Richard Keogh says the Irish team has loved playing under Martin O’Neill and backed the manager to cope with the heaviest criticism of his time in charge.

Former international rower turned bike rider, Cathal Moynihan won yesterday’s opening stage of the Kerry Group Rás Mumhan for the biggest win of his career and the first leaders’ yellow jersey of this year’s race.

IT MIGHT, in reality, be the Airtricity League versus the Football Conference but any meeting of Ireland and England comes with added spice and tonight’s International Challenge Trophy game at the RSC in Waterford (7.30) is no exception.

Paul Ryan will lead the Ireland U20 team as part of a 26-man squad for the upcoming inaugural IRB Junior World Championships to take place in Wales in June.

Republic of Ireland U23 2 Slovakia U23 0