LAST WEEK 'Inside Right' had a good old grumble about our top ten annoying things in sport, one of those days when a few things had to be got off the chest.

So for fear of being accused of being a grumpy old so and so and in a sense of balance yours truly has decided to even things up with a top ten of wonderful things of a sporting nature.

Things that when they cross your mind a broad smile automatically lights up your face, like Snow White, fluffy white bunnies and all things pure and wholesome.

So here they are, the top ten nice things in sport (through gritted teeth of course).

10. No matter how rubbish a day you've had you can switch on a match in whatever code and temporarily forget about all the worries of the world.

9. Characters - Whether it's players or supporters there's always plenty of good old characters to be found.

Of course you'll hear plenty moaning about the lack of characters in modern sport, whether it be soccer and gaelic games or less mainstream sports like darts, snooker and golf. Of course 'character' was often a byword for the fella that could consume the most pints and still stand up, so in that sense they probably are dying out.

However you'll still find one or two interesting sorts, although they're now normally donning a peaked cap, sitting in the stand telling you wonderful, colourful tales about the olden days.

8. Fresh air - You can't beat it. Particularly for supporters who don't get out too often. It's clearly evident on a cloudy, chilly Sunday afternoon when the stands are illuminated by the stellar glow of nice rosy, weather-beaten cheeks.

7. Health benefits - Even a grumpy old sod like 'Inside Right' sees the necessity of involvement in sport for our well being. Youngsters should be out and about kicking a ball about instead of kicking seven shades of shite out of each other of some Wii or Playstation game.

6. Camaraderie - People forge fantastic friendships through sport. Whether it's playing together or just supporting the same team it gives a common interest and goal.

5. Tribalism - Normally a good thing but can be a negative if taken too far.

Brings parishes together as they try to get one over or their snotty upstart neighbours. Knowing where to draw the line is key. If you find yourself stealing mascots, burning flags or defacing signs you've gone a step too far.

4. Colour - Both the colour of the jerseys and the colourful language of those watching in the stands. We've all heard one or two classic one-liners shouted by an excited supporter from the sideline. Unfortunately any examples that spring to mind are not suitable for a family newspaper.

3. If you're a fan of sport there's pretty much always something to watch on the box, provided you're subscribed to the sports channel that is.

During the long winter evenings, there's always a match, a bit of snooker, some darts or even a bit of ice hockey to feast your eyes on - anything's better than being stuck looking at Eastenders with the wife.

2. National pride - You can't beat our national teams or sports stars enjoying a bit of international success to bring the people together. Whether you're a fan of soccer or not you'd have to agree that Ireland's rare appearances in the European Championship and World Cups added a new dimension to the country. If we were lining out in South Africa next summer you could be sure the nation as a whole would have more of a pep in its step, chests would be out and heads would be high.

1. It gives 'Inside Right' something to blather on about on a weekly basis.

- DAVE DEVEREUX