Premier League players have launched a charitable fund called #PlayersTogether, which has partnered with NHC Charities Together in a bid to help those who are closely involved in tackling the coronavirus pandemic. It is hoped the trust will raise more than €4.5 million, and it is being administered by Manchester United captain Harry Maguire, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, West Ham capain Mark Noble and Watford skipper Troy Deeney. A statement read: "The contributions that this initiative will generate will help NHSCT quickly grant funds to the front line to support in a number of ways, including to help enhance the wellbeing of NHS staff, volunteers and patients impacted by Covid-19."
Today's favourite sporting moment sees Eamon Donoghue look back to Roscommon's All-Ireland minor success in 2006 - a famous victory which lifted the spirits and restored pride to a county in the doldrums. Inspired by the infallible boot of Donie Shine the Rossie minors took Kerry to a final replay in Ennis before beating the Kingdom and paving the way for Connacht senior glory four years later. "And so much did depend on it. Roscommon were at a crossroads in 2006 and those young men were the ones who not only made history but showed the way for the generation that followed. I've never seen my Dad overcome with pure joy like it, my cousin had left us before the final whistle once more. But this time to get down to the wire and be one of the first on the pitch."
The five nations who make up the Pro14 could be hit by combined losses of €15m if the 2019-20 season isn't completed due to the coronavirus crisis. Various contingency plans are in place to finish the season however the competition's cross-border make-up - with Italy and South Africa involved alongside Ireland, Wales and Scotland - could make this very difficult, writes Gerry Thornley this morning. The Pro14's rules does allow the organisers to call all fixtures cancelled a 0-0 draw and award two points to each side, which would leave Leinster, Ulster, Glasgow, Munster, Edinburgh and the Scarlets in the play-offs. However, this would still lead to complications: "There is an acceptance, that for the 2019-20 Pro 14 to be salvaged at all, at the very least it would have to be possible for Irish, Welsh and Scottish teams to compete against each other. In other words, not only would the existing restrictions by governments and health authorities amid the Covid-19 pandemic have to be lifted in all three, but travel between the three countries would have to be permissible too."
Elsewhere this morning Louise Lawless has looked at how endometriosis - a painful condition which causes tissue to grow outside of the uterus - can affect female athletes and sports stars. AFL side Geelong Cats embarked on a project to discuss the condition in May, but their attitude seems to be the exception rather than the rule: "This 'wait and see' approach to athletes at any level who are suffering from symptoms means the solution is delayed, the pain extended and the quality of life diminished."
And Celtic could be crowned champions for the ninth-consecutive season after April 23rd, with the Scottish season set to be abandoned. A meeting on Wednesday lead to a recommendation of a vote in each division to decide whether or not to end the season as it stands - nine of the 12 Premiership clubs are believed to be in favour.
