Sadly, we’ve gotten used to significant scandals in the world of sports. However, an 82-year-old named David Jakins being blamed for utilising a steel chestnut in the World Conker Championships might be the most outrageous one yet. Malachy Clerkin appears unfazed by this, acknowledging the notorious cheating in the game of conkers. He recalls a schoolmate from his elementary school days who used a brown billiards ball to win conker matches. He also lists the various ways of cheating in the game, including baking the conkers at a carefully controlled temperature. There are hints of past disappointments in his words.
Accepting the reality, Malachy demands a thorough overhaul of the conker game. Gaelic football enthusiasts argue a similar transformation is needed in their sport, and are hopeful that the upcoming trials of proposed new rules will be successful. Seán Moran describes it as a “significant stepping stone” for the Football Review Committee project.
Gordon D’Arcy delivers his thoughts on a recent rugby game between Leinster and Munster. He warns Leinster against repeating past errors by giving Ciarán Frawley enough time to adjust to outhalf position instead of being hastily moved to fullback. Leinster is preparing for its upcoming match against Connacht at the Dexcom Stadium. Gerry Thornley sat down with coach Pete Wilkins for a pre-game discussion. On the other hand, Ulster is dealing with injury issues before their match with the Ospreys on Friday. Conversely, Munster is in better health for their match against the Stormers in South Africa following the return of Billy Burns, Shane Daly and Rory Scannell to the training field.
Joe Canning commented, ‘The boozing was unnecessary… but excessively training us after was insanity.’ Our under-21 football squad experienced a devastating blow on Tuesday night when their draw against Italy (1-1) abroad ended their aspirations of performing in the European Championships. And in an unexpected twist, Thomas Tuchel has now officially replaced Gareth Southgate as England’s manager, despite German origins.
Moving onto horse racing, Brian O’Connor’s coverage shares the disappointing news of Irish horse Alphonse Le Grande’s withdrawal from the British Cesarewitch three days post-victory for breaching whip-limits set by the jockey. Let’s take a moment to empathise with the devastated bookies who had to honour a 33-1 payout.
In other sports news, the Cycling Track World Championships are set to commence in Denmark today, available on Eurosport 1 from 5:30 pm to 7:45 pm. Representing Ireland are three participants, namely Lara Gillespie, Mia Griffin, and Lucy Bénézet Minns, with Gillespie making her first appearance on Thursday. Meanwhile, Arsenal, currently caught in a rough spell and without a manager, is relying on Katie McCabe for tonight’s Champions League match against Valerenga from Norway, set for 8 pm on TNT Sports 1.