David Mohan

Unbeaten Dublin welterweight Eoin Sheridan will face James Vake at PFL Tampa, aiming to strengthen his position in the PFL top 10 and move toward a title opportunity. The 31-year-old former Irish kickboxing champion plans to exploit his height and reach against Vake, while drawing on the all-round skills that helped him defeat Chris Mixan in April. Sheridan says the long-term goal is to win the division’s world title and bring it back to Straight Blast Gym in Dublin.

Rory McIlroy predicts that LIV Golf players such as Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm will face a difficult route back to the PGA Tour after Saudi Arabia withdrew financial backing and LIV cancelled its planned Team Championship. He says LIV has been harmful to professional golf but does not take satisfaction in potential job losses, while maintaining that the PGA Tour remains the sport's best platform. Brooks Koepka's return terms are cited as a precedent. The article also reports Scottie Scheffler's latest victory and career earnings, while Scheffler rejects comparisons with Tiger Woods based solely on prize money and credits Woods with helping expand golf's financial rewards.

NIFL chief executive Gerard Lawlor says no deals were made to secure approval at an emergency general meeting after Banbridge Town successfully challenged the league’s move of 10 clubs into a new Conference League. The required 90% approval from NIFL’s 47 members was ultimately achieved, allowing the Northern Irish season to begin on schedule. Lawlor accepted that NIFL had failed to follow its own rules and promised an independent, member-involved review. He also said the league’s new footballs were delayed by disruption linked to the Strait of Hormuz conflict.

Katie Taylor says watching Mayo celebrate their first All-Ireland football title in 75 years made her nervous about headlining Croke Park for her 5 September farewell fight against Flora Pili. Taylor will compete for the undisputed light-welterweight championship and is training with coach Ross Enamait, saying she is embracing her final camp and looking forward to life after boxing.

Mayo defeated Kerry to win their first All-Ireland Senior Football Championship title since 1951, ending a 75-year wait and a run of 11 final defeats. Manager Andy Moran, who lost six finals as a Mayo player, said he was honoured to represent generations of players, managers and supporters who had suffered previous heartbreak. Mayo entered the final as outsiders but believed their strong performances and squad depth gave them a chance, while Kerry manager Jack O'Connor acknowledged the significance of Mayo's victory for the sport and for other counties.

Josh Kelly retained his IBF light-middleweight title with a unanimous decision over Caoimhin Agyarko in Saudi Arabia. Kelly built an early lead through speed and movement despite suffering facial injuries and having a point deducted for repeated punches to the back of the head. Agyarko improved in the second half but could not overturn the deficit, recording the first loss of his career. He accepted the result, praised Kelly and vowed to continue pursuing his goal of becoming the first Black Irish world champion.

A historical preview of the 2026 All-Ireland football final between Kerry and Mayo traces their rivalry and contrasting records. Kerry lead the roll of honour with 39 titles but have also lost 24 finals, while Mayo have won only three championships, the last in 1951, and have suffered 11 final defeats since. The piece revisits Mayo's losses to Kerry, Dublin, Cork and Tyrone, their dramatic semi-final meetings with Kerry, and the folklore that a priest cursed Mayo after their 1951 celebrations disrupted a funeral. Kerry enter as the historically dominant side, while Mayo hope a new generation can end 75 years of championship disappointment.

Josh Kelly will make the first defence of his IBF light-middleweight title against unbeaten Belfast challenger Caoimhin Agyarko in Jeddah on the undercard of Anthony Joshua's fight with Kristian Prenga. Kelly believes his victory over Bakhram Murtazaliev has transformed his confidence and promises an aggressive performance, while Agyarko rejects suggestions he will wilt early. Agyarko, who has recovered from promotional setbacks and difficult recent fights, says he is prepared to beat the best version of Kelly and become the first black Irish world champion.

Limerick reclaimed the All-Ireland hurling title with a dominant performance over Galway, restoring their standing after two difficult championship years. Manager John Kiely highlighted the team’s satisfaction and unity, crediting intense preparation and contributions from coaching and support staff. Diarmaid Byrnes added four points as Limerick secured their 13th title, with players expressing pride in returning to top form.

Galway’s young squad endured a difficult All-Ireland hurling final as Limerick delivered a dominant and consistent performance to secure victory. Micheal Donoghue highlighted early turnovers and Limerick’s pressure as decisive factors but said the experience would benefit his emerging players. While some individuals performed well, Galway struggled to replicate earlier form against a Limerick side that produced its strongest display of the season.

Limerick secured their 13th All-Ireland hurling title with a dominant 1-29 to 1-18 win over Galway, completing a clean sweep of 2026 honours. Strong performances across the team, including a decisive goal by Cathal O'Neill, helped them pull away after a controlled first half. Galway struggled to match their earlier form and saw their chances diminish further when Ronan Glennon was sent off. Limerick closed out the match convincingly, reaffirming their status at the top of the sport.

Galway and Limerick renew their emotionally charged hurling rivalry ahead of the All-Ireland final, a fixture that has produced pivotal moments from Galway’s breakthrough in 1980 to Limerick’s resurgence culminating in their 2018 title and subsequent dominance. Limerick enter as the established force after four straight championships, while Galway return to the final for the first time since 2018 with a mix of veterans and emerging talent. The matchup carries historical weight as both counties seek to shape the next chapter in their long‑running contest.

