Shuffle forward a week from now and the drawbridge will close on applications for the role of the GAA’s next director general. Interesting times lie ahead, but the process of appointing Pauric Duffy’s successor has already shone a revealing light on an association at war with itself.

West Waterford’s Gary Hurley stormed into the lead in the European Amateur Championship on the Dukes Course at St Andrews yesterday following a stunning opening round.

The GPA are increasing their efforts to assist members deal with the pressure and demands of being a modern inter-county player.

Scotland’s Jamie Savage proved a cool head is half the battle as he took advantage of a series of mistakes by Ireland’s leading contenders to snatch a two-shot win in the Irish Amateur Open at a wet and windy Royal Dublin.