Three players looking to deny Rory McIlroy Grand Slam glory at Augusta National believe the World No.1 will revel in next week’s Masters media spotlight.

Pádraig Harrington will roll back up Magnolia Drive next week having admitted it was a shock to have missed last year’s Masters.

With Leinster the sole province flying the Irish flag in this weekend’s Champions Cup quarter-finals, it’s natural the thoughts of supporters of other teams are already turning to next season.

You could forgive Francois Louw if his last trip to Leinster caused him to wonder whether he had made a mistake in moving to Bath.

Defending champion Jack Hume is the bookies’ favourite and Rosses Point’s Gary McDermott the home hope but young Dubliner Kevin LeBlanc could surprise some in the Radisson Blu-sponsored West of Ireland Amateur Open at County Sligo.

Darragh Kenny was particularly enthusiastic yesterday about his prospects in tomorrow’s $600,000 Global Champions Tour class in Miami, writes John Tynan.

Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels has denied making any promise to join Manchester United.

Life is good for both Ireland’s senior teams as they begin the final preparation phase for their Olympic qualification campaigns.

You hear a lot about how sports people are role models for our kids.

A round up of all today’s news: figures have revealed a surge in economic recovery, find out why Al Pacino is heading for Dublin and one couple has won the Euromillions for a second time in two years.

After weeks of dealing with Ryder Cup captaincy matters, Darren Clarke can at least for the next fortnight get back to focusing fully on his chosen profession.

The phenomenon of comfort eating is well established but many of us don’t realise how much our brain influences our attitude to food, says Jonathan de Burca Butler

Aaron Kernan’s retirement at 30 years of age disappointed many, including Joe Brolly. But it wasn’t because the Armagh great was some kind of indentured slave. It was just time to re-prioritise his life.

Premier League

The self-styled ‘Special One’ has been able to manipulate some of the biggest egos in football in large part by having the most well-developed ego of them all, says Liam Mackey.

Leinster’s RDS Arena has secured the green light for a €20m redevelopment.

Scottish League Cup semi-final

Even a serious training accident hasn’t dented Bryan Keane’s passion for triathlons.

Equestrian: "It’s a bit cold for Florida, but it’s all relative, I suppose," joked Conor Swail yesterday.

Gone are the days when these A internationals were mere consolation prizes for those who missed out on Test caps. Tonight’s clash of Irish Wolfhounds and English Saxons at Musgrave Park represents a full-blown RBS 6 Nations audition, writes Simon Lewis.