This week, Hugo Keenan’s full attention will be centred on a particular match in London on Saturday, but not long after, his attention will divert to yet another major sporting event – the Olympic Games. Keenan, a fullback, will join the Irish Sevens squad after the Champions Cup final. Johnny Watterson examines Keenan’s choice to forgo Ireland’s impending South African tour, with his sights set on achieving a feat no Irish player has managed – a Grand Slam, a Six Nations Championship and an Olympic medal.
But before the Olympics is the clash with Toulouse on Saturday. Gerry Thornley guides us through the difficult selection predicaments for Leo Cullen, but it seems highly likely that Keenan will reclaim his position as a fullback after recovering from injury. Joe McCarthy’s performance this season will undoubtedly cement his name on the team sheet. On the other side, Toulouse head coach Ugo Mola is grappling with his line-up decisions. John O’Sullivan weighs up Mola’s options, one of which includes the consideration between Scottish international Blair Kinghorn as the fullback or the extraordinarily talented Thomas Ramos.
Turning to Gaelic games, Joe Canning gives us a rundown on the upcoming Munster and Leinster hurling games, featuring a match between Tipperary and Clare. As Canning states, “Tipperary have already experienced two defeat this summer; another would be unthinkable.” Concurrently, the Louth footballers are striving for their first championship victory over Meath in nearly half a century. Paul Keane gauges their odds, and he also updates us on Offaly hurling’s success in the Leinster Under-20 final.
Shelbourne are enjoying a prosperous season, as the front-runners prepare to face the five-times consecutive winners Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght stadium tonight in a sold-out match. Gavin Cummiskey offers a preview of the game along with the other night’s matches. Special attention is given to ex-Cork City player Jake O’Brien who is expected to represent Lyon against PSG in the Coupe de France final on Saturday – a significant event in his career.
In the world of sports, Sonia O’Sullivan comments on one of the longest-held outdoor records to date. This is the 800m milestone, achieved by Jarmila Kratochvílová back in 1983. Ian O’Riordan delivers the good news about Tom Fannon, who confirmed his place in the Olympics on Thursday. The latest from Rás Tailteann is provided by Shane Stokes, highlighting Conn McDunphy’s achievement of winning the second stage. Cliona Foley brings attention to the vibrant realm of Masters Hockey, which Joanne O’Grady, the captain of the Irish 55s and a bronze medalist at the previous year’s World Cup, reassures is more than just a pastime for the aged – it is fiercely competitive.
In the horse racing sphere, Brian O’Connor discusses Lucinda Russell’s somewhat controversial decision to retire Corach Rambler, the winner of the 2023 Grand National, though he is only 10 years old. While it was a decision made in the interest of the horse’s health, Brian feels it may have been overly cautious.
Viewers should gear up for day two of the Charles Schwab Challenge in Texas. Scottie Scheffler is currently seven strokes behind Charley Hoffman, having had a less-than-solid opening round. This event will be broadcast on Sky Sports Golf from 5 pm until midnight. The hurling final between Cork and Tipperary for the Munster under-20s will follow on TG4 at 7.30 pm, with the Connacht minor football final match between Mayo and Roscommon airing later as a deferred coverage.