Shane Lowry is happy to be up and running at The Open as he gets a bit of luck in what was a tricky opening round.

McIlroy reached the turn in two under par.

"I'd like to think that we can still go out, probably sharing Tom Lynagh's quiet confidence that we can put a game together that at least can keep the British and Irish Lions pretty honest on the day.” 

The Offaly man was satisfied with his day's work on Thursday. 

The sides face off in the first Test on Saturday morning. 

It is another action packed weekend of sport with an historic first ever clash between Cork and Tipperary in the Alll-Ireland SHC final, the Lions take on Australia in the first Test of the tour and the Open Championship in Portrush - all you need to to know here. 

The highlight for the 22-year-old McKibbin, who learned his craft at Rory McIlroy’s Holywood Golf Club an hour down the road, was an eagle at the par-five seventh after teeing off in the first group at 6.35am.

Harrington got the 153rd Open Championship under way, backed by loud Irish support at Royal Portrush.

We badly need a rest from football barging its way into even the biggest weeks in 'other sport'

One thing I am 100% sure of is that Tipperary will show up psychologically and physically. 

Openside flanker Fraser McReight was superb for Australia in their November Test match against Ireland. 

Maybe it’s because I’m not used to watching the Lions from a distance, having missed just two test series, both against New Zealand in 1993 and 2005, since my first Lions tour to the same country in 1983. However, for whatever reason, this latest expedition has failed to grip me in the manner I expected.

The 44-year-old performed the role of assistant first-team coach during this summer’s Club World Cup campaign in the United States, and City have confirmed he is to remain in place on a full-time basis.

The Donegal native leaves Blackburn Rovers after two seasons.

There are four new additions to the men's squad and four new additions to the women's squad for the games at the National Basketball arena on Saturday week.

The corporation will highlight its successes over the past year and disclose the pay of its top talent, but focus is likely to be on a storm of stories about the BBC’s shows and coverage of live events.

Negotiations with Valencia over the 21-year-old defender have been taking place since an initial offer of £14m including bonuses was rejected this month.

The golf, rugby, and cycling are no mere curtain-raisers — but they will set the stage for Cork and Tipperary's clash in Croke Park 

Henry Pollock may have been viewed as being brash with his remarks at the Adelaide Oval but as the Lions began preparations for the first Test in earnest on Monday in Brisbane, his England pack-mate and captain had no issue with his comments.

Luke Donald has added the younger Molinari brother to his backroom team