SOCCER
Dean Kiely is the new Republic of Ireland goalkeeping coach.
The former international replaces Alan Kelly in the back room set up under manager Stephen Kenny.
Kiely made 11 appearances for the 'Boys in Green' and is the current goalkeeping coach for Crystal Palace.
He will combine both roles going forward.
The Republic of Ireland begin their World Cup qualifying campaign away to Serbia on March 24th.
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The Ireland U21s will play Italy, Sweden, Bosnia Herzegovina, Montenegro and Luxembourg in Group F of qualifying for the 2023 European under-21 Championships.
Ireland faced Italy, Sweden and Luxembourg in their last group campaign, where they finished third.
The nine group winners and the best runner-up will qualify directly for the finals with the other runners-up going into the playoffs.
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Manchester United have issued a statement after Axel Tuanzebe and Anthony Martial were racially abused on social media following last night's Premier League defeat to Sheffield United.
The club say they are 'disgusted by the abuse and utterly condemn it'.
They added that 'identifying these anonymous mindless idiots remains problematic'.
The club is urging social media platforms and regulatory authorities to strengthen measures to prevent such behaviour.
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That 2-1 defeat to bottom side Sheffield is a major slip up in the Premier League title race For Man united.
Sheffields first win at Old Trafford since 1973 leaves the Red Devils a point behind Manchester City, having played a game more.
Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer feels the officials were to blame.
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Thomas Tuchel's reign in charge of Chelsea began with a goalless draw at home to Wolves.
Elsewhere, Everton and Leicester City drew 1-1.
Burnley beat Aston Villa 3-2.
And it ended scoreless between Brighton and Fulham.
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In the Premier League tonight, Tottenham Hotspur host Liverpool in North London.
Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho isn't surprised tonight's opponents Liverpool are finding it hard to retain the Premier League title.
The champions go into the game having failed to win their last five top flight matches, scoring just 1 goal in that stretch.
Mourinho secured the crown in 2005 and 2006 while managing Chelsea.
He's still not ruling out Jurgen Klopp's side emulating that feat, just not in a similar style to the previous campaign.
Reds captain Jordan Henderson is fit again and available to play.
Kick off at New White Hart Lane is at 8 o’clock tonight.
OLYMPICS
Organisers of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics insist there are no objections from any of its partners to push ahead with hosting the Games this summer.
The Olympics are due to start on the 23rd of July, despite the coronavirus pandemic.
International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach says the events will happen.
Tokyo 2020 chief Yoshiro Mori hopes it won't be a pre-requisite for all athletes to be vaccinated.
RUGBY
Munster will be without lock Jean Kleyn for this weekend's trip to Benetton in the Guinness PRO14.
The Ireland international has been handed a two-week ban for an incident of dangerous play in the Reds' loss to Leinster last Saturday.
Kleyn will be free to play in Munster's following match against Edinburgh next month.
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Andy Friend has signed a new deal with Connacht, keeping him at the province until 2023.
The Australian took over in the summer of 2018 and has guided the Western outfit to two Champions Cup qualifications.
During his time with the Western Province, he has handed professional debuts to 15 Connacht Academy players.
Connacht currently lie second in Conference B of the Pro 14
GOLF
Shane Lowry is 2 under par through 13 holes on day one of the Dubai Desert Classic.
The lead is currently shared on 6 under par by Sergio Garcia, Richard Sterne and Justin Harding.
Padraig Harrington is 1 under par after a 71.
Graeme McDowell is 4 over after 13.
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Rory McIlroy is in the field for the Farmers Insurance Open on the US PGA Tour later.
He tees off his opening round at 6.40pm, Irish time.
HORSE RACING
The Thyestes Chase is the feature of today's race meeting at Gowran Park.
The Willie Mullins-trained Acapella Bourgeois heads the field of 18.
The 11-year-old was sixth in the race last year and most recently finished runner-up to Al Boum Photo at Tramore on New Year's Day.
The going is heavy and the 3 mile chase goes to post at 3.25.
The first of seven races is underway at 1.15.
