Basketball: The Harlem Globetrotters will arrive in Ireland today to kick-start their European tour. They fly into Cork and will be staying in Killarney, where a civic reception is planned for them.

Their first show will take place in Cork tomorrow at the Green Glens Arena, Millstreet.

This will be followed by two further shows in Dublin on Sunday and Monday at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght. All shows begin at 7.30 p.m.

Among the squad will be Curley "Boo" Johnson - rumour has it he's the world's fastest dribbler - while rookie Seth Franco is the first Caucasian to play for the Globetrotters since Bob Karstens in 1942.

These unique entertainers are coming off the back of the gruelling US leg of their tour that has been ongoing since December last year.

Next they travel to Belfast and then Glasgow followed by several dates in England before heading to the Continent.

The Globetrotters have performed in 117 different countries.