DOUGLAS HALL We move from the north of the city to the south…read moreas we continue to fill you in, those of you coming to work or study in Cork, on the top local soccer teams. Douglas Hall is today's port of call. Founded in 1971, the Hall are based in Moneygourney where they have quite a set up including a FIFA approved floodlit pitch. They cater for under 7s up to adults (including ladies), so Moneygourney is a busy spot. They have adult teams at all levels up to senior and, no matter what standard you are capable of, you'll find a team to suit you here. Their website http://www.douglashallafc.com is well worth a visit and the secretary may be contacted at 087 7992470.

LAKEWOOD ATHLETIC On the lookout for a soccer club on the…read morewestern side of the city? Lakewood Athletic, founded as a company team in 1981, is now perhaps the biggest soccer club in the area. They now have more than 600 playing members and field 35 teams in various competitions in 5 different leagues. Schoolboys, schoolgirls, men's and ladies teams have all tasted considerable success at local, national and international tournaments in recent seasons and they have produced a number of internationals. Highlights: winning the U14 Boys National Cup in 2004 and the U14 Girls Munster Cup in 2005. Facilities: Number of Pitches: 2 full-size and 2 academy pitches. Other facilities: Floodlit training pitch, floodlit all weather training pitch, 6 dressing rooms, showers and meeting room. http://www.lakewoodathleticfc.ie/ Noel Mullins 087-9864585

TURNER'S CROSS STADIUM Turners Cross, Cork, is a modern…read more7,000 capacity stadium with seating on the four sides of the ground and floodlight facilities. It is the headquarters of the Munster Football Association which runs football, under the Football Association of Ireland, in the province. The compact ground, which boats an excellent surface, is the home stadium of Cork City Foras Co-op, the local national league team. It is also used for many local finals, from schoolboys to non-league adults. Most of these are held in May (see local press), some in April and June, and often provide good entertainment. Some national non-league finals, such as Intermediate Cup and Munster Junior and Youths Cup, are held there and my most recent visit (yesterday) was for the national semi-final of the Oscar Traynor Inter-League championship between Cork and Clare. Phone: 021 4311526

CURRAHEEN PARK GREYHOUND STADIUM Enjoyed quite a few good…read morenights at the old place on the Western Road but nowadays Corkonians go to the dogs in some style at the Curraheen Park Greyhound Stadium. You don't even have to be a doggie man or woman as it is possible to have a top class meal here and do your betting on the spot, isolated from the elements and the smells and the yelping, though I'm sure some true blood doggie people would prefer to be down at the track side. Still, the punters have spoken, and comfort and convenience, along with a whole lot of efficiency, is what we respond to in 2010. And you will find it here. A friendly welcome at the stiles and then up you go to pick out your comfortable seated viewing point, with the bar close at hand, betting points at every corner and some won't even have to leave the seat to bet as mobile assistants are at hand. And if you haven't laid a bet in a long while, the process is clearly explained on the inside cover of the Race Book for the night, which comes free at the entrance. Big screens all over the place with loads of information on the field before the race, on the betting, on the results and on the pay-outs. The racing and betting from Shelbourne Park is also covered on-screen and they even had the Liverpool European game on screen there last night. And the night illustrated another aspect of the stadium as the progressive management here are only too willing to work with charities and clubs to enhance their funds. I was there to support the Haven meeting in aid of Haiti and it turned out to be very enjoyable. Must admit I was a bit like some of the dogs and flattered to deceive, Make a good start with the Tote but the winnings rapidly reduced as the night went on. Probably ended up evens but the real winners on the night were Haven Haiti and well done to the volunteer fund-raisers: Deirdre, Renate, Julia, Cathy and Louise. Address: Curraheen Road, Bishopstown. Tel: 1890 269 969 Web: http://www.igb.ie

BLARNEY UNITED AFC Blarney United is one of the most vibrant…read moresoccer clubs in or around the city. They field adult teams and a whole string of underage sides, catering for both boys and girls and then there is also a very busy academy. All this takes place at O'Shea Park in Riverview (Tower). Here there is a full size grass pitch with state of the art floodlights and alongside a FIFA approved full sized floodlit all-weather pitch, all overlooked by one of the best clubhouses in the area. If you are new to the area and looking for a club for yourself or your children then check this one out. http://www.blarneyunited.com

A very convenient, clean and comfortable hotel for visiting UCC. Breakfast wasn't great, but it…read morewasn't terrible (typical full Irish, but served by very pleasant staff). Check-in staff were very helpful, parking was plentiful, and room very large, quiet, clean and modern. Excellent value for single (I was given a room with 2 double beds) at only €75 per night. Great simming pool for the kids with constant lifeguard supervision from 7am to 7pm. Other activities like mini-golf and tennis included as well as a children's activity program. The leisure facilities (pool, etc.) are available for guests and members. About a 10 minute walk from the university-- a nicer place to stay than local B&Bs on the busy road, I think. Brookfield Leisure Centre - Find more information about Brookfield Leisure Centre on: http://gyms-in-cork.blogspot.com Get real opinions, photos, reviews, membership price and a full list of Gyms in Cork

Leisureworld is one of the public gyms in Cork...but gives the impression of being more than that!…read more I headed here when I was between gym memberships when I lived in Cork and will still pop in if I'm back down. They are one of the few gyms in the city to offer pay-as-you-go which is really handy. It's not overwhelmingly cheap to do so, but competitive....at €8.20 for the gym at peak times-there's a student rate of €3.80 off peak if you have a card. Full price list here: http://churchfield.leisureworldcork.com/index.cfm/page/prices. The fees for annual membership aren't particularly low either, but there are often specials on. The pool is great-clean with dedicated lane swimming. There's a slide and a lovely kiddie pool with buildings to climb on! Nice shiny steam room and sauna too. The gym is quite small but has been spotless anytime I've visited. It can get quite busy but it's usually possible to get on whatever you want. The main gym overlooks the city and is filled with light. Individual TVs make time on the elliptical less yawnsome...although there is no way of adjusting the volume on the sets. They have recently moved heavier weights into a separate room which has pros (like increased equipment provided) and cons (more awkward to do circuits etc). Good range of classes provided-took a couple of challenging circuit and bootcamp ones. Staff are friendly and will help if you want...or leave you to your own devices if you'd prefer. Massage services are also available onsite and the gym is part of a GP referral programme. Major wins are the cleanliness and ability to pay per visit. It's a happy place!

This was my first time visiting the restaurant,with my wife & sister and it was remarkable. The…read morewait staff was very accommodating and the food was delicious & fresh.The coffee/tea after the meal was also another nice touch;they grind their own beans in house.I only wish I lived closer!