Paul O’Connell will captain the Lions squad during this summer’s tour of South Africa.

The 29-year-old has just been unveiled as the man to lead the Lions on their 10-match tour, which will include three test matches against the Springboks

.A total of 14 Irish players have been selected in the squad including Munster’s Jerry Flannery, David Wallace, Alan Quinlan, Donncha O’Callaghan, Paul O’Connell, Tomas O’Leary, Ronan O’Gara and Keith Earls

O’Connell, one of six players to start all three Lions tests in New Zealand four years ago, has been in superb form for Munster and Ireland this season.

The Young Munster clubman is the 10th Irish man to skipper the Lions.

The squad will leave for the tour, which includes tests in Durban, Pretoria and Johannesburg, on Sunday, May 24, a day after the Heineken Cup final.

The squad is;
Backs: Lee Byrne, Rob Kearney, Shane Williams, Leigh Halfpenny, Ugo Monye, Luke Fitzgerald, Tommy Bowe, Tom Shanklin, Jamie Roberts, Brian O’Driscoll, Keith Earls, Riki Flutey, Ronan O’Gara, Stephen Jones, Mike Phillips, Harry Ellis, Tomas O’Leary.
Forwards: Jamie Heaslip, Andy Powell, David Wallace, Stephen Ferris, Alan Quinlan, Joe Worsley, Martyn Williams, Alun Wyn-Jones, Paul O’Connell (capt), Donncha O’Callaghan, Simon Shaw, Nathan Hines, Gethin Jenkins, Adam Jones, Andrew Sheridan, Phil Vickery, Euan Murray, Jerry Flannery, Lee Mears, Matthew Rees.

FLEADH

The official launch of the 15^th annual Fleadh by the Feale was held in Matt McCoy’s bar, Abbeyfeale. The Fleadh starts on Thursday 30^th April and continues until Monday 4^th May. Highlight will be the traditional concert on Sunday 3^rd May at the convent hall featuring Four Men and a Dog. Tickets are available from; Dearbhla 087-6874035, Maureen 086-3265762, Celine 087-7697672, John 086-3165848, Abbey Stone & Tile 068-31109, and Slice of Life 068-32655

LAUNCH;

Local musician, Donal Murphy will launch his new CD of traditional Irish music entitled, Happy Hour, at a function in Murphy’s Bar, Abbeyfeale on Thursday next 23^rd April.

CARDS;

There was a big attendance at Meenkilly Card Game for the final game of the season with 17 tables taking part. Winners with 14 games were Mossie Gleeson, Catherine Kiely and Mike Kiely. Runners-up with 13 games each were Anne O’Connor, Joe O’Connor and Lena Whelan, and Maura Scannell, Kate Lenihan and Mary Scannell. The door prize was won by Maura Scannell and John Paul Lenihan. Table prizes went to Linda Quirke, Betty Curtin and Anne Cahill. Raffle winners were Dan Reidy, Eamon Fitzgerald, Joe Murphy, Seamus Lenihan, Nora McElligott, Fr John O’Shea, Liam O’Connor, John Joe O’Connor, Dan Joe Casey, Geoffrey Fitzgerald, Serena O’Donnell, Jer Roche, Catherine Collins, Michelle Hollis, Sandra Broderick, Mossie Collins and Maura Scannell. The card committee would like to thank everyone for their support throughout the season.

VIGIL;

The first night vigil to Knock takes place on Friday 1^st May. Further details from Peg at 068-31232.

RUGBY;

The AGM of Abbeyfeale Rugby Club takes place at the clubhouse on next Friday night 24^th April at 8pm. The monthly table quiz will be held at the Winners Circle bar immediately after the AGM. An end of season night will take place in The Grove on Saturday 25^th April where presentations will be made to various teams and players. Entertainment and refreshments will be available after the awards and all are welcome.

GAA;

Fr Casey’s will meet Mungret in the U/21 county semi-final. Date and venue to be arranged.

Allianz NFL Div 4: Wicklow 0-10 Sligo 0-11; Kilkenny 1-9 Carlow 2-22; Waterford 0-8 Antrim 0-13; Clare 3-21 London 1-7. ESB Leinster MFC Rd 1: Kildare 4-19 Wicklow 0-5; Wexford 3-19 Kilkenny 0-5; Laois 3-10 Longford 1-13; Westmeath 1-15 Carlow 1-6; Dublin 4-15 Louth 0-5; Meath 0-18 Offaly 1-11 (aet).
Allianz NHL Div 1: Kilkenny 1-23 Dublin 3-15; Cork 3-15 Waterford 2-22; Clare 0-19 Galway 4-16; Tipperary 1-17 Limerick 1-11. Div 2: Down 1-23 Kerry 4-5; Wexford 6-21 Carlow 0-14; Offaly 1-18 Antrim 0-13; Westmeath 2-17 Laois 1-14. Div 3B: Louth 0-24 0-9 Tyrone; London 1-16 0-10 Donegal; Fingal 4-13 1-17 Roscommon; Leinster U21 AHC: Louth 0-8 Carlow 4-16; Kildare 1-13 Westmeath 0-15.

SOCCER;

Abbeyfeale Utd B were beaten 10-4 by Newcastlewest B in the league on Friday evening.

COURSING

The All Weather Gallop at the Coursing Field has been fully re-surfaced and greyhound owners who wish to use the facility can do so for a fee of €150 per year.