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Leona Maguire confirmed her status as the best rookie of all time as Europe claimed the Solheim Cup on US soil. Maguire was the star as Catriona Matthew’s side won 15-13 to retain the trophy. In her debut appearance, the Cavan native was the only one to play all five sessions and contributed four and a half points along the way. The secret is out, on a global stage - Philip Reid reflects on Maguire’s heroics here.
Ahead of Ireland’s World Cup qualifier clash with Serbia tonight (Aviva stadium, kick-off at 7.45pm) winger James McClean has hit back at critics of the team and manager Stephen Kenny, claiming the Irish media get a kick out of the team not doing well. Two of the most senior figures in European soccer have attacked Fifa’s plans to reform the international calendar and implement a biennial World Cup, warning they risk diluting the game’s “jewel” and will put players’ health at risk.
Jack O’Connor’s decision to step down from the Kildare manager’s position after two years of a three-year appointment has set the cat among the pigeons in Kerry, as the county gets ready to decide on a managerial appointment for next year. In his column this morning (Subscriber Only), Kevin McStay explains how comfort in chaos can bring Mayo’s 70-year All-Ireland wait to an end: “I believe Mayo will win this final. There is not that much to separate the teams in terms of attitude and ability. Mayo have been forewarned by Kerry in that they were given a demonstration of what not to do. But Kerry also illustrated that you can create a lot of chances against Tyrone – goals and points.”
Meanwhile, Emma Raducanu continued her astonishing three-week run from the crowdless US Open qualifying event towards the top tables of the sport. In just 65 minutes, the 18 year-old defeated Shelby Rogers 6-2, 6-1 to reach her maiden grand slam quarter-final.