Patrick Van Dort

The inaugural NIFL Women’s Football Awards ceremony has been celebrated as “an opportunity to honour not just the players, but also the incredible staff and volunteers who have played a vital role in the continued growth of the NIFL female game”.

​Injuries and red cards may stand as factors beyond Glenavon’s control behind a start to the Irish League season now six games without a point but assistant manager Colin Coates has also highlighted frustration at defensive frailties.

Northern Ireland’s Mar-Train Racing team will step away from the sport at the end of the current British Superbike Championship season.

​Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock declared “that’s why he is the world champion” as darts sensation Luke Littler turned the tables on a 4-1 deficit to lift another European Tour title.

Annagh United sit with four wins from four Playr-Fit Championship fixtures – with the second-tier’s first side having to show steel as well as skill in a 2-1 defeat of Newington.

Portadown boss Niall Currie declared loan signing Rhys Annett a "fan favourite" following his sparkling impact at Shamrock Park - the striker celebrating a first start with a goal in Friday's 2-1 victory over Crusaders.

Clubs across the three Irish League divisions have been busy in the transfer market heading into this weekend’s fixture programme.

Hugo Ekitike has the potential to get even better despite his flying start to the season, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has said.

Glenavon have announced a decision to place Isaac Baird on the transfer list “at the player’s request” – with recent online speculation linking the highly-rated midfielder to a rival Irish League club.

Coleraine left Lurgan with full points after scoring the first and final goals off substitutes either side of a Glenavon equaliser and red card in the 2-1 outcome.