Limerick hurlers had a good win against Wexford last weekend and will play Laois on Saturday. If they overcome Laois they will progress to meet Anthony Daly’s Dublin in the All-Ireland quarter-final on the weekend of July 25-26. The Limerick senior footballers could yet in be action that weekend. Limerick’s opponents for round four of the football qualifiers will be known after the draw next Sunday evening.

Kerry’s game against Sligo next Saturday evening has been transferred to Tralee because the Pussycat Dolls are performing in Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney! (Many old-timers must be turning in their graves.)

Tiger Woods is 5/2 favourite for the British Open at Turnberry which starts on Thursday.

Padraig Harrington is 28/1 to win the three-in-a-row.

“I’m not really showing much form, and not really knowing what to expect. I can only be hopeful rather than expectant,” Harrington admitted after four practice rounds of the Turnberry course.

His reason for playing the Irish PGA Championship before The Open was to get more time playing links golf. “There’s a massive adjustment to be made. A difference in temperature alone can mean a 30 yard difference on a shot. There is a difference in the density of the air because it’s cooler and you’re beside the sea.” (We have the same problem when we play Ballybunion)

Despite his lack of form he is confident in his ability to finish strongly. “The one thing I know is that if I get in position I can win.”

Hopefully, he will at least make the cut – and after that anything is possible.

GAA RESULTS; Leinster SFC final: Dublin 2-15 Kildare 0-18; All-Ireland Qualifiers Round 2: Derry 3-16 Monaghan 0-20; Donegal 0-13 Clare 1-7; Down 2-9 Laois 0-7; Kerry 1-12 Longford 0-11; Meath 1-15 Westmeath 1-5; Sligo 1-13 Tipperary 1-12; Wexford 1-8 Roscommon 0-11 (aet); Wicklow 1-12 Cavan 0-8.
Munster SHC final: Tipperary 4-14 Waterford 2-16. All-Ireland Qualifiers Phase Two: Galway 2-18 Clare 1-11; Limerick 1-13 Wexford 0-14. Christy Ring Cup final: Carlow 1-15 Down 0-14. Nicky Rackard Cup final: Meath 2-18 London 1-15. Lory Meagher Cup final: Tyrone 5-11 Donegal 3-16

BETTING; Football-Tyrone 2/1. Kerry 3/1. Dublin 7/2. Cork 7/2. 20/1 bar. Hurling-Kilkenny 2/5. Tipperary 7/2. Galway 12/1. Cork 12/1, Waterford 33/1. Limerick 50/1.

For a value bet, have a little flutter on Dublin and Tipperary. (If you talk nice to Lal he may lay you 25/1.)

FISHING; The trout season has finally opened and a number of reasonably sized trout have been caught in the last few weeks. Hopefully the run will continue, and not disappear overnight like last year. Salmon numbers are still very low and there is no news of fish being taken. It has the appearance of a very poor, if not disastrous year for salmon.

RACES; The annual Abbeyfeale Horse & Pony Races were a huge success and such was the interest from owners in running horses that extra races had to be laid on to cope with the volume of entries. The field, Relihan’s Inch, Kilcara was a revelation, and it is hard to believe that land of such quality exists beyond the Golden Vale. Everything that could be done for the comfort of the patrons was laid on from parking, big screen, marquee with tables and chairs, drinks, food and a betting ring outside the door. The track was railed and in excellent condition. Toddy McMahon’s 10 year old daughter Rachel won the local race which was sponsored by the Relihan Family. The children enjoyed the free bouncy castle and pony rides and all who attended enjoyed a great day out in beautiful surroundings on the banks of the Feale. Winners of the draw held in aid of the Abbeyfeale Youth Clubs were as follows: 1st prize €1000 Julia Kilduane of Clash Rd., Abbeyfeale. 2nd €300 Sinead Cahill, Knocknasna and 3rd Margaret Curtin Clounmacken, Listowel. There was also a free draw on the race card with 1st prize a hamper kindly sponsored by Knockbrack man Pius Horgan of Acorn Life which was won by Denis Collins Wards Cross, Dromtrasna, Abbeyfeale. There were also two €50 bets sponsored by Paddy Powers and two sponsored by Ladbrokes. These were won by Aaron O’Connor Meenahorna, Knocknagoshel, James and Ann Quirke, Duagh, Co. Kerry, Ann O’Carroll, Kilmorna Listowel and Ger Broderick, Lisrue, Duagh.

SEISUN; This Comhaltas traditional entertainment programme has commenced for it’s annual run at the Devon Inn on the Thursday nights of July and August. Over twenty performers from the Comhaltas Plearachta group who won All Ireland honours in Ennis at the Fleadh Nua in May will provide the very best in traditional music, song and dance. The Seisun commences at 9pm each Thursday night and each night finishes with an informal session where the audience are welcome to participate. If you have summer visitors or even if you want a great night out just for yourself this is the place to go.
FUNDRAISER; The Premier Blue Boys will be the star attraction at a dance in aid of local community radio being run by Buddy Barry, Cahir in the upstairs ballroom in Jack Foley’s Bar, Main St. Abbeyfeale on Saturday, July 18th next. Admission is just €5 and your support would be much appreciated by the hardworking volunteers at WL102fm.

GOLF; The next outing of Abbeyfeale Golfing Society is to Limerick County Golf Club, Ballyneety on Sat. 25^th July. Tee-times are from 10.30-12.00. To be included in the draw for tee-times, text your name to 086 2234074 by 6pm Wed. 22^nd July. Committee meeting Wed. 22^nd July in Jim Lane’s at 9pm. The weekend away to Dromoland Castle requires a €60 deposit by Aug.15^th to secure a place.

A.C.; Shane O Connell won the U/12 All-Ireland long jump title in Tullamore on Sat the 11th July with a tremendous jump of 4.67m.