On what can’t possibly be anything other than an occasion heavy with emotion at Maginn Park tonight, Derry City will play for first time since the tragic death two weeks ago of their captain Ryan McBride.

Cork City manager John Caulfield says it’s “a privilege” for the club to host Oman in a friendly game at Turner’s Cross this evening.

With Limerick boss Martin Russell freely admitting after the weekend victory over Cabinteely that, at 21 points clear and with just seven games remaining, his team are already “home and hosed” as First Division champions, the runaway leaders will this evening get a taste of what’s in store for them next season when they travel to Richmond Park to play St Patrick’s Athletic in the third round of the FAI Cup.

The second half of the season is where “the real action starts”.

The FAI is seeking feedback from clubs, fans, the media and other interested groups on the future of the League of Ireland. 

President Michael D Higgins yesterday recalled the snugs of the pubs his father ran in his childhood days in Limerick City.

The continued viability of Irish greyhound tracks has been further undermined by newly filed accounts which show operating losses at the publicly owned courses rose by 52% in a year.

Limerick FC are compiling a shortlist of candidates for the vacant manager’s position with a view to making an imminent appointment.