"It’s a first for an Irish women’s player so it’s a really nice accolade on a personal level but you can never achieve those things without your teammates," admitted McCabe.

The Skibbereen duo led from the off and qualified ahead of Italy's Stefano Oppo and Gabriel Soares. Their time was fastest across the four quarter-final races.

In the absence of the injured Handre Pollard, Mannie Libbock partners Faf de Klerk in the half-backs

"We’ve got world-class players, great squad depth and a fantastic coaching team behind them. I’m all positive with regards to Ireland’s chances at this World Cup."

"I must give credit to Munster for the way they looked after me and for the way they continue to look after me."

“There’s massive belief in the group going into the first game," said Dorris.

“I think I’ve other things to focus on. I didn’t exchange so much with Fabien (Galthié) about their preparations," said Didier Deschamps.

"Mark Flekken is going to keep goal because I think he deserves that, on the basis of being fit and in form for a long period," said Koeman.

New Manchester United signing Sofyan Amrabat has revealed manager Erik ten Hag is one of the most important people in his career after being reunited with the Dutchman

In his first World Cup dispatch for Irish Examiner Sport, former All Black and two-time European Champions Cup winner with Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle, Tawera Kerr-Barlow gives us the lowdown ahead of the meeting of France and New Zealand.

With Rory McIlroy not quite fully fit, it might mean Shane Lowry ends up as the leading Irish player as he seeks a convincing performance in the build-up to Rome.

"The man (Rossiter) is a Wexford man, played for Wexford, wore the purple and gold, so you have to respect that when he's over you and you have to do what he's asking of you.

Since the beginning of January, passenger numbers through Cork airport are up 30% to 1.9m

Hermoso gave her testimony on Tuesday and the complaint will be processed "as soon as possible", the prosecutor added

"Certainly I think it works for Shane (Lowry) and for myself and for Seamus (Power), at least for the top Irish players that the crowd come to watch."

Hugo Keenan believes Ireland are ready to deliver a statement performance this Saturday when they get their World Cup campaign underway at France 2023

If you know your history then this most striking of cities in the southwest of France has a bloody past where Ireland is concerned.

The Irish Open is now the joint fifth most valuable event on the DP World Tour schedule.

McIlroy had previously joked that he would need “a few days to dry out” from his trip to Mykonos before travelling to Rome, where Europe will attempt to regain the Ryder Cup

The 25-year-old Northampton No 9 was not in original 33-man squad.