Over half of Uefa’s 55 member nations were represented in last season’s Conference League phase and the League of Ireland is primed for a repeat. Failure by all three contenders would be simply inexcusable.

Of all the influences on Barry-Murphy — David Moyes who signed him from Cork City to Pep — the imperative of winning imparted by his legendary father Jimmy constitutes the relevant advice in this project.

If Ireland are still competitive for the concluding window in November, something they’ve been devoid of since 2019, then there’s every chance he’ll celebrate more than two anniversaries.

Since Cork last won the men’s All-Ireland hurling crown in September 2005, Cork City’s footballers lifted the both national trophies, league and Cup, twice apiece.

Carla Ward's admission that a glut of her players 'begged' to be substituted during the second successive 4-0 mauling in three days testified to the difficulty in performing the basics.

FAI's Limerick probe has a few twists to turn and Andrews leading the way for growing field of Irish managers.

Crystal Palace are favourites to pounce for young Cork City star Cathal O'Sullivan. He's already met the Premier League club's powerbrokers.

Cathal O'Sullivan's mercurial form has been a rare bright spot for Cork City but darkness beckons when he departs to the UK.

Decisions loom on where FAI choose to trim and Senegal will pack firepower despite Mané's withdrawal.

New gaffer bounce essential for Cork City and Robbie Keane close to glory in Hungary.