John O’Shea, when queried on Monday about his thoughts on potentially assuming a permanent managerial role for the Republic of Ireland, cryptically merged “ifs, buts and maybes”. This form of ambiguity is a fitting depiction of the search for a successor to Stephen Kenny. Previously, there was certainty that the Waterford man was only going to oversee proceedings during the current international window. Now, however, O’Shea’s indistinct responses seem to indicate that he might be considering the full-time position, according to Gavin Cummiskey. Defender Dara O’Shea commends this potential choice, favouring a manager whose roots are deeply ingrained in Irish football. Tonight’s friendly against Switzerland may just provide O’Shea the opportunity to elevate his position within the FAI if they manage secure a victory.
Turning to rugby, Gerry Thornley and Owen Doyle assess the impending law alterations set before the World Rugby’s Council meeting in May. Gerry speculates that the further reduction of tackles’ height might trigger significant changes in the sport’s trajectory. Owen emphasises how urgent it has become for World Rugby to excise the game’s precarious elements, including dangerous collisions involving the head. Moreover, Gerry is looking forward to the upcoming URC encounter between Leinster and the Bulls on Friday, anticipating that several key participants from Leinster’s Six Nations campaign will make an appearance due to the match’s importance.
In contrast, the end of the football league this year was somewhat flat, according to Seán Moran, labeling the final weekend as one of the least noteworthy in recent memory. In the Gaelic domain, Ian O’Riordan conversed with Dublin under-20 manager Ciarán Farrelly as they prepare for their inaugural championship match against Westmeath this evening, hoping to make it to their 11th consecutive Leinster final.
In the equestrian sphere, Brian O’Connor suggests an unusually small field is expected for the Irish Grand National on Easter Monday, provoked by the competition’s early date and close scheduling to the Cheltenham Festival. This has not happened since Hear The Echo outshone 22 rivals in 2008.
In the world of golf, Philip Reid had an engaging conversation with an upbeat Pádraig Harrington, who recently basked in the joy of his seventh victory at the Champions Tour. The Dublin-native, now 52, savours his time on the over-50s platform as it gives him a chance to revisit his history of triumphs.
In the realm of television and sport, this evening will see the Republic of Ireland return to exhibit their skills in a friendly match, with Switzerland journeying to Dublin for the match (screened on Virgin Media Two and Premier Sports 1, 7.45). In the meantime, we’ll see Scotland and Northern Ireland squaring off in a friendly match on Glasgow turf (airing on BBC 2, 7.45). Concurrently, we see Wales engaging Poland in Cardiff, with the victors securing their place in Euro 2024 finals, a summer highlight (broadcast on Virgin Media Three and Premier Sports 2, 7.45pm). Fortune favours the bold, as they say.