Joe Schmidt makes final World Cup call

Yesterday Joe Schmidt announced his final 31-man party charged with the task of taking Ireland to glory in this month’s Rugby World Cup.

Among the most high profile absentees from the squad are Andrew Trimble, David Kilcoyne, Marty Moore and Felix Jones, as well as Felix Jones and Fergus McFadden.

22-year-old Tadhg Furlong is the one real bolter in the squad and he is one of 17 members who will be appearing at their first ever World Cup. Paul O’Connell leads the group which includes 16 players from Leinster, seven from Ulster, six from Munster and two from Connacht.

Schmidt called the 15 men who didn't make the cut to deliver the bad news but he is satisfied with the overall balance of his final squad: "I like the fact that we've got some really good experience and we've got some really good eagerness of youth. I like the mix of experience the players bring from the different provinces. The competitiveness within the squad is also very good."

Those players who did make Schmidt's squad only found out by email, and Devin Toner says he refreshed his inbox 50 times as he waited for the news on a "nerve-wracking" day.

One gamble Schmidt has taken is selecting only two recognised scrumhalves in Conor Murray and Eoin Reddan, however he is set to make use of the versatility of Ian Madigan with the Leinster back primed to be deployed at nine should the need arise.

One player who is a shoe-in for Ireland's starting XV if fit is Cian Healy, and the Leinster prop has been cleared to play in this weekend's warm-up game against England.

Walsh hopes to see his name on Cody’s clipboard

As Sunday's All-Ireland hurling final between Kilkenny and Galway creeps closer Cats' forward Walter Walsh reflects on the nervous wait to see if your name is one of the 15 down to start of Brian Cody's clipboard and his surprise selection in the 2012 final replay.

Meanwhile Galway's David Collins believes his side can produce the intensity and work rate needed to beat the reigning champions in Croke Park on Sunday.

Seán Moran looks at Galway who are now a powerhouse of hurling and one of the games's greatest modern success stories despite not winning a championship for 27 years.

Darragh Ó Sé: referee’s impossible job

In his column Darragh Ó Sé reflects on the incredibly difficult job referees are faced with, something highlighted by last Sunday's All-Ireland semi-final between Mayo and Dublin. He asks: "How would you referee a game like that last Sunday? Where would you start?"

United blame Real and get to keep de Gea

Manchester United have hit back at Real Madrid over the failed transfer of goalkeeper David de Gea, releasing a statement which suggests the Spanish club went cold on the deal at around 7.30pm as well as failing to return relevant paperwork in time.

The club announced their delight at holding onto one of their prized assets on the same day French forward Anthony Martial was unveiled.

Aside from that it was a very quiet transfer deadline day, with West Brom rejecting any offers from Tottenham for Saido Berahino, which prompted the 23-year-old to tweet saying he will never play for the Baggies or chairman Jeremy Peace again.

O’Neill plays down injury concerns

Ahead of Friday night's Euro 2016 qualifier against Gibraltar Ireland boss Martin O'Neill has played down injury concerns over James McCarthy and Jeff Hendrick but admitted his concern over Darron Gibson's issues both on and off the pitch.

Robbie Brady has reflected on his time at Manchester United, including a bollocking he received off Alex Ferguson for not taking Cristiano Ronaldo to task after the Portugese pushed ahead of him in the canteen queue at Carrington.

Elsewhere Dundalk moved closer to the title after a clinical 2-0 win over Shamrock Rovers at Oriel Park last night.

Leopardstown options open for Legtissimo

David Wachman is keeping his options open for Group One star Legatissimo, with the 1,000 Guineas and Nassau Stakes winner entered twice in Champions Weekend at Leopardstown.

Federer and Murray through at Flushing Meadows

At Flushing Meadows Roger Federer's progress into the second round was serene as he beat Argentina's Leonardo Mayer 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 while afterwards Andy Murray was too good for Nick Kyrgios, beating the Australian in four sets.

What to watch out for:

Tennis

Serena Williama and Novak Djokovic are both in second round action at the US Open, Eurosport, 3.45pm-1am. Sky Sports 1, 4pm-4am.