Thursday Lunchtime Sport with Joe Mallon Motors, Sallins Road,Naas

Dolan to remain in charge of Lake county

GAA

Dessie Dolan will remain on in charge of the Westmeath senior footballers for 2024.

The announcement was made after a county board meeting tonight, with a brief statement stating: “Westmeath GAA are delighted to announce the ratification of Dessie Dolan as manager of the Westmeath senior footballers for 2024. Backroom team to be announced.”

The Lake County narrowly missed out on a place in the All Ireland knockout stage last season.

There has also been speculation of potential backroom changes. Former Dublin star Jason Sherlock was part of his coaching team in 2023, while two-time All-Star John Keane doubled as a coach and selector.

RUGBY

England head coach Steve Borthwick has named his team for Saturday's World Cup semi final against South Africa in Paris.

There are three changes to the 15 which started against Fiji.

Freddie Steward returns to the side at full back in place of the injured Marcus Smith.

In the front row, Joe Marler replaces Ellis Genge, with George Martin coming in for Ollie Chessum in the second row.

Owen Farrell captains the side from out-half.


South Africa have named an unchanged 15 for the encounter at the Stade de France.

Out-half Manie Libbok retains his place in the team and scrum half Cobus Reinach (pr: Ry-n-ack) is preferred to Faf de Klerk, who will be on the bench.

The Springboks were comfortable winners when the sides met in the final in Japan four years ago.


Meanwhile, there are three changes to the Irish Women's side which beat Kazakhstan for Saturday's World 15s game against Colombia in Dubai.

Eimear Corri starts in the second row and there's a new half back partnership of out-half Nicole Fowley and scrum-half Aoibheann Reilly.

The uncapped Fiona Tuite has been named on the bench.


GOLF

Tom McKibbin is in the line-up for the Andalucia Masters in Spain.

He tees off at lunchtime.


CRICKET

At the World Cup, Bangladesh are 145 for 4 in their innings against India.

The Irish women's team are currently 130 for the loss of 2 wickets in the second of their one day internationals against Scotland in Spain.

The Scots won the opening contest on Tuesday.


HORSE RACING

A jumps meeting is scheduled for Thurles today, with the first off there at 1.40.