After what seems like an age, the best show in town, the Premier League, is back. The back pages this morning carry statements of intent from some of the big boys and Roberto Mancini is determined to bring some silverware to Eastlands this season.
‘We want your title,’ shouts the headline on the back page of this morning’s Irish Daily Star accompanying a picture of City’s latest recruit, the volatile Italian Mario Balotelli, who was captured for €27 million yesterday.
Asked if City can win the league, Mancini replied, “Why not? We have a chance. We know that Manchester United and Chelsea are the top. But if we work well in the next two or three weeks, we have a chance.â€
‘McIlroy’s 68 puts him right in the mix,’ is the headline on the front page of the sports section in this morning’s Irish Times. A four under par total on the second day at Whistling Straits has put Ireland’s Rory McIlroy in contention at a US PGA which continues to be hit by adverse weather conditions.
McIlroy is currently tied for third on -5, three shots behind leader Matt Kuchar. A large portion of the field, however, including World number one Tiger Woods, have yet to finish Round 2 with dense fog causing a six-hour delay over the opening two days.
Kilkenny seem well on course to claim the historic five All-Ireland titles in a row, but the winner of tomorrow’s semi-final between Tipperary and Waterford will relish the chance to become, along with the 1982 Offaly footballers, the biggest party-poopers in GAA history.
In the Irish Independent, hurling analyst Cyril Farrell reckons that last year’s finalists Tipperary are primed to get another crack at Brian Cody’s Cats.
“I know there’s huge confidence in the Waterford camp but I would still have a marginal fancy for Tipperary,†writes Farrell.
They are coming good at exactly the right time and are now well clear of the hangover which settled in after the Cork defeat. This will be a whole lot closer than last week’s semi-final but Tipperary have enough to edge them over the line.â€
