The Morning Sports Briefing

McIlroy off to winning start

Rory McIlroy left it late but he got the defence of his WGC Matchplay title off to a winning start by beating Thorbjorn Oleson on the 18th hole in Austin, Texas.

McIlroy had trailed by two holes on the 13th but he capitalised on a poor chip on the last by the Dane to take the tie, with matches against Kevin Na and Smylie Kaufman, who Na beat 2&1 in their opening tie, still to come.

It was a frustrating day for Shane Lowry however as the Offalyman somehow conspired to lose by a single hole to Germany’s Martin Kaymer after giving away the 16th and 17th holes.

Graeme McDowell was also beaten 3&2 by Jason Day, despite back problems plaguing the Australian late on in their match. Elsewhere Jordan Spieth got off to a winning start, beating Jamie Donaldson 3&2, and Bubba Watson halved his tie with Patton Kizzire.

Ireland to play Turner’s Cross friendly

Martin O'Neill is set to name his final 23-man squad for Euro 2016 on May 27th, the day after the friendly against Holland. The 23 players who make the cut will then travel to Cork to play in one final fixture before the championships on May 31st at Turner's Cross.

Women in sports journalism

As part of today's Women in Sport section Mary Hannigan has spoken to three women currently making waves within sports journalism - RTE's Jacqui Hurley, TG4's Maire Treasa Ni Dhubhghaill and UTV Ireland's Marie Crowe.

Sonia O’Sullivan column

Meanwhile in her column today Sonia O'Sullivan looks at the scientific analysis available to athletes - something which became more prevalent and advanced throughout her career - can be pivotal in ensuring they perform to the best of their ability.

McFadden to return to Donegal

Colm McFadden is set to return to the Donegal side for their fixture against Dublin at Croke Park, but it remains to be seen how manager Rory Gallagher will use the All-Ireland winner.