Sport  
Brian O’Driscoll returns to the Leinster side for Saturday’s RaboDirect Final against Ulster at the RDS. Photograph: Kieran Murray/Inpho O’Driscoll returns for Leinster but O’Brien sits out final
  • Rugby
  • May 24, 2013, 12:18

Ulster welcome back prop John Afoa in only change from play-off game

Francesco Molinari tees off on the first hole during the second round of the BMW PGA Championship on the West Course at Wentworth. Photograph: David Cannon/Getty Images Francesco Molinari sets clubhouse target at Wentworth
  • Golf
  • May 24, 2013, 14:28

Italian cards 68 to move to six under as Luke Donald bows out

Jupp Heynckes gets a feel of Wembley. Jupp Heynckes reported to be on his way back to Benabeau

A Champions League win followed by German cup success would clinch a treble in coach’s last season at Munich

All-Ireland champions Donegal have named the same team that started last September’s final for Sunday’s eagerly awaited clash against Tyrone. Tyrone welcome back O’Neill and Harte for clash with champions Donegal

Cork name five debutants to face Limerick in Munster opener

Kevin O’Brien secures a tie for Ireland off Pakistan’s last ball at Clontarf yesterday. Last-ball heroics from O’Brien earns tie and sets off Irish celebrations

World Cup hero hits 84 from 47 deliveries against Pakistan following century from Paul Stirling

 

Soccer

Reading have released striker Noel Hunt following relegation. Photograph: Cathal Noonan/Inpho Reading release Irish trio following relegation

Noel Hunt, Ian Harte and Jay Tabb will not have contracts extended

Andy Townsend and Ray Houghton leave the field after the 1-1 draw with England at Wembley in 1991. Photograph: Inpho/ Billy Stickland The one that didn’t hit English net still haunts Ray Houghton

Failure to qualify for Euro 92 a major regret for former Ireland midfielder

Gaelic Games

Kerry’s Colm Cooper will be 30 in a few days as he sets off in pursuit of a fifth All-Ireland medal. Twelve years and counting in Cooper’s kingdom

With the championship opener against Tipperary just days away, Kerry’s key forward looks at change and the growing demands of the game

Ciaran Kilkenny: “I’d like to keep the hurling up . . . I have a great passion for it.” Ciarán Kilkenny hasn’t given up on hurling
  • Sport
  • Seán Moran
  • May 24, 2013, 02:00

Dublin dual talent hopes to be able to play both codes in the future and confirms his fitness for championship opener

Rugby

Brian O’Driscoll returns to the Leinster side for Saturday’s RaboDirect Final against Ulster at the RDS. Photograph: Kieran Murray/Inpho O’Driscoll returns for Leinster but O’Brien sits out final
  • Rugby
  • May 24, 2013, 12:18

Ulster welcome back prop John Afoa in only change from play-off game

Leinster’s Brian O’Driscoll prepares for the Pro12 final at the RDS. Brian O’Driscoll fit and ready to face Ulster in Pro12 final

Lessons of defeat to Ospreys last year add to Leinster motivation

Golf

Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy at Wentworth yesterday. “We are good friends and the last thing I want, whatever happens between Rory McIlroy and Horizon Sports, is that him and I lose our friendship. That’s not going to happen,” said McDowell. Photograph: Inpho James Kingston defies conditions at Wentworth as favourites falter

No lingering unease between McIlroy and McDowell after recent tension

Paul McGinley (left) and Shane Lowry (right) chat way during the first round of the BMW PGA Championship on the West Course at Wentworth. Photograph: by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images. Lowry plays along with captain McGinley at Wentworth

Footballing banter aplenty but opening 70 a serious statement by Offaly man in BMW PGA

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Racing

Eddie Ahern has appealed his 10-year ban with the British Horseracing Authority. Photograph: Mike Egerton/PA Ahern lodges appeal against 10-year ban

Irish-born jockey found guilty of conspiring to commit a corrupt or fraudulent practice

Magician, seen here winning the Dee Stakes at Chester, is the ante-post favourite for the Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh. O’Brien reveals team of four for Guineas

Ante-post favourite Magician joined by Flying The Flag, George Vancouver and Gale Force Ten

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