The Irish Times Sportswomen of the Year
The Irish Times Sportswoman of the Year will be announced at a ceremony in Dublin on Friday, and today Malachy Clerkin looks at the 14 monthly winners who are in the running to be awarded the main prize.
2015’s sportswomen of the month were as follows (deep breath): for December 2014 cross-country runner Ann Marie McGlynn, for January Ireland basketballer Grainne Dwyer, for February and March Ireland Six Nations winners Sophie Spence and Niamh Briggs, April was Irish Grand National winner Katie Walsh, squash player Madeleine Perry and golfer Leona Maguire in May, Katie Taylor in June, for May Special Olympics basketball gold medallist Sarah Byrne, canoeist Jenny Egan in August, Cork GAA stars Briege Corkery and Rena Buckley in September, discus thrower Noelle Lenihan in October and finally Wexford Youths skipper Kylie Murphy in November.
The 14 athletes all reflect back on their year and the successes, and disappointments, they have had in 2015.
Sonia O’Sullivan column
Meanwhile in her column today Sonia O'Sullivan looks at the bronze medal success of the Ireland women's team at the European Cross Country Championships last weekend, she writes: "It is this belief if you can work as a team as you stand on the start line that delivers medals."
Brogan disagrees with GAA blood testing
Yesterday the GAA announced they are to introduce blood testing from January 1st and Dublin star Bernard Brogan disagrees with the move, he said: "To get blood tested is a bit aggressive, I think. But, as I say, we'll just get on with whatever we do. We have nothing to hide. No one has anything to hide in the GAA."
America at Large
In today's America at Large column Dave Hannigan looks at New England Patriots quarter-back Tom Brady and his friendly relationship with the toxic US presidential candidate Donald Trump. On his friend Trump, Brady said: "We've had a lot of fun together. We'll see what turns out with him as a politician, but he's certainly a great friend. Nobody supports their friends like Tom Brady or Donald Trump."
Andy Lee ready for title defence
Andy Lee defends his WBO world middleweight title against Billy Joe Saunders in Manchester on Saturday night, and the build-up has been refreshingly free of the usual bravado and trash-talk which is common place in the modern fight game.
O’Connell could play by January
Paul O'Connell could make his debut in a Toulon shirt as early as January following the devastating hamstring injury which brought an abrupt end to his Rugby World Cup and Ireland career, and the former Munster talisman is relishing turning out for his new club, he said: "But I'm delighted I did it now.
“I’m delighted I’ve taken on the challenge because there would have been easier options for me. Even already I see different ways of doing things than what I’m used to. It’s up to me to adapt to that and learn the Toulon way of doing things.”
McCarthy to join 300 club
O'Connell will of course be absent for Toulon's trip to Dublin to play Leinster on Saturday, but one secondrow who will be playing is Mike McCarthy who is set to make his 300th club appearance.
Guardiola decision imminent
Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed he will make a decision over his future next week, heightening speculation he is likely to replace Manuel Pellegrini at Manchester City next season, with Carlo Ancelotti taking over in Bavaria.
Meanwhile Jose Mourinho's job prospects remain very fragile with Chelsea boss Roman Abramovich deliberating whether or not to sack the Portugese following a disastrous season so far.
What to watch out for:
Darts
The PDC Darts World Championships start tonight. (SS2, 7pm-11pm)
