Dublin have won a fourth All-Ireland Ladies football title in a row following Sunday's five point win over Cork. Dublin manager Mick Bohan said afterwards: "I know we probably get thrown in on the backs of the lads' success a little bit, but ultimately Dublin have won five All-Irelands in their history, it just happens this group has set the standard." Following the mens' team's victory over Mayo in Saturday's All-Ireland final, Keith Duggan writes: "talk will turn to Dublin completing a 10-in-a-row, a feat that seems more likely than not. And the arguments over how to control Dublin's omnipotence will rage. Their latest title came in a winter in which they never fully peaked." The GAA is hoping to announce in the coming days details of the 2021 season. Next year will start in February with the National Football League organised on a regional basis but within the divisional structure.
Manchester United are up to third place in the Premier League after beating Leeds 6-2 at Old Trafford. Scott McTominay scored twice within three minutes to put the hosts on track for a crushing win over their old rivals. Leicester City are now in second place after a 2-0 win over Tottenham. Jamie Vardy was on target from the spot before Toby Alderweireld scored an own goal for a Spurs team who have just one point from their last three league matches. In his column this morning, Ken Early explains how the importance of bravery is lost on José Mourinho: "If you're looking for a reason why Klopp and not Mourinho wins the awards these days, remember that only one of them insists on giving the spectators what they've come to see."
Former Connacht head coach Pat Lam made a triumphant return to the Sportsground with his Bristol Bears team beating the hosts 18-27 in their Champions Cup encounter yesterday evening. Gerry Thornley explains why the defeat effectively ends Connacht's hopes of reaching the knockout stages of the European competition. He also looks back on the story of the weekend, Munster's astonishing 39-31 comeback win in at the Stade Marcel-Michelin . . . "as things stand, Leinster and Munster would meet in a two-legged quarter-final, although for sure there are a few more twists and turns left yet."
Meanwhile, Irish racing's regulator has said it plans to drug-test over 4,000 horses in 2021 and has defended its testing regime in the face of recent severe criticism. Horse Racing Ireland has said the survival of racecourses is an area of primary concern and closures, should the impact of Covid-19 continue for a second year, can't be ruled out.
