together a decent defensive system. I'd imagine he wants to knit that with the traditional style that Meath have exhibited but the focus is on building from the back. One thing he had to realise, though, is that you don't mess with a county's football DNA. Ford and Kernan found that out to their cost.

TONY LEEN: Daragh, you were working in Newbridger, were there signs Meath were getting it right?

DARAGH O CONCHÚIR: They were a bit one-dimensional I thought, with the long ball into Joe Sheridan and Shane O'Rourke the only plan. Obviously the return of Graham Reilly and Stephen Bray will give them more options in that regard. Shane McAnarney being used as a man-marker on Johnny Doyle was interesting and he did a fairly good job but when the game was in the melting pot, Kildare were able to work scores easily enough, while Meath were relying on frees.

JOHN FOGARTY: As an aside, the Banty-Geezer photos are fantastic. Who said nothing happens outside the top-flight!

RAY SILKE: Don't agree with you John, that the McEnaney & McGeeney photos are fantastic. Both look pretty silly and to be engaged in such Alpha male posturing in March must bring a smile the likes of Mickey Harte and Jack O'Connor.

JOHN FOGARTY: Ah come on, Ray - doesn't it show how much they care? Jack O'Connor was gesticulating on the sideline in Armagh yesterday.

RAY SILKE: Big difference between gesticulating and sticking your noses (& bellies) into each other.

TONY LEEN: McGeeney's ambitions stretch well beyond April though. Are Kildare looking to have more pieces of the jigsaw in place this year?

JOHN FOGARTY: They're still finishing games so strongly. They're lacking nothing in fitness and their attitude seems tip-top. But there's pressure there. Three seasons and still nothing to show for it. Ironically with those great photographs in mind, if McGeeney's not careful he could turn out to be the Banty of Kildare - a fine manager with empty pockets.

TONY LEEN: Couple of points from Pearse Stadium yesterday where Cork made it five out five. Conor Counihan might be worried about Colm O'Neill's knee injury, but anyone notice that subs Sean Kiely, James Fitzpatrick and Conor O'Driscoll came on and got four points between them. I'm nitpicking here, but has Conor Counihan too many options?

JOHN FOGARTY: Don't think so. Counihan's situation is the cliched welcome headache. He tried plenty of players in last year's league and that provided dividends. There is no question about the depth in quality of their personnel but I'd like to see Cork alternating their style. The deliberate build-ups could be their undoing if teams take the approach Dublin took in the last league game and stand off them, screen and avoid fouling.

RAY SILKE: Cork were very lacklustre in the first half and Joe Bergin did very well at midfield while James Fitzpatrick made a big impression on his introduction. Conor has plenty of options when you consider the players they are still without. Most managers would prefer too many options against too few. The guy who impressed me most Sunday was Paddy Kelly. He was immense in the second half and won oceans of ball. He is fine player. Goulding kicked a few beauties too. I take your point John, they can be a bit one dimensional. However with Paudie Kissane, Noel O'Leary and even Eoin Cadogan driving up from the back, they should be able to vary it if needed. One other point from Pearse Stadium yesterday is that Cork took at least 10/12 short kick-outs and got away with it.

JOHN FOGARTY: Believe you me, Ray, Jack's language was colourful enough. I take your point about the postering but from a promotional aspect does it do the GAA any harm? Not at all. But have Cork to shake it up a bit, Ray? Or will the conveyor belt of talent be enough to keep them going this year?

RAY SILKE: Hard to look past Cork and Dublin at this stage. Dublin have Galway in Rd 7 - so I don' t see them being caught. What is wrong with Paul Kerrigan or where is he?

FINTAN O’TOOLE: Kerrigan was given a break after Nemo's All-Ireland club exertions, but the delay in his return is related to the leg injury that he was carrying entering the St Brigid's game. In addition Counihan has wanted to try out the members of UCC's Sigerson side that he hadn't got a chance to have a look at until now. Given there's a two-week break now until the Mayo game, I would expect more of Cork's big names to make their 2011 bow in Castlebar. Counihan has stated that he's hopeful Canty, Miskella, Quirke and Lynch will all be in a position to feature in Cork's last two league games, having shaken off injury problems. The management have also been looking at David Niblock in recent trial games, he has been superb for Nemo Rangers over the past twelve months.

TONY LEEN: One word I'll throw in on the Dubs. For a team of suspect temperament, it doesn't do anyone good to be conceding 3-13. I know it wasn't their strongest defence but they need to shake off that suspicion that any team will always have a chance against them

JOHN FOGARTY: Dubs remind me of Andy Lee at the moment - well-drilled and supremely-talented but entice them into a brawl and you can take them. Pat Gilroy has stressed the Croke Park factor time and time again and he's right. Teams' attacks are being made to look good on the bigger surface and their defences' weaker than they really are. I'd like to see Bryan Cullen start the next day. He's calmed the waters in the last three games. Just like Alan Brogan, he deserves to start (but for Bernard's US trip, Alan would have been on the bench again).

