FIFA bought Ireland’s silence

DUBLIN — Irish soccer chiefs disclosed documentary evidence Friday of how FIFA paid millions to buy Ireland’s silence on the handball that cost the Irish a chance to reach the 2010 World Cup.

The documents — published after the Football Association of Ireland suffered a daylong barrage of international criticism over its decision to take the confidential payment — detail a series of meetings in Switzerland involving FAI and FIFA chiefs, including President Sepp Blatter. These followed Ireland’s 2-1 loss on aggregate to France in November 2009, a result partly achieved by an infamous Thierry Henry handball that went unpunished and which produced France’s playoff-clinching goal.

The self-described “moral compensation” contract, signed Jan. 15, 2010, by senior FAI and FIFA officials in Zurich, guaranteed the FAI immediate delivery of 5 million euros (then $7.13 million) on strict condition that Irish officials never revealed existence of the deal.

Irving’s injury takes him out of finals

OAKLAND, Calif. — Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving has a fractured left knee cap and will have surgery that will end his season.

The Cavaliers said Friday that an MRI exam revealed the injury and that Irving’s projected recovery time was three to four months.

Irving limped off the court during overtime of Cleveland’s 108-100 loss to Golden State on Thursday night in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. He left the arena on crutches, and Cavs coach David Blatt says he heard Irving was still on crutches Friday morning.

County bowlers fare well in PSBA event

HARRISBURG — A number of Butler County Bowling Association members are among the top performers at the 76th annual Pennsylvania State Bowling Association Tournament.

The tournament’s final weekend is June 20-21.

5 Guys From Mars are 16th in the team handicapped standings. Mark Dershem and Mike Schriver are fourth in doubles handicapped, Dylan Cimbala tied for fourth in singles handicapped.

Dershem is 17th in all events handicapped, Ron Henry 16th in all events scratch. William Hartle and Robert Boyle are 17th and 19th, respectively, in senior handicapped.

Bass season kicks off June 13

HARRISBURG — Bass fishing season kicks off June 13 across Pennsylvania.

While in season, anglers can keep a daily limit of six bass, which must be 12 inches in length.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has plenty of information to help plan trips. For more information at bass, visit http://fishandboast.com/bass.htm