Brian Murtagh, the head of Tyrone GAA’s Eglish St Patrick’s, recalls fondly how effortlessly Conor McKenna would approach match days as if he were heading for a leisurely stroll. According to Murtagh, McKenna is one of the most laid-back people he knows. This Saturday in Melbourne, however, McKenna’s calm demeanour will be tested as he takes on the AFL Grand Final. Along with Kerry’s Tadhg Kennelly, he aims to be the second Irishman to achieve both an All-Ireland title and an AFL Premiership. Gordon shares insights into McKenna’s journey from Tyrone to competing against Sydney Swans with the Brisbane Lions at Melbourne’s MCG.
In rugby news, the provinces are warming up for the second URC round, with Connacht gearing up to welcome the recent Currie Cup winners, the Sharks, at their home turf. While some significant renovation work on the Dexcom Stadium results in limited seating, coach Pete Wilkins assures Gerry Thornley that the lively atmosphere will not be compromised.
Following their slim 35-33 triumph over Connacht at Thomond Park, leaving them with a myriad of emotions ranging from relief to disappointment and joy, Munster are heading to Italy to confront Zebre. John O’Sullivan chats with forwards coach Andi Kyriacou regarding their game plan.
Ulster’s journey is somewhat more extended as they travel to South Africa for URC’s second and third rounds, beginning with Saturday’s match against the Lions in Johannesburg, then the Pretoria-based Bulls a week later. Michael Sadlier reports on the welcome return of John Cooney to full training after being sidelined due to injury.
In equestrian updates, Brian O’Connor discusses today’s Kerry National at Listowel where young jockey Danny Gilligan seeks to continue his streak of big handicap victories. Gilligan will ride Gordon Elliott’s Duffle Coat in the €200,000 feature race. Also worth noting, Brian previews the pair of high-profile races at the Curragh this Saturday, where the Goffs Million and the Goffs 500 provide a hefty €1.5 million prize pot.
Following their gold medal achievement in the time trial at the World Championships in Zurich, Katie-George Dunlevy and Linda Kelly gear up for the day’s road race. They will be joining Josephine Healion and Eve McCrystal, with coverage from Eurosport (12.50-5.0) expected to spotlight the final stages of the 84.7km race. TG4 will persistently cover the Listowel races (1.50-6.0) as the Kerry National begins at 4.20. The League Cup games this evening on Sky Sports will feature Arsenal against Bolton (7.45) and Liverpool confronting West Ham (8.0). Moreover, expect live footage of Manchester United’s Europa League clash with FC Twente (8.0) on Premier Sports 1 and TNT Sports 1.