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Rockwell College's Sonny O'Dwyer lifts the Munster Senior Cup trophy at Thomond Park yesterday. INPHO/Cathal Noonan
Early Doors

The Morning Score: Tuesday

Here’s everything you need to know after the Bank holiday weekend.

Every morning TheScore serves up the sports stories you need to be across before your first cup of coffee.

#LEGEND Jim Stynes passed away at the age of 45 last night. The influential former AFL player had been battling with cancer for the past two and a half years but died at his home in Melbourne in the company of his wife Sam and two children.

“In his final days Jim was immersed with insurmountable love and tenderness surrounded by his family and some close friends in the comfort of his own home,” a statement from Sam read.

The Dublin-born star will be given a state funeral in the Australian city.

#SANCTIONED England’s Dylan Hartley is facing a charge for allegedly biting Stephen Ferris in their Six Nations win over Ireland on Saturday.

The hooker was not punished by Nigel Owens during the game after the referee claimed that he didn’t see it but Hartley, who was banned for six months for gouging the eye of an opponent in 2007, will now await confirmation of a hearing date.

#PRAYFORMUAMBA There was good news coming from the London Chest Hospital last night as Bolton released a statement on Fabrice Muamba’s improving condition. The English midfielder has been in intensive care since Saturday, when he collapsed in the middle of an FA Cup tie with Spurs.

According to the statement, the 23-year-old is now “able to breathe independently without the aid of a ventilator” and “has also been able to recognise family members and respond to questions appropriately”.

#RIDE ON Kauto Star’s trainer Paul Nicholls says talk of the double Cheltenham Gold Cup winner retiring is premature. The 12-year-old was pulled up by jockey Ruby Walsh during the Gold Cup on Friday and owner Clive Smith had claimed that it was likely to be the end of his illustrious career.

#BOOST Brian O’Driscoll is in line to make a comeback for Leinster in their Rabo Pro12 fixture against Munster at Thomond Park on Friday night after making an early recovery from shoulder surgery. The Ireland centre was not due back until next month but could now feature along with captain Leo Cullen, who is also back in contention.

In the Swing: Easy come, easy go for McIlroy