Jonjo O’Neill believes ante-post favourite Shutthefrontdoor has been allotted a “fair weight” for this year’s Crabbie’s Grand National at Aintree.

Roy Keane was back, temporarily at least, on ITV as a pundit for last night’s PSG v Chelsea Champions League last 16 tie, nine months after pulling out of their coverage of the World Cup finals in Brazil — and he was on his best behaviour. 

Munster assistant coach Ian Costello last night dismissed media reports that Robbie Henshaw could be on his way to the province at the end of next season. 

Vincent Kiely’s win in the Tim White Cup final at Rosscarbery was the highlight of a weekend in which North Cork bowlers took four big victories. 

Though plans to build Ireland’s first velodrome remain etched on the drawing board, Ireland’s track cycling team is motoring along regardless. 

The Tullow Tank is set to be prepared for the Cheltenham Festival following a much improved effort at Leopardstown.

Ireland begin a short training camp in Galway today, with England firmly in their sights and vengeance in their minds 12 days out from an RBS 6 Nations clash in Dublin that head coach Joe Schmidt is already billing as monumental.

When O’Brien walked out to bat in Bangalore during the 2011 World Cup, Ireland needed 222 runs to win in 27.4 overs and England’s fielders were already going through the motions.

Ireland intend to take their giant-killing knack to the next stage at the World Cup, by qualifying for the knockout rounds in New Zealand and Australia.

Cricket’s progression in Ireland from minority interest to the World Cup stage can arguably be attributed to one man, from one extraordinary family.

In 2007, Irish cricket first announced itself to the world when Pakistan were defeated in the World Cup in Jamaica. Four years later, England were toppled in Bangalore to confirm Ireland’s upward march.

Shakhtar Donetsk coach Mircea Lucescu is hoping his players can become "heroes" when they take on Bayern Munich in the last 16 of the Champions League (kick-off 7.45pm).

Tim Sherwood insists he is the now the "headmaster" at Aston Villa and admits he will give the players some brutal honesty if they fail to perform.

Euro 2016 Qualifier Group D

At the very least, there’s absolutely no doubting Ireland’s spirit. That doesn’t mean there aren’t a fair few doubts about this team, however, and their ability to qualify for Euro 2016. 

1. James McCarthy is yet to convince at international level 

Spain’s 1-0 Euro 2016 qualifier win at home to Ukraine did little to suggest the once all-conquering La Roja side have got over losing their unbeatable aura at last year’s World Cup.

Ireland’s favourite Australian was in Cork this weekend and Ray Meagher is as much a darn good bloke as Alf himself.

Given Robbie Brady’s personal experience of competitive matches at the Aviva, he’s surely due a upturn tomorrow against Poland. 

Crescent College Comprehensive became just the third Munster school to taste national glory in 20 years as they claimed the Kate Russell All-Ireland Schoolgirls Championships in Galway yesterday.