Friday Morning Sports Update

It's a busy weekend for local GAA

GAA

In last night's Westgrove Hotel Senior Hurling League Division 1 Semi Finals, Naas beat Celbridge 12-24 to 0-12.

That is a 48 point win for Naas.

Maynooth beat Leixlip 1-28 to 1-27.

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It’s a busy weekend for local sport, with the All Ireland Camogie Semi Final taking place, along with two senior finals in the Hanlon Concrete Division 1 and 2 Leagues.

On Saturday, in the Glen Dimplex Premier Junior Championship Semi Final, Kildare play Cavan at Glenisk O’Connor Park.

Throw-in is at 1pm.

Also on Saturday, Allenwood play Leixlip at Cedral St. Conleth’s Park in the Hanlon Concrete Limited Senior Football League Division 2 Final.

Throw-in is at 2pm.

Later, at 3.45pm, Moorefield take on Naas in the Hanlon Concrete Limited Senior Football League Division 1 Final.

This morning’s Kildare Today show from 10.45am will preview the weekend sporting action, as will this evening’s Weekend Sport Preview show from 6.25pm.

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Derek McGrath has been named Wexford's new hurling manager.

The appointment of the former Waterford boss was announced last night, for a three-year term.

Wexford chairman John Kenny believes that McGrath is "the right person to lead Wexford hurling into its next chapter".

RUGBY

Ireland captain Dan Sheehan says his team aren't focusing on New Zealand's record at Eden Park ahead of tomorrow morning's game.

The All-Blacks haven't lost at the venue in 52 consecutive test matches - a record that stretches back to 1994.


GOLF

Rory McIlroy struggled during his first round at The Open.

The Masters champion missed three putts inside four feet to log a two-over round of 72.

McIlroy will tee off at ten-past-ten this morning at Royal Birkdale seven shots adrift of the overnight leader, Jackson Suber of the USA.

Shane Lowry's pursuit of a second Claret Jug will see him resume at quarter-to-ten from one-under par.

Amateur David Howard will be battling to make the cut - he finished his round yesterday on four over.

While US Senior Open champion Padraig Harrington endured a tough first day where he finished up on 10-over-par.

Amateur Stuart Grehan is underway - he finished on seven over par yesterday and is currently even par after one hole.


SOCCER

Bohemians have booked their place in the Conference League second qualifying round.

They'll face Kosovo's Ballkani over two legs on July 23rd and July 30th.

A 0-0 draw yesterday against St Joseph's in Gibraltar - and a 2-0 win on aggregate - ensured their progression.

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Derry City were unable to turn their tie against CSKA Sofia around in the Europa League qualifiers.

Trailing 3-2 from last week's first leg in Bulgaria, they lost 2-1 yesterday at the Brandywell to lose 5-3 on aggregate.

There was a 15 minute delay to the game after Chapman's goal for Derry last night, as Bulgarian supporters clashed with home fans.

Derry drop into the Conference League qualifiers, and they'll play Rijeka of Croatia next week.

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There's a repeat of last year's final in the second round of the FAI Cup tonight, as Shamrock Rovers host Cork City.

Elsewhere, St Pat's take on Wexford with Shelbourne making the trip to Kerry.

Waterford face Cobh Ramblers and Bray Wanderers go to Finn Harps.

While Dundalk face St Mochtas, Athlone Town host Midleton, and Drogheda United go up against Lucan.

All matches kick off at 7.45pm.