Shamrock Rovers start title defence against Drogheda
Shamrock Rovers will begin the defence of their Airtricity League title with an away game at Drogheda United on March 2nd.  The Premier League campaign will run until October 26th with a short break mid season during the early stages of the Euro 2012 Finals.  The League extends to twelve teams next season with the return to the top flight of Shelbourne, Cork City and Monaghan United.
Munster Rowing to replicate rugby template
Rowers from across the south will soon participate in a training, performance and international event programme under the banner of Munster rowing.  The idea is borne out of the success of provinces in Rugby paving a way towards national representation.  The idea was first rejected by Rowing Ireland but has now been approved and James Mangan, Director of Rowing at the University of Limerick will head up the team.  Ireland hosts the World Rowing Coaches conference next November.
Irish U20 Squad quickly move up a gear
The Irish U20 Rugby team, sponsored by PwC, beat a Leinster Development team at Donnybrook yesterday by 40 points to 15.  They will complete their preparation for the Six Nations Championship with a game against an Ulster development team at Underhill on January 2nd.
Cavendish lands BBC Sports Personality Award
Mark Cavendish has beaten off the challenge of Darren Clarke and Mo Farah to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in Salford.  The Isle of Man born cyclist becomes the third from his sport to win the prestigious trophy after Tommy Simpson and Chris Hoy. Golfer  Lauren Taylor won the Young Sports personality of the Year after becoming the youngest ever winner of the Ladies British Open Amateur Championship in the summer.  The England Cricket team won the team of the Year awards while their manager Andy Flower took the bosses gong.
WTA to expand digital content
The Women’s Tennis association has signed a four year deal with broadcast specialists Perform which will lead to a doubling of live event coverage.  The contract covers all WTA events outside North America and will facilitate a big increase in live streaming of games, premium content production and digital video news output.  It will cover web and mobile content.