War of Attrition

April’s forumite of the month is “War of Attrition” who tells us about Switzerland, why National Hunt racing is best, and Irish comedians “riding” at Punchestown.

1. As an Irishman you must be excited by your side’s showing in the Six Nations. What do you think was the difference this year and can Ireland become the second Northern Hemisphere side to win the World Cup?

Absolutely! Don't know what it is with Irish sports, but we always have to win in dramatic circumstances! Although to be honest, I think the main difference this year was the lack of quality in the other sides. Wales seem to have gone backwards since last year, and England have a dreadful team by their standards. Shame... ;)

As for the World Cup, I think New Zealand and South Africa will fight that one out. They seem to be miles clear of the European teams.

2. Sadly the Ireland Football team didn’t qualify for the World Cup. Which team will you be backing to win? And which long shot do you expect to get further than anticipated?

Not Switzerland anyway!!!! It looks like it’ll be an excellent tournament, with so many top class attacking players. At the prices, the two I would side with are Argentina and Italy.

For a long shot, Serbia & Montenegro are underrated. They only conceded once in qualifying and Holland aren't as good as their qualifying record makes them out to be.

3. Steven Staunton - right or wrong appointment for Ireland and which players will be key to Euro 2008 qualification hopes?

The friendly win over Sweden quietened the doubters very quickly. It was good to see the goalscorers celebrate with the staff, as the team spirit seemed to be a problem in the WC qualifiers. Once the players are enjoying representing Ireland, the future doesn't look bad. Obviously Duff, Given, Keane and Dunne are our best players but I think key to our hopes are players like Steven Reid, Graham Kavanagh and possibly Kevin Doyle. Our central midfield has to perform, and if those two can play to their top form it gives us a chance. We also need a striker to play alongside Robbie Keane, if Doyle can deliver on his promise it would be a huge boost to us. Fingers crossed that Stephen Ireland and Joey O'Brien can also make the breakthrough.

4. To GAA next and how do you read the 2006 Championship season and do you think Cork and Tyrone can continue their recent dominance in Hurling and Gaelic Football?

Tyrone and Armagh were a step above the rest last year, and I think it will be the same again. Their toughest task could be getting through the provincial section! On the hurling front, Kilkenny just keep producing class young players and I think they can take back the title.

5. What’s your favourite betting saying?

'You only pay what amount by cheque?' Could never get tired of that one :)

6. If you could have a ticket to any one single sporting event in the world what would it be?

Can I go back in time and get a ticket for the Champions League final last year? I'd also love to see a Breeders Cup.

7. Do you bet in-play? If so which sports do you go for and why?

Not very often, but when I do I like the volatile markets such as hurling or rugby. Bigger volatility = bigger profit for me, and that's the name of the game.

8. Whose opinion in the forum do you respect?

Mine! While there are a lot of knowledgeable posters whose opinions are worth reading, I've never followed tips on the sports forums. I've never changed my opinions because of what I read, my ego has yet to let me admit that it's possible I might be wrong!!

The poker forum has a lot of sound advice though, and people such as Smart Money, Allez Soumillon and Johnny The Guesser usually post informative opinions, definitely more so than me, haha!

9. What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen at a racecourse?

A charity race at Punchestown finishes off the Festival every year, and one year Jon Kenny (Irish comedian) rode in it. Even before the race, the tannoy announcement that his mount was going to be carrying, em, a little extra weight than originally planned got a good laugh from the crowd. He must have practised on the straight course at the Curragh though, because when the field got to the first corner, he just kept on going straight!!!