Every weekday morning, we bring you the essential sporting stories before that first cup of coffee.
1. #DREAM DEBUT Robbie Brady is the name on everyone’s lips after the winger impressed during Ireland’s 4-1 friendly win over Oman at Cravan Cottage last night. On his senior debut, the Manchester United youngster had a hand in the first three goals – scoring a superb volley and delivering two excellent crosses. Shane Long, Kevin Doyle and fellow debutant Alex Pearce were also on the scoresheet.
2. #STEPPED DOWN Roscommon senior football manager Des Newton has opted to leave his post, it was confirmed last night. The Rossies suffered a disappointing campaign, in which they went out in Round 2 of the All-Ireland qualifiers at the hands of Tyrone. In a statement, the county board said they will meet next week to discuss the process of appointing a successor.
3. #HOOP NIGHTMARE Shamrock Rovers yesterday announced the sacking of their manager Stephen Kenny. The Tallaght native took over from Michael O’Neill less than nine months ago but has endured a tough time in charge of the Hoops, who sit 13 points adrift of league leaders Sligo Rovers in fourth position. Club chairman Jonathan Roche said:
We have not taken this decision lightly and we are extremely disappointed with the turn of events. However, the club feels that this is the right decision at this time, and attention now turns to Friday night’s FAI Ford Cup game against Shelbourne and identifying the next manager of Shamrock Rovers.”
4. LIONS TOUR Warran Gatland is optimistic that he will have his squad assembled in time to tour Hong Kong and Australia, despite the fact that the Top 14 final is scheduled for June 1 – the same day that the Lions are due to play the Barbarians. Read more here.
5. #JFT96 23 years after the biggest disaster ever witnessed in English football, the independent panel set up to probe the events at Hillsborough during the 1989 FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest will release its findings today. Families of the 96 people who died in the tragedy will be first to receive the documents. For the full story, click here.
