“For the first three-quarters of the season, Ulster looked unbelievable.” Darren Cave has taken a couple of pops at Munster’s playing style, in recent months, but he was happy to give them all the credit necessary for coming to Belfast and beating Ulster on their home patch. In the space of a few weeks, we […]

4 years ago

“Oh, it’s all getting tasty here.” Mack Hansen versus a 22-stone South African prop. It was lucky this one was broken up, as neither man was backing down. Connacht supporters will have loved the manner of their side’s weekend win over the Lions, at Ellis Park, but would have appreciated getting the job done with […]

4 years ago

“So, one of the locals boys.” David Moyes is preparing his West Ham side for a Europa League semi-final against Eintracht Frankfurt, but we are already deep into summer transfer speculation season. The former Everton and Manchester United boss, then, was today fielding Declan Rice questions. With many players running down their contracts, coming into […]

4 years ago

“Ah, if I say something, I’ll get slagged tomorrow!” It took Patrick Campbell a couple of training and gym sessions, alongside the likes of Keith Earls, Conor Murray and Peter O’Mahony, to tell himself this was all real. There were a couple of ‘Is this really happening?’ moments, but the Munster fullback won’t divulge too […]

4 years ago

“He was the better fighter, up to that point.” Daniel Cormier felt a degree of sympathy for Dean Barry after the Irish fighter suffered a disqualification loss on his UFC debut. ‘The Sniper’ came into the contest, at the UFC Apex, with a 4-1 record and was up against a guy that had previously fought […]

4 years ago

“Ohhh, there’s the punch that Nichola Fryday was talking about.” Ireland did such a good job of frustrating England, at Welford Road this afternoon, that Leanne Infante actually sunk to swinging for Michelle Claffey. It took several replays for the match officials to see what all the TV viewers had, during the live broadcast, but […]

4 years ago

LIONS 30-33 CONNACHT Scenes in the Connacht dressing room, after a tense away encounter at Ellis Park, will show you what this victory means to the Westerners. Connacht needed to rally late but they secured another big win over South African competition in the United Rugby Championship. Andy Friend’s side led 14-0 after only 10 […]

4 years ago

“That’s how it’s going at the minute.” Scott McTominay will be staying on at Manchester United for next season. Whether he has a prominent role, or not, will be up to his own pre-season form and what incoming boss Erik Ten Hag wants to see in his United side. The midfielder had a decent outing […]

4 years ago

“When I was a player, if I was crap, people were allowed tell me I was crap.” Emotions were clearly riding high after Shelbourne lost 2-1 on the road to Dundalk, for the club’s second defeat in five days. Damien Duff was still processing the result, and his sending off. The former Chelsea and Ireland […]

4 years ago

Very reminiscent of Martin Keown, back in 2003. Aaron Ramsdale was never too far from the action at the Emirates Stadium, this afternoon, as Arsenal and Manchester United both showed top sides how NOT to defend. There were chances galore in the Premier League encounter, with both Ramsdale and David De Gea flat out for […]

4 years ago

An entire back four may be needed for Manchester United, next season. Alex Telles had an opening 45 minutes against the Gunners to forget. Four days after their 4-0 submission to Liverpool, at Anfield, Manchester United’s beleaguered ‘race’ for a top four finish took another, early hit. Erik Ten Hag will be taking over from […]

4 years ago

The South African played two seasons with Ulster, and lined out for them in the 2012 Heineken Cup final. Former Springbok forward Pedrie Wannenburg has tragically died in a car crash in Texas, USA. The 41-year-old, who was working in Houston and coaching a local rugby side, was in a car with his wife, son […]

4 years ago

ULSTER 17-24 MUNSTER “I didn’t really see it coming,” admitted former Ulster flanker Stephen Ferris, on Premier Sport, as his old side lost another big home game. Munster followed up their Champions Cup ‘Last 16’ victory over Exeter Chiefs by travelling up to Belfast and turning over their hosts. After losing in heartbreaking manner to […]

4 years ago

“I think that’s more money to the FAI. Is that a fine, a yellow card?” That was the question Damien Duff posed to journalists, in March, after he received his first ever caution as a football manager. The former Blackburn, Chelsea and Ireland midfielder had received a caution from the referee for voicing his opinions […]

4 years ago

“Everyone was talking about it and everyone had an opinion on it. That’s fantastic to see.” It is mid-morning in Florida, for Leona Maguire, when we catch up with her to discuss the latest career bump and recognition of her rapid golfing rise over the past two years. Those with their ear close to the […]

4 years ago

The 25-year-old can represent France, England and Ireland at Test level. Munster Rugby has announced the signing of French centre Antoine Frisch, from Premiership side Bristol Bears. Frisch, who has played in the lower leagues of French rugby, with clubs like Tarbes, Massy and Rouen Normandi (PRO D2), was signed by Bristol boss Pat Lam, […]

