John Keneddy,the Kerryman who has enjoyed success with Kilmurray Ibrickane believes the secret to improving the status of the Inter provincial championship is to cement a date and venue for the competiton.

Speaking to Martin Donnelly,the long term sponser of the competiton it is clear how much gra he has for the battle of provinces that used to bring thoussands to venue across the country in the past.

Just when you thought the Luis Suarez-Patrice Evra saga had come to a close the Liverpool striker stirs it all up again.

His refusal to shake the hand of the man who accused him of racial abuse will no doubt dominate all post match analysis,despite the inept performance by the visitors and total domination by Utd.

The handshake has been part of the game for a long number of years but a number of recent incidents may pose the question-why bother with a meaningless gesture that players really don't care about anyway?

Clare take on Waterford in the national league tomorrow knowing that if they are to have any hope of claiming promotion a victory is vital.

With the traditional pre season football tournaments in full swing and as county hurling sides do the well worn challenge route circuit gaa fans across the country are gearing up for the new season of competitive action.

Yes,the Mc Grath Cup,the O Byrne cup and the Waterford crystal et al are suposed to be "competitive" but in truth no manager worth  his salt(or illegal payment if the weekend newspapers are to be believed) takes seriously the action played in January.

With 2012 now in full swing and the gaa season having kicked back into gear we here in Clare fm are going to put down not our resolutions for 2012.

 It's not a list of predictions  but rather  what we would like to see happen in the coming 51 weeks of the year if possible and the sporting gods allow.

So let us begin in no particular order

Crusheen take on na Piarsigh this Sunday in the Munster replay, once again just 60 minutes from claiming a Munster title.

One thing that is clear however and will have been drummed home to the players is how much an improvement will be required to become the first Clare side since 2000 to win the provincial title.

Wides,wrong decison making and possibly a lack of fresh options on their bench  compared to the Limerick side cost Crusheen last Sunday.

Clare champions Kilmrurray Ibrickane take to the roads of Kerry tomorrow to take on Dr Crokes in their pitch just yards away from the heart of Kerry football-Fitzgerald stadium.

The challenge that awaits them will one they will be used to in training as both sides play a simlar style.

Dr Crokes are known as the hand passing possession masters of Kerry football and to kick away a ball could result in substitution for an unfortunate player.

Less than 12 hours after Ireland's frankly incredible 4-0 win over Estonia it still is hard to belive how we actually beat a side away from home by that scoreline.

Trap has his side very orgainised but there is still no doubt that players are more afraid of making a mistake and being hauled of than actually playing soccer.

Andrews goal was the key but the ref has to be given the freedom of Dublin too-to play a team reduced