Every morning TheScore.ie brings you the stories you need to know before that first cup of coffee.
1. #PARTY’S OVER Ireland’s participation in Euro 2012 ended with a 2-0 defeat to Italy last night. Goals from strikers Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli saw the Azzurri qualify for the quarter-finals as runners-up to Spain, who beat Croatia 1-0 thanks to a Jesus Navas winner late on. Ireland head home having finished bottom of Group C with zero points from three games.
The group stages will be wrapped up tonight, meanwhile, as England play Ukraine and France take on Sweden.
2. #RETURN Ulster have confirmed the signing of Niall O’Connor for the coming season. The 24-year-old fly-half left the province last year to join Connacht but his return was announced with news that South African born hooker Rob Herring has also moved to Ravenhill.
3. #DEMISE Monaghan United yesterday announced their withdrawal from the Airtricity League. The Premier Division side said they were unable to shoulder the financial burden of competing in the League of Ireland’s top tier and have pulled out with immediate effect.
4. #CHAMPIONSHIP The draw for the first round of senior footballer qualifiers was made yesterday and the fixtures, which will be played on Saturday, June 30, look as follows:
- Laois v Carlow
- Westmeath v Louth
- Roscommon v Armagh
- Fermanagh v Cavan
- Tipperary v Offaly
- London v Antrim
- Wicklow v Waterford
- Longford v Derry
5. #MISSING The search for an Irish fan missing in Poland since Saturday continues today. 21-year-old James Nolan from Blessington was last seen about 130 kilometres north east of Poznan and anyone with information as to his whereabouts can contact the Irish Embassy in Poland on 00 48 692 495 692.
