Ireland captain Paul O’Connell marches into his fourth and final World Cup tomorrow in Cardiff. Ahead of the World Cup kick-off against Canada, the second-row legend sat down with rugby correspondent Simon Lewis to share memories of tournaments past — and offer insights into his mindset going into his final tour of duty in green.

All-Ireland football weekend focuses every sort of issue and maybe not just the obvious ones.

While some people will really savour the prospect of a ‘traditional’ final between Dublin and Kerry — I’m not one of them.

PSV Eindhoven 2 Manchester United 1: Luke Shaw suffered an horrific double leg fracture as Manchester United’s return to the Champions League ended in a disappointing 2-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven.

Manchester City 1 Juventus 2: Juventus may be struggling in the unfamiliar surrounds of Serie A’s lower reaches, but they accomplished what no English club has managed so far this season, namely stopping the juggernaut that is Manchester City, and with some ease, at that.

Florin Surugiu first got the idea when World Rugby released the dates for the tournament.

THE famed twin towers may no longer be standing but Wembley remains an intoxicating sports arena for players and fans alike, writes Donal Lenihan. Why else would a world record attendance for a Rugby World Cup game be broken two Sundays in succession? 

FACE IT, you were spoilt last year. You turned up or tuned in for routine and were treated to riot.

Cork captain Ciara O’Sullivan said her side’s experience was a key factor in winning yesterday’s tight All-Ireland ladies football final over Dublin, particularly when Dublin got within a point of her side in the second half.

Kanturk 0-12 Cill Na Martra 1-7: Kanturk held their nerve to defeat Cill na Martra in a tough and uncompromising Cork IFC quarter-final replay in Millstreet yesterday.

For the €25 or whatever Fergie is asking, you could learn about leadership this week from a man who has done it all and may never stop cashing in. Or you could have saved a few bob and pulled into a field in Ardcroney, six miles outside Nenagh.

It is 40 years this weekend since Galway returned to hurling’s high altar, their 1975 All-Ireland final appearance bringing to an end the county’s 17-year wait for a September sojourn to Jones Road.

We all know of folk who keep their Christmas decorations up all year round, to save on the hassle of taking them down. In Kilkenny, they may as well leave their black-and-amber colours on the streets, windows and telegraph poles on a continuous basis because come September (Sept-amber?) it’s likely they’ll be needed.

The Fennelly Report this week showed up how badly An Garda Síochána was being mismanaged. The Coalition has no appetite for justice reform, writes Clare Daly

If hurling is your thing, All-Irelands measure life.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said the Fennelly Commission report clears him of allegations that he sacked the former Garda commissioner, Martin Callinan.

Jermain Defoe has warned Sunderland they cannot allow their barren run to continue for much longer if they are to avoid another survival scrap.

Ben Morgan insists England must summon Australia’s demons by using their pack to reopen old wounds at Twickenham.

Abi Jackson says a proper diagnosis is crucial for asthma.

Galway captain, Niamh Kilkenny has described All-Ireland-winning manager Tony Ward as a man who “eats, sleeps, drinks camogie”.