FOR Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith the day began early at the National Ploughing Championships in Athy, Co Kildare, yesterday. He was on site before 8am for a Newstalk interview with Ivan Yates, himself a former agriculture minister.

Clare have won their first ever Bank of Ireland SFC qualifier as, helped by the sharp shooting of corner forwards Denis Russell (1-06) and Michael O’Dwyer (0-05), they brushed aside Sligo 1-15 to 1-07 at Cusack Park, Ennis to progress to round two.

Despite being reduced to 14 players in the final 15 minutes, Sligo came from behind with two late points by sub Martin Brehony to claim their first Div 1B points as they shocked Down in this exciting game in Newry.

EAMONN DOHERTY has been named as the full back replacement for injured team skipper Mark Crossan on the Donegal team for Sunday's Bank of Ireland, All-Ireland SFC qualifier with Meath at Croke Park.