TONY LEEN: What about Kerry in Armagh. Jack O'Connor reckoned they made hard work of it. But Donaghy looked good

RAY SILKE: Superb goal from wee Darren O' Sullivan. Goal of day?

JOHN FOGARTY: Donaghy was sublime and Kerry would have won the game earlier than they did if they utilised his dominance better. Credit to Darran O'Sullivan for the quality of ball he put into Donaghy. O'Sullivan is an All Star on his form at the minute. Revelling on the 40 which brings to mind what will be the Kerry attacking line-up for the championship: Galvin, Darran O'Sullivan, Donnchadh Walsh; Cooper, Donaghy, Declan O'Sullivan. Moran taking the left-sided frees or can Bryan Sheehan be accommodated?

TONY LEEN: What Kerry undoubtedly have is massive attacking options, and Darran augments that. Problems are further back the field, particularly midfield and full back line. Was Scanlon yanked early yesterday or was he injured? Classic management ploy that - ensuring everyone's focused from the get-go. Is Moran the answer? And who'll join Marc and Tom in the full back line when things get serious?

JOHN FOGARTY: Got the dreaded crooked finger, it appeared, Tony. Shane Enright impressed me yesterday, not just with his general play but wasn't afraid to shout at other more senior players. Wasn't taking any crap from the Armagh players either. In fairness, we aren't really looking at a Kerry team in transition, are we? That attack I named is hardly revolutionary and the defence won't be either.

 

FINTAN O’TOOLE: Shane Enright looked solid yesterday at corner-back, further down the line Peter Crowley will be an option once U21 commitments cease.

JOHN FOGARTY: Heard one of the boys on Radio Kerry mention during the game the aggression Dave Moran has brought to his game. Much-needed.

FINTAN O’TOOLE: Moran landed two big frees towards the finish as well, the second one from the sideline was an outstanding kick.

JOHN FOGARTY: Some change from the guy who lined out for UL against NUI Maynooth, hey Fintan?

TONY LEEN: Kerry like the look of Peter Crowley, but he's a road to travel yet. Tommy Griffin has to come back into the mix yet and that might give them options, but in terms of attack, you are right about a very settled look. Only thing though - a teamsheet is always going to look predictable when Gooch, Galvin, Declan and Donaghy are available. Darran's a lock too and the last spot is between Sheehan and Donncha at the moment. But don't forget BJ Keane and Kieran O'Leary.

EAMONN FITZMAURICE: Fair comment. It would be very hard to leave out Donnacha Walsh. He brings a lot to the table and gives the attack balance. The competition for places will be cut-throat come championship time. Much will depend on injuries and form. Either way there will be some very disappointed players. Trying to keep everyone happy or even reasonably happy is a job in itself for management.

JOHN FOGARTY: Another thing: Kerry looked a bit tentative in the tackle at times in Armagh. After what happened with Marc Ó Sé, it was as if they were having to be on their best behaviour because of the TV cameras. Unlikely to be a complex come championship time, though, you'd imagine.

TONY LEEN: From a Kerry point of view though it would be nice if there was a bolter or two pressing their case. Anyway, broadening it out finally, who's happy with their League so far, and who's not, apart from Meath and Galway? In all the divisions?

FINTAN O’TOOLE: In Division 3, I imagine John Evans and Maurice Horan were happy men yesterday evening. That was big wins for Tipperary and Limerick, and keeps alive their hopes of avoiding the dreaded drop to Division 4.

JOHN FOGARTY: Donegal are standing out in Division 2. Martin McHugh told me to back them for promotion before Christmas. After letting it slip against Sligo first day out, you'd think otherwise but they have come on leaps and bounds. McGuinness gives them discipline and a system. Could be a little bit static in attack but they've got to continue building around Michael Murphy. Didn't Limerick do something similar last year, Fintan? A desperately slow start only to come good towards the end of the campaign?

FINTAN O’TOOLE: That's true but under a new management Limerick badly needed those victories over the last two weekends. Winning in Drogheda yesterday will boost morale.

TONY LEEN: McGuinness is going to be a good one. I think Roscommon is also going to be a good news story going forward. Big Under 21 final against Galway coming up. The seniors now have Senan Kilbride back too after his club exploits with St Brigid's. Also in Division One, it might look predictable, but a final between Dublin and Cork is one to whet the appetite for the summer

JOHN FOGARTY: It would - a real glamour tie and some departure from that Kerry-Derry final in Parnell Park a few years back,. It would also constitute a success for the spring series in Croke Park.

