Last weekend, as Joe Canning watched Cork’s thrilling victory over Limerick at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, he wondered where this reinvigorated Cork team had been all this time. Canning observed that several players, including Brian Hayes who was particularly exceptional, “came of age” in this match. He emphasised the importance of Cork replicating this lively performance in their upcoming meet against Tipperary on Sunday, or risk elimination from the championship. On the other hand, Tipperary would be entering this battle well-rested and inspired, having had two weeks since their morale-raising tie with Waterford where they made a comeback from a four-point delay in overtime. Canning also discussed the match between Clare and Waterford in Ennis, and favors Clare but hasn’t dismissed Waterford’s chances.
Moving to the Tailteann Cup games scheduled for Sunday, Paul Keane shared Paddy Fox (Longford’s captain) and Evan O’Carroll’s (Laois’s captain) thoughts. Their respective teams are set to compete against Leitrim and Wicklow in Aughrim.
In the world of football, Gavin Cummiskey covered Stephen Kenny’s managerial comeback as he recently signed a five-year tenure with St Patrick’s Athletic. He noted that the road wouldn’t be easy for Kenny as St.Pat’s were facing Derry City this evening and then Shelbourne on Monday.
Turning to rugby, Gerry Thornley explored the various possible outcomes of URC playoffs, mentioning that up to 11 teams still had a shot at the finals. Ahead of their journey to Edinburgh this evening, Munster, the defending champions, were third in the ranks, but the absence of injured players Joey Carbery and Peter O’Mahony would pose a challenge. Nathan Johns reported that Connacht would be dealing with a major player turnover next season – involving eleven players departing and new arrivals.
Finally, over in Kentucky, Rory McIlroy had an impressive start to the US PGA Championship, scoring five-under-par 66, only four shots beyond lead player Xander Schauffele. Meanwhile, Phillip Reid reported a less promising situation for Tiger Woods, trailing a sizeable ten shots behind Schauffele due to a disappointing finish.
In the world of horse racing, there’s been speculation about Aidan O’Brien’s undying faith in his Derby racehorse, City Of Troy, despite the horse’s disappointing performance at Newmarket just two weeks earlier. Many have questioned O’Brien’s unwavering support for City Of Troy, but no one dares to question his horse-racing prowess.
Meanwhile, Rachael Darragh, a prominent Badminton player, was starting to question her chances of making it to this year’s Olympic Games. However, the news of securing the last and 38th qualifying spot filled her with immense relief and elation. As she waits, she experiences a whirlwind of emotions. Ian O’Riordan reported that she’s all set to take a leaf from her aunt Chloe Magee’s book, who has played in past Olympics in Beijing, London, and Rio.
Moving away from horse-racing and Badminton, the US PGA Championship has reached its second round today, which will be broadcasted on Sky Sports Golf from 1pm till midnight. Rugby enthusiasts can look forward to Munster’s URC journey to Edinburgh this evening, being aired on TG4 and Premier Sports 1 at 7.35. Also, today sees a Premier Division match between Sligo Rovers and Bohemians at 7.45 on RTÉ2. An enticing football match awaits as Southampton plays the second leg of their Championship play-off semi-final against West Brom. After a 0-0 finish in the first-leg, it’ll be broadcast on Sky Sports Football at 8pm, with Leeds United waiting to take on the winners.