Kilkenny juggernaut rolls on
The Kilkenny juggernaut rolls on after Brian Cody’s side made it 11 All-Ireland senior hurling titles in 15 years with a 1-22 to 1-18 win over Galway at Croke Park yesterday.
Sean Moran was at HQ to witness another chapter in one of the greatest sporting dynasties of all time unfold as the Cats recovered from a poor first half to blow Anthony Cunningham's side away with an imperious display after the break.
Galway's last All-Ireland title came in 1988 and the long wait continues after an indomitable Kilkenny showed their class and grit to take a 36th title back to Noreside, writes Keith Duggan.
Yesterday's win was Cody's 11th as Kilkenny boss and it is one which will rank among the sweetest following a spate of retirements at the end of 2014 and injuries this year. Cody praised his side's 'relentless spirit to just drive on' following their victory.
Galway will learn and grow from defeat
Meanwhile losing manager Cunningham was left to pick the bones out of a gutting defeat and he insisted his side try to would come back stronger next year, "If we stay at the same level we won't be back here. So we have got to work harder and get better," he said.
One of Kilkenny's star performers was, as always, T J Reid and it is fitting he had the last act in a game he dominated, top scoring without a miss from a placed ball, writes Malachy Clerkin.
In his column Nicky English reflects on the tenacity and determination of a Kilkenny side who managed to outmuscle a Galway team who are the biggest and strongest in hurling.
It wasn't all doom and gloom for Galway yesterday however as the minors beat Tipperary 4-13 to 1-16, showing the future is bright in the West.
Mayo lacked killer instinct
On Saturday Dublin progressed to the All-Ireland football final after a late onslaught gave them a 3-15 to 1-14 win over Mayo at Croke Park, and it was a lack of killer instinct while in the ascendancy which cost the Connacht champions, writes Keith Duggan.
John O'Keefee believes the best team won over the course of the two games and the result shows Dublin's renewed hunger for success, while Mayo's long, long wait for a championship will continue unless they get some new blood into their side.
Euro 2016: Ireland v Georgia
Ireland face Georgia at the Aviva Stadium tonight full of a renewed confidence if qualifying for Euro 2016 after Scotland were beaten by the same opponents last Friday. However anything less than a win tonight and rekindled hopes would be dealt a heavy blow, writes Emmet Malone.
On the whole, Ireland's record against smaller nations at home has been good, and while Georgia have been playing with greater freedom under new boss Kakhaber Tskhadadze their record of one win in 22 competitive away games bodes well for Martin O'Neill's side.
Brian Kerr believes third place in Group D is now attainable for Ireland, but O'Neill still has some work to do to fit the team into a shape which will allow Wes Hoolahan to flourish while offering stability in the middle of the park.
Ken Early: Keane thriving as a big fish in a small pond
Robbie Keane was on the scoresheet twice in last Friday's 4-0 win away at Gibraltar moving him on to 67 International goals, but while his tally for Ireland is impressive he has turned into a flat track bully in his later years, writes Ken Early.
Schmidt pleased to have avoided major injuries
Ireland's Rugby World Cup preparations came to a disappointing end with a 21-13 defeat to England at Twickenham on Saturday, but boss Joe Schmidt was just pleased to have emerged from four intense warm-up games with just one serious injury to Tommy O'Donnell.
While Ireland's performance left much to be desired flanker Peter O'Mahony is adamant not much should be read into the game, which meant far more to under pressure hosts England.
One area in which Ireland were comprehensively outdone by England was at the breakdown, and Liam Toland suggests it was the hosts' quicker ball which did for Schmidt's side.
Champions Weekend organisers hoping it stays dry
The build-up to the second Irish Champions Weekend at Leopardstown begins ahead of the weekend's action with Golden Horn, Gleneagles, Free Eagle and The Great Gatsby all potentially in the line-up. However organisers and trainers alike must hope for the weather to be kind if the card is to be as stellar as possible.
Serene progress for Williams
Serena Williams has set up a showdown with sister Venus after she beat Madison Keys 6-3 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals of the US Open.
What to watch out for:
Football
Ireland play Georgia at the Aviva Stadium as they push for third spot in Euro 2016 qualification group D. (RTE 2 and Sky Sports 2, 7.45pm ko)
Elsewhere in Group D Gordon Strachan's Scotland welcome world champions Germany as they look to recover from their defeat to Georgia last Friday night. (Sky Sports 1, 7.45pm ko).
Northern Ireland can qualify for next summer's championships in France if they beat Hungary at Windsor Park tonight. (Sky Sports 5, 7.45pm ko)
Golf
Henrik Stenson is top of the leaderboard heading into the final day of the Deutsche Bank Open in Boston. (Sky Sports 4, 4.30pm-11pm)
Tennis
The US Open continues in New York with Roger Federer and Andy Murray both in fourth round action. (Sky Sports 2 4pm-7.30pm, Sky Sports 3 7.30pm-4am)
