Gerry Thornley mentions a somewhat “anticlimactic” sentiment during the Saturday’s initial 40 minutes of the Irish team inching closer to retaining their championship title at home, on the St Patrick’s holiday weekend. Thornley points out that this unusual mood is, to a certain extend, a reflection of the heightened expectations that are now synonymous with the team. Although the team might grapple with a few regrets, particularly concerning Twickenham, raising the trophy was indeed the most efficacious redemption act. Peter O’Mahony estimably referred to this day as potentially, the most remarkable day of his career.
Devoting ample time to read through all the accounts of the triumphant match against Scotland and the subsequent contemplations on the campaign is recommended. The package offers diverse perspectives, including John O’Sullivan’s assessment of the players, along with Johnny Watterson’s breakdown of Jordan Larmour’s outstanding performance, consequential to an unanticipated last-minute call-up after Hugo Keenan had to withdraw due to injury. Johnny also highlights ‘Five key insights derived from the Six Nations’ concluding weekend’, while David Gorman offers a critique on the media’s response to Ireland winning consecutive titles.
However, the exceptional piece is from Alice McManus, who clinched the victory in “Tap and Go” contest, earning the title of an Irish rugby journalist for the day.
Regarding Gaelic games, Seán Moran recapitulates a football-infused weekend, where certain league issues were resolved, and others are still persisting. Kerry managed to maintain their chance of making it to the final through a triumph over Roscommon, who are currently grappling with potential relegation. Monaghan, after a decade at the top echelon, steps down, while Armagh and Donegal will enter Division One in the coming year, pushing Kildare down to Division Three. Cork managed to secure their Division Two spot through a third consecutive victory, this time over Meath. In women’s football, Armagh, with their unbroken winning streak, have reached their maiden final, leaving Kerry and Dublin to contest for the other spot in the final.
Denis Walsh bore witness to Wexford’s league disintegrating against their rivals Cork in a recent hurling match, with Alan Connolly bagging his second three-goal haul within a week. Despite their gruelling and intimidating schedules resembling “an endless sequence of Bush Tucker trials”, Denis noted the intercounty players’ resilience and readiness to accept their challenges.
On another note, Ken Early attempts to make heads or tails of the bizarre FA Cup clash between Manchester United and Liverpool that took place on Sunday, his primary inference being: “Football, bloody hell.” Michael Walker managed to interview Sammie Szmodics from Blackburn Rovers, who is eager to play for Republic of Ireland in the incoming friendly matches.
Viewers can watch Ireland compete against Afghanistan in the third encounter of the T20 series held today, broadcasted on Premier Sports 1 at 4pm. Later in the evening, RTÉ 2’s Against the Head will look back at the conclusive weekend of the Six Nations at 20:00, followed by TG4 airing the highlights from the GAA weekend at the same time.