Thursday Morning Sports Update

Thursday, 16 October 2025 08:38

By Emma O'Connor

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

SOCCER

Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson says they need to take a 'glass half full' approach into next month's decisive World Cup qualifiers.

Ireland sit third in the group after four games, one point behind second-place Hungary while also trailing on goal difference.

A positive result will be required against leaders Portugal in Dublin to set up a must-win at Hungary in the last qualifier in November.

Ireland laboured to a 1-nil victory over Armenia on Tuesday

Chelsea beat Paris FC 4-nil to register their first victory of the Women's Champions League at Stamford Bridge.

The team remain unbeaten in 8 games this season.

Manchester United play their first ever away fixture in the competition when they play Atletico Madrid in Spain's capital this evening.

Katie McCabe's Arsenal are in Lisbon to face Benfica.

Former Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl has withdrawn from the process to become the next Rangers manager.

The German held discussions with the Ibrox hierarchy last week but has joined Steven Gerrard in deciding he doesn't want to fill the vacancy.

GOLF

Rory McIlroy is three-under-par after his opening round at golf's DP World India Championship.

The Masters champion had six birdies and three bogeys in a round of 69 - and he's two shots behind clubhouse leader Jorge Campillo.

Shane Lowry and Conor Purcell will both tee off in the next hour.

RACING

There's racing at the Curragh this lunchtime - the first in an eight-race card goes to post at quarter-past-1.

While a seven-race card in Thurles is down for decision from just after 10-past-2.