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Model Aoife Cogan teams up with international cricketers Max Sorensen and Alex Cusack to mark one month to go until the RSA Challenge between Ireland and Australia in Belfast. ©Jason Clarke Photography
Early Doors

The Morning Score: Wednesday

Euro scares, Olympic delight, and rough rides — it’s all in Wednesday’s round-up of the news.

1. #EURO2012 The FAI has confirmed that Richard Dunne will be fit in time for next month’s European Championships after the defender suffered a “micro tear” in his abdomen.

Dunne is one of five players who will sit out training today, joining Shay Given, John O’Shea, Keith Fahey and Kevin Foley on the sidelines.

2. #EURO2012 Spain’s misery is Ireland’s fortune as the reigning world and European champions confirmed that star striker David Villa has lost his race to be fit for the Euros.

Villa broke his tibia while in action for Barcelona last December, and Spain manager Vicente del Bosque ruled him out of the tournament last night.

3. #MUNSTER SFC Peter Creedon has named the Tipperary side to face Kerry in the Munster SFC opener in Semple Stadium on Sunday.

Borrisokane’s Philip Austin will captain the side from his position at corner-forward.

4. #LONDON 2012 There was double delight for Ireland’s swimmers at the European Championships in Debrecen yesterday as Sycerika McMahon and Melanie Nocher both qualified for the Olympics.

McMahon set a new Irish senior record in the 100m breaststroke and was the fifth fastest qualifier overall for tonight’s final, while Nocher set a new PB to finish 5th in the final of the 200m backstroke.

5. #RÁS Reigning champion Gediminas Bagdonas claimed a dramatic win on yesterday’s third stage of the An Post Rás. The An Post Sean Kelly rider came home just ahead of opening stage winner Marcin Bialoblocki (Britain Node4 Girodana) and Dutch rider Roy Eefting (Netherlands Koga Cycling).

Pirmin Lang (Switzerland Atlas Jakoo) managed to retain the yellow jersey by finishing 11th despite trailing the leaders by over two minutes at one point.

6. #SOLSKJAER Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has pulled out of the running to be the next manager at Aston Villa.

The former Manchester United striker travelled to meet Villa owner Randy Learner last weekend but has now decided to stay in Norway for family reasons.