When Des Cahill called on potential benefactors to “#coughup”, circling the Green Army’s “actively seeking sponsorship” biography line, it gave the sport one of its rare moments in the spotlight.

Kinsale man Conor Harte will become the fifth Irish man to reach 200 international caps this evening when he lines out to face Pakistan at Comber Road (7.30pm).

The Government has launched a three-month non-statutory inquiry to uncover the full scale of Ireland’s Olympic ticket touting scandal — despite concerns that any investigation will be hamstrung by ongoing Brazilian legal cases.

An enduring gusty attitude drives actress Judi Dench, who continues to look for new challenges in her 80s, says Margaret Jennings.

Drugs, bugs, refuseniks, and a troubled host city: it really hasn’t been the smoothest of rides so far for Rio 2016, writes Brendan O’Brien

Is Rory McIlroy right not to be going to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro because of the Zika virus? Or do you think he should play golf anyway, but take the necessary precautions? Síle Seoige and Suzanne Harrington debate this much discussed topic.

Two cases of the zika virus have been confirmed in Ireland and are under investigation by the HSE.

The Irish Men’s gymnasts have successfully progressed through to the next stage of 2016 Olympic Games qualification from the 2015 World Gymnastics Championships in Glasgow.

As a member of An Garda Síochána, perhaps it is in Adam Nolan’s nature to remain circumspect when faced with allegations of a robbery, but his magnanimous approach to the questionable split decision awarded against him at the World Championships last night was admirable nonetheless.

The wheels of progress turn very slowly at Portmarnock but if the sticky issue of women members is ever resolved, Shane Lowry will join Rory McIlroy at the top of the queue for the return of the Irish Open to what many consider to be Ireland’s blue riband links.

Irish head coach Billy Walsh is planning to keep Paddy Barnes and Michael Conlan busy in quality tournaments ahead of the 2016 Olympic Games.

Cycling: Organisers of this year’s Kerry Group Rás Mumhan (April 3-6) have made a number of changes to the third stage of the 2015 event.

Aviva Premiership clubs Saracens and Bath are both being investigated for alleged salary cap breaches, according to a report in Saturday’s Daily Mail.

A small ante room in the Westbury Hotel yesterday morning is the setting.

Shane Lowry was well entitled to a wry smile over the last day or two as he heard just about everybody talk up Ireland’s prospects of a medal at the 2016 Olympic Games now that Rory McIlroy has declared for Ireland and Graeme McDowell has confirmed he will wear the green, white and orange in Rio.

Rory McIlroy’s decision to represent Ireland in the 2016 Olympic Games delighted his fellow Ulsterman Graeme McDowell at Fota Island yesterday with the talented pair now set to wear the green jersey in Rio.

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.

From the solitude of Inis Mór, the largest of the three Aran Islands off the Galway coast, to the UCI’s World Cycling Centre in Aigle, Switzerland, 20-year-old Eoin Mullen could be forgiven for thinking this is all just a dream.

AIBA Professional Boxing (APB) chiefs fear losing out on five top Irish boxers — after they failed to sign up John Joe Nevin.

An ivory toothbrush thought to have belonged to Brazil’s Emperor Pedro II and a minty toothpaste made by a European chemist for the Portuguese queen have been found by archaeologists.

Usain Bolt has confirmed he plans to retire from athletics after the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.

Republic of Ireland U21 coach Noel King has named his squad for the UEFA Championships qualifier against the Faroe Islands in Toftir on August 14.

Anchored putters, dodgy drops and armchair referees. Drugs. Top players behaving like kids in the schoolyard.

Rory McIlroy has no intention of being rushed into choosing whether he represents Ireland or Great Britain at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janiero.

Irish Rugby chiefs have announced a multi-million euro investment plan to develop women’s rugby.

With respect to golfer Rory McIlroy’s predicament of having to decide whether to play for Ireland or Team Great Britain in the 2016 Olympic Games, there is a very simple solution to his problem.

Holywood golfer’s assertion last September that he felt more British than Irish was met with a consternation that bordered on the ridiculous.

Pádraig Harrington has expressed “massive sympathy” for Rory McIlroy as the row over the world number one’s plans for the 2016 Olympic Games rumbles on.

Rory McIlroy is reaching breaking point on the subject of his national allegiance and hinted he is giving serious consideration to skipping the 2016 Olympic Games.

Billy Walsh has confirmed he will take Ireland’s elite boxers to the 2016 Olympic Games but the Wexford coach has warned more funding is required to build on the successes of Beijing and London.

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) has sought clarity from the Competition Authority regarding a new Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) ruling that will ban riders, horses and judges for six months if they participate in what the FEI terms “unsanctioned events”.

Tokyo’s outspoken and nationalistic governor said today he is quitting after nearly 14 years in office to form a new political party ahead of expected national elections.

Katie Taylor made it clear yesterday she would prefer to turn her back on the professional ranks and fight to retain her gold medal at the 2016 Olympic Games and the Bray boxer is expected to announce her final decision on her future within the next 10 days.

Katie Taylor will meet with boxing promoters from America and England today, still torn between turning professional or trying for gold again at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio De Janeiro.

Ireland has an excellent chance of having a women’s sevens rugby team at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio after a spectacular and dramatic debut by a new squad at the European championships which ended in Moscow at the weekend.

Former Ireland senior rugby coach Eddie O’Sullivan is lending his experience to the Irish Olympic Handball Association as it pursues a spot at the 2016 Games.

The streets of Rio de Janeiro were calm today, just hours after police officers went on strike and a week before glittering Carnival celebrations that typically draw 800,000 tourists were due to start.

HOWLING winds and torrential rains accompanied yesterday’s date announcement for the 2014 Ryder Cup, but organisers dismissed fears of another weather-disrupted event in Britain.

WHEN Pádraig Harrington added the 2008 US PGA Championship to the British Opens of ‘07 and ‘08 many felt a wonderful era for Irish golf had reached its zenith.