The 2020 All-Ireland hurling final is creeping closer, with 2018 winners Limerick taking on underdogs Waterford at Croke Park on Sunday. And in this morning's GAA Statistics column, Eamon Donoghue has looked at the savvy defensive play of John Kiely's side - which, on paper could make them look undisciplined. "Their overall free count for and against reads 55 to 74. Limerick are conceding, on average, just under five frees more than the team they play against in each game." Despite conceding far more frees than their opponents, Limerick have only lost four of 16 quarters so far in this year's Chamionship, and part of this is down to where they make their indiscretions. "Strategic fouling allows teams to slow down the transition from defence to attack, which in turn sets the game pace to their liking, gives them time to set up, and lays down a physical marker. Any turnover in the opposition's defence is a scoring chance for Limerick, while any free conceded is unlikely to be in range for a point at the other end."
In her column this morning Sonia O'Sullivan has reflected on 2020 and the athletes who ensured it wasn't a 'lost' year, both in Ireland and around the world. And with the likes of Ciara Mageean breaking records, and with world athletes of the year Mondo Duplantis and Yulimar Rojas managing to make headlines amid the madness, she has urged athletics authorities to make up for lost time next year. She writes: "Irish athletics can't just wait for the green light; it has to start nudging forward on the yellow so we are ready when things really get going in 2021. Just look at what many athletes achieved in a compromised year, but with safety measures in place it was possible. Athletics is one of the simpler sports to set up and create events."
The Champions League group stages reached a conclusion last night, with the make-up of the competition's last-16 now decided. Caoimhin Kelleher made his third-straight start for Liverpool as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Midtjylland in Denmark, while Manchester City ran out comfortable 3-0 winners at home to Marseille. Paris-Saint Germain also thrashed Istanbul Basaksehir 5-1 in a fixture which was originally suspended on Tuesday night, after both sets of players walked off the pitch after the fourth official was accused of racism towards Basaksehir coach Pierre Webo. Tonight Dundalk welcome Arsenal to the Aviva Stadium in their final Europa League group game (kick-off 5.55pm, live on RTE 2). The Lilywhites are already out but will be playing for pride against Mikel Arteta's struggling Gunners. Celtic, Tottenham and Leicester are also in action.
Munster forwards coach Graham Rowntree has reacted to the news of Steve Thompson's dementia diagnosis, with the two players former frontrow teammates for England and the Lions. He said: It's quite unsettling really. I played in that era, I had concussions. I played alongside Steve, played against Steve, coached Steve. He's a mate. It's just horrible. It's proper saddening to hear that news. What can I say?" Munster are in Champions Cup action this weekend, as they welcome Harlequins to Thomond Park on Sunday (kick-off 5.30pm).
Stephanie Meadow has been named the The Irish Times/Sport Ireland sportswoman of the month for November. The 28-year-old has caught the eye with a number of impressive tournament finishes - including a joint-career best of third at the Pelican Woman's Championship - which have seen her creep up the money list.
And Italy great Paolo Rossi has died aged 64. Rossi inspired the Azzurri to victory in the 1982 World Cup in Spain, scoring six goals including a hat-trick to knock out Brazil.
