The recent return of Damien Richardson (Rico) and Pat Fenlon to the league, with Drogheda and Shamrock Rovers respectively, augurs well for the future competitiveness and health of the League of Ireland.

Billy Walsh has confirmed he will take Ireland’s elite boxers to the 2016 Olympic Games but the Wexford coach has warned more funding is required to build on the successes of Beijing and London.

Derry City will start slight favourites to advance to the Setanta Cup semi-finals when they take on old rivals Linfield at the Brandywell in the pick of tonight’s second round, second leg ties (Setanta Ireland, 7.45pm).