Rhys McClenaghan achieved European championship status in Rimini while Shannon Sweeney and Aoife O’Rourke nabbed boxing gold in Belgrade. At the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, victories were earned by Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry. It has been 70 years since an Ireland-based trainer, Vincent O’Brien, won champion over jumps in Britain; that record has now been broken by Willie Mullins. Margaret Cremen secured a silver medal at the European Rowing Championships, and the Irish women’s rugby team qualifies for next year’s World Cup. Additionally, Rhasidat Adeleke clocked one of 2021’s fastest 100-metre times, rounding off a triumphant weekend in sports.
However, on home soil, results varied in the Gaelic games. As reported by Denis Walsh, Sunday included an emphatic win for Limerick’s hurlers against Tipperary, and a disappointing defeat for Cork by Clare, possibly signaling the end of Cork’s summer season. Nicky English’s report touched on Limerick’s commanding walk at the Gaelic Grounds, although a Peter Casey injury cast a shadow over the victory. Walsh also attended a enthralling match at Páirc Uí Chaoimh between Cork and Clare. At Pearse Stadium, Seán Moran watched Galway and Kilkenny compete to a draw.
Football-wise, Donegal succeeded in an overtime victory against Tyrone in extra time as detailed by Gordon Manning, ensuring their spot in the Ulster final. They’ll be going up against Armagh who managed to fend off Down in a vigorously contested semi-final. In Croke Park, Dublin bested Offaly with a comfortable lead of 20 points.
In rugby news, Gerry Thornley covered Ireland’s Six Nations win over Scotland. This victory secured them a third-place finish and qualified them for the World Cup. Player of the match Brittany Hogan and coach Scott Bemand spoke to Thornley post-match.
In the URC, disparate South African visits were completed by Leinster and Munster, with Connacht advancing to the playoffs by defeating Dragons. Meanwhile, Cork Constitution managed to secure their seventh All-Ireland championships title after an early setback of a red card, beating off Terenure. Gerry witnessed their victory at the Aviva Stadium and conveyed the reactions of each team’s coach after the match.
On to football, Ken Early remains baffled by Ange Postecoglou’s disregard to bolster his Spurs team’s set-piece defence, a weakness that was evident yet again in their match against Arsenal on Sunday, resulting in a north London derby loss. Adding to this, Denis provides an overview of the strides made by Brian Barry-Murphy, the ingenious Irish coach earning recognition as leader of Manchester City’s premier development squads. It’s ironic that there seems to be no significant opening in Irish football that he could occupy.
Regarding television coverage, Telecasts of the snooker World Championships endure through the afternoon and evening on BBC2, BBC Four and Eurosport. The Leinster under-20 football championship match between Meath and Louth will be broadcasted on TG4 this evening (7.30). Additionally, ‘Against the Head’ on RTÉ2 will be airing highlights from the rugby weekend (8.0).