At this stage of the game, with two All-Irelands under his belt, Philly McMahon could have been forgiven for putting himself and his career first.

Arsenal have pounced to secure the services of another GAA coach as the number of Irish at the London club continues to increase.

Mayo may have annexed their fifth Connacht championship title in a row last month, but it was also their most low-key campaign. 

Sky Sports has agreed to reschedule their live coverage of two football qualifiers on Saturday week to accommodate RTÉ’s decision to screen the Munster SFC final replay.

Local reports in Mayo last night claimed the county footballers’ strength and conditioning coach Barry Solan is to work with Arsenal at the end of the championship.

If Mayo hoped the GAA would do them a favour after last year’s All-Ireland semi-final replay staging in Limerick, the message came back loud and clear when they were drawn away to Kerry first day out in this year’s league.

Liam McHale has said he will never again be involved with a Mayo team as the row to appoint a successor to James Horan as the county’s football manager festered further last night.

The championship clash with Louth is the immediate, mind-focusing goal for Kildare’s footballers but crucially, raising standards of preparation for more sustained, longer-term competitiveness continues.

The pre-season just keeps getting better for Kildare manager Jason Ryan.

Kildare boss Jason Ryan may watch championship games from the stand this year to improve his effectiveness.

Laois forward Colm Begley has taken a parting shot at former boss Justin McNulty, claiming the northerner’s style of play was overly defensive and uninspiring.

It’s been quite a year in the life of Barry Solan, one which has brought him all around the world and occasionally the top of it too.

Strength and conditioning training is improving the quality of life GAA players will enjoy during and particularly after their careers, according to Barry Solan, one of the country’s leading physical trainers.

Mayo boss James Horan is bracing himself for another massive blow with highly regarded coach Cian O’Neill poised to leave the Connacht champions to team up with Eamonn Fitzmaurice’s Kerry next season.

Former Galway forward Paul Clancy has come on board as a selector for the Laois senior footballers, linking up with recently-appointed manager Justin McNulty.

Antrim 4-16 London 3-8

All-Ireland SFC first round qualifier:

A shock is on the cards at Hyde Park as reigning champions Galway trail Roscommon by 0-01 to 0-06 at half-time in this afternoon's Connacht SFC semi-final.

London 1-08 Roscommon 0-12