Ups, downs, heartbreak, joy... these fans have seen it all this season

Martin O’Neill yesterday refused to be drawn on speculation that he is set to run the rule over Spurs striker Harry Kane who, although an England U21 international, is still eligible to play for Ireland through his Galway-born father.

Martin O’Neill will seek a clear declaration of Stephen Ireland’s willingness to return to international duty before he considers recalling him to the Ireland squad.

In these confusing times, R&B crooner Ne-Yo most likely thinks of Manchester City whenever he delivers the line: "How can something that feels so right be so wrong?"

Vincent Kompany is confident Manchester City can complete their title charge in style and avoid a repeat of the nerve-jangling finish of 2012.

Louis van Gaal has revealed his desire to be the next Manchester United manager as anticipation builds that he will be appointed at Old Trafford next week.

David Meyler is clear to play in the FA Cup final after escaping disciplinary action following his apparent stamp on Adnan Januzaj, the Manchester United winger.

Manchester Utd 4 Norwich City 0

As Ryan Giggs took the applause of the Stretford End following Saturday’s victory over Norwich City there was a real sense that Manchester United had at last rediscovered their identity.

The passion in the stands carried echoes from the past, the flags were definitely not plastic and the noise both from the Kop and the crowds that ushered the team bus into Anfield sent shivers down the spine of anyone with a love of football nostalgia. But in the end, Liverpool found experience counted for more than history — and that must hurt.

The sister of a University of Limerick student who collapsed and died suddenly on one of her last days in college has thanked those who held the 22-year-old’s hand in her final moments.

It was threatening enough in Charleville on Saturday, but the rain held off, more or less, and Cork-Limerick played out their hurling challenge in that kind of eerie twilight you sometimes get on a late spring evening.

Southampton 2 Everton 0

Hollywood, Oscar-weekend, March. Alex Ferguson has shown up at one of the many showbiz parties and is giving punters the patter. The message

Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen is open to a return to Old Trafford and has claimed David Moyes failed at the club because he ignored advice from the Dutchman.

There’s a few things everyone working in football knows: it’s a results driven business, patience is generally absent and people lose their jobs every week.

Now the FAI have completed the legwork to prepare and submit their bid to see Dublin secure one of the 13 hosts cities for Euro 2020, chief executive John Delaney and his team must wait until September to discover their fate.

Manchester United have begun their hunt for a successor to David Moyes in earnest, drawing up a shortlist and sending out feelers to potential candidates.

It’s a tragedy O’Grady never really got the time and space he needed in a management job

Welcome to your Thursday morning briefing. Let us ensure you’re up to speed on what’s happening and are prepared for the day ahead.