THERE’S A SINGLE word tattooed across the back of Ikem Ugwueru’s left hand. Agape. When The 42 enquires, the Clare defender happily shares its significance. “It basically says ‘God’s love’. I’d be very religious, so whenever I see it on my hand, [I think] God always loves you. He has given me the strength and the capability to show what I’m able to do on the pitch. It’s all thanks to him really. “Love can take you a long way and If you know someone is always backing you, and always has your back no matter what, you will do your best every day. I give all thanks to God. “God always loves...…THERE’S A SINGLE word tattooed across the back of Ikem Ugwueru’s left hand. Agape. When The 42 enquires, the Clare defender happily shares its significance. “It basically says ‘God’s love’. I’d be very religious, so whenever I see it on my hand, [I think] God always loves you. He has given me the strength and the capability to show what I’m able to do on the pitch. It’s all thanks to him really. “Love can take you a long way and If you know someone is always backing you, and always has your back no matter what, you will do your best every day. I give all thanks to God. “God always loves...WW…

IRISH-ELIGIBLE winger Kasey McAteer scored and Jamie Vardy struck twice as promoted Leicester crushed Preston to clinch the Sky Bet Championship title in style with a 3-0 win at Deepdale. The former England striker, veteran of the Foxes’ memorable Premier League success eight years ago, rolled back the years with goals either side of the break to get another party started. McAteer’s goal put the icing on the cake for Enzo Maresca’s side, whose return to the top-flight after a year’s absence was confirmed on Friday, overran their hosts. The visitors’ 5,000-strong support were vociferous...…IRISH-ELIGIBLE winger Kasey McAteer scored and Jamie Vardy struck twice as promoted Leicester crushed Preston to clinch the Sky Bet Championship title in style with a 3-0 win at Deepdale. The former England striker, veteran of the Foxes’ memorable Premier League success eight years ago, rolled back the years with goals either side of the break to get another party started. McAteer’s goal put the icing on the cake for Enzo Maresca’s side, whose return to the top-flight after a year’s absence was confirmed on Friday, overran their hosts. The visitors’ 5,000-strong support were vociferous...WW…

Paul Keane reports from Parnell Park GOALS FROM the excellent Eamonn Armstrong, top-scorer Jamie Murphy and substitute Tadhg Martyn propelled Meath to a first Leinster U-20 football title success since 2001. Rampaging wing-back Armstrong netted for the third game running while full-forward Murphy finished with 1-5 on a landmark evening for the Royals at Parnell Park. Martyn set the seal on a memorable 10-point win with Meath’s third goal deep into stoppage time while captain Liam Kelly was superb in defence. Cathal O Bric managed Meath to All-Ireland minor success in 2021 and has now guided...…Paul Keane reports from Parnell Park GOALS FROM the excellent Eamonn Armstrong, top-scorer Jamie Murphy and substitute Tadhg Martyn propelled Meath to a first Leinster U-20 football title success since 2001. Rampaging wing-back Armstrong netted for the third game running while full-forward Murphy finished with 1-5 on a landmark evening for the Royals at Parnell Park. Martyn set the seal on a memorable 10-point win with Meath’s third goal deep into stoppage time while captain Liam Kelly was superb in defence. Cathal O Bric managed Meath to All-Ireland minor success in 2021 and has now guided...WW…

IRELAND’S FORMER world boxing champion Amy Broadhurst has switched allegiance and will represent Great Britain in the forthcoming Olympic qualifying event in Thailand. The 27-year-old, who holds both British and Irish passports, made the decision after being snubbed for selection by Irish officials for the final stages of the build-up to Paris. Broadhurst landed world gold in the light-welterweight division in Istanbul in 2022 and also won the European and Commonwealth Games titles in the same year — the latter representing Northern Ireland. Broadhurst said in a statement: “It has always...…IRELAND’S FORMER world boxing champion Amy Broadhurst has switched allegiance and will represent Great Britain in the forthcoming Olympic qualifying event in Thailand. The 27-year-old, who holds both British and Irish passports, made the decision after being snubbed for selection by Irish officials for the final stages of the build-up to Paris. Broadhurst landed world gold in the light-welterweight division in Istanbul in 2022 and also won the European and Commonwealth Games titles in the same year — the latter representing Northern Ireland. Broadhurst said in a statement: “It has always...WW…