The Morning Sports Briefing

UCD and Rovers out of Europe

It was a poor night on the continent for Irish clubs last night as both UCD and Shamrock Rovers were knocked out of Europa League qualifying after second round defeats.

Still in the tie thanks to a 1-0 loss in the first leg in Slovakia UCD conceded three goals inside the last 10 minutes at Belfield as they were blown away by Slovan Bratislava, while in Norway Pat Fenlon's Rovers also let in two late goals and were beaten 2-1 on the night by Odd BK and 4-1 on aggregate.

Elsewhere West Ham United and new manager Slaven Bilic escaped a major embarrassment as they crept past Maltese side Birkirkara, who finished third in the Maltest Premier League last season, on penalties.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and chief executive Jose Angel Sanchez are set to hold talks with Sergio Ramos to emphasise their desire to keep the player at the club, despite Real's captain wanting to leave the Bernabeu for Manchester United.

Canning key against Cork

Cork and Galway meet in the All-Ireland hurling quarter-finals this weekend looking to get back in the mix after provincial disappointments. Central to Galway's cause will be star man Joe Canning, who has scored 4-32 already in this year's championship.

In his column John Allen suggests Galway are more than capable of beating a Cork side who fail to compete each year despite being the biggest county with the most clubs, while he also believes Waterford need to ditch their ultra-defensive approach if they wish to go all the way this year.

Kildare have recovered from their 19-point evisceration at the hands of Dublin in the Leinster final with two convincing wins and Jason Ryan's side are looking to continue their fine record in qualifiers against Cork tomorrow.

Hoey hole in-one

Michael Hoey is in contention in the Omega European Masters in Switzerland after he shot an opening round 65, including a hole-in-one,leaving him two shots behind leader Gregory Havret.

Ross feels warm-up games are key

Mike Ross was dropped by now-departed Leinster boss Matt O'Connor last season but remains firmly in Joe Schmidt's plans for the World Cup, and the prop feels warm-up games in August and September will be vital in shaping the final squad.

Froome on course for Tour win

Chris Froome remains on course to win the Tour de France following yesterday's 18th stage,which was won by Romain Bardet, while Dan Martin rode strongly despite still battling with illness.

Meanwhile despite his early exit from the Tour team manager Raphael Denk believes Sam Bennett still has a big future ahead of him.

Hughes to challenge Golden Horn

Richard Hughes will have a final chance to win the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes eight days before he retires having been booked to ride second favourite Eagle Top on Saturday against Derby winner Golden Horn.

Murphy’s standing not a true reflection

Annalise Murphy may not be appearing high in the current standings for the Laser Radial European Championships in Denmark but this regatta is still serving to sharpen her skills ahead of the Rio Olympics.

What to watch out for:

Cycling

Stage 19 of the Tour de France to La Toussire takes place today.TG4, 12.15pm-5.05pm. Eurosport, 12.15pm-4.45pm. ITV4, 1pm-5pm.

Golf

The European Masters second round is underway in Switzerland, with Michael hoey teeing off at 8.55am. Sky Sports 4 10am.

The second round of the Canadian Open also gets underway tonight as the field try to catch leader Emiliano Grillo.

Football

There are three League of Ireland fixtures tonight with Bohemians welcoming Derry to Dalymount Park, Bray travelling to play Galway and Sligo taking on St Pat’s, which is televised. Setanta from 7.30pm.