Award caps off Dunne’s year

PAUL DUNNE crowned a magnificent 2017 when he received the Professional of the Year award from the Irish Golf Writers’ Association at the Allianz-sponsored annual awards last night.

The former Walker Cup star (25) enjoyed a breakthrough year in just his second full season on tour, memorably chipping in at the 72nd hole for a closing 61 to win the British Masters by three shots from Rory McIlroy at Close House in Newcastle in October.

Leona Maguire (23), the world No 1 ranked amateur player, earned the Women’s Amateur of the Year award, while Paul McBride (22) was voted Men’s Amateur of the Year.

Gavin Caldwell and Michael Moss received Distinguished Services to Golf awards.

BOXING

CARL FRAMPTON could set up a world title shot in Windsor Park next summer by beating Nonito Donaire in his next fight.

The pair will meet at the SS Arena in Belfast on April

7 in a non-title fight. Philippines-born Donaire, a four-weight world champion, has won

38 of his 42 outings. Victory over Donaire would put Frampton in line for a shot at the IBF title, which is currently held by Lee Selby, who is due to meet mandatory challenger Josh Warrington in his first fight of 2018.

RUGBY

NATHAN HUGHES and Elliot Daly will miss at least the first half of England’s Six Nations title defence through injury.

The Wasps pair limped off during last Sunday’s Champions Cup rout of La Rochelle and, although neither player requires surgery, they face extended spells in the treatment room.

A specialist has confirmed that No 8 Hughes will take eight to 10 weeks to recover from his knee problem, while the prognosis for Daly’s sprained ankle is 10 to 12 weeks of rehabilitation.

GAELIC GAMES

KILMACUD Crokes have appointed joint managers Robbie Brennan and Johnny Magee to take over the senior football team for 2018.

Magee stepped down as Wicklow manager earlier this year after three seasons in charge while Brennan has managed St Sylvesters.

Paul Griffin, Shane Smith and Robbie Leahy will be selectors.