FAI chief John Delaney and Ireland team manager Martin O’Neill were among the mourners yesterday at the funeral Mass for Milo Corcoran, a former FAI president who leaves “many, many legacies”.

While many could have anticipated that Dundalk would make up one half of an early top-of-the-table clash, far fewer would have predicted that their opponents would be Derry City.

Waterford United 0 Athlone Town 1

Waterford United 0 Athlone Town 1

Roddy Collins, one of Ireland’s most colourful characters, is back in management after he signed a two-and-a-half year deal to take over as Waterford United boss.

He’s as unpredictable as he is exciting, as controversial and divisive a figure to some as anyone there’s been in Irish football, says Ewan MacKenna.

Last month, Pádraig Harrington told us, on the back of Europe’s Ryder Cup win, that Paul McGinley could do a job managing in the Premier League.

Yesterday’s outburst by Roddy Collins on the demise of the League of Ireland was roundly criticised, with Dundalk’s title-winning captain Stephen O’Donnell leading the reaction.

In possession of a degree in pharmacy — and three doubles in his spell with Linfield — Philip Lowry knows well that getting the chemistry right is key to Derry City’s FAI Ford Cup aspirations at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday.

Check out our spoiler-free guide to what’s best on the box tonight.

AIRTRICITY LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION:

There’s always been a rich and rewarding rivalry between Cork City and Derry City, but tonight’s SSE Airtricity Premier League clash at Turner’s Cross offers up an extra level of intrigue as, in what will be Peter Hutton’s first game in charge, the Candystripes will hope to show signs that there is life — and a better one — after Roddy Collins.

Roddy Collins tenure as manager of Derry City ended last night.

The bookmakers price them a staggering 18/1 to win but Athlone manager Mick Cooke believes his side can cause an upset as they visit reigning champions St Patrick’s Athletic tonight.

SSE AIRTRICITY PREMIER DIVISION:

Martin O’Neill has admitted he “won’t feel part of” the Ireland manager’s job until the Euro 2016 draw is made on February 23.

Roddy Collins is excited at the prospect of challenging for trophies again after being appointed as Derry City manager.

Roy Keane has helped accelerate the PFAI’s fundraising efforts for Gary O’Neill.

Hod and Rod. Two men made for centre stage inched back into the glare this week.

Highlights include Liz Bonnin on tigers and the final episode of Game of Thrones.

Trevor Molloy rolled back the years to score twice and then set up an extra-time winner as non-league Bluebell United caused the shock of the FAI Ford Cup second round to beat Athlone Town 3-2 at Lissywollen.

José Mourinho. Pep Guardiola. André Villas-Boas. All managers on-trend with their smart shirt, jacket, and tie look. So why haven’t GAA managers followed suit and gone all Savile Row on us?

Steve Collins’ proposed bout with Roy Jones Jnr won’t now be happening, according to the Cabra man’s brother and current Athlone Town soccer manager Roddy.

Cobh Ramblers 5 Wexford Youths 0

The 2013 Airtricity League season kicks-off off today and Alan Smith tells us why we should go and take a look at what's on offer this season.

As 30,000 fans cheered on the Republic of Ireland in Poznan last night, yet another Airtricity League club was forced to withdraw from the domestic top flight due to a lack of support.

About 70% of businesses believe that passing and ratifying the fiscal treaty will be good for their work.

UEFA are probing irregular betting patterns surrounding Friday’s Airtricity Premier Division clash between Shelbourne and Monaghan.

Two of the Premier Division’s newly-promoted clubs clash at Tolka Park with Shelbourne looking to get back to winning ways after defeats in their last two games.

Christy Fagan missed a late penalty for St. Patrick's Athletic as they had to settle for a 1-1 draw in the match of the night at top of the table Sligo Rovers.

Monaghan United will host Bray Wanderers looking to secure a second victory of the campaign to build on their impressive win at Bohemians last week.

Sligo Rovers are hoping to extend their three-point lead at the top of the Airtricity Premier Division when they play host the only other unbeaten side in the division, St Patrick’s Athletic at the Showgrounds tonight (7.05pm).

Bohemians host former manager Roddy Collins' Monaghan United side at 7.45pm tonight.

A Davin O’Neill hat-trick made it a lucky Friday the 13th for Cork City last night as Tommy Dunne’s side finally got their first league win of the season after an emphatic victory over 10-man Monaghan United at Turners Cross.

Cork City and Monaghan United will each be looking for their first wins of the season when the bottom two go head to head at Turner’s Cross tonight (7.05pm).

Cork City can start climbing up the Airtricity League Premier Division table when they host to fellow strugglers Monaghan United at Turner’s Cross tonight (7.45pm).

Mick Cooke will make his first return to Gortakeegan since stepping down to take over at Drogheda United at the beginning of the 2011 season as his side face Monaghan United tonight (kick off: 8pm)..

UCD will bid to pick up their second win of the campaign this evening after a disappointing run of three straight defeats following an opening-day victory over Cork City.

Unbeaten Sligo Rovers travel to Gortakeegan expecting a tricky assignment against newly promoted Monaghan, who have got off to a solid start to life in the top flight.

Monaghan go into tonight's game against St Patrick’s Athletic without the services of four key players.

THREE second-half goals at Tallaght Stadium last night ensured Airtricity Premier Division holders Shamrock Rovers saw off Monaghan United, taking all three points from their first home game.