Some things in life are eternal and that, it seems, may well be the case with Brian Cody's management of Kilkenny after it was confirmed on Monday night that the 67-year-old will remain in charge for his 24th season in 2022. Cody has led the Cats to 11 All-Ireland titles and 10 league titles since taking over in 1998, having won three All-Irelands as a player and last night he was ratified by the county board to remain in charge. Meanwhile, in Mayo the pain of another All-Ireland final loss goes on as they come to terms with the harsh reality of what happened at Croke Park on Saturday. This morning Kevin McStay goes into detail on the feeling in the county, what must change at senior level and why Joe Brolly's criticism of Aidan O'Shea is well out of order.
Moving to rugby and it was a disappointing day for the women's game in Ireland both on and off the pitch yesterday. With the fallout continuing from the sub-standard temporary changing facilities provided for players at the women's interpros in Donnybrook on Saturday, an unnamed player spoke to The Irish Times about the situation and about how players had been told not to comment on the facilities which had been set up in a derelict area beside some bins with rats reportedly seen. On the pitch there was also no joy for the Ireland national team as they suffered a shock loss to Spain in their opening World Cup qualifier, leaving Adam Griggs' side in major danger of not qualifying for the tournament.
On to soccer and the Champions League gets underway this evening with Manchester United taking on Young Boys Bern at 5.45pm. It could prove to be a tricky opener for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side but yesterday the manager was adamant that there can be no excuses in the competition this year. Elsewhere, Chelsea begin the defence of their title against Zenit St Petersburg at Stamford Bridge and Thomas Tuchel says he hopes his players can maintain the hunger which saw them lift the trophy last year. In the Premier League, an Andros Townsend screamer helped Everton to victory over Burnley last night while, domestically, Bohemians boosted their European hopes by beating Finn Harps in Ballybofey.
Finally to golf and Shane Lowry has the full support of his fellow teammates on the European Ryder Cup team this week with Sergio Garcia and Ian Poulter both backing the Irishman to enjoy a successful debut at the event.