4 years ago

A summer of change awaits. As soon as the words were uttered, at Anfield, a Top 10 Man United transfer targets list began to take shape. Ralf Rangnick may have scared some Manchester United supporters, on Tuesday, when he suggested the club was “six years” behind Liverpool. The more optimistic of those fans, though, may […]

4 years ago

Munster fans, get planning those road-trips. The EPCR has confirmed the dates and times for the Champions Cup quarter finals, with the venues now known to all rugby fans. The confirmation sets up a bumper day for Irish rugby – on Saturday, May 7 – with Munster facing Toulouse at Aviva Stadium, from 3pm, then […]

4 years ago

“Could be out of bounds, there.” Shane Lowry was a man on a mission, until he cam a-cropper on the par-three 14th at the $1.4million RBC Heritage. The Offaly native led at -14 in the final round but was forced to watch on as US Ryder Cup stars Patrick Cantlay and Jordan Spieth fought it […]

4 years ago

Munster will face Toulouse at ‘home’… in Dublin. The venues and dates for the last eight of the 2021/22 Heineken Champions Cup have been confirmed. All matches will take place between May 6-8, with the times set to be confirmed in the next 24 hours. As previously reported, Munster will host defending champions Toulouse at […]

4 years ago

Well on course for his second successive World Rugby Player of the Year, the French star broke Ulster hearts on Saturday night. Ulster knew the two men they had to watch like hawks were Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack. For 90% of the game, the Ulstermen stuck to their task and were feverish in their […]

4 years ago

In fairness to those at Munster that had a say in these concerts, last season’s quarter finals were held much earlier. Munster won the right to host Toulouse in a home quarter final of the Champions Cup, after they saw off 2020 champions Exeter on their home turf, on Saturday afternoon. Inspired by Joey Carbery […]

4 years ago

ULSTER 23-30 TOULOUSE (49-50 on aggregate) Ulster were reduced to 14 men in the closing stages of another gripping contest against Toulouse. Tighthead prop Tom O’Toole will take some time to get over this. Back in 2014, Ulster were top seeds in the Champions Cup as they took on Saracens in the quarter finals. Jared […]

4 years ago

Many golf fans here were blaming Sky Sports, but their hands were tied. Shane Lowry has kicked on from his third place showing at the US Masters with another strong outing at the RBC Heritage. The Clara native finished third at Augusta National, moving him up to 30th in the world rankings. Rather than taking […]

4 years ago

Strong words from the Manchester City boss, here. Pep Guardiola has spoken out strongly against football fans at Wembley Stadium, this afternoon, that booed during a moment of silence intended to pay tribute to the victims of the Hillsborough Disaster. Ahead of the FA Cup semi-final clash between both sides, players from City and Liverpool […]

4 years ago

WEXFORD 1-19, GALWAY 1-19 Galway will be wondering how in hell’s name they let Wexford back in. Lee Chin held his nerve, late on, to ensure honours ended even. Chadwicks Wexford Park played out an early hurling championship classic, but it was a game that had, for long stretches, looked to be a Galwegian stroll. […]

4 years ago

MUNSTER 26-10 EXETER (34-23 on aggregate) Inspired by Peter O’Mahony and Joey Carbery, Munster have reached the Champions Cup quarter finals. Peter O’Mahony had a superb game for the two-time European champions, making four turnovers and supplying a great pass – as emergency scrumhalf – for Joey Carbery’s try. He was mobbed by teammates as […]

4 years ago

The Exeter star hid the Munster crest when his image flashed up on the big screen. Jack Nowell was not able to help his Exeter teammates on the pitch today, but he was cheering them on from the stands… albeit in a Munster jersey. Nowell, who was out of the Champions Cup ‘Last 16’ encounter […]

4 years ago

“I feel sorry for the young man.” Marcus Smith and Harlequins will be asking themselves how they let this one get away. We are set for at least one French side in the semi-finals of the Champions Cup as Montpellier edged out Quins at the Twickenham Stoop to set up an all but likely quarter […]

4 years ago

LEINSTER 56-20 CONNACHT (82-41 on aggregate) Having been on the end of a few tough assignments, against Leinster and Ireland, in Dublin, Sam Warburton had nothing but empathy for Connacht. The first half saw Leinster go 3-0 down and almost go behind, on the day and on aggregate, when Jack Carty lined up a penalty […]

4 years ago

All the Connacht centre could do was watch on from the sin-bin. Bundee Aki was a touch fortunate to avoid a red card as he went in on Johnny Sexton with a levelling tackle that eventually saw the top of his head clash with the Leinster captain’s jaw. Leinster were leading 21-3 after 35 minutes, […]

4 years ago

“What’s my potential? What can I get to? That’s what I’m fighting against.” It is saying something about how well Nathan Doak carries himself that, since we sat down for a chat in Belfast, on Monday afternoon, I have been telling anyone who will listen all about him. Two days out from Ulster’s 26-20 victory over […]

4 years ago

“I’ve got done badly.” Sean O’Brien will never forget his time in New Zealand for the 2011 World Cup, for a number of reasons. The London Irish and Ireland back-row, who is hanging up his rugby boots at the end of this season, was part of a decent side, led by Declan Kidney, that beat […]

