Results not everything in World Cup warm-ups
Ireland’s Rugby World Cup warm-up schedule begins in earnest against Wales at the Millenium Stadium on Saturday and the result of the fixture is of minimal importance when compared to the preparation it should offer the current members of Joe Schmidt’s squad.
Losses in the warm-up games would happily be taken if it meant victories in the tournament’s pool stages, especially when Ireland’s pre-World Cup victories in the past have rarely translated into strong showings when the real action starts.
Gerry Thornley looks back through Ireland's rather chequered World Cup warm-up history ahead of Saturday's game in Cardiff.
Munster have moved to fill the gap left by the departing Paul O'Connell with the signing of former Australia secondrow Mark Chisholm on a two-year deal.
Start quick to beat the Cats
In the latest edition of his weekly GAA statistics column Eamon Donoghue looks at the way to beat Brian Cody's Kilkenny side,which is to tear out of the blocks and build an early lead.
Dublin are still waiting to find out their opponents in the semi-finals of the All-Ireland, with Mayo playing Donegal in the quarters on Saturday, but centre back Cian O'Sullivan believes Kerry are the favourites to take home Sam Maguire.
Meanwhile ahead of Saturday's game against Mayo Donegal defender Frank McGlynn believes there is a massive difference between their current crop and the side who were blown away against the same opponents in 2013.
Johnson relishing return at Firestone
The WGC-Bridgestone Invitational gets underway at Firestone today, and British Open winner Zach Johnson is relishing returning to action in a tournament which will have 48 of the world's top 50 players in the field.
World number one Rory McIlroy won't be there, however yesterday he posted a video on Instagram showing himself in the gym, hinting a return to action may soon be on the cards.
In his latest column Colin Byrne suggests Ireland’s five representatives for September’s Ryder Cup highlight the rude health of Irish golf.
De Bruyne to be City’s last signing
Kevin De Bruyne is set to become Manchester City's final signing of the summer, with Manuel Pellegrini confident of prising the 24-year-old from Wolfsburg for a fee of up to €69 million.
Celtic are through to the Champions League play-offs after a goalless draw away to Azerbaijani side Qarabag gave them a 1-0 win on aggregate.
Low points and prizes at Futures events
There are only a small number of Irish tennis players who are on the professional circuit, and those that are mainly compete at the Futures level of the sport where they play for small prize funds and ranking points, writes Johnny Watterson.
Ohio State band scandal
In his America at Large column Dave Hannigan looks at the Ohio State marching band, whose seedy underbelly has recently been revealed, massively changing perceptions of the group.
What to watch out for:
Cricket
The first day of the fourth Ashes Test match between England and Australia gets underway at Trent Bridge today, with the hosts needing a victory to reclaim the urn. Sky Sports 2 from 10am.
Golf
Shane Lowry, Graeme McDowell and Padraig Harrington are all in action at the WGC Bridgestone Invitation at Firestone. Sky Sports 4 6.30pm-11.30pm.
