1. #LEAGUE OF IRELAND Forget about El Clasico – it’s time for An Claiseacach as Shamrock Rovers travel to Dalymount Park to take on dear rivals Bohemians for the first time this season.
All we’re saying for the moment is that it should be a cracker. We’ll leave the predictions to our League of Ireland man Alan Smith – his weekly preview will be along shortly.
2. #RECOVERY There was good news for Munster rugby fans yesterday with Thomond Park officials confirming that inspirational captain Paul O’Connell could be back in action within four weeks.
That means that the big second-row is likely to be fit for the finals of the Magners League and the Amlin Challenge Cup should the province make either.
3. #GRAND NATIONAL Top jockey Tony McCoy has spoken out in defence of the Aintree Grand National amid growing calls from animal rights activists for the race to be scrapped.
Two horses, Ornais and Dooney’s Gate, died following falls during last weekend’s steeplechasing showpiece.
4. #CWC A top sports lawyer has argued that Cricket Ireland have grounds for legal action against the ICC following the body’s decision to exclude them from the 2015 World Cup.
Read more of Andrew Nixon’s thoughts on the ICC’s decision here.
5. #KOBE An openly gay former NBA player, John Aamechi, has responded to Kobe Bryant’s use of the word “faggot,” saying “I’m surprised that people are surprised. This was common language when I played.”
You can read more of Amaechi’s interview with USA Today here.
6. #MAGNIFICENT SEVEN As always on a Friday, our weekly Magnificent Seven column will be making an appearance later on this morning. This week’s topic is sporting meltdowns, with no prizes on offer for those who can work out what our inspiration was.
King Kev gets a mention obviously.
