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• Minister for Sport Michael Ring has confirmed that he has contacted the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) with a view to establishing recognised regulations for MMA in Ireland.  
• Seanie Johnston is back for Cavan as they face Tyrone in Sunday’s Division 2 league final while Sean Cavanagh will make a landmark appearance.
• Seamus Coleman has been ruled out of Everton’s FA Cup semi-final clash with Manchester United on Saturday because of a hamstring problem.  

Mike Egerton / PA Wire/Press Association Images Mike Egerton / PA Wire/Press Association Images / PA Wire/Press Association Images

• Greystones’ golfer Paul Dunneis nicely placed heading into the third round of the Shenzhen International in China. 

Away

• There have been just 36,000 tickets sold for this weekend’s Champions Cup semi-finals as interest levels drop. 
• Randy Lerner has accepted full responsibility for Aston Villa’s current malaise and reiterated his desire to sell the club.  
• Cesc Fabregas has said he ‘forgot how to play football’ during Chelsea’s miserable run towards the end of 2015 that saw Jose Mourinho sacked.   

David J. Phillip David J. Phillip

• The NBA play-offs continue and the Golden State Warriors suffered a defeat on Thursday night as the Houston Rocketspulled a game back in their Western Conference first-round tie.   

The Best Thing We Shared

Sometimes, sports organisations get it very wrong.

Before AC Milan kicked off against Carpi on Thursday night, fans were left battled as actors – dressed to look like players – took part in a publicity stunt for Nivea and performed the Haka.

Where We Were Today

Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

Ben Blake is at the Tallaght Stadium to see how Shamrock Rovers fare in their SSE Airtricity League Premier Division clash with Dundalk.

On The Record

You know, Munster are going through a small slump at the moment but to play for a club like that, with the history they have, would be incredible. But would I be able to do it? I’ve grown up in Leinster, all my family support Leinster, all my friends support Leinster; it would be really tough.”

Murray Kinsella talks to Ian Madigan about shunning a move to another Irish province in favour of a deal with Top 14 outfit Bordeaux.

The Fixture List

Football

There are four Premier League games down for decision on Saturday. All are 3pm kick-offs unless otherwise stated.

• Man City v Stoke (12.45)
• Aston Villa v Southampton
• Bournemouth v Chelsea
• Liverpool v Newcastle

Meanwhile, there’s a pretty important showdown at Wembley as Everton take on Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final.

That gets underway at 5.15.

Meanwhile, in the League of Ireland, Bray host St. Pat’s at 7.30 while it Sligo Rovers v Longford at 7.45.

GAA

In the Allianz Football League, there are a couple of finals to be decided.

• In Division 4, Antrim take on Louth at 4pm. 
• In Division 3, it’s Kildare v Clare and throw-in is 6pm. 

There’s a Munster MHC play-off at 2pm as Waterford take on Tipperary while there’s Ladies Football semi-final action too.

Rugby

It’s the Champions Cup semi-finals.

• First up is Saracens’ clash with Wasps at the Madejski Stadium. That gets underway at 3pm. 
• There’s also Challenge Cup action as Montpellier face the Dragons at 5.30.  

Snooker

The World Championship continues at The Crucible in Sheffield with a juicy second-round affair between Barry Hawkins and Ronnie O’Sullivan taking centre stage.

Golf

Paul Dunne is in action at the Shenzhen International in China and is chasing his first European Tour victory.

Showbiz, Baby!

On this day in 1998, a fresh-faced 17-year-old made his home international debut for Ireland.

Whatever happened to Robbie Keane?

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‘Very positive first step’ towards MMA recognition in Ireland as sports minister welcomes meeting

‘Would I be able to play for Munster? It would be really tough’ – Madigan