Munster’s summer signings may still be in the process of getting to know their new team-mates but, after a pre-season training camp in Cork last week, captain Peter O’Mahony is convinced they can help the province challenge for long-awaited silverware.

Preston North End put on a show of support for Sean Maguire and Kevin O’Connor at Turner’s Cross last night, but new manager Alex Neil insists there is no special need to reassure the departing Cork City stars they are still wanted by his new regime.

The Rebel county is set to give the boys in green a huge Euro 2016 send-off at tonight’s international friendly against Belarus in Turner’s Cross.

While the SSE Airtricity League top two of Dundalk and Derry are, respectively, away to Bohemians and at home to Sligo Rovers, probably the most eye-catching Premier Division fixture this evening sees third play fifth, as Cork City host St Patrick’s Athletic at Turner’s Cross.

 AT 12.20pm today, Valerie Mulcahy will take to the podium.

Good afternoon. Here’s all the news you need to know this lunchtime.

It’s been voted the best Santa experience. Noel Baker goes behind the scenes at Wish at Fota Island Resort to see just what it takes to bring snow, 140 elves and the man in red to Cork.  

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Cork businesses are being reminded to prepare for the second annual Digital Marketing Awards, which will take place in October.

Students from Pobalscoil na Tríonóide in Youghal, Co Cork have been named winners of the Merck Millipore School Science competition 2015.

An irritating phenomenon arises without fail each year in the run up to March 17.

Cork Simon, experiencing a doubling of numbers sleeping rough in the city, has issued a special appeal for support ahead of its biggest annual fundraiser.

There’s so much to do in the run up to Christmas, it can be hard to decide how to make the most of the festive fun. Take some tips from Ellie O’Byrne.

Last year at Fota Island Resort’s Santa experience, six men proposed to their partners, inspired — and perhaps emboldened — by the spirit of Christmas created there. A tough act to follow. So what’s going on down there this year?

Cork City 0 Birmingham City 3

The 2014 Irish Open proved a major hit in Cork with more than 100,000 spectators visiting Fota Island Resort, and it also left a lasting legacy in the region with the tournament raising €50,000 for its Official Charity, Mercy Hospital Foundation and its Kids + Teens Appeal.

Pádraig Harrington and Graeme McDowell may have come up short in this year’s quest for an Irish Open victory, but both would be delighted to give it another shot at Fota Island Resort after a hugely successful week in Cork.

Taking Martin Kaymer’s US Open victory as his inspiration, Mikko Ilonen celebrated his wire-to-wire Irish Open win last night as a major progression along the road to his career goals.

The biggest names in golf are fighting it out at Fota Island Resort for the right to be crowned Irish Open Champion 2014.

The Irish Open has not one but three homegrown contenders at Fota Island Resort as Graeme McDowell leads the pursuit of halfway leader Mikko Ilonen.

Jet-lagged Graeme McDowell is hoping a good night’s sleep will help him mount a charge in pursuit of overnight leader Mikko Ilonen as the second round of the Irish Open gets under way at Fota Island Resort today.

Rory McIlroy will go into today’s Irish Open first round at the Fota Island Resort unburdened by matters Olympic and determined to finally make a mark on his national Open.

Rory McIlroy had three choices regarding his participation at the 2016 Olympics and beyond, but opting out of the chance to take part in the Rio Games in two years was never really an option.

Rory McIlroy will tee off at today’s Irish Open relieved he has finally taken the plunge and declared allegiance to Ireland ahead of the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.

Rory McIlroy has put an end to years of speculation regarding who he will represent at the 2016 Olympics by declaring his allegiance to Ireland.

Forget your fascinators and gorgeous gúnas, this year’s Irish Open is all about the wackiest dressed in homage to golf legend, and sometime fashionista, John Daly.

Rory McIlroy is in the country for the Irish Open at Fota. Unfortunately, he seems to have mislaid his golf clubs on the way…

As 156 golfers and 100,000 fans prepare to descend on Fota Island Resort, Dave Kenny says staff are ready for the challenge

Martin Kaymer was crowned US Open champion on Sunday as he pulled away from the field to complete a dominant wire-to-wire, eight-shot victory at Pinehurst No.2.

The Irish Open may be one of the most prestigious tournaments on the golfing calendar but for most of its 87 years it has been a lot more than just a sporting occasion.

Shane Lowry cut a disconsolate figure at Pinehurst No 2 as he pored over the wreckage of a nightmare back nine that cost him a weekend place at the US Open.

Look, I think I’m no different than anyone else.

The countdown officially commenced at Fota Island Resort yesterday as former champion Shane Lowry gave his seal of approval to the 2014 Irish Open venue.

Waterford United, who earlier this week revealed financial worries at the club, have said an agreement on revised terms and conditions has been reached with most players and staff following a meeting on Wednesday night.

The Irish Examiner newspaper will be the Official Print Media Partner to the Irish Open at Fota Island Resort in Cork (June 19-22).

The Irish Open has joined forces with operatic pop vocal group Il Divo for a ticket promotion for fans of sport and music. For the May Bank Holiday weekend only, packages to both events are available at a discount of over 20%, offering €25 off the combined ticket price.

This year's Irish Open will be staged at the Fota Island Resort in Cork, it was confirmed today.

A fractured ankle will keep Kerry defender Killian Young out of next Sunday's All-Ireland SFC semi-final against Dublin at Croke Park.

Technology giant Apple is on course to double its workforce at Half Moon Street in Cork City as it expands its European headquarters in the city’s suburbs to cater for 3,300 employees.

Michael Collins is making the most of his 888poker.com EuroPro Tour experience at Fota Island Resort this week as he targets a shot at the European Tour Qualifying School this autumn.

KERRY defender Tomás Ó Sé is battling to be fit for Sunday’s All-Ireland SFC semi-final against Mayo.

NEW Birmingham City boss Chris Hughton has admitted the Airtricity League is on his radar in terms of identifying new recruits.