EAMONN FITZMAURICE: Dublin have to be very happy. They are winning games but have plenty to work on in particular in defence. Conor Counihan will be also very pleased that his team are maintaining momentum and the winning habit from last year. Jack and the lads will be happy also as they are blooding a few (Enright, McGuire) and getting consistency from a few more. (Maher, Moran, O'Leary). In Division 2 Donegal will be very happy with their form in particular their impressive score taking against Derry. Banty must be feeling the heat though at this stage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: http://feeds.examiner.ie/~r/iesportsblog/~3/s5cibsROHqo/post.aspx

Gabriel Agbonlahor US supreme court Peter Atherton Aston villa The FA The far right

Anyone considered the possibility Ireland has found its natural level?

Under Discussion: Ireland's crucial Euro 2012 victory over Macedonia

Chatting are: Miguel Delaney, Ken Early, Tony Leen and Irish Examiner football correspondent Liam Mackey

Tony Leen, Irish Examiner sports editor: Maybe it's just me, but I was feeling rather upbeat after that Macedonia win on Saturday night. High tempo affair with its typical Irish flaws, but a good three points that puts us right back in the mix. I know that wasn't the mood of the wise men of Montrose afterwards, but...

Ken Early, Newstalk football corr: I think it was just you. Most of the players didn't seem that impressed. Glenn Whelan virtually issued an apology on behalf of the team

Miguel Delaney, football writer: While I don't want want to appear negative, the team hasn't progressed in three years. In fact, we've probably regressed since Paris. You could essentially take any Irish win from last three years, switch names and the narrative would be more or less identical to Saturday.

Tony Leen: On that Paris point, people have to stop using that night as a reference point as if it was the norm at the time. It was not, it was virtually an aberration.

Ken Early: Their goalkeeper was a gibbering wreck. He effectively threw in two goals. So we didn't put another shot on target. How hard can it be?

Miguel Delaney: To be gifted a two-goal lead, a poor calamity of a keeper and a Macedonian team that had all but given up and STILL be hanging on as early as half-time is an indictment.

Tony Leen: So we're back straight away into the style v substance debate. And before anyone goes off and says, why can't we have both...yes, but that will take time - a campaign or two - and a different manager because Trapattoni was, is, and will never be what we require in that regard. I'm thinking we need to get to to a major finals – quickly - to bring about that re-connect between the players and the Irish public. Cliche or no, the goal just before the break changed the whole dynamic. This is an Irish side relatively low on confidence, remember. Squeezing this one out will do a lot of good.

Ken Early: What is worrying is that it's always the same story. We score early, lose the plot, concede. Has management not analysed why this keeps happening?

Liam Mackey, Irish Examiner football correspondent: Agreed that this is an old problem. Give us the higher ground and we'll do our best to fall off. But there was one big difference Saturday compared to, say, when we went two up against Israel under Brian Kerr - Trapattoni's team actually got over the line with the three points intact. And while it was nerve-wracking for a spell, you couldn't exactly say we were hanging on at the end.

Ken Early: We were better after Fahey came on. Why? Because we weren't giving the ball away every three passes. He played centre midfield against Norway and was very good. He was then DROPPED from the next squad, and only got in as an afterthought. Logic? Also with Trap, he got annoyed on Friday when someone asked whether he might, just for once, ask the full-backs to push on a bit. He said he had never told his full-backs to play cautiously, cited Cabrini and Brehme as examples of attacking full-backs he's had.

Liam Mackey: Has anyone considered the possibility Ireland has found its natural level? That we're just about as good as the players at our disposal, regardless of tactics. In other words, a mid-ranking European team, not the potential world-beaters that, in common with the familiar hubris of English football, we seem to think we are?

Ken Early: Yes, but, the frustration comes from the fact we feel the team could play better and that some of the players who might help us do that can't get in the team. We know Kilbane can't play quick passing football. Maybe Ciaran Clark could. But Kilbane's place in the team is as constant as the northern star.

Miguel Delaney: I think this is the fundamental problem. Trapattoni - obviously one of the all-time greats - still has enough qualities to make us hard to beat and durable. But I think he's too out of touch to give us that bit extra. Russia's three-man midfield, for example, is likely to expose again in the game that really matters.

Tony Leen: So in the creative areas of the pitch, ie the forward six players, who should start a home game, and would it be different for an away game? If Fahey starts, you're presumably saying Gibson doesn't. Does Whelan retain the holding role? And what is the preferred back four, all being fit and not suspended?

Ken Early: We haven't got a really outstanding holding midfielder. Whelan seems to be the only one with the humility to actually do a disciplined job there, even if he's not technically brilliant. When Fahey was talking about his midfield performance in the Norway game, he said "holding isn't really my game". Trap seems to see McCarthy almost as a second striker. So I guess Whelan does stay.

