# Optimism
Last year
2022
# Optimism
Friend thrilled Connacht's squad depth strengthened by Challenge Cup games
“We’ve got to be brave enough to use it. There would have been a lot of people scratching their heads wondering what are we doing.”
# Optimism
Ex-Liverpool defender Kolo Toure proud of players after managerial debut
His Wigan side were held by Millwall amid a 1-1 draw at the Den.
# Optimism
Australia win third World Cup game in their history to revive last-16 hopes
Striker Mitch Duke scored the only goal of a tight match against Tunisia.
# Optimism
Qatar football will survive World Cup exit, says coach
The country’s final group game against the Netherlands on Tuesday has now become a dead rubber.
# Optimism
'I feel like there’s a huge opportunity for me to push on' - Connacht's Tierney-Martin
The 22-year-old recently returned to action again after a lengthy injury setback.
# Optimism
Ex-Celtic youngster says moving to Ireland 'one of the best decisions in my footballing career'
Joe Thomson is hoping to help propel Derry City to new heights this season.
All time
# Optimism
'Today I saw the heart of my players' - Antonio Conte
The Spurs boss saw his side draw with Everton in his first league game in charge.
# Optimism
Fully fit Barca can still win La Liga despite poor current form, says Koeman
‘We have had bad luck with injuries but when they recover we will have a team to fight for the league title,’ said the Dutchman.
# Optimism
Man United on ‘right track’ after signing likes of Cristiano Ronaldo – Ed Woodward
The Old Trafford giants followed up the big-money acquisitions of Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane by signing a club great.
# tartan brigade
Scotland expect to be watched by ‘reasonably good number’ of fans at home Euros fixtures
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has offered an optimistic update over Scotland’s plans for the summer.
# Optimism
Farrell excited by 'great squad' and backs those lacking game time to get up to speed
The head coach believes he has named a strong squad even if several players are short of game time
# Optimism
Neil Lennon confident he can turn things around after Celtic crash out of Europe
The stuttering Hoops were knocked out of the Europa League this evening.
# Optimism
Ireland's youngsters determined to end campaign on a high after missing out on qualification
Conor Masterson insists there are positives to take for the team.
# Optimism
'We only conceded 4 chances in 3 games' - Kenny plays down Ireland concerns
The Irish boss feels his side should not be judged solely on last Thursday’s friendly against England.
# Optimism
Gerard Pique says soul preserved at new Davis Cup, despite mixed attendances
The Barcelona defender is at the forefront of changes made to the 119-year-old competition.
# Claim
Duffy: Ireland will qualify for Euros if they repeat Danish performance in March
The Brighton defender was remaining optimistic after last night’s setback.
# New Campaign
Irish provinces aiming for high places as European season kicks-off
Connacht are back in with the big boys for the return of the Heineken Champions Cup.
# Optimism
Wijnaldum: Liverpool can remain unbeaten all season
The Reds are enjoying a perfect start to the Premier League campaign.
# Optimism
Solskjaer: Manchester United's performances do not worry me
Despite a poor run of results, the Old Trafford boss sees no reason for the club to change their approach.
# bright side of life
Being optimistic can help you live longer, a new study finds
The research suggests that having a positive attitude could keep you living to 85 and beyond.
# Looking Forward
After 'freak accident' in 2015, TOD targets spot in Schmidt's World Cup plan
The 32-year-old Munster man was injured in a warm-up game four years ago.
# Optimism
'A goalless draw is the best draw you can get'
Jamie Carragher was positive about Liverpool’s chances of progression following the first-leg encounter with Bayern Munich.
# Optimism
'It's my body at the end of the day... I just need to keep in touch with Preston'
Sean Maguire insists he is ready to face Denmark and Wales despite concerns over the striker’s match fitness.
# Contenders
2019 World Cup a thrilling prospect for Schmidt's superb Ireland
Ireland had a stunning season in which they beat everyone in the World Rugby Top 10 aside from the All Blacks.
# Optimism
French President will travel to Russia 'when' team reach World Cup quarter-finals
Emmanuel Macron is confident the side will at least get to the last eight.
# MUFC
Man United's 'big six' record has laid down a marker for next season - Young
United are set to finish second in the Premier League and are gearing up for an FA Cup final.
# Looking Up
'We weren't enjoying our rugby... It has started to lift a bit of the gloom'
Ulster captain Rory Best says the province’s last four games have signalled a change in mood.
# Optimism
Rory McIlroy sees progress despite failing to contend at Riviera
The star was encouraged with his game at the Riviera Country Club this week.
# Optimism
Schmidt's stocks look healthy as Ireland set off for sunny Spain
There are in-form players everywhere in Ireland’s Six Nations squad.
# Optimism
'I don’t think there's a lot of difference between the Super Rugby sides and All Blacks'
Warren Gatland says he is happy to have tough tests in the build-up to the All Blacks clashes.
# Optimism
LeBron and the Cavs can be hopeful heading into Game 3 of the NBA Finals: here's why
Steve Kerr’s side seem to struggle in the third game of play-off series’.
# Optimism
'We can win every game' - Milner hopes for final flourish from Liverpool in top four fight
The Reds moved back into the Champions League spots with victory over Arsenal at the weekend.
# Optimism
Man United upturn leaves Mourinho feeling at home
The Red Devils head into their Boxing Day fixture against Sunderland on the back of three consecutive Premier League victories.
# Optimism
'That's what makes these guys stronger, that's what Connacht's about'
Pat Lam was pleased his players delivered work rate after a difficult week out west.
# thin blue line
It's a yes: Rank-and-file gardaí have voted to accept the pay deal
Three-quarters of GRA gardaí have voted to accept the Labour Court’s recommendations on pay and conditions.
# Optimism
Ireland Women feeling 'quietly confident' ahead of final Test match against New Zealand
Ireland are hoping to go out of the November Series on a high.
# Optimism
Holland out for a month but Erasmus confident of Munster's potential
The promising out-half is struggling with a hamstring issue.
# Optimism
'We've got a big chance now against Italy' - John O'Shea
The Ireland captain says his side needs to learn from their mistakes today.
# Optimism
'Dangerous' Ireland can definitely cause problems at Euro 2016, says Dutch striker
Luuk de Jong had some fulsome praise for Martin O’Neill’s side after Friday night’s friendly in Dublin.
# Optimism
Jon Walters issues positive injury update after reports suggest he could miss the Euros
The striker was ruled out of Ireland’s recent friendlies with Switzerland and Slovakia owing to injury.
