1. #JOE WARD Boxer Joe Ward has launched an 11th-hour appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in an attempt to win a place at the Olympic Games, it emerged last night.
Olympic Council of Ireland President Pat Hickey told reporters in London that a hearing on the Moate light-heavyweight’s case was due to take place last night with a decision expected around lunchtime this afternoon.
2. #LONDON 2012 The Olympics don’t officially open until tomorrow evening but the 2012 Games has already seen its first controversy — and minor diplomatic incident.
The North Korean women’s football team refused to take to the pitch for their opening game against Colombia in Glasgow last night following a production error which saw the South Korean flag erroneously displayed on big screens during the pre-match introductions.
If the move was an attempt at mind games, it worked. After a delay of over an hour, North Korea won 2-0.
3. #EUROPA LEAGUE St Patrick’s Athletic and Sligo Rovers will fly the Irish flag in Europe tonight as both sides look to book their place in the third qualifying round of the Europa League.
Pat’s take a crucial away goal into their second leg against NK Siroki Brijeg following a 1-1 draw in Bosnia, while Sligo will be hoping to strike early as they try to overturn last week’s 3-1 defeat to Spartak Trnava.
4. #ARMAGH GAA Paul Grimley looks set to be named as the new Armagh football manager. BBC Northern Ireland reports that Grimley, assistant to manager Paddy O’Rourke last season, could be appointed before the end of the week.
5. #HEINEKEN CUP The fixture list for the opening rounds of the 2012/2013 Heineken Cup will be announced later today. Defending champions Leinster will open their bid for three-in-a-row against Clermont, Scarlets or Exeter. A reminder of the pool draw is available in full here.
6. #MANCHESTER CITY Club captain Vincent Kompany has committed his footballing future to Manchester City by signing a new six-year contract at the Etihad Stadium.
“Man City as a project is not just a project of the owners or the people employed by the club; it is also my project,” the 26-year-old said.
