Friday Morning Sports Update

Keeping you up to date on GAA, rugby, soccer, golf and racing.

GAA
Two Kildare teams are in hurling and ladies football League action on Sunday.

The Kildare hurlers opened their Division 1B League away to Dublin in Parnell Park last weekend, losing by 2-19 to 0-1

On Sunday, they host Antrim in Newbridge. 

Kfm will have live commentary in association with Hanlon Concrete, Robertstown

Kfm is, also, awarding a player of the match for each of this season's Kildare football and hurling league games, sponsored by Frank McMahon and Co Accountants Kildare, Naas and Dublin. 

In the Lidl Ladies football League, Division 1, on Sunday, Kildare will be away to Galway at 2pm.

They drew with Cork in their opening game, but lost to Armagh last weekend.

We'll have live updates of the game on Sunday, which throws in at the same time as the hurlers.

This morning's Kildare Today, with Hannah Kelly will preview the games with Leinster Leader Sports Editor Tommy Callaghan and Kfm's Clem Ryan

While this evening's Weekend Sport Preview Show will include manager and player interviews, along with the rest of the weekend Kildare sport.

RUGBY

Ireland's Six Nations campaign is off to a losing start following last night's 36 points to 14 defeat to France.

The hosts established a 22-nil lead by half-time, but second half tries from Nick Timoney and Michael Milne helped the visitors get off the mark.

Next up is a meeting with Italy in Dublin tomorrow week.

Max Deegan will captain an Ireland fifteen against England A at Thomond Park this evening.

Kick-off in Limerick is at quarter-past-7.

SOCCER

Reigning champions Shamrock Rovers begin their title defence on the opening night of the new League of Ireland Premier Division season.

The Hoops welcome last season's First Division winners Dundalk to Tallaght Stadium for an 8pm kick-off.

Three matches are underway from 7.45, with James McClean poised to feature for Derry City against Sligo Rovers.

Waterford welcome Shelbourne, while Galway United take on Drogheda United.

There's a big game in the Premier League relegation battle this evening.

Leeds welcome Nottingham Forest for an 8 o'clock start.

GOLF

Padraig Harrington is three-under-par overall as he plays the last on day two of the Qatar Masters in Doha.

The Dubliner is two-under for the day and is currently in a tie for 24th.

Three players share the lead on ten-under-par.

Chris Gotterup has a two shot lead after the opening round of the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

The American is eight-under-par, with Matt Fitzpatrick two shots adrift.

World number one Scottie Scheffler is back on two-over.

RACING
There's a seven-race card at Dundalk from 4:15pm.