FOOTBALL
The Kilkenny football championships launched earlier this week with the football season getting underway on the weekend of February 5th.
Speaking at the launch, All-Ireland winning manager Christy Walsh is hopeful that the level of football in Kilkenny and improve thanks to developments last year and the added assistance of a key calendar change.
There has been a slight increase in participating clubs too with some fielding teams at junior level this year.
All three grades begin their league series on the weekend of February 5th.
See also : Kilkenny football championships launched at UPMC Nowlan Park
RESULTS & FIXTURES
SETU Carlow were in colleges camogie action last night as the CCAO competitions resumed after the festive break.
A change of venue from the main campus to the south sports campus astro pitch may have played a part in UCC’s struggles as SETU Carlow ran out comfortable winners, 6-15 to 0-5, 2-4 of that scoring for Carlow coming in the closing 15 minutes.
@ElectricIreland @3rdLevelCamogie Purcell Cup Rd 2 Fixture
— SETU Carlow GAA (@SETUCarlowGAA_) January 17, 2023
Final Score
@SETUCarlowGAA_ 6.15 @ucc_gaa (2) 0.5
🏟️ SETU Carlow SSC Astro Pitch @SETUCarlowSport pic.twitter.com/611nsbjTYj
Tonight sees a double-header for the Technological University’s footballers and hurlers.
At 6pm on the main campus they’ll host MTU Kerry in the second round of the Sigerson Cup while at 7.45pm, Carlow’s hurlers get their Fitzgibbon Cup campaign started with the visit of Mary Immaculate Limerick.
SCHOOLS
There could be more success on the horizon for Kilkenny City Vocational School.
Monday saw the school’s Under 16 volleyball team finish top of their semi-final group in the school’s All-Ireland series meaning they’ve got themselves an All-Ireland final to look forward to next Thursday.
KCVS had double success before Christmas, landing senior All-Ireland volleyball titles.
Today sees St. Mary’s Academy CBS Carlow in Leinster action later. They’ll meet FCJ Buncloud in their South Leinster senior football B final at the Netwatch Training Centre in Fenagh. Throw-in is booked for 1.30pm.
Colaiste Mhuire Johnstown are also inaction from the sightly earlier time of one o’clocck. They’ll meet St. Kieran’s College Kilkeny in the Leinster second teams junior hurling competition.
SOCCER
Kilkenny’s Colm Whelan has returned to training with Derry City ahead of the start of the new League of Ireland season.
Whelan suffered a season-ending injury in May last year, rupturing his cruciate knee ligament, at the time putting a potential move to the English championship on hold.
Whelan made the move to Derry from UCD in December as is expected to feature regularly for the Candystripes this year.
See also: Colm Whelan has signed with FAI Cup champions Derry City
Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher helped Liverpool keep a first clean sheet on the road since September, as they reached the FA Cup fourth round.
A long range effort from Harvey Elliott saw Jurgen Klopp’s side win 1-nil away to Wolves to set up a round-4 trip to their bogey team, Brighton.
Elsewhere, Republic of Ireland defender Kevin Long netted the winner as Birmingham won 2-1 at Forest Green. Ireland international Mark Sykes scored Bristol City’s first in a 2-1 extra time win at Swansea last night.
There’s one more third round replay tonight, with Leeds United welcoming Championship side Cardiff City to Elland Road. Kick-off is at 7.45, and the winners will be away to either Accrington Stanley or Boreham Wood in round 4.
Manchester United are on a five-game winning streak in the Premier League ahead of tonight’s trip to Crystal Palace. By contrast, Palace have lost four of their last five in all competitions, and kick-off at Selhurst Park is at 8.
TENNIS
Defending champion Rafael Nadal has been knocked out of the Australian Open in Melbourne.
The top seed struggled with a hip injury and was beaten in straight sets by American Mackenzie McDonald, who prevailed 6-4, 6-4, 7-5.
Two of the most promising players in the women’s game meet in the second round this morning.
Seventh seed Coco Gauff goes up against former US Open champion Emma Raducanu
