When Willie McCreery saddled a double at the Curragh last Saturday it was further evidence that here is a trainer who is rapidly going places.

For the newest generation of Irish football fans, Euro ‘88 belongs to the remote past. France 2016 will be their first time, and just maybe, let’s hope, the best of times too.

Before the 1995 National League final against Kilkenny, my back was in bits. I wanted to play. I convinced management I was fit to play. I thought we would win. I wanted to lift the cup. 

We are the Boys in Green, the best you’ve ever seen

David de Gea has expressed his desire to stay at Manchester United and work with “winner” Jose Mourinho.

Finland’s Huhtamaki Oyj is on the hunt for acquisitions — possibly even a large-scale deal — as the world’s biggest listed food-packaging company seeks to expand in new countries and build on profitable North American operations.

Munster Rugby’s poor performances and falling attendances have seen its annual deficit forecast soar to almost €1.95 million for the soon-to-end financial year.

Cian O’Connor declared on Facebook this week that he think’s “Ireland will win” today’s Furusiyya nations cup in St Gallen, Switzerland.

Get beyond the feelgood factor as Euro 2016 looms and there is real cause for concern for the Republic of Ireland when attention turns to a tough-looking World Cup qualifying campaign, writes Brendan O’Brien

Liam Brady is concerned that UEFA have diluted the quality of France 2016 but hopeful that Ireland can progress in the tournament – just so long as they begin the finals the way they ended their qualifying campaign

Waterford manager Derek McGrath on his fears that his obsession with hurling is affecting his job, his relationship with Davy Fitzgerald and being perceived as a pariah of the game

Romelu Lukaku has described himself as one of the most gifted strikers in world football.

Lee Westwood will look to make up for a disappointing finish to the BMW PGA Championship by making history in the Nordea Masters this week.

Clodagh Finn meets the force of nature that is Lottie Ryan. She is preparing for the Breast Cancer Ireland’s Great Pink Run in August.

If Cristiano Ronaldo leads Portugal to victory in the final of Euro 2016, will his career have been more successful than rival Lionel Messi, asks Robert McNamara