Arsenal's three-match winning run in the Premier League came to an end last night, as they were held to a goalless draw at home to Crystal Palace. Mikel Arteta's side were toothless in front of goal with the visitors having the best of the chances, including a late headed effort which Christian Benteke should have done better with. The draw leaves Arsenal stranded in 11th position in the league, with Palace 13th. Meanwhile Aston Villa were handed another blow yesterday as their fixture with Everton on Sunday was postponed due to ongoing coronavirus issues at the club. Villa's previously postponed clash with Newcastle will now take place on January 23rd.
Cork GAA is mourning the death of former coach Eamonn Ryan, aged 79. The legendary Ryan led Cork women to 10 All-Ireland titles in 11 years from 2004-2015, success which came towards the end of an already glittering coaching career. Rena Buckley, who was a part of the 10 All-Ireland victories, paid tribute to Ryan: "His contribution in terms of football was massive, but he taught us huge lessons in terms of our lives. Sport was just a way for him to bring you on as a person, he developed people as much as he developed players. Sport was just a small part of that. Yeah, we'll miss him something fierce."
Dublin's Paddy Andrews brought the curtain down on a glittering career yesterday, as he confirmed his retirement from intercounty football. 32-year-old Andrews won a staggering seven All-Irelands with the Dubs, the first coming in 2013, before he played a key role in the successful pursuit of six-in-a-row. And Ian O'Riordan has suggested Andrews might not be the only Dublin stalwart to step aside this year, with the likes of Michael Darragh Macauley and Kevin McManamon in the twilights of their careers. Meanwhile Dublin have dominated the nominations for this year's football All-Stars with 13 - Brian Fenton, Cillian O'Connor and Ciaran Kilkenny are on the shortlist for footballer of the year.
Elsewhere in his column this morning Johnny Watterson has scrutinised the new link between Cork GAA and Mike Ashley, with the Rebels now in a partnership with Sports Direct worth €400,000 a year plus bonuses. And he suggests that given Ashley's murky past when it comes to workers' rights and zero hour contracts, the deal doesn't look great - especially when the ethos of the GAA is considered. "And for Cork football and hurling, it's worth remembering the optics imperative, and not how closely you need to adhere to basic principles and grassroots perceptions but how far you allow yourself to drift."
League of Ireland clubs are still in the dark over the level of financial support they will receive from the FAI to help them navigate a new season. Clubs are working on the assumption no paying supporters will pass through turnstiles during the new campaign.
And England are dominating in the early stages of their opening Test match away to Sri Lanka - the tourists are currently 206-3 at lunch on day two, a first innings lead of 71 after they dismissed their hosts for 135 yesterday.
