Jacques Nienaber, despite the nerve-wracking Northampton comeback on Saturday at Croke Park, maintains a positive view as Leinster secures its place in yet another Champions Cup final. South African coach Nienaber shares with Johnny Watterson that triumph is what matters, regardless of the fact that Leinster’s lead dwindled in the final moments of the game. He recognises, though, that plenty of improvements can still be made. Owen Doyle, in his Whistleblower column, points out that a repeat performance against Toulouse in the finals may not be as effective. However, he gives kudos to referee Mathieu Raynal, whose relaxed disposition added to the outstanding occasion.
On the Gaelic games front, Michael Murphy examines the leading contenders in the football championship, with Armagh piquing interest. Murphy suggests, under Kieran McGeeney’s decade-long stewardship, signs indicate “their time has come.” He’s also positive about Galway’s future, as is Seán Moran, stating that the team’s prospects in the upcoming championship are promising, especially after securing a third consecutive provincial title for the first time in four decades.
Meanwhile, Rhasidat Adeleke’s impressive form is making waves in the World Athletics Relays, reported by Ian O’Riordan. After her recent performance in the Bahamas, where she and her team won bronze in the 4x400m mixed relay event thus securing their place in the Olympics, not many would dare compete against her.
Similarly, Dublin-born Conor Purcell’s performance on the Challenge Tour has been beneficial, revealing according to Philip Reid, his drive to secure a full DP World Tour card. Currently ranking 17th on the order of merit, he’s on track as the top 20 get given a full tour card.
Willie Mullins concluded the preceding jumps season as the paramount merit in horse racing, while Brian O’Connor relayed the news that on the night before the 2024-25 season launch, Mullins quashed the idea of setting up a British auxiliary unit for his dominant squad. The sound of a hefty exhale of relief heard from his challengers, including Paul Nicholls and Dan Skelton.
In regard to television sports, PSG is planning to reclaim their standing by overturning their first leg deficit of 1-0 as they face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League semi-finals aired on RTÉ 2 & TNT Sports 1 at 8:00. Meanwhile, Bolton is slated to compete against Barnsley in the first leg of League One’s play-off semi-finals, viewable on Sky Sports Football, also at 8:00.