The conclusion of the European Athletics Championships we’ll remember for a long time took place on Wednesday night with the Irish women’s 4x400m relay team claiming a silver medal. This marked a historic moment for Ireland in the competition, collecting a record breaking four medals. Reporting on this remarkable spectacle, Ian O’Riordan highlights the outstanding performances from Rhasidat Adeleke and Sharlene Mawdsley. Adeleke, who is just 21, added a third medal to her collection in less than a week, having won a gold in the mixed 4x400m relay and silver in the individual 400m race. Sophie Becker and Phil Healy also made significant contributions to the team’s success.
In contrast to the triumphant women’s relay team, the men’s football team paints a less promising picture. Despite the reminder from Gavin Cummiskey that there’s a promising pool of talent emerging from below, the team appears rudderless. Seven months since Stephen Kenny’s departure as senior manager, the FAI have not yet found a permanent successor. With John O’Shea left hanging, the team finds itself in unstable footing.
Elsewhere Derek Scally, reporting from Germany where Euro 2024 will soon commence, notes the lack of excitement in the air as a struggling economy, escalating housing emergency and rising political extremism take centre stage. However, there’s hope that Julian Nagelsmann’s squad could provide some much-needed joy over the next four weeks.
John O’Sullivan gives a sneak peek into Saturday’s URC semi-finals, as Leinster’s Cian Healy prepares for their encounter with the Bulls in Pretoria. Similarly, Munster’s Gavin Coombes is gearing up for the reigning champions’ matchup against Glasgow Warriors at Thomond Park.
In relation to GAA President Jarlath Burns’ recent negative prediction about Casement Park’s readiness for Euro 2028, Ciarán Murphy suggests the real need is for improved stadiums, not necessarily larger ones. He criticises the GAA’s prevailing attitude to stadiums – that size matters more than quality.
The curtains are set to rise on the US Open today, with Philip Reid providing early insights into the much-anticipated golf event. Scottie Scheffler, displaying exemplary skill, is labelled the man to surpass. Shane Lowry, on the other hand, is grappling with wiping the slate clean following a disappointing score of 85 during his concluding round at the Memorial tournament. He acknowledges that such an outcome can be detrimental both psychologically and to one’s gameplay.
Moreover, Dave Hannigan expresses his disdain towards children’s competitive sporting events, concluding that it takes a toll on his mental well-being. He communicates his hatred towards structured youth sports along with the adults involved. Years of observing from the sidelines have resulted in this sentiment. He criticises the excessive number of irrational coaches and problematic parents, along with the overall unpleasantness. His experience did not meet his initial expectations.
As far as the US Open broadcast is concerned, it kicks off today at Pinehurst and will be aired on Sky Sports Golf from 12.30pm to 1am. It is highly likely that a good portion of the coverage will be dedicated to the group teeing off at 6:14pm, featuring the likes of Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele, who are currently the leading golfers worldwide.