King Henry exits stage left
In the Langton Hotel in Kilkenny yesterday Henry Shefflin, the greatest hurling player of his generation, confirmed what everybody knew was coming - his inter-county retirement.
In a press conference held at noon, the full transcript of which can be read here, Shefflin thanked his family, his team mates and Brian Cody as he called time on a truly glittering Kilkenny career which saw him lift the Liam McCarthy cup an unprecedented 10 times.
Keith Duggan was there as King Henry announced he was to abdicate and pays tribute to a man whose success was derived as much from his sheer perseverance as it was natural ability.
So too was Sean Moran, who suggests Langton Hotel's Set Theatre was the perfect place for Shefflin to exit stage left, as he reflected on how he came to his decision and the few regrets he has after a peerless 16-years at the pinnacle of the sport.
Elsewhere Tipperary defender Cathal Barrett has leapt to the defence of Clare boss Davy Fitzgerald, who has been the subject of recent criticism after a disciplinary issue with two county hurlers.
Leinster must win every game to fulfill season goals
With the Six Nations done and dusted it's time for the provinces to take centre stage again, and Leinster forwards coach Leo Cullen says his side, who currently lie fifth in the Pro 12 table, need to win their remaining league games if they want to fulfil their ambitions for the season.
Following on from the frenetic final day of the Six Nations it has been confirmed all of the final Pro 12 games will kick off at the same time.
Every game a must win
Ireland's game against Poland on Sunday is pivotal for Euro 2016 qualification hopes, however assistant manager Roy Keane is reluctant to brand the game a 'must win', given it should be the aim of every team to win every game they play.
James McClean was forced to sit out training again yesterday after he picked up an ankle injury on Tuesday but he expects to be fit for Sunday and suggests International duty is a welcome distraction from the trials and tribulations his club Wigan Athletic are going through at the foot of the Championship.
A number of Ireland's squad for the Poland game, including Stephen Quinn, Stephen Ward and Robbie Brady, are products of the Dublin District Schoolboys League, which continues to churn out major talent.
Heffernan a step away from bronze
Rob Heffernan could be in line to receive an Olympic bronze medal after world athletics governing body the IAAF confirmed its appeal against the "selective disqualification of results" applied to the recent doping offences by Russian race walkers, including Sergey Kirdyapkin who won the 50km walk at the 2012 Olympics where Heffernan finished 4th.
Missed cut not necessarily a bad thing for Lowry
When Shane Lowry missed the cut at Bay Hill it was the first time he didn't carry an interest past the second round since the Irish Open last June, but the Offaly man feels it could be a blessing in disguise - and not just because it meant he could watch the rugby.
Katie gearing up for Baku
Meanwhile World Champion Katie Taylor says she is in great shape ahead of June's European Games in Baku, despite a nagging wrist problem.
What to watch out for:
Cricket
Sky Sports 2 from 3am, World Cup Australia v India
Golf
Sky Sports 4, 11am-1pm, 2.30pm-5.30pm, Morocco Hassan II Trophy
Sky Sports 4, 7pm-10pm, San Antonio Texas Open
Cycling
Eurosport, 2.30pm-4.15pm, Stage 4 Tour of Catalunya
Tennis
Sky Sports 5, 3pm-3am, ATP Miami Open
BT Sport 1, 3pm-1.30am, WTA Miami Open
Darts
Sky Sports 1, 7pm-10.30pm, Dublin Premier League
Football
ITV4 from 7.40pm, France v Brazil
