World Cup
Lionel Messi is celebrating a dream, career-defining World Cup triumph as Argentina won the most dramatic final in history on penalties after Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick had kept holders France alive.
After 63 matches and a thrilling month of action, Sunday’s breathless finale was the wildest conclusion anyone could have imagined to the first finals held in the Middle East and Arab world.
Rugby
Gavin Coombes scored two tries as Munster recorded a 17-6 away victory that left Northampton’s European hopes hanging by a thread.
Following a 46-12 thrashing at La Rochelle last weekend, Saints needed a response but despite a spirited performance they were taught a lesson in wet-weather rugby by the two-time European champions.
The defeat leaves Saints with no points from their opening two fixtures and with the reverse fixture in Limerick and a home game against reigning champions La Rochelle to come, their chances of qualifying for the knockout rounds look bleak.
In contrast, Munster look set to qualify with the four points picked up here adding to the losing bonus point obtained in their opening day 18-13 defeat at the hands of Toulouse.
Joey Carbery converted both of the tries scored by Coombes and added a penalty, with Fin Smith kicking two penalties for Northampton.
GAA
Ballyhale Shamrocks will face off against Dunloy of Antrim in the AIB All-Ireland club final in the New Year.
The Killkenny men came out on top in their semi-final showdown with Ballygunner at Croke Park by 1-16 to 0-16.
Dunloy ended the hopes of Galway's St Thomas' in a 1-14 to 0-13 win.
Horse Racing
Gold Cup and Grand National-winning rider Davy Russell announced his immediate retirement from the saddle following victory at Thurles.
The veteran jump jockey had taken the ride aboard Gordon Elliott’s Liberty Dance, the 6-5 favourite in the Listed Billy Harney Memorial Irish EBF Mares Novice Hurdle.
The horse was a comfortable winner and on returning the the paddock Russell confirmed the ride was to be his last.
