One Irish boxing hero bows out in a shock retirement, Tyrone’s footballers return to action and two of Trap’s strikers get their names on the scoresheet.
1. #KO John Duddy has retired from boxing in a shock decision.
The Derryman has turned his nose at a six-figure purse that was on offer to fight Andy Lee in New England.
In a lengthy, heart-felt statement Duddy admitted: “The fire has burned out and I know it will not return.”
2. #CARLING CUP Kevin Doyle was on the scoresheet as Wolves routed Doncaster 5-0 last night.
Jon Walters hit a brace for Stoke as the saw off Cardiff.
Man City, meanwhile, were well rattled by Sven Goran Erikkson’s Leicester but eventually closed out their replay 4-2 at Eastlands.
Carlos Tevez missed another spotter though.
3. #RED HAND RETURN Tyrone’s footballers will return to action tonight with their first game of the season.
Just days after the funeral of Michaela McAreavey - daughter of manager Micky Harte – the Red Hand face UUJ in their Dr McKenna Cup opener at Healy Park.
4. #AUSTRALIAN OPEN Venus Williams survived a scare as she booked her place in the third round of the Australian Open.
The fourth seed struggled early on against Czech opponent Sandra Zahlavova, losing the first set on a tie-break.
But Williams responded in emphatic style to record a 6-7 (6-8) 6-0 6-4 victory.
Her dress made more of an impression that the performance however.
5. #DEAL OR NO DEAL? Leinster and Ireland out half Jonathon Sexton says he's frustrated by the delay in concluding contract talks with the IRFU.
Sexton is said to be amongst the worst paid Irish stars - earning around €100,000 a year on a provincial contract.
Leinster have, however secured Seán O’Brien, Shane Jennings, Devin Toner, Fergus McFadden and Jack McGrath to deals for the next few years.
6. #BITTER Darren Bent insists he pushed for his multi-million euro move to Aston Villa for 'football reasons'.
But that hasn't stopped notorious tweeter - DB11TheTruth - coming in for plenty off criticism from upset Sunderland fans. There's a fake Twitter account already working overtime: DB39TheLies
7. #MUNSTER Ian Nagle replaces Ian Dowling in the squad for Saturday’s final pool match against London Irish.
Beaten in Toulon last Sunday, Munster cannot progress to the knockout stages of the Heineken Cup but a win against the Exiles could earn a place in the Amlin Challenge Cup quarter-finals.
In a blow of Wales, meanwhile, Tom Shanklin will miss all of the Six Nations meanwhile with a knee injury.
8. #UNHAPPY RETURN Dunguib's belated return to action has been postponed again after a blood test caused concern for his trainer, Philip Fenton.
The horse will now miss the Irish Champion Hurdle this weekend at Leopardstown.
The Morning Score: Wednesday
1. #KO John Duddy has retired from boxing in a shock decision.
The Derryman has turned his nose at a six-figure purse that was on offer to fight Andy Lee in New England.
In a lengthy, heart-felt statement Duddy admitted: “The fire has burned out and I know it will not return.”
2. #CARLING CUP Kevin Doyle was on the scoresheet as Wolves routed Doncaster 5-0 last night.
Jon Walters hit a brace for Stoke as the saw off Cardiff.
Man City, meanwhile, were well rattled by Sven Goran Erikkson’s Leicester but eventually closed out their replay 4-2 at Eastlands.
Carlos Tevez missed another spotter though.
3. #RED HAND RETURN Tyrone’s footballers will return to action tonight with their first game of the season.
Just days after the funeral of Michaela McAreavey - daughter of manager Micky Harte – the Red Hand face UUJ in their Dr McKenna Cup opener at Healy Park.
4. #AUSTRALIAN OPEN Venus Williams survived a scare as she booked her place in the third round of the Australian Open.
The fourth seed struggled early on against Czech opponent Sandra Zahlavova, losing the first set on a tie-break.
But Williams
responded in emphatic style to record a 6-7 (6-8) 6-0 6-4 victory.
Her dress made more of an impression that the performance however.
Read Stephen Kelly's first round round-up here.
5. #DEAL OR NO DEAL? Leinster and Ireland out half Jonathon Sexton says he's frustrated by the delay in concluding contract talks with the IRFU.
Sexton is said to be amongst the worst paid Irish stars - earning around €100,000 a year on a provincial contract.
Leinster have, however secured Seán O’Brien, Shane Jennings, Devin Toner, Fergus McFadden and Jack McGrath to deals for the next few years.
6. #BITTER Darren Bent insists he pushed for his multi-million euro move to Aston Villa for 'football reasons'.
But that hasn't stopped notorious tweeter - DB11TheTruth - coming in for plenty off criticism from upset Sunderland fans. There's a fake Twitter account already working overtime: DB39TheLies
7. #MUNSTER Ian Nagle replaces Ian Dowling in the squad for Saturday’s final pool match against London Irish.
Beaten in Toulon last Sunday, Munster cannot progress to the knockout stages of the Heineken Cup but a win against the Exiles could earn a place in the Amlin Challenge Cup quarter-finals.
In a blow of Wales, meanwhile, Tom Shanklin will miss all of the Six Nations meanwhile with a knee injury.
8. #UNHAPPY RETURN Dunguib's belated return to action has been postponed again after a blood test caused concern for his trainer, Philip Fenton.
The horse will now miss the Irish Champion Hurdle this weekend at Leopardstown.
9. #LEGEND Manchester United are ready to offer Ryan Giggs yet another contract.
The 37-year-old, who played his 600th league game for the club on Saturday, is likely to pen a one-year deal soon.
Alex Ferguson will be hoping for a few more like this:
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Andy Lee Darren Bent John Duddy jonathon Sexton Kevin Doyle Michaela McAreavey The Morning Score Venus Williams Wolves