Belfry Resort to be sold by Quinn bankers
The Belfry Hotel and golf resort near Birmingham is to be sold by a consortium of banks looking to reduce debts built up by the Quinn family.
The resort hosted the Ryder Cup in 2002 when Paul McGinley sank the winning putt.  The Quinn family paid €186 million for it in 2006 and planned a €150 million redevelopment before the economic crisis engulfed the group. 
Bank of Ireland, Barclays and Bank of Scotland (Ireland) have appointed Jones Lang LaSalle to place the property on the market.  There is reported to be one bid on the table for €90 million, marginally above the valuation in the latest Quinn Group accounts.
IRFU Defends Player Contract Changes
The IRFU has strongly defended changes to the player contract policy that will affect provincial teams next season.  The changes will restrict the number of foreign born players that can be fielded by the provinces and has been criticised by provincial coaches and media commentators for stifling the potential continued strength of Leinster and Munster in particular.
“We have a duty to maintain a strong national team as well as provincial and club structures,” said IRFU Director Eddie Wrigglesworth. “We are looking to the World Cup in 2015 and 2019, at a longer timeframe than the top provincial coaches.”
The move appears intended to force provinces to develop Irish talent rather than bringing in the best players from overseas.
Lawlor hands over first trophy to Dub Stars
Aileen Lawlor, incoming President of the Camogie Association, fulfilled her first official duty in her native County Dublin yesterday when handing over medals to the Dublin Stars who beat a County selection in the annual New Year Dub Stars Challenge at Russell Park.
One of her main challenges for the year ahead will be to sign up a sponsor for the All Ireland Camogie Championship.