Change needed in Cork GAA
In his column today John Allen reflects on a miserable week for Cork GAA and looks at what has to change in the Rebel county.
Allen belives that a change is needed in the power base and that Cork fans have to accept that they’re simply not the best team (for now).
“The stark fact is that since the glorious year of 1990 that cup [McCarthy Cup] has only been down the South Mall on three occasions and many of the same players were on all of those teams.”
Jim Gavin full of praise for Fermanagh
Ahead of Sunday's All-Ireland quarter-final clash with Fermanagh, Dublin manager Jim Gavin is taking nothing for granted, despite the seemingly foregone conclusion-type nature of the match.
Gavin has hailed the “fantastic achievement” of Pete McGrath’s team this year in what, as described by Malachy Clerkin, is his toughest task of the week - talking up what many expect to be a a routine trouncing from the Dubs.
GAA community united in sorrow
Shock and sadness were the feeling reverberating around the GAA community last night after the tragic passing of Derry footballer Aaron Devlin.
The 22-year-old was taken ill during a challenge match last weekend and passed away last night after a battle with an aggressive strain of meningitis.
Paris the destination for Di Maria
After admitting yesterday that he did not know the wherabouts of Angel Di Maria, Louis van Gaal has resigned himself to losing the Argentinian playmaker as Paris St Germain are now hopeful of this weekend finalising a €57 million deal for the former Real Madrid star.
The fee would be a significant loss on the British record that United paid for Di Maria less than a year ago but it is understood that executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is in final negotiations with the French club.
Van Gaal would not be drawn on whether David de Gea was leaving the club as it is reported to hinge on whether or not Sergio Ramos will move the other way.
Shane Long on target as Southampton ease through first leg
Irish striker Shane Long found the net for Southampton last night as they beat Vitesse Arnhem 3-0 at St Mary's in their Europa League third qualifying round first leg tie.
Goals from Graziano Pelle and Dusan Tadic put the Saints 2-0 up before Long rounded off the scoring with an 84th-minute header.
Trump typically outspoken as Women’s British Open begins
As the Ricoh Women's British Open got underway at Turnberry yesterday US presidential candidate and owner of the Scottosh resort – Donald Trump – took the opportunity to blast some of the game's governing bodies.
The Republican candidate said that it “does not matter” whether the Ailsa course hosts another Open Championship, a remark sure to cause unrest with the Royal and Ancient.
On the course South Korea’s Kim-Hyo-joo took the early lead with a seven under par 65.
Green shoots light up Woods’ back nine in battle to return to form
After four holes of his opening round at the Quicken Loans Championship in Gainseville, Virginia it looked as if Tiger Woods’ woes were set to continue.
The 14-time major winner had dropped three shots in those opening holes but he rallied to card six birdies, including four in concession on the back nine, to card a 68 and go into the second round on three under par.
Retief Goosen and Ry Ishikawa hold the first round lead after a pair of 63s.
Rio wind could prove a problem for Murphy
Despite being widely touted as Ireland's "great hope" for gold at next year's Rio Olympics, sailor Annalise Murphy could struggle to repeat her London 2012 performance due to the light winds in Rio de Janeiro, according to Kieran Mulvey.
The Irish Sports Council chairman fears that Murphy could struggle in the Rio waters as she generally performs significantly better in stronger gusts – conditions not usually found in Rio.
Quick Jack claims first win of the week for Tony Martin
It was a good day at the Galway Festival for Meath-trainer Tony Martin yesterday as Quick Jack, ridden by Denis O'Regan, claimed the Galway Hurdle at Ballybrit.
It was a sweet victory for O’Regan too as he previously claimed the same title aboard Ansar 10 years ago.
What to watch out for
Cricket: The third day of the third Ashes test begins at 11am at Edgbaston as England look to go 2-1 up in the series. Sky Sports 3 from 10am.
Golf: The Women's British Open continues on BBC2 at 1pm.
There's European Tour action from the Paul Lawrie Matchplay on Sky Sports 4 at 2pm.
That’s followed by the second day of the Quicken Loans Championship on the same channel from 7.30pm.
Racing: The King George Stakes takes centre stage at Glorious Goodwood this afternoon. Coverage begins on Channel 4 at at 1.35pm.
Rugby World Cup: Starting from today we will be running a series of '50 best moments from the Rugby World Cup'. It's been compiled by Patrick Madden and the first piece will be on the site from midday today, running through until the start of the World Cup in September.
