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TEAM NEWS
There are two changes to the starting line-up of the team that played Bath last weekend. Geoff Appleford returns at centre following England's victory in the Hong Kong Sevens and Naka Drotske returns from injury (calf). Unavailable for selection due to injury are Pierre Durant (knee) and Rob Hoadley (head).
Looking forward to Sunday's match, Head Coach, Gary Gold said: "With four games left in the Zurich Premiership two at home and two away, securing a majority share of the points at stake is vital if we are we are to achieve our aim of Heineken Cup qualification.
"Harlequins and ourselves are on the same points total at present which adds a little spice to Sunday's clash if that were ever needed when these two clubs meet!" said Mr Gold. "We were terribly disappointed to loose in the last minute in Bath last weekend. Rest assured we are determined to return to winning ways at Madejski Stadium and secure maximum points."

PLAYER NEWS Paul Sackey Extends His Contract
Paul Sackey has agreed an extension to his contract with London Irish that will keep him at the Zurich Premiership club until the end of the 2005/06 season.
"I have enjoyed my four years at Irish and believe I have progressed as a player," said Paul. "The club has exciting plans for the future that I want to be part of. I also believe that it is the right place from where I can further my international career."
Commenting on Paul's decision to extend his contract, Conor O'Shea, Managing Director of London Irish, said, "Paul Sackey is one of this country's outstanding wingers that I believe deserves full international recognition. His speed, his defensive skills and his ability to break tackles and leave even the quickest defenders trailing is exceptional. We are pleased that he is staying at the club as he is a key part of our future plans."

MEGASTORE NEWS
"On Sunday between one & two, Digger will have a pressie for you.
Come to the marvellous Megastore for a surprise, The first 50 kids will not believe their eyes.
Since it's a special Digger day, We are almost giving Diggers away.
They are now reduced to only ten pounds, Now that's a bargain so how does it sound?
So don't be late and don't be slack, Come to the Megastore for your Digger Pack."
Megastore
The megastore will be open from 12noon 6pm, with a special visit from Digger between 1pm and 2pm. We still have a limited number of sizes available in the St Patrick jerseys and T-shirts.
The Urban & contrast ranges have been reduced to £15each for the polo shirts & £10 each for the t-shirts.
Merchandise Unit
The merchandise unit (which is located outside the North Stand) caters for those of you who want to make a quick 'buy & go' cash purchase. This includes such items as caps, Bronx hats, scarves, flags & tattoos.

PLAYERS' AWARDS DINNER
There are only a few tables remaining for this year's Players' Awards Dinner, being held on Thursday 13th May in the Ballroom of the Millennium Mayfair Hotel.
With the menu specially created for us by celebrity chef Brian Turner CBE, who will also join us for dinner and a great evening of entertainment planned you won't want to miss it.
We are now also pleased to confirm that Dave Finnegan's 'Commitments' will be providing the music!
Tickets are priced at £120 inc VAT per person or £1200 inc VAT for a table of 10, which can include the company of a player and their partner if you wish.
To book please contact Kelly on 01932 750113 or e-mail kelly.adey@london-irish.com

LONDON DOUBLE HEADER - TICKET INFORMATION

The 2004/05 Zurich Premiership season will kick off with a special all London Double Header at Twickenham on Saturday 4th September 2004. The four London clubs in the Zurich Premiership - London Irish, London Wasps, NEC Harlequins and Saracens - will play their opening premiership fixtures against each other on the first Saturday of the new domestic season. The event at Twickenham aims to create real excitement in the capital city and provides supporters of all four London based clubs with a fantastic day of world class rugby at the home of England Rugby.
Tickets have gone on sale for this inaugural event that will see London Irish vs NEC Harlequins, and Saracens vs London Wasps playing back-to-back. They can currently be purchased from TicketMaster either by contacting the Booking Hotline on 0870 902 0000 or visiting the website www.ticketmaster.co.uk. (Surcharges are applicable). London Irish will be offering a service within the next fortnight, where a surcharge will only be incurred on Credit Card bookings. Please check website for details.
Prices are:-
North & South Stand £20 - Adult £5 - Junior (16 and Under)
East & West Stand £30 - Adult £5 - Junior (16 and Under)
If you are a Season Ticket holder for the 04/05 Season, you will be sent details on how you can apply for your match ticket(s) and additional match tickets at a discounted rate.

HEADLINES YOU MAY HAVE MISSED THIS WEEK (click on the headline to see the story)
- John McCall - A Statement - Opera Star to Open Quins Game - Points Mean Pints! - Land Rover Winners - International Team News

THE BLARNEY
Over 9,700 people have currently subscribed to the Blarney; do you forward this to your mates? Or do you print it out and pass it around? Well, why not provide us with their e-mail address so that they can receive their own personal copy.
E-mail Jon Salinger (jon.salinger@london-irish.com) with e-mail addresses. Let us try and spread the word of London Irish to a much greater audience.
That's all the news and views from the London Irish camp this week,
until next time....
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