Miguel Delaney: If our options in midfield are so poor then why does Trapattoni only play two there? It sums up his refusal to evolve, as well as his caution.

Ken Early: Clark will play against Uruguay Tuesday so we'll see what he can do. Maybe he's not Cabrini or Brehme. But we know as long as we are using Kilbane, we won't get much flowing football down that side, and we know as long as we use Robbie we will give it away in midfield. They're the choices Trap makes.

Miguel Delaney: A three-man midfield would give Trap the protection he offers as well as providing extra angles going forward

Ken Early: Robbie is the only player who scores, so dropping him seems unthinkable. But maybe he's the only player who scores because using him means the team can't retain possession to the point where other players get chances.

Miguel Delaney: You see it with so many teams where the balance starts to tilt. The big player carries them, but also because everything has to be built around him. At Real Madrid, they have that debate now over whether team actually plays better without Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ken Early: Which is a pity, because it would be great to have Keane in reserve if things weren't working. I think his attitude is a bit selfish. Then again, he's turned up and played more than a 100 games for Ireland. Maybe it's too much to ask him to accept a sub role.

Liam Mackey: Ah come off it. You can't drop Keane. For a guy who has had so little football recently, his reaction for the goal was vital. The problem for Ireland in terms of retaining possession is that that there's little or no guile in central midfield, the very part of the pitch which tends to dictate the shape of a game. I'd play McCarthy in there but I can't see that fitting with Trap's holding obsession.

Ken Early: Trapattoni often compares Keane to Totti. But he's not really like him at all. Totti combines really well with team-mates coming from midfield. There was a moment Saturday when McGeady took a pass down on the left touchline. He tried to pass it forward to Keane. But Keane was running away from him, ahead of the ball. On RTE, McGeady got slated for playing a poor pass. But Keane's movement left him isolated. If he was the kind of player who dropped into midfield and helped to link play, then our system might work. Trap's "Totti" comparison suggests this is what he has in mind. But that's not what Keane is and it's not what he does. He's an old-fashioned kind of goalscorer who finishes moves off.

Tony Leen: Donal Lenihan is a great one for telling me that hacks never have to pick a team, so call it now. Midfield, four or five, as I asked.

Ken Early: Duff and McGeady for sure, then I'd like to see Whelan, Fahey, McCarthy

Tony Leen: With Keane or Doyle up top on his own? Or are you playing three at the back?

Miguel Delaney: On a related issue, what a pity David Meyler has had such trouble because he looks a real midfielder. I'd love to see 4-2-3-1, Whelan and a passer - so Fahey, with McCarthy ahead. And Doyle up front because these days he offers more than Robbie.

Tony Leen: And the back three or four?

Miguel Delaney: Coleman at right-back, but that's a pipe dream at present.

Ken Early: I'd go Clark, O'Shea, Dunne, Coleman

Liam Mackey: For Macedonia? Foley, O'Shea, St Ledger, Clark but Trap will stick with Kilbane - and, away from home, he has a case.

Ken Early: I don't get it. What is Kilbane doing that Clark can't? With Foley/Coleman, I can see the case for using Foley - I just want to get Coleman in the team, but I wouldn't pick him ahead of McGeady or Duff yet.

Tony Leen: Clark, O'Shea, Dunne, Coleman? Maybe for the 2014 campaign! We're elevating Ciaran Clark and he's still a rookie, with 24 first team games for Villa. Away from home, asking for trouble.

Ken Early: We haven't been shy of using young players in the past when they've been good enough. Steve Staunton was our first choice left-back at what, 19? Robbie Keane was first choice at 18. Ashley Cole, he was playing for England at 20 wasn't he? So why not Clark, when the player he'd be replacing is 34 and not even playing left back for his club?

Tony Leen: Stop, please. Don't put Cole and Clark in the same sentence. Ye're going Ciaran Clark more on the basis of Kilbane than the youngster's readiness? Anyway, how is the group shaping up now? Makes the June trip to Skopje really interesting now. Three points there and....

Miguel Delaney: Funny, that's where Trap deserves credit; he's good at negotiating results on tricky trips. However I'l think we'll gt undone in Moscow.

Ken Early: I think we will only draw in Macedonia when we really need to win. As for Moscow, I think Russia have lost only three home qualifiers since the Second World War. However two of those were in the last two years, to Germany and Slovakia.

Miguel Delaney: And the manner the Russians undid us in October worries me. What about Slovakia at Lansdowne?

Ken Early: We should beat them. If we don't, maybe it's best that we don't go to the Euros. I have seen Slovakia play a number of times between this group and the World Cup. They are no better than us. At home we have to beat them.

 

 

 

 

 

Source: http://feeds.examiner.ie/~r/iesportsblog/~3/SAv5cFAjGTk/post.aspx

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