Soccer: Europa League
Sevilla last night became the first side in history to win the Europa League for the fourth time – astonishingly just nine years after they won it for the first time.
The La Liga outfit secured back-to-back titles in a thrilling final against underdogs FC Dnipro where Colombian forward Carlos Bacca’s double was the difference in a 3-2 victory.
The news which dominates the back, and front, pages this morning though; the revelations that the US justice officials have charged 14 people linked to Fifa and international football organisations with 47 criminal counts for accepting bribes and kickbacks of more than $150 million (€134 million) over 24 years.
Seven of the 14 men charged by the US, including Fifa vice president Jeffrey Webb of the Cayman Islands, were arrested at a plush Zurich hotel by Swiss police acting on behalf of the US department of justice which wants to extradite them to New York.
Golf: Irish Open
On the eve of a new dawn for the Irish Open, the omens weren’t particularly promising.
For much of the time, as the pro-am provided a taster, Slieve Donard was shrouded by clouds, rain doused the famous links at Royal County Down; and players mischievously used words like "carnage" – in the case of Graeme McDowell – and "nightmare" – from both Rickie Fowler and Ernie Els – to describe potential outcomes should the weather add to the course's already severe examination.
Host Rory McIlroy comes into proceedings as the favourite as he leads a strong home challenge.
Rugby: Ba-Baas
Thomond Park will host the Barbarians tonight as they take on an experimental Irish side, with World Cup places on the line.
Among the mix of relative experience and youth Irish head coach Joe Schmidt has selected two lightly uncapped Leinster youngsters in centre Colm O’Shea and replacement winger Cian Kelleher – which seemed rather pointed in light of Matt O’Connor granting them only one game apiece this season.
Ireland ought to have too much cohesion for their make-shift opponents.
GAA: Under-21
Brave Kildare put up a bold show in their first every appearance in the Bord Gáis Energy Under-21 hurling championship but in the end, they had no answer to the magnificence of Conor McDonald and his tally of 0-12. I know, how is he still under-21.
Meanwhile Offaly edged Westmeath as Carlow surprised Laois in the night's other two fixtures.
Looking ahead to the weekend, and we will get a first championship viewing of Jim Gavin’s Dublin footballers for 2015.
In this week's Statistical GAA piece we look at how Dublin have dropped their average score concession from 0-16 per game to 0-12, although as seen in the league final they can still be caught out by quick ball. Mark Collins' goal was the result of three swift passes and a counter attack lasting just 14 seconds.
What to watch out for:
For a change to the norm of late there's plenty of sporting action to keep you busy today, the main event being the Irish Open of course. John O'Sullivan's live blog is already well underway.
RTE 2, 8am-1.05pm
RTE 1, 4pm-6pm
As well as the French Open, and Giro d'Italia both continuing; Ireland v Barbarians is live from Thomond Park at 7.45pm.
Sky Sports 1 from 7.30pm
Meanwhile the Scottish Premiership Play-off final kicks off at the same time as Rangers look to secure their place back in the top flight.
BT Sport 1 from 7.30pm
