GOLF 

Graeme McDowell leads the Irish challenge at the PGA Championship. He is currently 1-under, five behind leader Dustin Johnson, who carded a 6-under 66.

World No 1 Rory McIlroy and his rival Jordan Spieth or both on even par, ahead of Padraig Harrington, who is on 1-over.

Shane Lowry and Darren Clarke are all the way back on 6-over. 

RUGBY

Jack Conan will make his Ireland debut in Saturday's World Cup warm-up match against Scotland.

Sean O'Brien captains the side from No 8, as Paul O'Connell is named among the subs, while Ian Madigan starts at out-half and Simon Zebo is named at full-back.

SOCCER

Shamrock Rovers have confirmed that former Ireland international Keith Fahey has been forced to retire.

The 32-year-old midfielder picked up knee and hip injuries recently that will prevent him from returning to competitive action.

Elsewhere, Wexford Youths suffered a heavy 6-0 defeat at the hands of Polish side, Medyk Konin in the group stages of the Women's Champions League qualifiers.

The Youths now have one win and one loss in Group 7 ahead of their final qualifier on Sunday.

CRICKET

All-rounder Alex Cusack has announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect.

After an eight-year career with Ireland, the 34-year-old has decided to quit the side, citing the run of injuries that have hampered him in recent seasons.

Meanwhile, Ireland head coach John Bracewell has named an experienced squad for their upcoming match against Australia.

In what will be the new coach's first 50-over game in charge of Ireland, there are nine survivors from the Irish team that last faced the Aussies at Stormont in 2012.