Whenever I travel I often take the opportunity to take in a sporting event as part of my trip. This has enabled me to see some wonderful events. Two that stick in my mind are:<BR>1/ Gaelic Football: Dublin v Offaly in the Leinster Final at Croke Park Dublin. It's a pretty wild and violent game and Dublin's star player (Brendan Mullin) got sent off within 5 mins of the start. Offaly raced into an impressive lead but Dublin came back and snatched it at the death (PS can any Irish readersd tell me what year this was please... I can't remember; could be '79)<BR>2/ An amazing game of Pelota (or Jai Alai) in San Sebastian in 1992. Never knew a ball could travel so fast.<BR>3/ A (horse) racing meeting in Ootacamund, Tamil Nadu in 1994. Sometimes even India can be just like Surrey!<BR><BR>Do others take the sporting opportunities when they occur and if so what are your favourite memories?<BR><BR>Dominic

Yes, I planned a trip to the Cote d' Azur to coincide with the Monte Carlo Tennis Open in 1999. What a setting and what a pleasure. I love the smaller tennis venues in Europe--often played in resort towns and in the spring or fall. A good way for small groups to plan an itinerary in lovely locations.

My Fiance and I went to see friends in Barcelona last year. They had 4 tickets for the Barca v Real Madrid soccer game. It was the highlight of our trip over to Europe and not because we are soccer crayzies. Just the atmosphere was amazing, deafening, intimdating, beyond electric. Like a summer storm was rolling round the bowl. It was truly a breathtaking experience and one which I believe we'll never get close to replicating again.<BR>Great memories! Great Post, Dominic!

Was in Paris late May this year and managed to get to the French Open tennis tournament. As a player and big fan of professional tennis, I found it great fun. And it was interesting to observe the differences between this more European, laid-back tournament and the Big Apple style U.S. Open.

Any time I make it to Anfield. Although I'm mad as hell at the Reds tonight.<BR><BR>Watching Down get stuffed at Croke Park about 5 years ago. Match was depressing, but alcohol-fueled bus ride down and back were fun, as was chanting &quot;Free the Three&quot; for the three members of our group arrested for public urination. And it was my first match at Croke Park.<BR>

Dublin won the Leinster title from 74-79, and I'm fairly sure Offaly was in the final in 79, so think you have the correct year, Dominic.