Top Issue 1-2024

30 October 1997 Edition

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Sportsview: Hail, Hail, the Celts are here!

It may seem like an eternity (over a year) but Glasgow Celtic are back on top. In what is now a 13-match unbeaten run manager Wim Jansen fielded the same eleven that beat Hearts 2-1 in Edinburgh last week. Suberb performances from Regi Blinker and Jackie McNamara on the wings and goals from Simon Donnelly and Henrik Larsson in the first half were enough to secure the points.

Rangers were beaten by Dundee United. Keeper Andy Goram was the major villain in the first United goal. Negri (who else) equalised for Rangers, but they ended up on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline after Dundee won a penalty in the 73rd.

`Cheer up Walter Smith!' They might have won nine in a row, but dire performances in Europe over the years have seen the departure of Walter Smith at the Rangers' shareholders' AGM on Tuesday. Let's hope the announcement of his departure will cause consternation in the Rangers' camp in the run-up to the two vital Old Firm games in November.

All-Ireland champs fall in Clones


In Gaelic games, the clubs took centrestage at the weekend. In Clones the Ulster Football Championship semi-finals saw Peter Canavan and Errigal CiarĂ¡in take on Crossmaglen. In a shock the Tyrone men defeated Cross with Errigal's Eoin Gormley scoring 1-5 by the break. With ten mintes to go the Cross lads scored a goal, but a revival was not to be, with Errigal winning out by 1-12 to 1-10. In the other semi, Derry's Dungiven ran out 0-12 to 0-10 winners over St Paul's. In Leinster Dublin's Erin's Isle blasted the Carlow champions Old Leighin with five goals and 22 points in the first round of the Leinster Championship at Parnell Park. Hurling in Munster provided the entertainment as Cork's Sarsfields drew with Waterford's Ballygunner in Cork. Limerick's Patrickswell saw off a strong challenge from the Kerry champions to win by four points.

Cork City and Cliftonville on top


On the soccer front Cork City defeated Sligo Rovers 2-0 to go top of the League of Ireland. St Pat's defeated Shamrock Rovers in the Dublin derby at Richmond Park and Derry City seem at last to be finding their form after thrashing Kilkenny City 5-0. Bohemians frustrated Shelbourne's attempts to top the table by winning 1-0 at Dalymount Park. Team of the week has to be Cliftonville. The Reds came back with two late goals to beat Ards 3-2 to go top of the Six-County league. ``That was all part of the plan,'' claimed Cliftonville boss Marty Quinn.

Dublin Marathon


The Dublin City Marathon was won by Joshua Kipkemboi, who snatched victory from fellow countryman John Mutai. Mutai was also second last year. Kipemboi finished third last year. Our own participant Mickey Burke, running for the prisoners, ran in at 3 hrs 20 minutes.

BY CIARAN HEAPHEY

An Phoblacht
44 Parnell Sq.
Dublin 1
Ireland