In his column this morning Kevin McStay has labelled the "culture of machismo," as being the "greatest stain on the GAA." He recalls the recent controversy of John Small's foul on Eoghan McLoughlin during Dublin's All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Mayo and the subsequent fallout and writes: "It all got me thinking about the history of violence on Gaelic football fields. It's only when you sit down and reflect that the memories come flooding back. They are not pretty." And he believes this history of violence could see some of the game's prodigies turn their back on Gaelic football: "I often get emails from people concerned that these star players will soon fade from the scene. The Conor McManus type guy. The once in a generation talent. They are identified young as brilliant footballers. And their reward is 'special treatment' from a young age. And there is a school of thought that the next generation will begin to walk away, do something else with their lives."
Leona Maguire is set to become the first Irish golfer to compete in the Solheim Cup, after she was handed a wildcard by European captain Catriona Matthew yesterday. Selection for the competition, which gets underway next week, caps a fine year for the 26-year-old, who has moved inside the world's top 50. On her selection, she said: "At the start of the year, I probably thought I needed to win to get Beany's (Matthew) attention but it's been a really consistent year. Those two second place finishes really helped a lot and some really strong Majors, so yeah, all-in-all, it's been an amazing year." Meanwhile Tony Finau secured his second PGA Tour title in the weather affected Northen Trust in New Jersey. The American beat Australian Cameron Smith in the first play-off hole, with Shane Lowry failing to mount a late charge after a final round of 72 left him eight strokes behind the leaders.
The Paralympic Games in Tokyo gets underway today, with the first of the Irish athletes making their bow tomorrow. And once again the brilliant Jason Smyth will be among Ireland's main medal hopes in Japan. Next Sunday the man dubbed 'the fastest Paralympian on the planet' will try and win a fourth successive T13 100 metres title - and the 34-year-old believes his wealth of experience will stand to him in strange circumstances: "It is easier to step back and see the bigger picture and to stay patient. It's very easy to get caught up thinking that I need to race in May; whereas when you step back and look at it, I need to race and run fast at the end of August and nothing else actually matters."
Elsewhere West Ham are top of the Premier League after they beat Leicester City 4-1 at the London Stadium last night. David Moyes's side took a first-half lead through Pablo Fornals, before Ayoze Perez was shown a straight red card for a foul on the Spanish goalscorer. The Hammers pulled further ahead through Said Benrahma before FA Cup final hero Youri Tielemans gave the Foxes hope - however a fine double from Michail Antonio saw the hosts breeze past their depleted opponents. A number of Premier League teams are in action in the League Cup second round tonight, including Aston Villa travelling to play League Two Barrow.
And Clare hurling manager Brian Lohan is set to be offered a further three years as Clare manager - the decision still needs to go to the county board for ratification.
