Friday Morning: Naas & Kildare Footballers Preparing For Big Weekend

Naas face Kilmacud Crokes in Leinster club football Final, while Kildare begin O'Byrne cup campaign.

GAELIC GAMES

It's a significant weekend for Kildare & Naas footballers.

Tomorrow at 1pm in St. Conleth's Park, Newbridge, Glenn Ryan's Kildare begin their O'Byrne cup campaign against Westmeath.

That game is followed at 5pm by Naas' Leinster Club Football Final against Kilmacud Crokes, in Croke Park.

KFM will have live commentary of both games, Kildare's game with Westmeath is in association Hanlon Concrete, Robertstown.

With the Naas Kilmacud Crokes game in association with Auxilia Management Consultants, Millennium Park, Naas.

'Kildare Today' will preview the game at 10.35am, with interviews from both players & manager, followed by this evening's preview programme at 6.30pm.

"At this stage of my career, I didn’t even think I’d be playing football never mind playing in a Leinster final" - Eamonn Callaghan reflects on a memorable year ahead of Naas' Leinster title shot on Saturdayhttps://t.co/EhKJR08fez

— RTÉ GAA (@RTEgaa) January 6, 2022

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Paul Mannion has said he has no plans to return to play with the Dublin senior footballers this year.

The 28 year old Kilmacud Crokes forward is preparing for the AIB Leinster Club Football Championship Final against Naas tomorrow evening.

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Armagh defeated Cavan by 1-12 to 11 points in the Dr. McKenna Cup last night.

Ross McQuillan's late goal handed Kieran McGeeney's side the victory.

In Section A tonight, Donegal play Down in Ballybofey,

And in Section C, it's Derry up against Monaghan at Owenbeg.

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In Connacht's FBD League this evening, Mayo play Galway in the semi finals at the Air Dome.

TENNIS

The father of Novak Djokovic says his son is being 'crucified'.

The men's world number one tennis player is in quarantine in Melbourne until Monday, when a decision will be made on his legal appeal against deportation for not satisfying Australian Covid-19 regulations.

20-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic is reportedly being housed in a detention hotel used for asylum seekers and refugees.

The Australian Government is to also investigate the visas of other tennis players.

Australia home affairs minister Karen Andrews denies Djokovic is "being held captive":

Part 2 of Novak Djokovic in Australia: 5 minutes including an immigration hotel, a deportation order, the Australian PM, the Serbian President - and Djokovic’s father comparing him to water and Spartacus. Produced by Jack Kilbride. https://t.co/xmfQuRHMdO pic.twitter.com/ZcHhF4aIRW

— Ros Atkins (@BBCRosAtkins) January 6, 2022

GOLF

Waterford's Seamus Power shot a 2 under par opening round of 71 on day one of the PGA Tour's Tournament of Champions in Hawaii.

The lead is held on 8 under par by Cameron Smith.

In turn, Smith is one shot ahead of Jon Rahm, Patrick Cantlay and Daniel Berger.

SOCCER

Newcastle United have signed defender Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid on a two and a half year deal.

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⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/AsikAMHCtS

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) January 7, 2022

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Manchester City travel to Swindon Town for an FA Cup third round tie this evening.

Pep Guardiola will not be in attendance after contracting Covid-19.

City also have seven players unavailable, but ex Cork City player Jake O'Brien could feature for Swindon.

Kick off is at 8pm.

HORSE RACING

There is a meeting on the all weather at Dundalk today from 3.45pm.