Northern exposure for Dubliners in the league

HOCKEY: On a busy weekend for men's hockey, the second round of the Irish Hockey League and the Irish University Hockey Championships are taking place.

The clash means that the matches between Hermes and UCD and Railway Union and UCC, in the ESB-sponsored women's league, have been postponed until November 29.

In key men's matches this evening, Glenanne and Monkstown have travelled north to play Instonians and Cookstown respectively.

In the women's league, Old Alex face Pegasus at Milltown, while Loreto also have home advantage against Lurgan.

French guests for Thomond debut

RUGBY LEAGUE: Thomond Park in Limerick hosts its first ever rugby league international next Saturday, when a new-look Irish squad face France in this year's autumn international season. The match is part of Limerick's campaign to bring a 2013 Rugby League World Cup tie to the stadium.

Following away losses to both Scotland and Wales in recent weeks, the Irish are hoping that home support will help sway their fortunes.

Leinster depleted for first round

BADMINTON: With Irish number one Scott Evans not available and doubles specialist Karen Bing still injured, the Leinster badminton team faces a tough task during the first round of the English Intercounties Championships at Milton Keynes on November 12/13.

After memorably winning promotion to the Premier B division two seasons ago, Leinster did well to hold on to their place last season.

In the first round of matches, Leinster will play newly-promoted Derbyshire, as well as Surrey 2 and Hampshire.

Perry hoping to be a hit in Holland

SQUASH: Madeline Perry faces England's Emma Beddoes on Tuesday, during the first round of the World Squash Open in Rotterdam.

Hoping to join her in the main draw is Aisling Blake, who plays in this weekend's qualification tournament.

Duathletes chase down Brownlees

TRIATHLON: Some 150 amateur athletes turned up to pit themselves against world triathlon champions Alistair and Jonny Brownlee during the Brownlee Challenge Charity Handicap Duathlon in Dundalk.

VOLLEYBALL: A victory over defending champions Munster Thunder means the UCD men top the Premier division table going into next weekend's fourth round of matches.