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Tigerish Tyrone defender Ryan McMenamin’s decision to ‘cup’ Paul Galvin’s ‘nads during Sunday’s match in Omagh has raised a few eyebrows amongst other things. Almost as noteworthy as the incident itself have been the various ways in which the media have tried to explain the incident without saying “Ricey grabbed Galvin by the balls.” There you have it – we’ve said it. Just like Ricey, Talking Balls boldly goes where no man has gone before.

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Jack O’Connor certainly went for it on Sunday in Omagh too. Sitting in the front row of the stand Talking Balls had a bird’s eye view of the Kerry mentors raising the fists in triumph at the home support. What we really want to know tho’ was just what Colm McCullagh said to O’Connor that made him lose the plot. He was running around like a mad thing trying to get at McCullagh to give him a schlep. Best bit was when O’Connor came back out and in passing the Tyrone squad warming down give them an exceedingly wide berth.

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Was there any significance to the fact that over 10,000 turned up in Cork City Centre the other week to support the Cork 2008 hurling panel whilst just over 2,000 turned up to watch the continuity panel lose to Dublin? Does anyone know the last time Cork lost to Dublin in a senior hurling match? After last weekend does anyone know the last time Cork hurlers lined out with seven defenders as they did against Tipp in what was clearly a damage limitation exercise? Does anyone care anymore.

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Talking Balls was browsing around the other day and came upon a brochure for an outfit called McKeever who have produced footballs that bear a surprising likeness to the famous O’Neills Size 5. Such was the similarity to O’Neills that we thought the iconic brand had changed name by deed poll. Further investigation reveals that they haven’t – rather a rival sports accessories company has been set up. Imitation is the highest form of flattery then isn’t it?

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Nicky Brennan has revealed that the naming rights of Croke Park are not up for grabs following the news that Lansdowne Road won’t be called that at all – rather it will be known as the Aviva Stadium. Talking Balls reckons the Powers that Be should take the money and run – after all punters will always call it Croke Park no matter what cobblers the marketing men and women come up with.

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Ulster firebrand Micheal Greenan has made his views clear on the Powers That Be’s decision to allow Munster’s Heineken Cup semi final to go ahead at Croker should they get that far. As far as Micheal’s concerned: “It is all just a joke. There is no point in even talking about it any more.” Talking Balls certainly hopes Micheal keeps on talking on this one – technically he’s correct of course.