It’s the cup holders versus the all-time cup record-holders at Richmond Park tonight when St Patrick’s Athletic host Shamrock Rovers in the stand-out tie of a hectic FAI Cup second round weekend.

Avondale United celebrated winning the Munster Senior League Premier Division title in style by qualifying for the second round of the FAI Ford Senior Cup with a 3-1 victory over Sheriff YC at Avondale Park yesterday.

KEVIN DOYLE, Richard Dunne and John O’Shea are the contenders for the 3/FAI Senior International Player of the Year award at a gala ceremony in Dublin on February 6.

Robbie Keane, Richard Dunne and Kevin Doyle will battle it out for the title of senior international player of the year at the 2010 FAI International Football Awards, it was announced today.

Tributes were paid today to a gifted young footballer and former solider who was stabbed to death after a row in an apartment block.

Finn Harps end their mid-season break as they welcome Bohemians to Finn Park on Tuesday night, kick-off 8pm.

Defending champions Cork City travel to Jackman Park to take on Limerick 37 in the FAI Ford Cup third round tonight (kick-off 7.45pm).

KILDARE County bosses have expressed disappointment at the postponement of Saturday’s eircom League of Ireland First Division clash with Athlone Town.

STEPHEN IRELAND might still be on a self-imposed exile from international football but that hasn’t stopped him being nominated for a Young Player Of the Year gong in the 18th eircom/FAI International Awards, which will be broadcast live on RTÉ in February.

Republic of Ireland Amateur Manager, Gerry Smith has named an 18 strong which will face Holland in Whitehall on Wednesday, March 14 in Whitehall, Dublin.

SHAY Given and Kevin Doyle picked up the top gongs at the 17th eircom/International Awards in the Citywest Hotel in Saggart last night.

Killester United 3 Sligo Rovers 4 (After extra-time)

Non-league side Killester United will be looking to pull off a major upset this evening when they face Sligo Rovers in the replay of their FAI Cup quarter-final clash.

Sligo Rovers 0 Killester United 0

Dundalk were 3-2 winners at Cobh Ramblers in the eircom First Division this afternoon.

FAVOURITES Derry City will face UCD in the quarter-finals of the FAI Carlsberg Cup after the draw was made last night.

DERRY CITY are mulling over a difficult decision after landing a plum UEFA Cup first-round clash against French cup holders Paris St Germain in yesterday’s draw in Monaco.