Friday Morning: McIlroy Best Of Irish Going Into Day 2 Of Alfred Dunhill Links Championship

Play begins at 8.30am

GAELIC GAMES

Local action this weekend,

On Saturday, in the Tom Cross Transport JFC Final:

Straffan V Kill in St. Conleth’s Park, Newbridge

Throw-in at 3.30pm

Here's Straffan Manager Paul Drewett:

Kill Manager Alan Jordan:

On Sunday, it's Ballyteague vs Castledermot in the Auld Shebeen Bar Athy IFC Final:

That game will also be held in St. Conleth’s Park, Newbridge at 3.30pm.

Castledermot Manager Anthony Gray spoke after his side's win over Sallins in the semi-final:

Ballyteague Manager Mick Ennis:

GOLF

Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry and Padraig Harrington all decamp to Kingsbarns this morning for day two of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

McIlroy is joint best of the Irish on 4-under par, while Harrington tees off from 3-under, and Lowry 2-under par.

Jonathan Caldwell also commences his second round from 4-under, the Ulsterman plays the Old Course at St. Andrews today.

Romain Langasque of France equalled the course record there yesterday, and he starts the day with a one-shot lead on 11-under par.

Play begins at 8.30am.

RUGBY

There's a chance for some younger members of the Irish talent pool to prove their worth ahead of next year's World Cup this afternoon.

Max Deegan captains an Emerging Ireland side who take on the Griquas (pr: Greek-wis) in Bloemfontein.

Kick-off there is at 12.45pm.


Connacht are also in South Africa, facing the Vodacom Bulls in the United Rugby Championship from 5.30pm.

Jonathan Sexton could make his first appearance of the season - he is on the bench for Leinster as they play Ulster at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast.

That match has a 7.35pm start.

Tonight's other game sees Cardiff play the Emirates Lions.

SOCCER

Vera Pauw names her Republic of Ireland squad today for their World Cup playoff with either Austria or Scotland.

The Ireland boss will not be able to count upon the likes of Megan Connolly, Ruesha Littlejohn, Leanne Kiernan or Ellen Molloy - all of whom are injured.


Derry City will look to turn up the heat on SSE Airtricity Premier Division leaders Shamrock Rovers tonight.

A win away to St. Patrick's Athletic would see the Candystripes close the gap at the top to two points.

Elsewhere, the final Louth derby of the season sees Dundalk host Drogheda United.

Bohemians V UCD at Dalymount Park.

All of those games kick off at 7.45pm.

At 8pm, bottom side Finn Harps welcome Shelbourne to Ballybofey,

RACING

There is an eight-race card at Gowran Park this afternoon with the first off at 1.35pm.

And the all-weather track at Dundalk hosts its weekly meeting from 4.50pm.