Following two impressive displays in their pre-season friendlies last month, Munster begin their Magners League campaign with an away trip to Edinburgh on Friday night.

Following two impressive displays in their pre-season friendlies last month, Munster begin their Magners League campaign with an away trip to Edinburgh on Friday night.

I have been very busy lately answering questions on the tradition of full-time professional football. Very few Irish people possess any real understanding of the demands necessary to create and maintain an efficient full-time club.

The recent death of Con McGrath removes yet another link with the group of footballers who really established Cork football amongst the elite following three decades in the wilderness. Con was a Galway man who came to Cork as a member of the Garda Siochana in 1946 and having joined the 'Barrs he decided to declare for the county.

In last weekend's action at Croke Park football and hurling enthusiasts were treated to two of the greatest games of the championships so far. The Kerry/ Galway game on Saturday helped to demonstrate what a great game Gaelic football can be when played in the proper spirit.

These are worrying days for Cork City Football club. While I am in not alone in my concern for the increasing debts and grave uncertainties that have attached themselves to Ireland's premier professional football club, I for one, am doubtful and even skeptical of the manner and time in which these concerns have made their way into the public eye.

Ever since Cork fashioned a win of epic proportions over Clare, hurling fans everywhere have been eagerly awaiting this clash of the two teams that have dominated the championship in recent times, but on Sunday, barring a draw, one of them will no longer have a say in the destination of the Liam McCarthy Cup.

Sport is part of life. Therefore sport is connected to politics, which is also part of life. And politicians have the further ability to ensure sport is a significant part of politics whenever it suits the will and the needs of the politicians.

The Sports Capitol Programme has announced funding totalling €4.485 million for 84 organisations in Cork, including soccer clubs, rugby clubs, athletics clubs, boxing clubs, rowing clubs, sailing clubs and community / mixed initiatives.

Some of the biggest prizes in sport, including the Sam Maguire, Liam McCarthy, Heineken Cup and Magners League Trophy, were on display at UCC this week as the University welcomed back some of its past graduates to honour their outstanding sporting achievements over the past 12 months.