McCarthy’s contract runs until July this year, with Kenny due to take over in August so, barring a revisiting of the deal with both men, the planned succession would take on an entirely unexpected complexion.

It could well be the last such award for some time but the first SSE Airtricity League/Soccer Writers of Ireland Player of the Month this season has gone to Shamrock Rovers’ Jack Byrne.

Shamrock Rovers' early-season surge continued at The Showgrounds on Saturday night when they defeated an understrength Sligo Rovers 3-2.

Last Friday’s 1-0 victory over Finn Harps at Turner’s Cross marked a series of firsts for Cork City this season: First win, first goal, and first clean sheet.

Graham Burke is adamant that he can satisfy his international ambitions at Shamrock Rovers but it remains to be seen if he will stay long-term with the Dublin club or return to Preston North End to complete his contract there.

It might be way too early to try to predict the ultimate destination of the 2020 title, but Shamrock Rovers certainly made a convincing statement of their intent in that direction with this best-of-five win in what was a thrilling game against reigning champions Dundalk.

From Champions League semi-finals to his battle with cancer and his Rovers return, Stephen McPhail chats with Graham Cummins about his life in football.

Shamrock Rovers’ prolific goalscorer Graham Burke is to miss Friday’s date with Dundalk but Stephen Bradley will unleash new recruit Rory Gaffney on the titleholders.

The 28-year-old will join Rovers subject to a work permit and international clearance.

It was a dream debut for Rhys Marshall as he scored and assisted in the two goals that gave Shamrock Rovers an easy victory over 10-man Waterford FC in last night’s SSE Airtricity Premier Division clash at the RSC.

While it had been reported that a takeover would effectively be Preston subsuming City, who would become a feeder club, members were told that it is an offer from Trevor Hemmings in a personal capacity.

It was a night of undiluted misery for the visitors who suffered their worst-ever League defeat.

Out of the frying pan, into the fire: after losing their opening game at home to promoted Shelbourne last week, Cork City tomorrow night face the daunting task of taking on FAI Cup-winners and predicted title contenders Shamrock Rovers in the new-look side’s their first away test of the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division season.

The Garda public order unit was called to a brawl in Phibsoboro this afternoon.

Aaron Greene scored a dramatic stoppage time winner to break 10-man Bohemians’ resolve to win the big Dublin derby in horrendous conditions at Dalymount Park.

Former St Johnstone striker Graham Cummins describes the demoralising day he was marked by then Celtic centre-half Virgil van Dijk.

In 2020 it’s as if ‘vision’ has suddenly become the buzzword for the League of Ireland.

Dundalk might not begin the defence of their league title until they play Derry City next week, but midfielder Jordan Flores insists he doesn’t regard tomorrow’s President’s Cup game against Shamrock Rovers at Oriel Park as a preliminary event.

With club licences not due to be announced until tomorrow, it’s yet to be confirmed if there will be nine, 10, or 11 teams in the second tier.

Shamrock Rovers chairman Jonathan Roche says that he has been surprised by the level of opposition to a Hoops ‘B’ team participating in the First Division this season.

Neighbouring clubs Fr O'Neill's and Russell Rovers arrive to play All-Ireland finals in Croke Park on Saturday at the end of an idyllic period for this East Cork region. There is none of the rancour between these clubs so often associated with proximity. PM O’Sullivan explores why so many houses have been flying two flags.

Greg Cunningham has returned to parent club Cardiff after his loan spell at Blackburn was cut short by injury.

There are somewhere over 2,200 GAA clubs in Ireland so the chances of one from any given corner of the country making it to one of the All-Ireland finals being decided in Croke Park in the same weekend are, well, long.

Ireland legend Packie Bonner has said that admits he would be open to working at making a comeback to the crisis-hit FAI again.

Vinny Perth has been crowned ‘Personality Of The Year’ at the annual SSE Airtricity/ Soccer Writers Association of Ireland banquet held in Dublin.

The FAI announced in a statement today that Shamrock Rovers II will compete in the First Division this year.

Coughlan, who hails from Dublin, has settled in the Sheffield area.

In difficult conditions at Páirc Uí Rinn on Saturday night, St Finbarr’s claimed the Cork County U21 Premier 2 HC title with a 2-11 to 2-10 win over Bride Rovers.

John Fogarty previews the weekend's GAA fixtures.

It cannot be easy to play at the top level of English soccer for more than six decades. But the great Roy Race is still going strong.

Former Cork City manager John Caulfield has held talks with investors “actively looking” to get involved in the League of Ireland but an approach for the Turner’s Cross club is not imminent.

Russell Rovers had too much firepower for a gallant Kilgarvan side in Saturday’s Munster Club JHC clash at Fitzgerald Stadium.

A whirlwind display in extra time from Naomh Ciarán was enough to secure the Offaly champions a place in their first ever All-Ireland Intermediate Championship Final, as they sprinted clear of Cork’s Inch Rovers in Ferbane.

John Fallon picks his League of Ireland team of the season.

Alan Mannus: Not a save to make until the 38th minute as Rovers enjoyed the majority of the ball. But dealt ably with Gartland’s downward header to push it out for a corner. Saved well from Cleary in the shootout. 7

Dundalk head coach Vinny Perth said his side would learn lessons from their FAI Cup final defeat to Shamrock Rovers and hinted that they are close to strengthening their midfield options ahead of next season.

The Shamrock Rovers boss took the moment in, through a millisecond of tranquillity.

Russell Rovers stormed to their first adult hurling county title, taking the Cork JAHC crown ahead of fellow East Cork side Carrig na bhFear at a rain-soaked Pairc Uí Rinn.

“Santa Claus would come at Christmas and Rovers would win the Cup.”

A match between two teams who have provided nine of the 11 players in the 2019 PFAI team of the year.