Golf

The Morning Sports Briefing

McIlroy paired with Fowler, Harrington ready to go, O’Connell will not prove a distraction, FAI urged to intervene in Qatar, Monaghan’s slightly more advanced blanket defence and what to watch out for

World number One Rory McIlroy will tee off with Ricky Fowler for the opening two rounds of the Irish Open. Photo: Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images
World number One Rory McIlroy will tee off with Ricky Fowler for the opening two rounds of the Irish Open. Photo: Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images
Wed May 27 2015 - 08:34

Golf: Irish Open

Old friends Rory McIlroy and Rickie Fowler will renew rivalries at the Irish Open on Thursday, the duo along with Martin Kaymer will be playing together in what's certainly the pick of the draw at the Royal County Down course.

The pair, both 25-years-old, initially met in the amateur ranks, and Fowler was the first player McIlroy approached to join the field for next year’s Irish Open after it was announced that his charitable foundation, The Rory Foundation, will become the official tournament host from 2015.

The trio will tee-off at 8am on the Thursday morning and at 1pm on Friday afternoon.

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After an ultrasound scan to evaluate the extent of the damage to his shoulder, followed by acupuncture and laser treatment, Pádraig Harrington says he is ready to play on Thursday. He has been paired with Sergio Garcia and holder Mikko Ilonen. The Irish man says he "will crawl to the tee if necessary."

Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke says he's encouraged by his last round in Wentworth, as he prepares to claim an elusive Irish Open title for the 24th time of asking.

Soccer: FAI

Via a strongly worded letter, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions has called on theFAI to take up the cause of immigrant workers in Qatar with its general secretary, Patricia King, urging chief executive John Delaney to speak out on the "discrimination, slavery and contempt," being endured by those building the facilities for the 2022 World Cup.

The FAI has yet to consider the contents of the letter which follows a similar request for action two years ago.

Meanwhile Irish goalkeeper Shay Given faces a race against time to be fit for the FA Cup final for Aston Villa against Arsenal on Saturday, manager Tim Sherwood though is giving him every chance to recover from his groin problem.

Rugby: Pro12

Munster will not be falling into the Steven Gerrard/Liverpool trap in this weekend's Pro12 final, with head coach Anthony Foley insisting that despite it being Paul O'Connell's final game the squad will not be distracted by the occassion. Foley may be optimistic of his side's chances, but not too much so on the chances of scrumhalf Conor Murray returning from injury in time for the showdown with Glasgow Warriors.

Alan Quinlan says in his column this morning that he was a little surprised by the robust and uniform manner in which the Leinster players defended Matt O'Connor over the past season. He wonders was the outgoing head coach too nice for his own good? Well as for his successor, whoever he may be, a tough task lies ahead with the World Cup set to hugely infringe upon his selection.

GAA: Tactics

Darragh O Se is talking tactics this morning, he says the best form of blanket defence is one which incorporates a lightning fast counter attack. He says the slightly more evolved system in use by Monaghan gave them the edge over Cavan at the weekend.

In Racing, Brian O'Connor explains that with Aidan O'Brien trying since 1998 to win the French Derby, Highland Reel could emerge as his leading contender to finally secure the elusive € 1.5 million Chantilly highlight this Sunday

What to watch out for:

The French Open continues today with the first of the round two action, Roger Federer is out at 12pm.

Eurosport, 9.30am-8.30pm

The Europa League final is tonight as reigning champions face-off against unlikely finalists Dnipro with a place in next season's Champions League up for grabs.

3e from 7.30pm