John Caulfield cited a demoralising double loss in Europe as a pivotal point in Cork City’s fortunes last season, the team’s subsequent slump in league form meaning that, even with a late rally, they were unable to defend their title as Dundalk reclaimed the glittering prize.

Cork City could face a Europa League qualifier against Scottish runners-up Rangers, should both clubs come through their first qualifying round ties.

Cork City manager John Cotter sees the positives and negatives of a Europa League draw that leaves the club in the dark as to whether they will play Luxembourg’s Progres Niederkorn or European debutants Cardiff Metropolitan University FC until they complete their preliminary round second leg on July 4.

Gintra-Universitetas 0 Wexford Youths 1: Jess Gleeson got Wexford Youths off to a winning start in their Uefa Women’s Champions League Qualifying Round group against Gintra-Universitetas in Kleczew, Poland, yesterday.

A lot can change in the space of a year. Just ask Claire O’Riordan, who went from being a back-up striker to Wexford Youths’ top scorer and a league winner.