Caoimhin Agyarko will challenge IBF light-middleweight champion Josh Kelly on 25 July in Saudi Arabia as part of the Anthony Joshua–Kristian Prenga undercard. The matchup follows the cancellation of Agyarko’s planned eliminator with Brandon Adams and the IBF’s subsequent attempt to order another eliminator, which was bypassed when Kelly opted for a voluntary defence. Agyarko, coming off a split-decision win over Ishmael Davis, meets Kelly as the champion seeks to extend an eight‑fight winning streak. The event will also feature Hamzah Sheeraz defending his WBO super-middleweight title against Simon Zachenhuber.

Ger Brennan urges the GAA to introduce video technology after Dublin’s All-Ireland semi-final loss to Kerry, arguing three key decisions went against his team, including a penalty, a possible square-ball infringement, and a disallowed goal. He maintains officials need video assistance to ensure accuracy in major moments, while acknowledging Dublin’s poor shooting also contributed to the defeat.

Kerry manager Jack O’Connor credited experience and moments of luck for his team’s narrow All-Ireland semi-final win over Dublin, highlighting key decisions and the impact of strong winds on scoring. Despite a quieter display from David Clifford, Kerry capitalized on crucial opportunities and managed possession to blunt Dublin’s momentum. O’Connor defended the early penalty award and noted the advantage of second-half conditions that allowed Kerry to score decisive long-range points.

Kerry advanced to the All-Ireland SFC final with a 2-18 to 0-20 win over Dublin, driven by decisive goals and key contributions from David and Paudie Clifford. Dublin created chances but were undone by wides and missed goal opportunities, including two efforts that struck the post. Kerry’s second goal, deflected in by Sean O’Brien, shifted momentum in their favour as they maintained control through the final quarter despite a late Dublin push. Kerry will face Mayo in the final on 26 July.

The long‑standing Dublin–Kerry Gaelic football rivalry is traced through its defining matches from the 1950s to the present, highlighting periods of dominance, iconic moments and standout players. Classic contests of the 1970s, Kerry’s resurgence in the early 2000s, and Dublin’s run of titles from 2011 onward are revisited, along with more recent clashes featuring emerging stars. The fixture’s unpredictability and tradition of producing decisive individual performances set the stage for another highly anticipated meeting.

Gavin Devlin encouraged Louth players to remain positive despite a heavy All-Ireland SFC semi-final defeat to Mayo, noting their deep run as a major lift for the county. He acknowledged Mayo’s physical and tactical superiority, highlighting turnovers and preventable goals as decisive factors. Injuries disrupted Louth’s plans, but Devlin believes further development is needed to close the gap at elite level.

Mayo advanced to their first All‑Ireland SFC final in five years after a dominant 17‑point victory over Louth, with manager Andy Moran emphasising that the team remains a work in progress. Strong defensive displays, effective pressure leading to key goals, and contributions from both young players and experienced leaders fuelled their improvement throughout the championship. Moran highlighted the renewed support from Mayo fans and the team’s goal of reigniting county pride as they prepare to face either Kerry or Dublin in the final.

Mayo advanced to their first All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final since 2021 with a dominant second-half performance that secured a 3-23 to 0-15 win over Louth at Croke Park. Early goals from Ryan O'Donoghue and Darragh Beirne established control before Conor Loftus added a decisive third after the break. Louth stayed competitive in the first half but were overwhelmed in the second, managing only four points as Mayo’s work rate and turnovers proved decisive. Mayo now await the winner of Dublin versus Kerry in the second semi-final.

Wicklow overturned a 13‑point deficit to defeat Down 1-21 to 2-16 and win the Tailteann Cup for the first time. After Down dominated the first half with goals from Pat Havern and John McGeough, Wicklow surged in the second half, highlighted by a crucial goal from captain Dean Healy. Strong late scores secured their victory despite finishing with 14 players. The win guarantees their place in next year’s All-Ireland Senior Football Championship.

Limerick reached the All-Ireland hurling final after overturning a six‑point deficit against Clare, with John Kiely praising his team’s resilience and composure. Aidan O'Connor’s late goal proved decisive, while contributions from Cian Lynch off the bench and a strong second‑half display from Gearoid Hegarty helped shift momentum. Kiely highlighted the squad’s character and maturity, noting further improvements needed in passing and shooting despite the comeback victory.

Clare manager Brian Lohan accepted referee Thomas Walsh’s key decision involving Limerick goalkeeper Nickie Quaid during their All-Ireland semi-final loss, despite protests from players. Tony Kelly converted the resulting penalty, Clare’s final score before being overtaken late by Aidan O’Connor’s decisive Limerick goal. Clare’s strong first-half performance faded after the break, with increased wides and reduced scoring. Lohan praised his team’s effort but acknowledged Limerick were ultimately more effective during crucial moments.

Limerick advanced to the All-Ireland hurling final by defeating Clare 1-21 to 1-19 after a late goal from Aidan O'Connor sealed a comeback. Clare dominated the first half and led by five at the interval, extending their advantage with a Tony Kelly penalty, but Limerick responded through increased intensity, accurate frees and decisive contributions from key players including Cian Lynch. A late surge culminated in O'Connor’s match-winning goal, ending Clare’s scoring and securing Limerick’s place in a final meeting with Galway.

Galway reached the All-Ireland hurling final after defeating Cork with a dominant second-half performance that reflected manager Micheal Donoghue’s confidence in his squad. Despite entering as underdogs, Galway outscored Cork decisively after halftime and relied on contributions from experienced players such as Daithi Burke. Donoghue highlighted the team’s preparation, focus and belief throughout the season as key factors in the victory. The team now awaits the winner of Limerick versus Clare for the final on 19 July.