Irish Examiner view: Sport takes centre stage 

International soccer and rugby encounters tonight and Saturday are a truly mouthwatering prospect for all Irish fans

Stephen Kenny's Republic of Ireland side will tonight set out to reply to the agonising last-minute defeat they suffered in September at the hands of Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored both of Portugal's goals.

Even for a sports-mad country used to big occasions, the next three days are a mouth-watering prospect.

First up is Cristiano Ronaldo and his star-studded Portugal side who will look to take a step closer to World Cup qualification when they take on Stephen Kenny’s men in a sold-out Aviva Stadium this evening.