Furlong out to end season on a high 

By David Kelly Last November, Tadhg Furlong's Ireland were on the crest of a giant wave; soon it would crash them against the rocks of uncertainty.

Hogg is dreaming of the ultimate happy ending 

By David Kelly George Best's Scottish club career effectively reached its nadir in Parkhead; now Stuart Hogg is hoping his can end on a high when he himself runs out for the final time on Scottish soil tomorrow.

Tommy McCarthy is getting back to his best with title shot in sight 

By David Kelly Belfast fighter Tommy McCarthy says he is back on the path to a British title shot after a successful return to the ring on Saturday night.

Kearney could be lured to France amid deal impasse 

By David Kelly Rob Kearney is seriously considering offers to play club rugby in France as contract talks with the IRFU continue to stall.

Three Northern Ireland boxers will get world title chances in the next 12 months: Arum 

By David Kelly Promoter Bob Arum has revealed that he will be working on world title opportunities for Carl Frampton, Michael Conlan and Ryan Burnett all within the next 12 months.

I'm ready for title fight test, vows Feargal McCrory 

By David Kelly Feargal McCrory had hoped for a good test at the Europa Hotel tonight but instead he will have a routine bout with journeyman Elvis Guillen.

Marc McCullough hoping to keep his career alive in derby showdown 

By David Kelly There's a real sense that the ring rollercoaster Marc McCullough has been riding since turning professional will either come to a crushing halt tonight in the Ulster Hall or he will find himself accelerating...

Stander relishing more derby blood and thunder 

By David Kelly The last time we met Jannie Stander, his son was nonchalantly regaling us with a tale of how he had run over the six-year-old while driving his tractor.

Redemption song rings the loudest for Conlan 

By David Kelly Michael Conlan exhaled a deep sigh and recalled returning to his dressing room in New York to find out he had found himself in as big a PR mess as he could have imagined.

Bangor's Mark McCall reflects on his complicated journey to become the most successful Irish... 

By David Kelly Saracens were at their most vulnerable when they demonstrated their greatest strength; resilience is the great hallmark of champions.

Cacace can go to next level with victory over Bowen 

By David Kelly Anthony Cacace will challenge unbeaten British champion Sam Bowen this summer in a battle between two world rated fighters.

McCall has shrugged off early woes to be among world's elite 

By David Kelly In Brendan Venter's mind, there was only one man who could complete the job he had started at Saracens. The South African's decision to step away in 2010, after just 16 months, shocked...

Paddy may find future is always subject to the court of public opinion 

By David Kelly For Paddy Jackson, it seems, every step he takes into his future only illustrates how deeply imprinted the trails of his past remain.

McCullagh needs a real test after cruising to victory 

By David Kelly WBO European champion Tyrone McCullagh cruised to a comfortable victory over Spaniard Alvaro Rodriguez in Newcastle over 10 lacklustre rounds.

McFadden's World Cup in doubt after ban for headbutt on Reidy 

By David Kelly Fergus McFadden's World Cup hopes have suffered what could be a terminal blow after being hit with a six-week headbutting ban which will rule him out of all Leinster and Ireland games until late August.

McCullagh promises to go on the front foot 

By David Kelly Tyrone McCullagh says he will bring a new dimension to his game when facing 33-year-old Alvaro Rodriguez in Newcastle tonight.

McCrory homes in on Commonwealth bid 

By David Kelly Feargal McCrory is on track for a Commonwealth title shot before the end of the year, according to manager John Breen.

Skipper can be proud as he exits on own terms 

By David Kelly in Dublin Every sporting professional desires to delay the inevitable day when they must call time but theirs is so often a forlorn plea.

Gritty Star give it everything but run out of steam in Dublin 

By David Kelly Belfast Star's season ended with a true grit performance but defeat in the All Ireland Champions Trophy final, going down 77-62 to Templeogue at the DCU arena.

Star lose ace Davis with silverware in sight 

By David Kelly Belfast Star have suffered a major blow to their hopes of All Ireland Champions Trophy glory as their number one player Mike Davis has been forced to return to the States.

Ending Star's trophy drought would be very special: Fulton 

By David Kelly Twenty years on from winning the All-Ireland Superleague, Belfast Star will seek to finally, once again, bring a major piece of silverware back across the border this Sunday afternoon.

Gibson-Park not expecting Irish call anytime soon 

By David Kelly Jamison Gibson-Park has always known there would be a time and a date when the potential for switching national allegiance might dawn.

Paddy Barnes will drop a weight to become 'beast in the ring' and reignite world title bid 

By David Kelly in the Sunday Life Defiant Paddy Barnes says he is still aiming for world title glory despite a painful defeat in New York - but has revealed it will now be at light-flyweight.

No need to press World Cup panic button, says O'Driscoll 

By David Kelly Breaking news from the other side of the world: Brian O'Driscoll has made a playing comeback. At one stage, he even attempted the ingenious pass to himself that was once unfurled amidst an...

This is a make or break year for me and I need the big fights, says hungry McKenna 

By David Kelly Tyrone McKenna says he is desperate for a big fight as he faces up to a critical year in his career.

Rory Best says 'not my captain' reaction to Jackson and Olding trial appearance made... 

By David Kelly February 3, 2018 should have been a notable highlight in Rory Best's career as Irish captain.

