Irvine sees silver lining
Brendan Irvine narrowly missed on becoming Ireland's first gold medallist of the European Games yesterday ashe was edged out in the light flyweight final by Russia's Bator Sagaluev in a split decision.
Step forward then, Katie Taylor. The five-time World Champion will be bidding to keep her gold medal journey going as she takes on home favourite Yana Alekseevna in their semi-final at 8.45pm - you’ll be able to follow the fight live with The Irish Times.
One nation not struggling for medals are the hosts, Azerbaijan, but despite the millions poured in they still haven't been able to do any damage in the pool, writes Ian O'Riordan from Baku.
GAA shelve calendar plans
The GAA have binned plans for a calendar-year season to operate in its major competitions as of next year, with any trial now potentially taking place in 2017, writes Sean Moran.
In the wake of Monaghan's Thomas Connolly receiving a two-year ban for doping, the Irish Sports Council's anti-doping director, Dr Una May, has said the problem isn't that there is a doping culture within Gaelic games but more the widespread use of steroids in Irish society.
Derry have made one change for Sunday’s Ulster smei-final against Donegal, with Cailean O’Boyle replacing Benny Heron.
Clyne Anfield bound
Liverpool have secured their sixth signing of the summer after Southampton accepted €17.6 million offer for right-back Nathaniel Clyne.
Meanwhile as the League of Ireland recommences a number of clubs will be trying to juggle domestic and European commitments, with Shamrock Rovers away at Galway tonight before travelling to Luxembourg for their Europa League opener next Tuesday.
O’Connor backs Cullen
Former Leinster boss Matt O'Connorhas backed Leo Cullen to take over as head coach, with the province still looking for a new man in the wake of the Australian's sacking.
Lowry with work to do
Shane Lowry made a steady start on the opening day of the BMW International in Munich, carding a level par 72 on a low scoring day. That leaves him seven shots off the lead, with Kevin Phelan leading the Irish charge with a 68.
Padraig Harrington missed out on last week’s US Open at Chambers Bay but he has started well at the Travelers Championship in Connecticut, shooting an opening four under par round of 66, leaving him four shots off the lead of Bubba Watson.
Jack Hobbs hot favourite
Punters have been piling on Irish Derby favourite Jack Hobbs ahead of this weekend's feature race at the Curragh, with some bookies shortening his price from 4-5.
What to watch out for:
Athletics
Katie Taylor’s semi-final bout with Yana Alekseevna starts at 8.45am, with Sean McComb and Michael O’Reilly both in last four action afterwards. Scott Evans’s quarter-final badminton singles match against Denmark’s Emil Holst starts at 10am. Setanta 5.25am-8.25pm, BT Sport 5.30am-8.45pm.
Hockey
Ireland play their next World League hockey match against China as they look to recover from yesterday’s defeat to Malaysia. Sky Sports One 1pm.
Golf
Shane Lowry will be looking to close the gap at the top of the BMW International leaderboard. Sky Sports 4 10.30am
Padraig Harrington resumes four off the lead in the Travelers Championship. Sky Sports 4 8.30pm
Football
There are five League of Ireland games tonight, with St Pat’s against Longford the televised match. Setanta 8pm ko.
