User:rorynoonanDate:03/01/2013Time:12:23:29Edition:03/01/2013Thuthurecho030113Page:56Color:
EE - V1
Earls could make return for Cardiff encounter
Evening Echo
SPORT
MUNSTER RUGBY
Neptune are back to winning ways
Michael McGinn, of Bord Gáis Neptune, gets to the ball ahead of the Killester defence during their SuperLeague clash at Neptune Stadium last night. Neptune won the game 68-64. See P49 for match report and reaction. Picture: Clare Keogh
Cork to wear old jerseys with O2 logo
DESPITE being without a sponsor, Cork will continue to carry the name of previous partners O2 for Sunday’s McGrath Cup opener away to Cork IT. Cork’s most recent three-year deal with the telecommunications firm ended on New Year’s Eve, but it had been announced before then that O2 would not be renewing the agreement, leaving the county searching for new sponsors. Though negotiations have been ongoing with potential sponsors, nothing has been finalised, which meant Cork could not launch a new jersey to capitalise on the Christmas market, though a range of leisurewear without O2’s logo did go on sale. O2 will receive some free publicity on Sunday,
Free publicity for sponsor until another one is found GAA
By DENIS HURLEY however, as Cork will wear their existing jerseys, something which was allowed for in the contract with the firm, according to the County Board. This approach goes against the precedent of counties donning strips devoid of corporate branding. Prior to inking a deal with Voda-
Cork’s Paudie Kissane in the familiar O2 kit.
fone in 2010, Dublin wore a sponsorless shirt in the O’Byrne Cup after Arnotts withdrew their sponsorship, while last year Fermanagh did likewise in the Dr McKenna Cup. The Ernesmen’s agreement with Tracey Concrete ended and while new negotiations took place a plain green shirt was used before they renewed the Tracey contract. Two years ago, Tipperary attempted to find replacements for Enfer Scientific and for one McGrath Cup game the jerseys of Kilsheelan/Kilcash – also blue with a gold hoop – were worn. ● See more GAA on P47-48.
KEITH EARLS (below) could be in line for a return to the Munster line-up when they face Cardiff Blues at Musgrave Park on Saturday, 7.30pm, writes SEÁN McCARTHY. The outside centre has been rehabbing a groin injury and has been making steady progress over recent weeks. He has been a key player for Munster whether he has played on the wing or in his preferred centre position. Munster will be looking for a positive performance in Cork ahead of their back-to-back Heineken Cup games away to Edinburgh and at home to Racing Metro Paris. The homeside will be looking to build on their two wins over Connacht and Ulster in the past two weekends and a win will be important for the players ahead of their Heineken Cup games. Cardiff will certainly test the Reds if their 12-10 rain-sodden win over Newport Gwent Dragons on St Stephen’s Day and that is certainly what they need ahead of a testing fortnight. ● See more rugby on P50.
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