A fantastic first-half strike from former Cork City striker Mark O’Sullivan proved the difference as Avondale United lifted the FAI Intermediate Cup for the seventh time in 14 years.

Tributes have been paid to sports journalist and broadcaster Pat McAuliffe, who died suddenly at the age of 60.

Avondale contested five finals from 2010 to 2014, losing the first one before going on to win the next four. However, only one Munster Senior League side in Cobh Wanderers have only reached the final since.

Ahead of today’s curtain-raising President’s Cup against Dundalk (Turner’s Cross 5.30pm), Cork City boss John Caulfield tells Liam Mackey why he’s excited but also worried about the season ahead

Dublin hardly expected Monaghan to roll out the red carpet for them on Sunday but when the home side chose not to provide them with a guard of honour the visitors knew for sure they were in for a testing afternoon, writes John Fogarty.

I’m meeting Cork fitness trainer Ray Lally for the first time and put my hand out to greet him. It turns out he’s a hugger.

John Meyler isn’t underplaying the significance of tonight’s League opener for a minute.

A right Corker of an FAI Cup weekend is in prospect with no less than five clubs from Leeside taking part in first round games between today and tomorrow.

They’re not quite in holiday mode, but Cork City will take to the beach today as they begin their Europa League campaign, and it’s a boy from Brazil who threatens to derail the European adventure.

Cork City look set to complete a permanent move for defender Ryan Delaney this week after manager John Caulfield said the deal was “close”, while also confirming he has identified a replacement for the departing Seanie Maguire.

Hear the one about the Kilkenny man who played for Munster? Or even better, about the Kilkenny GAA man who now works with Tipp GAA? Ian Dowling is a walking quiz question, but wherever he turns up, success seems to follow...

All-Ireland champions Michael Breen and Doireann O’Sullivan are among the 10 winners of the UCC Sports Star Awards, which will be presented at a ceremony tonight.

When Cork City meet Derry City tonight, it will be the latest chapter of two clubs whose fortunes have travelled along parallel lines.

Kieran Kingston has appealed for patience from Cork fans as his developing side prepares for tomorrow evening’s Allianz NHL Division 1A opener at home to Clare.

Plunkett Carter tells of the remarkable story of how Fordsons upset the odds in 1926 to become the first Cork team to win the FAI Cup trophy.

With Limerick boss Martin Russell freely admitting after the weekend victory over Cabinteely that, at 21 points clear and with just seven games remaining, his team are already “home and hosed” as First Division champions, the runaway leaders will this evening get a taste of what’s in store for them next season when they travel to Richmond Park to play St Patrick’s Athletic in the third round of the FAI Cup.

Shamrock Rovers 4 Midleton 0

Dan Murray didn’t expect to be playing on Fridays.

Michael Ryan hailed Tipperary’s win over opponents who have provided stubborn resistance in recent years.

Jason Forde hit 1-5 as Tipperary manager Michael Ryan celebrated his first competitive game in charge with a big Allianz Hurling League Division 1A victory over Dublin this evening.

HOLDERS Crumlin United disposed of FAI Intermediate Cup specialists Avondale United for the second time in two seasons after coming away from Avondale Park with a hard fought 2-1 victory after extra-time on Saturday.

Ireland manager Martin O’Neill designated it the “tie of the round” yesterday after he helped pair Cork City and St Patrick’s Athletic in the draw for the Third Round of the FAI Cup.

UCC 0 Dundalk 5: EA Sports Cup champions Dundalk strolled into the semi-finals of this season’s competition as they dismantled the Munster Senior League’s UCC with the minimum of fuss at The Mardyke last night.

Their end-of-year exams may be completed within the last week, but the UCC soccer students’ toughest test will come in the Mardyke as they face reigning champions Dundalk in the EA Sports Cup quarter-final.

Limerick FC 1 Avondale United 0: A last-minute Shane Tracy penalty saw Martin Russell’s Limerick capture the Munster Senior Cup as they edged Avondale United 1-0 at a rain-soaked Askeaton yesterday.

Cobh Ramblers 1 Avondale United 2 (After extra-time)

University College Cork (UCC) may have been awarded last year’s Munster Senior League (MSL) title at arbitration but the controversy is set to rumble on, with the aggrieved parties meeting next week to consider their next steps.

College Corinthians exacted quick revenge on neighbours Douglas Hall as the Castletreasure outfit advanced to the third round of the FAI Intermediate Cup with a 3-0 victory at Moneygourney on Saturday.

As a player, John Caulfield was involved in four title challenges with Cork City.

Finn Harps 4 Avondale United 1

Avondale United’s players wake up in Sligo today, having broken the back of one of the longest journeys in Irish football as they head for Ballybofey and an FAI Ford Cup quarter-final replay against Finn Harps.

Cork City FC’s climb back towards the summit of Irish football this season hasn’t gone unnoticed in Irish football circles.

Martin Coppinger had a comfortable two bowls of odds win over James Buckley at Waterfall in the final pool score of the Munster senior championship on Sunday.

Cork City manager John Caulfield is in favour of the club following Shamrock Rovers and fielding a second team in the First Division of the SSE Airtricity League.

Cork Harlequins claimed their 17th women’s Munster Senior League title in 19 seasons with a comprehensive 4-0 dismantling of Catholic Institute at Rosbrien yesterday.

Waterford United 2 Avondale United 1