Thurs am Sport: Spurs Lift Europa Cup

Republic: possible automatic 2028 Euro qualification; Camogie Congress on Skorts Issue Today; Kilkenny Leinster U20 championsl

The Republic of Ireland's Euro 2028 hopes have been boosted after UEFA confirmed places at the tournament will be reserved for the two best-ranked host nations who don't automatically qualify.

It means if two of England, Wales and Scotland reach the finals, then the Boys in Green are guaranteed to be there, regardless of how they fare in qualification.

England and Scotland qualified for the two most recent European Championships, England finishing as runners-up at both Euro 2024 and Euro 2020. Wales qualified in 2020 and 2016, the Republic of Ireland's most recent major tournament appearance.

Casement Park's removal as a host stadium last September means Northern Ireland are not eligible to get a back-door route into the tournament.

==

Brennan Johnson's goal helped Tottenham lift the Europa League last night.

They beat Manchester United 1-nil in the final in Bilbao to claimed a first trophy since 2008.

The result also secures Champions League football for Spurs next season.

==============

Camogie Association members will vote today on whether players will be allowed wear shorts as part of the playing attire.

A Special Congress will convene at Croke Park, where delegates will be asked to decide if the current rule - which only permits skorts for competitive matches - will be amended.

Earlier this month, the Munster final was postponed after Cork and Waterford players confirmed that they would wear shorts for the game.

==
Kilkenny cruised past Dublin to win their 28th Leinster under-20 hurling title last night.

Early goals from Rory Glynn and Aaron McEvoy did the damage, as the Cats ran out 2-21 to Dublin’s 17 points in Portlaoise.

Tonight:

Hanlon Concrete Senior football League, 8pm: Sarsfields v Raheens.

Cleaning Legends Senior Hurling League,

Division 2:  Broadford v Moorefield; and Maynooth v Wolfe Tones

Division 3 Round 5 Confey v St. Laurences;

Div 4: Leixlip v Cappagh

Div 5 Kilcock v Sarsfields.

===========

Conor Purcell is in the field for the Soudal Open, which is underway in Belgium.

The Portmarnock golfer is level par after his opening two holes, with Liam Bentein the leader on two-under-par.

==
Leona Maguire is in Mexico for the Riviera Maya Open on the LPGA Tour.

The Cavan woman tees off shortly before 20-past three Irish time.

==
Seamus Power plays in the PGA Tour's Charles Schwab Challenge in Texas.

======

There are seven race on this evening's card at Limerick - the first goes to post at 5.05.