While the FAI are busily searching to fill the managerial vacancy, they are also shaping their 2024 match calendar in the absence of being part of the major event of the year in Germany - the Euros.

Silver felt the time was right to try the model out in the pro game after identifying that the early months of the NBA season tended to be overshadowed hugely by the NFL.

Not only did Villa boss Unai Emery get one over his former club but the 1-0 triumph saw his side extend their winning league run at home to 15 games.

Philanthropist who reshaped charity landscape was first thrust into the glare of public life in his role as sporting visionary

"I think the innovation and the vision of LIV Golf is what pushed me over to at least give it a chance and hear the pitch,” said Rahm.

Hansen suffered an ankle injury in the record 41-5 loss at home to Bordeaux-Bègles on Friday night amid fears it’s a recurrence of the issue which troubled him during the World Cup.

World Rugby and Rugby Football Union made the announcement on Monday morning, after it had been confirmed in August which eight stadiums would be used for the tournament.

Kilkerrin-Clonberne are going for three-in-a-row in the senior All Ireland Ladies Club final when they take on Ballymacarby while Glanmire face Ballinamore in the Intermediate final. The Champions Cup is back with the Irish provinces hoping to improve on a mixed opening weekend. 

Liverpool go top, Chelsea seem to need even more financial backing, and no one wants to bet against Villa.

Grealish has been kept out of the starting line-up for most of this season by Doku but eventually turned out to be the match-winner.

Connacht Head Coach Pete Wilkins said that Jack Carty's omission is down to tight selection and there is no 'deep story'. 

With their manhood being questioned early on and Leinster drawing a line in the sand, it was inevitable that a serious bust-up would ensue. 

20 points from Springboks fly-half Handre Pollard went a long way to securing the win.

The Reds started their campaign with a disappointing draw on Saturday.

Two former Ireland internationals, Lee Carsley, currently manager of European U21 champions and Ghana boss Chris Hughton, are favourites to land the vacancy.

The big Talking Points from the weekend's Superleague basketball

The Beeb turned its focus to a story close to home this week.

I expect Ballygunner to be primed, especially after last year’s disappointing defeat at the same stage.

If United’s campaign last season was dominated by the figure of Cristiano Ronaldo - jettisoned by Erik ten Hag as a symbol of a supposed new broom sweeping through the club - then his fellow Portuguese is in danger of serving the same purpose in the current one.

Stunning second-half comeback by hosts leaves scoreline at the Recreation Ground looking ugly for province who lose third in a row