In spite of his disappointing performance at Wentworth last week, Rory McIlroy will inevitably be very much the focus of attention at Royal County Down this week. Even so, the fans and television viewers will also keep more than one eye on several other Irishmen, and most especially Darren Clarke, Shane Lowry and Pádraig Harrington.

The Gunners signed off with a sumptuous first-half of mesmerising football against the Baggies, thereby guaranteeing that they’ll be wearing their flip-flops for a few weeks longer this summer, not having to don their boots and psyche themselves up so soon, for such an influential Champions League qualifier.

When the guns fell silent yesterday in Thurles, TJ Ryan hit the fourth estate with the perfect exit line: “I’d say ye’ll be writing deep into the night, lads.”

Munster 21 Ospreys 18: Paul O’Connell has spent the last few months, in public at least, ruminating over the right way to retire from professional sport and has been at pains to point out that not every athlete is fortunate to bow out from their sport in the manner of their choosing.

Shannon Rangers 0-9 Dr Crokes 2-16: It was all so easy for Dr Crokes who had 13 points to spare over last year’s semi-finalists Shannon Rangers in this Kerry SFC first round tie at Tarbert on Saturday evening.

Erin’s Own 2-22 Carrigtwohill 0-16: Erin’s Own looked comfortable winners throughout this Cork SHC first-round tie in Lisgoold on Saturday night.

O’Donovan Rossa 2-15 Clonakilty 0-10: A West Cork senior football championship game usually produces plenty of fireworks, but this one at Rosscarbery yesterday fizzled out and faded quickly as O’Donovan Rossa crushed a hugely disappointing Clonakilty.

Politicians and senior backroom officials will be forced to provide in-depth details of any potential “conflict of interest” issues, with a new watchdog set up to ensure the moves take place, under new Mahon Tribunal-inspired Government plans.

Could your county board do with an extra €5m? Would your county board like this €5m to come in the form of one of those great Fifa loans that don’t actually have to be paid back?

David Brady believes his fellow Mayo man Cillian O’Connor would be receiving more praise were he from another county.

No matter how many games you go to, you’re sure to see something different every time - but not always on the pitch.

Manager Alex Neil says Norwich are looking forward with confidence as they return to the Barclays Premier League next season and that they will not just be there to make up the numbers.

Spent five days in Donegal last week. Ahead of covering their clash with Tyrone in Ballybofey, it was an opportune time to take in the so-called Forgotten County although it’s Donegal’s understanding of what a kilometre is that’s just as much in need of refreshing.

On the face of it, Fianna Fáil and Renua Ireland have little in common.

UCC 0 Dundalk 5: EA Sports Cup champions Dundalk strolled into the semi-finals of this season’s competition as they dismantled the Munster Senior League’s UCC with the minimum of fuss at The Mardyke last night.

Theo Walcott insists Arsenal will have “no excuse” if they do not mount a serious title challenge next year.

Lionel Messi’s goal was enough for Barcelona to beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 and clinch the La Liga title for the Catalan club.

Ballyhea 1-19 Blackrock 0-11: A great day for Ballyhea yesterday in Fermoy, as the men in black and white enjoyed a comprehensive win over Blackrock in this first round Cork county senior hurling championship game.

Donegal 1-13 Tyrone 1-10: It wasn’t fitting that Donegal won nor was it that Tyrone lost. But there was no denying the appropriateness of Michael Murphy scoring the last three points of the game after enduring a dog of an afternoon.

Carbery Rangers 1-7 Clyda Rovers 0-8: An opportunist 45th minute goal by Declan Hayes proved the decisive score in this sterile and disappointing Cork SFC second round tie at Coachford yesterday.