4 years ago

“Very down to earth, humble group of people. Very passionate, big support-base, mad about their rugby.” Graham Rowntree has got the gig, from the end of this season. He gets Munster, too. That definitely helped landing the big job. The world-wide search of Munster and the IRFU ended back on the training pitch at the […]

4 years ago

“I’m ready.” Graham Rowntree is still the Munster forwards coach but, when the bell tolls on July 1, he will become head coach of the province. The former England forward, and assistant coach, may have required a Powerpoint presentation, some names and contacts to bring in when he takes over and all many of bold […]

4 years ago

‘Embarrassing s***bags’ Any of the Manchester United players that were called in to do some light training or review footage at Carrington, on Sunday, could not but have noticed the cardboard sign that hung from a pole at their training facilities. One United supporter, so fecked off by a run of one win in seven […]

4 years ago

When this guy gets on a run, watch out. If Rory McIlroy can ever get his majors act together on Thursday and Fridays, he could still end his career with a clutch more big wins. You just can’t quit Rory McIlroy. Every time you tell yourself that you will not, you cannot, you just bloody […]

4 years ago

The Offaly native will be having nightmares about that fourth hole. “What’s possible?” Shane Lowry mused on Saturday evening at Augusta National. “There’s a 65 out there in good conditions, but it just depends what the other guys ahead of me do.” Before Lowry even teed off, for his final round at the 2022 Masters, […]

4 years ago

IRELAND 29-8 ITALY Ireland secured their first win of their 2022 TikTok Six Nations campaign after a five-try performance against Italy at Musgrave Park. Italy hit the front with an early penalty that was some reward for their attacking endeavours. Ireland got their act together soon after, though, and crafted an opening for fullback Lucy […]

4 years ago

“You just can’t do that if you want to win tournaments like this.” Shane Lowry is hoping the weather can finally take a turn for the brighter, in Georgia, and that he can make some sort of final day charge on the leading pair. Lowry started off his third round at the 2022 Masters five […]

4 years ago

It all started so well. Shane Lowry and the rest of the US Masters field are struggling to cope with Scottie Scheffler in the form of his golfing life. Back in February, Scheffler had plenty of Top 10 finishes, but no career victories to his name. Heading into the Masters, at Augusts National, he was […]

4 years ago

EXETER 13-8 MUNSTER Munster were not at the races, in an attacking sense, but they defended like demons and fought right until the death. Keith Earls’ late try-saver could yet prove crucial. Munster trailed 10-0 to Chiefs at half-time – tries from Jacques Vermeulen and Stuart Hogg – and the Sandy Park faithful must have […]

4 years ago

TOULOUSE 20-26 ULSTER Antoine Dupont was in bullish mood after his 14-man Toulouse were beaten by Ulster in a pulsating Champions Cup ‘Last 16’ first leg. If you had offered this result to even the most one-sided and optimistic Ulster supporter, ahead of today’s match, your arm would have been snatched clean off. And still… […]

4 years ago

EVERTON 1-0 MAN UNITED One would not be surprised if the PR people that seem to have a huge say in swaying football decisions at the club, push ‘TWEET’ on some Erik Ten Hag news. Facing a team that are sweating buckets on relegation and had lost five of their last six league games, Manchester […]

4 years ago

“Oh no!” That was the exclamation from Shane Lowry as he bombed his drive off to perilously close to the trees to the left of the fairway on the 495-yard par four 10th hole. The Clara native was not happy with his positioning for his approach shot to the 10th, nor the brush with overhanging […]

4 years ago

“There’s no doubt, he’s very lucky. Another referee in the same position could easily have given a red card.” There was a big moment of controversy in the middle of the second half, between Connacht and Leinster, and Brian O’Driscoll was not the only one feeling Jamison Gibson Park was fortunate not to be sent […]

4 years ago

“I’ve given all I can give.” Even as he said the words, the London Irish fixture sheet said different from what Sean O’Brien was stating. In the same week that Dan Leavy was forced to retire, at the age of just 27, O’Brien has announced he will hang up his boots at the end of […]

4 years ago

The Tullow Tank has set an end date to his brilliant rugby career. Sean O’Brien has announced that he will be hanging up his rugby boots at the end of this season. The former Leinster, Ireland and Lions forward will finish out the season with London Irish, where he has been since the end of […]

4 years ago

Brought to you by NOW. Grip it and rip it in this ultimate Masters quiz! Another gripping tournament is upon us at Augusta National, and we have a great US Masters quiz that is a testing, fun mix of legends old and new. All four rounds of the storied Masters tournament are streaming live from […]

4 years ago

“That’s what every player in the whole world is taught to do.” On a week that saw a superb young back-row retire from rugby at the age of 27, it was disconcerting to see new angles of the Gavin Coombes leg injury, and images of him in a protective boot as his Munster teammates trained […]

4 years ago