It was a dark day for Tayto crisps as the famed spud failed to get out of their group.

Trainer Art Sherman feels California Chrome is at the peak of his powers ahead of his bid for glory in today’s Dubai World Cup.

Rory McIlroy is determined to keep his unbeaten streak going and take down red-hot Zach Johnson in the last 16 of the WGC-Dell Match Play in Texas today.

Conor O’Shea says he is “honoured, humbled, and excited” to have been appointed Italy’s new head coach on a four-year contract that will incorporate the 2019 World Cup.

Backs, once again, to the front.

The sad news on Thursday of the death of Johan Cruyff sent me back to David Winner’s Brilliant Orange, a book as unconventional and imaginative as the Dutch football culture which it investigates and celebrates.

It is not an uncommon scenario; the rugby man, with all his connections and influence, sending the football man, with his talents, away from the office disappointed.

Jordi Cruyff says he is “touched” by the messages of support and tributes to his father Johan, who lost his battle with cancer on Thursday.

Eamon Dunphy’s much-loved and acclaimed football book Only A Game? has been reprinted on its 40th anniversary. Four decades on, Eamon accepts he has been wrong about nearly everything since, but there’s still a special place in his heart for the good pro.

Here’s a briefing on some of the stories and issues highlighted on irishexaminer.com today.

Dressage rider Judy Reynolds is breaking new ground this weekend as the first Irish rider to line out in a World Cup final and her aim is to replicate the performances that have seen her greatly improve Ireland’s reputation in the sport.

Speaking in Dublin earlier this month, Damien Duff highlighted some of the problems which face players in late-season and pre-tournament international friendlies.