Downs’ Caolan Mooney and Donegal’s Patrick McBrearty help launch the Setanta Sports’ coverage of the 2016 Allianz Leagues in Belfast. Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO

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• Joe Schmidt told Ireland fans that a ‘top-half’ finish would be a good result ahead of this year’s Six Nations campaign.
• The Ireland women‘s team will be without a number of big names as they seek to defend their own title.
• There were wins for UL, Mary Immaculate and UCD in the Fitzgibbon Cup.
• St. Pat’s Player of the Year James Chambers is leaving the League of Ireland to join US side Bethlehem Steel.
• The Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle organisers responded to criticism of their new application process.

LeBron James takes no prisoners. AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Away

• Louis van Gaal blasted reports that he had handed in his resignation following last weekend’s defeat.
• World number one Novak Djokovic got the better of Roger Federer to reach the Australian Open final.
• An NHL player is likely to face a lengthy ban after body-checking a referee.
• Cam Newton said that people may still be scared of the idea of a black quarterback.
• Tyson Fury escaped censure for his controversial comments on women, homosexuality and abortion.

The Best Thing We Shared

He may be out of the Australian Open at the hands of Novak Djokovic but Roger Federer was still able to produce the shot of the tournament.

On The Record

If we could be in the top half that means we’d have to be in front of three pretty good teams. Yeah, I think being realistic…. you know, our dream would be to do what no team has done before and we’re not going to give up the dream, but we’re also reasonably pragmatic and practical in what we try to deliver and I think I would be unfair on the players if I said the only way to be successful is to win the championship.

– Joe Schmidt was keen to play down expectations ahead of Ireland’s attempt to become the first side to win three Six Nations titles in a row.

Where we were today

We had reporters around the country at various Fitzgibbon Cup games. You can read all their reports here.

UCD Manager Nicky English watched his side win today. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

Fixture list

RUGBY
Munster Senior Cup
Bandon Grammar School v St Munchins, University of Limerick 2.30pmSOCCER
FA Cup Fourth Round
Derby v Manchester United, Pride Park 7.55pm

 Showbiz, Baby!

Phil Mickelson is not happy with 17-year-old Australian golfer Ryan Ruffles who earlier this week claimed to have won a $5,000 bet with the five-time Major winner.

Phil admits to losing the bet, just not the amount. AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

“The Puppy Bowl IS an ageist farce. She’s right.”

‘A top-half finish would be good for us’ – Schmidt dampens Six Nations expectations

McGregor’s lightweight title fight will now be at UFC 196 but it’s just the name that’s changed