Friday morning headlines

GOLF

The European team is being led off by the Irish pair of Rory McIlroy and Graeme Mc Dowell as they face

Jim Furyk and Brandt Snedeker in the foursomes at twenty past one at Medinah

At one thirty five Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley play Luke Donald and Sergio Garcia while at ten to two Zach Johnson and Jason Dufner meet Lee Westwood and Francesco Molinari

The final pairs out at five past two sees Steve Stricker and Tiger Woods play Ian Poulter and Justin Rose.

The fourballs take place from five past six.


GAELIC GAMES

Kilkenny and Galway will name their teams today for Sundays all Ireland final re-play in Croke Park.

No changes are expected on either side.


Lar Corbett has given his backing to the appointment of Eamon O'Shea as new Tipperary manager.

Eamon Corcoran who had been linked with a backroom position in the new management set up says he has not been contacted about it but insists he could not take up a position at this time due to work and family commitments.


Seamus McEnaney has confirmed he would be interested in the Roscommon job which is currently vacant following Des Newton departure.

"Banty" stepped down as Meath manager following their Championship exit this season.

On the pitch St Galls are out for a sixth Antrim title in a row when they meet Saint Johns in the county final tonight at Casement Park, throw in is at 7.


The Mayo footballers have withdrawn from next week's FBD league final in New York.

The Mayo County Board have announced that they will be unable to compete in the game in the aftermath of an extended season that saw James Horan's side make it all the way to the All Ireland final.

The senior team's championship commitments have left a backlog in the Mayo club championship and the
County Board says it has been forced to reschedule their senior and intermediate semi-finals to ensure the involvement of Mayo clubs in the Connacht club championships.

The Mayo County Board has offered its apologies to the Connacht Council and the New York County Board and says that it deeply regrets having to take such a drastic decision.



RUGBY UNION

The derby match between Connacht and Leinster is the feature match tonight in the Rabo Direct Pro 12.
Athlone teenager Robbie Henshaw starts at full back for Connacht and Scottish fly half Dan Parks makes his debut for Eric Elwood's side

Rob Kearney will make his first start of the season for Leinster

Kick off at the Sportsground is at 8 o'clock

Ulster are also in action when they face Cardiff Blues at 7.35 at the Arms Park.
Tommy Bowe will make his return to the Ulster colours after being named on the wing


SOCCER

Athlone Town are away to table toppers Limerick in the League of Ireland's First Division this evening
Kick off at Jackman Park is 7.45

There's one game in the CCFL's Senior Division this evening as defending champions Willow Park host Mountmellick at 8 O'Clock


Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has signed a new eight-year contract at the club.

Despite their League Cup exit at the hands of Manchester United, Newcastle say that they're hoping to become a consistent top-four finisher within the next five years and that Pardew's role is central to that target.


The FAI has been given grant aid from FIFA to expand its facilities at Abbotstown in west Dublin.

FIFA have promised 500,000 dollars to the Association, while the Irish Government will donate a further half-a-million euro which the Association says will allow them to provide training facilities for elite players and underage international squads.


Blackburn will receive up to 4-million pounds in compensation following Junior Hoilett's move to QPR.

The 22-year-old left Ewood Park after his contract expired in the summer.

The Premier League club will pay an initial fee of 3-million pounds, with a further 1-million subject to appearances.

Rovers also revealed they will be entitled to a sell-on fee if Rangers move the winger on.


Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill says Lee Cattermole will keep the club's captaincy, despite another controversial sending off.

The 24-year-old was dismissed for the fifth time in his Black Cats career for a challenge on MK Dons defender Adam Chicksen during Tuesday night's League Cup victory.

The midfielder will now miss the next three Premier League games, including the derby clash with Newcastle.

Arsenal defender Andre Santos has been banned from driving for a year after admitting to speeding.

The Brazilian failed to stop as he was pursued by police and wove between lanes, travelling at speeds up to 145-miles-per-hour in rush hour traffic in August.


FORMULA ONE

Lewis Hamilton is reportedly set to announce today that he is to leave McLaren for Mercedes.

Confirmation of Hamilton's intentions will bring to an end one of F1's longest-lasting transfer sagas and is likely to see Michael Schumacher, the sport's most successful driver, retire for the second time and the appointment of Sergio Perez as Jenson Button's new McLaren team-mate for 2013.


CYCLING

World cycling governing body, the UCI, has expressed disappointment with the continued delay of the release of US Anti-Doping Agency's report into Lance Armstrong's lifetime ban from the sport.

The US agency announced yesterday that it has pushed-back the publication of its long-awaited report, which is likely to see Armstrong stripped of his seven Tour de France titles, until mid October.

UCI president Pat McQuaid has admitted that he finds it unusual that Usada still appears to be gathering evidence after delivering its verdict on Armstrong.


CRICKET

It was a dramatic day at the ICC World Twenty20 yesterday.

Tournament hosts, Sri Lanka needed a 'super over' to beat New Zealand after the two sides finished tied on 174 runs from their 20 overs

Eoin Morgan very nearly bailed-out England as the defending champions suffered a 15-run defeat to the West Indies - Morgan battered five sixes and four fours on his way to 71 runs off just 36 balls, but it proved to be too little too late to rescue his side.

AMERICAN FOOTBALL

The use of the so-called 'scab refs' in American football has been brought to an end.

The NFL and the Referees Association have reached an agreement to end the three-month lockout, with regular officials returning to work for last night’s game between the Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Ravens.

The Ravens won 23-16

RACING

Rhode's Pat Smullen wrestled back the lead from Joseph O’Brien in the Flat Jockeys Championship thanks to a 9-1 Dundalk double on Bracing Breeze and Mouteab which beefed up his account to 73 winners, one clear of his chief rival.
There's an eight race card at the Louth venue from 6 O'Clock this evening.

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