Sport

The Morning Sports Briefing

Dublin grind out victory and it’s just as sweet, Ken Early on witnessing that Japan win, Robbie Henshaw fitness update and what to watch out for

Dublin’s Rory O’Carroll celebrates with the Sam Maguire cup after the game - Dublin bring the trophy to O’Connell street at 7.15pm tonight. Photograph: Cathal Noonan/Inpho

Mon Sep 21 2015 - 08:35

GAA: Championship

It mightn't have been the all-out attacking spectacle many expected – and the weather had its part to play in that - but nonetheless Dublin showed steely defensive organisation and maturity in sealing a third senior football All-Ireland in five years on Sunday.

If 2013 was all about free-flowing football, this year Dublin well and truly answered the questioned raised last summer over their tactical naivety, in holding Kerry to 0-9 over 70 minutes and denying the Kingdom a double-double of minor and senior titles.

"Look, there was a lot of hurt over last year," said James McCarthy. "A lot of stuff said about us. A lot of people questioned our character. A lot of slurry thrown at us, I thought. People calling us cowards and chokers and bottlers."

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Rugby: World Cup

It may have been All-Ireland final weekend but the major story undoubtedly emerged from the Rugby World Cup and Japan's shock win over South Africa. The win in its own right was historic, but the manner in which they did it was truly inspirational. With the game all but up Japan turned down the opportunity of a penalty to seal a famous draw and instead went in search of a game winning try. Ken Early witnessed the scenes of joy and disbelief in Brighton.

It was a great start for Ireland too, a comfortable win over Canada, defensively solid and scoring seven tries. Couldn't really ask for much more. Only it does get better with the news that Robbie Henshaw is fit to play against Romania next weekend.

New Zealand also won on Sunday, surviving a bit of a scare from Argentina- to get their competition of to a winning start, meaning that if all goes to plan in our group an Irish quarter final against the Pumas still looks on course.

Golf

And in golf Jason Day won the BMW championship with his comprehensive win in Chicago moving him ahead of Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy as the world's new number one. A fourth win in six tournaments and a second FedEx event victory; he's in the form of his life. McIlroy finished in a tie for fourth - on 14 under, eight shots off Day.

Soccer: Premier League

Diego Costa dominated the soccer headlines this weekend – he was up to his old tricks in prompting Gabriel Paulista's red card as Chelsea beat Arsenal 2-0 – a good weekend for Jose Mourinho as West Ham upset Manchester City with a 2-0 away win.

On Sunday Manchester United grinded their way to victory over Southampton with David De Gea in inspired form between the posts, while young Anthony Martial continued to impress as he goes about trying to justify his (could rise to)€80million price tag. Not a bad start though for the French striker.

There was no such joy for Liverpool as they were held by Norwich, meaning it's four games without a win - and despite Daniel Sturridge's return to fitness, Christian Benteke limped off injured.

What to watch out for today

The Irish rugby team will have a press conference at midday - more news on Robbie Henshaw is sure to emerge from that as Ireland look ahead to the weekend's second game.

Dublin's homecoming, yes that's what it's being referred to as and we're not quite sure why either, is set for O'Connell street at 7.15pm.

There's no Monday night premier league football - but Ireland's women play Finland in the Euro 17 qualifiers at 7.30pm.

Setanta from 7pm

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