GAA
In Leinster’s O’Byrne Cup, Colm O’Rourke made a winning start in charge of Meath, with a 16-point to 1-9 win over Carlow at Netwatch Cullen Park.
Niall Carew’s men led by 1-5 to 0-3 at halftime, and it was only in the final ten minutes that Meath edged in front.
The Barrowsiders now travel to Pearse Park on Saturday evening to take on the Longford in Round 2.
Jan 4th '23 and the Football Season is on! Meath visited NCP under Colm O'Rourke and emerged winners after a very shaky start… Carlow showing promise… but early days! @MeathGAA @Carlow_GAA @gaaleinster pic.twitter.com/AsrzPRftps
— Pat Ahern (@pgahern) January 5, 2023
An experimental Dublin were still too good for Wicklow, romping to a 2-15 to 9-point win in Baltinglass. Kildare were 1-18 to 11-point winners over Wexford in Enniscorthy. Mickey Harte’s Louth were 1-8 to 9-point winners over Westmeath and Longford were 3-18 to 13-point winners over Laois in Portarlington.
Monaghan’s defence of Ulster’s Doctor McKenna Cup began with a 2-10 to 12-point loss to Down. Peter Harte and Cathal McShane scored three-points apiece as Tyrone ran out 17-points to 1-7 winners over Fermanagh in Omagh. While Armagh were too good for Antrim, storming to a 2-20 to 2-8 win.
It was a difficult night for a youthful Kerry senior football team in the McGrath Cup in Munster. Colm O’Callaghan scored 2-4 as Cork trounced their neighbours by 5-11 to 14-points at Pairc Ui Rinn. Limerick got off to an ideal start under new manager Ray Dempsey with a 4-14 to 9-point win over Waterford in Rathkeale.
Carlow senior hurlers are in action this evening when they travel to play Kildare in the opening round of The Keogh Cup.
🏆 Our flagship hurlers start their season with a Kehoe Cup game against @KildareGAA in Hawkfield at 8pm on Thursday, 5 January, followed by games against @wicklowgaa, @OfficialDownGAA & @MeathGAA
— Carlow GAA (@Carlow_GAA) January 3, 2023
👍Best of luck to the senior hurlers & management for a successful 2023.
🇲🇱🥎🇬🇳 pic.twitter.com/KnPBrC8XAy
Speaking ahead of that game, Carlow manager Tom Mullally told Scoreline that there are no set goals for the team this year and being competitive in the league and championship is his main concern.
See also : Busy January schedule begins with trip to Kildare
Speaking of intercounty managers.
We welcome @Offaly_GAA to John Locke Park, Callan for Round 1 of the Walsh Cup on Sunday 8th January at 2pm.
— Kilkenny GAA (@KilkennyCLG) December 23, 2022
Match tickets must be purchased in advance at:https://t.co/TgFDzITTHL#itallstartshere #kilkennygaa #WalshCup #2023season pic.twitter.com/zwqb49LNzs
In his first interview with KCLR, Kilkenny manager Derek Lyng discusses the process of replacing 11-time All-Ireland winning boss Brian Cody, the need to stamp his own identity on the Leinster champions, and his goals for 2023.
You can hear the full interview this Saturday at 4 pm on Scoreline.
Soccer
Harry Kane’s first goals of the year coincided with Tottenham’s return to winning ways in the Premier League last night.
He scored twice, while Matt Doherty also found the net, in a 4-nil win away to Crystal Palace.
The result places fifth-placed Spurs within two points of Newcastle and Manchester United.
Embed from Getty ImagesNottingham Forest are two points clear of the relegation zone this morning following their 1-nil win at bottom side Southampton.
West Ham are just above the drop zone on goal difference after they drew 2-2 away to Leeds.
While Leon Bailey squandered a gilt-edged chance for Aston Villa in stoppage time – they drew 1-1 with Wolves at Villa Park.
Manchester City can cut the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal to five points tonight. Pep Guardiola’s side are away to Chelsea from 8.