Rory Best nearly quit Ireland captaincy over rape trial uproar 

By David Kelly Ireland hooker Rory Best has opened up for the first time about how he almost quit as captain as a result of the public furore surrounding his appearance at the Belfast rape trial last year.

Defending Open title in Portrush will be 'extra special' for Molinari 

By David Kelly Francesco Molinari couldn't prevent a mega-watt smile creasing up his face as he recalled his momentous triumph at Carnoustie - and the thought of defending the Claret Jug at Royal Portrush in...

I'm haunted after injury ruined World Cup dream, reveals Leavy 

By David Kelly Joe Schmidt won't like it, but understandably the omission of Simon Zebo from his Ireland squad drew all the focus when the panel was named yesterday.

Reputation counts for nothing at Leinster 

By David Kelly Dan Leavy's horrific injury will rob him of his hopes and dreams in blue and green; everyone else must ruthlessly plough on regardless, conscious of his personal and professional needs, but so cognisant that their own ambitions cannot be trapped in amber.

Blow for Ireland as Dan Leavy ruled out of World Cup after suffering ligament injury... 

By David Kelly Dan Leavy has been ruled out of Joe Schmidt's Rugby World Cup plans after Leinster confirmed that the Grand Slam-winner suffered a complex knee ligament injury in Saturday's Champions Cup...

Stockdale has learned a valuable lesson in humility 

By David Kelly Sporting battles can often create individual winners amongst the losers. They produce casualties, too.

Kane's win puts her in line for an Irish call-up 

By David Kelly Amelia Kane demonstrated her potential when finishing off the Irish long course championships with gold in the 1550m freestyle final in the National Aquatic Centre.

Fulton joy as Star sparkle to set up big Trophy finale 

By David Kelly It was supposed to be the Champions Trophy double-header from hell but instead the Belfast Star men made it a heavenly adventure from Dublin to Tralee within 24 hours.

McComb eyes title shot after Ulster Hall triumph 

By David Kelly Sean McComb chalked up his sixth straight victory on last night's undercard at the Ulster Hall, when comprehensively outpointing Troy James, 60-54.

Cummings at a crossroads after second loss to Keeler 

By David Kelly Conrad Cummings suffered another painful loss at the hands of Luke Keeler when unanimously outpointed 99-91, 98-92, 98-92 at the Ulster Hall last night.

Conrad Cummings: I will gain revenge over Luke Keeler and repay my family's faith 

By David Kelly Conrad Cummings insists he's ready to salve an 11-month wound at the Ulster Hall tonight when he squares up to Luke Keeler.

Star ready for ultimate test in Trophy assault 

By David Kelly Belfast Star must come through a mammoth double header if they are to progress to the final of the Champions Trophy this weekend.

Greene joy as he breaks Bree's Olympics mark 

By David Kelly It seemed fitting that Irish swimming legend Andrew Bree was on hand to hail the outstanding performance of Darragh Greene, who broke the two-time Olympian's 200m breaststroke Irish senior record.

McClure is striving to carry on McKee's proud Midland legacy and find next Carl Frampton 

By David Kelly It's never easy following in the footsteps of someone synonymous with a club and Cooper McClure insists he is "honoured and humbled" to be the man who has taken up the reins at Midland ABC from...

Ward now determined to step it up a gear and put himself in position for crack at British... 

By David Kelly Undefeated Steven Ward says he expects 2019 to be the year that he makes a major mark on the UK boxing scene.

Focused Conrad set to take his revenge against Dub Keeler, insists coach Moore 

By David Kelly Coach Jamie Moore says the time has arrived for Conrad Cummings to show under the lights what he has been delivering behind closed doors.

Fulton takes pride in Star's season 

By David Kelly Belfast Star coach Adrian Fulton says the pride has been restored to the club as they turn their sights on a final shot at silverware.

'Get over it...Troubles are over': Michael Conlan's promoter says 'up the Ra' ringwalk... 

By David Kelly and Brett Campbell Promoter Bob Arum has come to the defence of Michael Conlan following the criticism he received over his ringwalk last weekend in Madison Square Garden.

Boxing chiefs must take a stand over ring walk songs after Michael Conlan controversy:... 

By David Kelly Former World champion Dave McAuley believes the fall-out from Michael Conlan's ring walk at Madison Square Garden must lead to action from the British Boxing Board of Control.

Belfast in the mix for Conlan's clash with Nikitin 

By David Kelly Michael Conlan looks on course for a rematch with bitter amateur rival Vladimir Nikitin - and Belfast is in the frame as the venue.

Paddy Barnes is still to weigh up future options after Mujica defeat 

By David Kelly Paddy Barnes may yet box on, despite his emotional post-fight assertion that he would retire following defeat in Madison Square Garden on Sunday night.

Majestic Davis hits 49 to give Star their shot at silverware 

By David Kelly Belfast Star's fans were left in awe at a masterclass from Mike Davis sealed their place in the All Ireland Champions Trophy in La Salle College yesterday.

Barnes says 'I'm quitting' after defeat in New York 

By David Kelly Paddy Barnes last night declared he was retiring from boxing after a shock defeat at the hands of Oscar Mojica in Madison Square Garden last night.

Wilton's Commonwealth title hopes crushed by Frank 

By David Kelly Luke Wilton's vacant Commonwealth super-flyweight title aspirations were torn to shreds by unbeaten Tommy Frank in Sheffield last night.