If you were a fiction writer seeking a flesh and blood hook on which to hang the drama of tomorrow’s FAI Cup final, you couldn’t dream up a more pivotal character than Sean Maguire.

Aiden McGeady began the latest chapter of his career by scoring on his Preston debut on Saturday but his fine strike from 25 yards wasn’t enough to earn his new employers anything in their Championship clash with Barnsley.

It was a contrasting weekend for the two Irish managers dreaming of pitting their wits against the Premier League elite next season. 

Premier League clubs paid out nearly £130 million (€185 million) to agents last year — a £15m (€21m) increase on the year before.

How the Irish fared...

On the day the Premier League kicks off in England, a former Premier League manager will be taking his first bow in the Premier Division in Ireland, as Micky Adams gets down to business at Sligo Rovers.

It was only after Donegal beat Armagh a fortnight ago that we realised the men of Tír Chonaill had never before beaten both Tyrone and the Orchard county in the same championship.

The final day of the Championship brought contrasting emotions for the Irish as the title and the identity of the last two teams to reach the play-offs was decided.

His first Ireland call-up may have cost Harry Arter the chance to relax in the Dubai sun, but the Bournemouth midfielder’s left foot wand could prove a potent weapon in Sunday’s crucial Euro 2016 qualifier against Poland.

It was a case of no pain, no gain for Daryl Murphy this weekend as the Republic of Ireland striker broke his nose scoring Ipswich’s opening goal in their 2-1 Championship win at Fulham.

Do you want to listen to Jim White all day?

When lowly Yeovil Town seek to rekindle FA Cup romance tomorrow by plotting Manchester United’s downfall, their playmaker Sam Foley will have international ambitions with Ireland stored in his mind.

Goals from Daryl Murphy and Jay Tabb gave Mick McCarthy an early Christmas present on Saturday as a 2-0 win over fellow promotion hopefuls Middlesbrough lifted Ipswich to second in the Championship.

Sheffield United 1 Southampton 0 

Harry Arter had a premonition he would score against Watford, although it’s doubtful the Bournemouth midfielder could have imagined netting such a stunner in Saturday’s 1-1 Championship draw.

The recent return of Damien Richardson (Rico) and Pat Fenlon to the league, with Drogheda and Shamrock Rovers respectively, augurs well for the future competitiveness and health of the League of Ireland.

Phil Jones admits Manchester United are still learning Louis van Gaal’s new system but the defender believes their 100% record in pre-season shows they are ready for the new Premier League campaign to start.

Not too many people had heard of Carl McHugh until quite recently.

Sligo Rovers 3 Bohemians 1

“Six years ago we were the predators, now we are the prey,” said Portuguese paper Publico yesterday, of a match where the Danes can afford to wait to catch their opponents on the break, whereas Portugal have to score.

Steve Kean is due in India for his latest talks with Blackburn owners Venky’s with pressure for a managerial change continuing to mount.

Former Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce has instructed lawyers to initiate proceedings against his Ewood Park successor Steve Kean, it is understood.

Overwhelmed not just by the number, but by the calibre of those interested in the post, Sligo Rovers have extended the deadline in its search for a new manager until Monday.

Paul Cook will be staying put as manager of Sligo Rovers.

Sligo Rovers boss Paul Cook could be returning to one of his former clubs, Accrington Stanley, as the League Two side’s new manager.

Emile Sinclair scored twice as League Two minnows Macclesfield topped the bill on a night of Carling Cup upsets with a 2-0 win over npower Championship Hull at the KC Stadium tonight.

NEWCASTLE boss Alan Pardew has tied up the future of one of his most promising prospects as Shane Ferguson signed a new five-year contract.

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew today tied up the future of one of his most promising prospects as Shane Ferguson signed a new five-year contract.

Scotland fans and the Scottish Football Association have refuted claims by Brazil star Neymar that he was abused by the Tartan Army in the countries’ friendly at the Emirates Stadium.

He turned his back on a promising GAA career but tonight Billy Dennehy can become only the second Kerryman to win Irish soccer’s biggest prize. He spoke to Liam Mackey.

UNTIL this year, I had always believed that there were only two ways for a club to win a Championship.

Newcastle boss Chris Hughton will turn to his big guns once again as he looks for a second successive Barclays Premier League victory at Wolves.

Newcastle boss Chris Hughton has told Joey Barton to continue letting his football do the talking after an impressive start to the season.

Newcastle boss Chris Hughton is likely to field several of his youngsters in tomorrow night’s Carling Cup second round clash with Accrington Stanley.

PETER CROUCH and David Bentley gave Tottenham a valuable three points in their pursuit for a fourth place finish in the Premier League last night.

WHO said romance was dead?

Accrington 1 Fulham 3

Fulham could welcome back midfielder Simon Davies from a foot injury for tomorrow’s FA Cup fourth-round trip to Coca-Cola League Two outfit Accrington Stanley.

NIALL MCGINN’S left-footed strike after 35 minutes gave Celtic a 1-0 victory over Morton in their Active Nation Scottish Cup fourth-round tie at Cappielow last night.