Ahead of the clash with Switzerland, there was, as Ken Early penned, a ‘surge of hope catapulting John O’Shea into the pinnacle role in Irish football’. However, this optimism was somewhat dampened following the 1-0 loss, a typical occurrence when Ireland confronts Switzerland, characterised by limited scoring opportunities, heightened disappointment and a prevailing Swiss team. This short stint, however, has not diminished O’Shea’s passion for management – instead, he confessed to Nathan Johns after the match that it has only whet his appetite further. Gavin Cummiskey, however, reminds us of the “harsh realities present both on and off the field”, alluding to speculation regarding the potential departure of FAI chief Jonathan Hill subsequent to “his detrimental appearance before the Public Accounts Committee at Leinster House in the previous month”.
Ulster rugby is also experiencing its fair share of troubles. Gerry Thornley remarks, they’ve been “dismally underachieving both on and off the field in the last year, consequently resulting in the resignation of their head coach and chief executive in the recent weeks”.
Meanwhile, Joey Carbery has grappled with obstacles of his own. The athlete from Munster has been noticeably absent from the Irish set-up following the 2022 Autumn Series. Johnny Watterson reports on Carbery’s conversation pertaining to his decision to seek fresh opportunities, indicating that the fly-half made the “painfully sweet” resolution to part ways with Munster this summer.
Jordan Larmour has also had his work cut out for him but returned to Leinster earlier this week, brimming with excitement subsequent to experiencing international test rugby for the first time in nearly three years. Larmour, along with his Leinster teammates, is gearing up for a packed fixture list, as underscored by Gordon D’Arcy who chronicles the forthcoming trials facing these players in the URC and Champions Cup.
In the realm of Gaelic games, Seán Moran sheds light on a resurgence of “long-standing cultural conflict”, triggered when soccer and rugby teams’ requests to use Croke Park and Páirc Uí Chaoimh were deliberated at a Central Council meeting the previous Saturday. In addition, Ian O’Riordan provides insights from his conversation with Derry’s Brendan Rogers, who is eagerly anticipating his county’s Division One final showdown with Dublin this weekend.
The original text informs that Ian conducted an interview with Mayo runner Hugh Armstrong, prior to his participation in the Sunday World Cross Country Championships in Belgrade. Additionally, Brian O’Connor has shared recent updates about the positive growth in Irish racing festival attendance, with Fairyhouse officials indicating optimism for their upcoming Easter festival.
In other news, following the impressive 3-0 victory against Ajax in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, Chelsea’s women’s team is nearly assured a spot in the semi-finals. Their attempt to secure this will take place tonight at Stamford Bridge (TNT Sports 2, 8pm). Additionally, Lyon is set to face Benfica in their quarter-final with a lead of 2-1 (TNT Sports 2, 5.45pm). Earlier results showed promise for their progression.