Bruno Fernandes' extra-time penalty edged Manchester United through to the Europa League semi-finals as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side toiled to victory against gutsy FC Copenhagen last night. Also through to the final four of the competition are Inter Milan, who beat Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 with Romelu Lukaku on target. Tonight, Wolves face Sevilla in their quarter-final, extra motivated to win for the injured Jonny Otto who sustained a serious knee injury in the previous round. That kicks off at 8pm. There was also FAI Cup action last night as underdogs Finn Harps shocked St Pat's thanks to an early blunder. And in transfer news, Premier League champions Liverpool have completed the signing of Greek left back Kostas Tsimikas from Olympiacos.
The GAA has allowed clubs within Kildare, Laois and Offaly to open for training in line with government guidelines, as released on Friday. Training will be on a non-contact basis and in groups of no more than 15 people. In an interview with Sean Moran, Kildare chairman Mick Gorman calls on the government to remember the importance of sport: "I think recognition is due for the part that sport plays in community life in difficult times, keeping spirits up and protecting mental health. Usually it's the first thing shut down but the benefits and what it does for the community should always be kept in mind."
Stuart Lancaster hopes to be part of Warren Gatland's coaching ticket if the British and Irish Lions are allowed to tour South Africa next summer. In a media briefing with rugby reporters the Leinster coach ended up covering every issue in the rugby universe, from the importance of Leinster's strength in depth, to the CVC Capital Partners takeover of the professional game, to the rumoured return of Joe Schmidt, to the latest Leinster tighthead promoted in the wake of losing Jack Aungier to Connacht and Roman Salanoa to Munster. In his column this morning, Gerry Thornley writes about the consistent trailblazers New Zealand who are once again ahead of the posse: "as the final round of matches in the Aotearoa tournament approaches this weekend, it coincides with the resumption of the Premiership in England and comes a week ahead of the Pro14 returning. And yet again they have set a very high bar."
Meanwhile Athletics Ireland has agreed to stage the 2020 National Track and Field Championships over two successive weekends at the Morton Stadium in Santry later this month. Five-time champion Ronnie O'Sullivan faces a battle to stay in the snooker World Championship after Mark Williams hit form to build a 6-2 overnight advantage in their best-of-25 Crucible quarter-final.
