Thursday evening saw Windsor Park come alive with the stellar performance of Graham Burke, formerly an international player for Republic of Ireland. Onlooker Gavin Cummiskey saw Burke display his impressive skill by setting up three goals and netting the fourth himself, leading Shamrock Rovers to triumph in the Conference League against Larne. Following this, the Dublin team now sets its eyes on the league title, with four teams vying for the top spot with only a couple of games remaining. While Shelbourne hold the reins at the moment, there’s no stopping the Rovers from hoping for a consecutive fifth win. Derry City and St Patrick’s Athletic are also in the fray. The tension could be cut with a knife.
In contrast, Eileen Gleeson is keeping her fingers crossed for a breezy encounter with Georgia in Tbilisi this afternoon. Considering her Republic of Ireland team’s prior performance where they stunningly defeated Georgia 11-0 and 9-0 in the 2023 World Cup qualifying round, it should be a walk in the park. The second play-off leg is scheduled for next Tuesday at Tallaght, with the winner moving on to face either Wales or Slovakia. The ultimate victor will seal a spot in the European Championships in Switzerland the following summer.
Turning the focus to rugby, Johnny Watterson remarks on the money-spinner that the British and Irish Lions’ tours have morphed into– a franchise that treasures its long legacy. He ponders over how much of an emotional connection one can truly form.
Meanwhile, Terence ‘Sambo’ McNaughton is all fired up to come out on top against Scotland in the upcoming Hurling Shinty International. Gordon Manning got the scoop from the Antrim hurling legend, who now co-manages the Irish team. Manning also had a chat with Cora Staunton, who will be present at the Mayo county final on Saturday, assuming a managerial role for the Ballina Stephenites.
Find out more about the Georgia vs. Ireland match including TV schedule, team news and kick-off times. Interested in the Dublin Marathon 2024? Get all the details including start times, course map and new starting point. Read Gordon D’Arcy’s take on how RG Snyman’s skills greatly benefit Leinster’s strategic gameplay. Karen Duggan expresses positivity around the Irish women’s team, however, it doesn’t quite extend to the league that groomed them.
In the world of athletics, Sonia O’Sullivan reminisces about the modest origins of the Dublin Marathon. During its early days, it was quite feasible for the top Irish runners to win or at least make it to the podium. These days, however, the contest has become not so attainable, given it’s now a magnet for high-end international participants. One of the local runners hoping to contend for the national title, though, is Ballina-born Hugh Armstrong. He spoke with Ian O’Riordan before the forthcoming race.
Turning to horse racing, Brian O’Connor has penned an article discussing the perennial controversy surrounding the use of the whip. This follows the disqualification of Jamie Powell from the Cesarewitch race after he hit the ‘winning’ horse, Alphonse Le Grande, ten times.
Television Watch: The first leg of their Euro 2025 qualifying play-off sees the Republic of Ireland’s ladies travelling to Georgia today. The match will be aired on RTÉ 2, at 5pm. Later, at 7.45pm, league front-runners Shelbourne have an opportunity to approach the championship title if they can clinch a victory over Drogheda United at Tolka Park in their second to last match of the season. The action continues on the same channel.