SOCCER: FIFA are working hard behind the scenes to bring World Cup final villains Zinedine Zidane and Marco Materazzi together for the first time since their infamous altercation at the Berlin final back in July. Zidane, you might recall, was dismissed for butting Materazzi after the Italian insulted his sister, but now FIFA want the pair to kiss and make up on a trip to 2010 hosts South Africa. Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years, has been mentioned as a possible venue. If FIFA need a hand I’m sure my new friend Roy will intervene!

SOCCER: Anyone still suffering from the ridiculous notion that Ireland should have won in Germany last week, or at least expected to, should study the commencement of Champions League action this week. Only three Irish players –- Steve Finnan, John O’Shea and Aiden McGeady –- are listed for CL duty with Liverpool, United and Celtic respectively. And only Finnan is guaranteed regular football at the highest level available in the European game, so lower those expectations folks.

GAA: Good to see Dublin legend Kevin Heffernan back in Gaelic football, this time as an advisor to his county’s minor team for next year’s championship. Heffo has been invited on board by manager Timmy McCarthy, who rightly sees his presence as a lift for all the youngsters dreaming of following Heffo’s lead and winning an All-Ireland title or two in the future.

GOLF: Nice touch from Ryder Cup sponsors 02, the mobile telephone company, who have invited the Cork hurlers and footballers to the Ryder Cup at the K Club next week. The company also look after the Cork teams as corporate sponsors and are treating both sets of players to a nice day out in Straffan.

GOLF: I heard an amusing little suggestion on a flying visit to the wonderful Ballyliffin Links last week. Apparently all golfers in Ireland for the week of the Ryder Cup have to shout “six” instead of “fore.” Something to do with everything going up in rip off Ireland apparently!

SOCCER: Glad to report that Manchester City bad boy Ben Thatcher has been hit with an eight game ban for his recent elbow on Portsmouth’s Pedro Mendes in the Premiership match at Eastlands last month.