Irish teenager set for professional golf debut, Cork ready for Genk and all of today's sport

Here’s what Wednesday had to offer, sports fans.

Michael D. Higgins with Luke Dempsey, Kate Walsh and Ian McCarthy President Michael D Higgins was at the Galway Races today. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

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There was good news for eir Sport subscribers today as the broadcaster signed a deal which will see them provide exclusive coverage of UFC events to Irish viewers.
Ireland U21 international Daniel Cleary has signed for Birmingham City after leaving Liverpool last May.
Cork City finalised their preparations for tomorrow’s crucial Europa League third qualifying round first leg against KRC Kenk after they arrived in Belgium earlier.
Bohemains have announced the departure of veteran defender Dave Mulcahy with the 38-year-old returning to Cork City.
13-year-old golfing prodigy Tom McKibbin will make his professional debut at the Northern Ireland Open tomorrow.
Ireland assistant manager Roy Keane was in the stands to watch Barcelona train in London today as they prepare to face Celtic in Dublin on Saturday.
The Laois footballers want Kerry native John Sugrue to become their next manager.
Rory McIlroy is in confident mood heading into the final Major of the year, claiming he fancies his chances at the US PGA Championship.
Wes Hoolahan is back in pre-season training with Norwich and it didn’t take him long to make an impact in last night’s friendly against Coventry City.

Fans get pictures of Niall Horan arriving on the first tee Niall Horan during today's Northern Ireland Open Pro-Am event in Ballymena. Presseye / Declan Roughan/INPHO Presseye / Declan Roughan/INPHO / Declan Roughan/INPHO

Away

Russian president Vladimir Putin was to meet the Russian Olympic team before their departure for Rio earlier today.
Jason Day says he’s ‘running on empty’ on the eve of his US PGA Championship defence.
Leigh Griffiths’ late equaliser has put Celtic in the driving seat in their Champions League third qualifying round tie against Astana.
Man United and Liverpool are among six Premier League clubs to reject an invite to field teams in the revamped EFL Trophy.
Man City manager Pep Guardiola has denied he banned unfit players from training during the club’s pre-season tour of China.
Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis says Gonzalo Higuain betrayed the club by joining rivals Juventus.

The Best Thing We Shared

PFA Player of the Year Riyad Mahrez and Monaghan corner-forward Conor McManus found themselves on the same pitch recently. Here’s what happened:
https://www.facebook.com/eirSport/videos/vb.146104712110972/1030901320297969/?type=2&theater

On The Record

“My dad is one of my idols. I look up to him and he has always encouraged me to do whatever I felt and what I believe in doing. I’m very proud to be my dad’s daughter.
“(1983) was a different time. Obviously I’ve grown up with it, but it’s not something I’ve been massively involved in.”

Olympics-bound Saskia Tidey told our own Paul Fennessy about her father’s IRA kidnap ordeal 33 years ago.

Where We Were Today

Murray Kinsella took a trip down to Cork, where Munster unveiled their new alternate kit for the 2016/17 season.

Conor Murray and Francis Saili were on modelling duty. Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

The Fixture List

Cork City‘s Europa League campaign continues with John Caulfield’s men in Belgium to face KRC Genk in their third qualifying round first leg. Kick-off is at 7pm.
It’s Ladies Day at the Galway Races on Thursday with the Guinness Galway Hurdle Handicap the highlight of the card.