Johnny Watterson has recently been examining the distribution of sports capital grants and has found that the system is complex and difficult to understand, even suggesting that one might need a doctoral thesis to fully grasp it. A notable takeaway from the grants list was that boxing, despite consistently performing well in the Olympics, back to the foundation of the State, received a meagre portion. In comparison, the GAA acquired 96 times more, even though it only has 25 times the number of members. Watterson quesitons the balance and proportion of this system.
In the horse racing community, there is anticipation for the size of its funding for the upcoming budget announcement. After its €76 million State funding for 2024, the goal is to increase it to over €92 million by 2028. However, as Brian O’Connor points out, horse racing’s reputation has been marred, especially after the distressing scenes broadcast by RTÉ from the Shannonside abattoir, and this may affect the amount of funding determined by the Government.
In the world of rugby, Nathan Johns discusses possible delicate changes that Tyler Bleyendaal might implement at Leinster since he succeeded Andrew Goodman as the attack coach. Max Deegan, a player in the squad, expressed his excitement over working with Bleyendaal, citing the benefits of fresh perspectives and updated methods.
John also nostalgically references the popularity of Avril Lavigne’s ‘Girlfriend’, around the same time Cian Healy made his debut for Leinster, which was 17 years ago. This evening, Healy will make his 281st appearance for Leinster against the Dragons at the Aviva Stadium, setting a new record for the most appearances by a Leinster player, surpassing Devin Toner.
The text also mentions a tragedy in high school football, detailing eight fatalities within the first month of the season, highlighting the serious hazards of the game.
Rory McIlroy’s golfing year has been characterised by near misses and what might have beens. The Hurling Development Committee needs to work towards significant but manageable goals to combat stagnation within the sport. It appears that Cristiano Ronaldo has settled an old score with Gary Something and Alan Who.
In contrast on the sports scene, Piers O’Conor made his first competitive appearance for Connacht, narrowly losing to Munster in their recent URC match, following his transfer from the Bristol Bears over the summer. He has been sharing about his settling into his new surroundings with Gerry Thornley.
On the football front, Gavin Cummiskey is providing a run-down of this evening’s League of Ireland matches, Dundalk, currently languishing at the foot of the table, are trying to put their off-field problems behind them as they face off against Bohemians.
On the TV sports schedule, Ireland meet South Africa in Abu Dhabi for the initial of their two T20 matches on TNT Sports 1 from 1.45pm, with England and Australia squaring off in the penultimate ODI of their five-match cricket series from noon on Sky Sports Cricket. Later, Leinster match up against the Dragons in the URC (on TG4 and Premier Sports 2 at 7.35pm), while Premier Division frontrunners Shelbourne welcome Sligo Rovers at Tolka Park (on Virgin Media Two at 7.45pm).