Golf
Michael Hoey was handed an early present yesterday ahead of his 35th birthday next week when he was named as the new touring professional to represent Galgorm Castle on the European Tour, writes Tony McGee. The appointment follows his role as tournament ambassador for last year's NI Open, at the county Antrim club.
Hoey (pictured) and his wife Bev live just 30 minutes away from the Galgorm Golf Club so it is a home appointment and gives Hoey the advantage of having a championship practice course on his doorstep. "I am thrilled to continue the strong working relationship I have with Galgorm Castle," said Hoey. "To become Galgorm's touring professional forges an already strong bond between us."
The former Walker Cup player, whose most recent European Tour wins was in last season's Russian Open in Moscow, is will striving for greater consistency this year in a bid to climb the world rankings.
As for Galgorm, securing Hoey couldn't have come at a better time, as director Gary Henry explains: "We feel Michael is the perfect ambassador to profile Galgorm Castle on the international stage. He has retained his close connections with Northern Ireland and we look forward to supporting him as his career develops."
Soccer
Monaco head coach Claudio Ranieri believes injured striker Radamel Falcao will be fit in time for the World Cup.
Colombian Falcao appears certain to miss the rest of the French season as a consequence of the knee ligament injury he sustained on Coupe de France duty last month.
Yet Ranieri can see the livewire former Atletico Madrid frontman recovering in time for this summer's World Cup in Brazil. "I had Radamel Falcao on the phone yesterday," said Ranieri. "He's doing well and working hard. His knee is reacting very positively, I think he'll play at the World Cup."
Falcao, who turns 28 on Monday, moved to Monaco from Atletico Madrid last summer.
GAA
All Armagh referees are asked to attend a meeting in the Ceannaras on Tuesday, February 11 at 7.30pm.