The European Athletics Championships have recently concluded, marking the commencement of golf’s US Open. Simultaneously, the anticipation builds for Euro 2024, set to kick off shortly. The coming weekend promises exciting matches in rugby as well as the hurling and Gaelic football championships. So, there’s extensive sports coverage to keep up with in today’s media. Our correspondent, Ian O’Riordan, highlights how the championship success in Rome has positioned Ireland in the top 10 on the final medal table, trumping powerhouses like Germany and Sweden. Rhasidat Adeleke was undeniably the shining star, her victories inspiring the countless young Irish fans that resonate with her story.
Meanwhile, over at Pinehurst, Rory McIlroy exhibited his old-age sureness, kick-starting his US Open journey with a flawless 65. This puts him at the top of the leaderboard, alongside Patrick Cantlay. For the fellow Irish contenders, Shane Lowry, Tom McKibbin and Séamus Power, the day proved more challenging as they struggle to maintain their place in the tournament.
Over in Germany, correspondents Gavin Cummiskey and Ken Early are gearing up for the inauguration of Euro 2024, taking place tonight. The opening match sees the hosts battling Scotland in Munich. Gavin quotes German coach, Julian Nagelsmann, who hails from a town boasting a higher cow population than humans. In contrast, Ken enjoys the reprieve from club game issues and looks forward to relishing the football.
In the Gaelic sports, Joe Canning opines that despite their loss to Limerick, a renewed sense of belief and addressing their shortcomings can keep Clare’s hopes alive for this summer.
Seán Moran has provided some insights on a study initiated by the GAA that is exploring the monetary value of their fixtures. On a different note, John O’Sullivan witnessed the unveiling of IRFU’s fresh strategic outline, during which, Kevin Potts, the Chief Executive, dismissed the idea of hosting test matches at Croke Park despite the triumphant Champion Cup’s experience by Leinster. Asserting that test matches would stick to the Aviva Stadium, known as the spiritual home of Irish Rugby.
Additionally, Brian O’Connor has voiced his perspective on the unsettling images of equine mistreatment at a horse slaughterhouse in Straffan as featured on the ‘RTÉ Investigates’ programme. He emphasises the necessity for the horse racing sector to react robustly in order to maintain public trust in their welfare standards.
In TV viewing today, it’s the second round of the US Open on Sky Sports Golf, from 12.30pm until 1am. Later this afternoon, the Irish men cricket team will be competing against the USA in the T20 World Cup available on Sky Sports Cricket from 3.30pm. Tonight, Munich will host the opening of Euro 2024, witnessing a match between Germany and Scotland, which can be viewed on RTÉ 2 & UTV at 8pm.