Arsenal back in the top half; Maybe it’s time for AIL top tier to go semi-pro?

Arsenal are back in the top half of the Premier League after a 3-0 win over Newcastle last night. A brace from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and a Bukayo Saka goal sealed a comfortable 3-0 win at the Emirates. Celtic manager Neil Lennon has castigated an "absolute barrage of hypocrisy" he believes is attached to criticism of his club's ill-fated training trip to Dubai.

Tadhg Furlong could return to action in the next fortnight as the Lions, Ireland and Leinster tighthead prop has embraced a substantial training load as he nears a return to competitive rugby. In his column this morning Gerry Thornley explains why the IRFU must grasp the window of opportunity for the club game: "Maybe it's time the top division went semi-pro? Maybe there could be an amalgamation or two for the top tier of the AIL only while retaining separate status, i.e Galwegians and Corinthians competing as the City of the Tribes? Whatever it takes."

The GAA remains confident the championship will go ahead but the leagues may be hit. GAA Head of Games Administration, Feargal McGill, explains to Sean Moran: "We won't be making a decision or even discussing it until Friday 29th, and as we've seen frequently before, a lot can change in a fortnight."

Meanwhile today's Clonmel fixture could contain a landmark moment for American trainer Keri Brion should her runner French Light emerge a winner. The novice hurdler would be a first US-trained winner over jumps in Ireland.