GAA: Championship
All-Ireland champions Dublin absolutely dominated this morning's Football All Star nominations, as well as the short list for Footballer of the Year.
In all 11 players received nominations from the capital, the four to miss out were stalwarts Paul Flynn and Stephen Cluxton, as well as Dean Rock and Denis Bastick. It was a complete whitewash for the Footballer of the Year gong though as a shortlist made up of Philly McMahon, Jack McCaffrey and Bernard Brogan ensured that this year’s winner will most certainly hail from Dublin.
The running for Young Footballer of the Year though contains none from Jim Gavin’s squad; Mayo’s Diarmuid O’Connor is the early favourite and he’s joint by Monaghan defender Ryan Wylie and the current holder of the title, Ryan McHugh of Donegal in making up the three-man shortlist.
Meanwhile Dublin are set to fight Philly McMahon's proposed one match ban for an eye-gouging incident against Kerry in the final that was captured on camera.
Rugby: World Cup
There are two RWC games on tonight; In Ireland's pool France face Canada, while in the group of death Warren Gatland's Wales team face Fiji hoping to build on their win over England on Saturday.
The latest squad news emanating from the Irish camp is that Jared Payne is a doubt for the upcoming Italy game with a bruised foot, as is Rob Kearney with a buttock strain (with Simon Zebo again likely to fill in at 15 in his absence).
Soccer: Champions League
Last night there were wins for both Premier League sides in the Champions League, after the disappointment of Arsenal and Chelsea’s showings 24 hours earlier.
Juan Mata was the star for Manchester United as they recovered from an early set back to secure a vital three points against Wolfsburg at Old Trafford.
Manchester City were less impressive, still without captain Vincent Kompany they relied on the brilliance of goalkeeper Joe Hart before a late Sergio Aguero penalty stole them three points against Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Golf
In his column this morning Colin Byrne is comparing top golfers with the All Blacks, explaining that what distinguishes top players like Jordan Spieth is their mental fortitude.
Shane Lowry says he's excited about his return to competitive action in the Dunhill Links. The 28-year-old from Offaly feels he is now ready to challenge for a European place.
What to watch out for:
Liverpool host Sion in the Europa League tonight, hoping to build on the weekend's win over Aston Villa ahead of Sunday's derby against Everton.
Setanta 1 from 8pm
The Fife Alfred Dunhill Links Championship begins today and is live on Sky Sports.
Sky Sports 4, 1pm-5pm
In the RWC Wales v Fiji(4.45) and France v Canada (8.00) are both on TV3 and UTV.
TV3 from 4.30pm
