Tag: IRELAND
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A fine line between opportunity and risk
Ireland… 33 Italy… 17 Challenge matches, Test matches, friendlies, warm ups, whatever you want. Do they carry any value? Observers of a certain vintage would be of the view they’re not worth the grass they get played on. An easy conclusion to arrive at if using the 1988 case of Meath and Kildare as a…
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There are none so blind as those who do not wish to see
Many years ago, I made the naive mistake of riling up a Glasgow Celtic supporter. Not in a remotely sectarian way. Just regarding the merits – or lack thereof as was the viewpoint here – of Aiden McGeady remaining with the hoops rather than going to a ‘better’ club. You can dress it up any…
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Last of the sporting bastions falls to common greed
The year cannot be recalled, but the image will be forever etched in the memory bank. Wild-eyed, manic looking Ian Poulter in that zone that only the Ryder Cup could put the colourful Englishman. From memory, Europe were well adrift of their American adversaries in the biennial team golfing event when ‘Poults’ almost single-handedly set…
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World’s best show just why they are
Ireland… 29 England… 16 The phrase ‘Impressionable kids’ is one you often hear in use. Then there’s the fact that it’s said first impressions are lasting ones. Now read on… Andy Farrell’s grandkids obviously copped on fairly quick that his team was better than that of their dad – England fly half Owen. Hence their…
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When you win the ones you shouldn’t you know you’re in a good place
Ireland… 22 Scotland… 7 Sometimes in sport you’ll see things that scarcely seem credible at the time, never mind when the thing that waits for no man or woman or child or beast rolls on. Devon Loch putting down on Dick Francis with the Grand National on a plate, Kevin Foley ghosting up the field…
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The Tank could’ve been spreading the gospel about himself
No matter what sport it may be, there will be competitors who stand out like a lighthouse. More than that, in a team environment, there will be players who will set pulses racing that bit faster than their contemporaries. In basketball you have Stephen Curry and LeBron James. Switch to soccer and you’re talking Lionel…
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J. Lowe calls the tune as Ireland make big statement
Ireland… 32 France… 19 There are few more satisfying things in sport than earning a statement victory with the cordite of controversy left wafting in the air. Now read on… That’s exactly where Ireland found themselves on Saturday evening following their second win from as many outings in this season’s Guinness Six Nations Championship. With…
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Furlong pulls up as preparations enter the home straight
Tadhg Furlong has been ruled out of Ireland’s Six Nations Championship opener against Wales on Saturday at the 11th hour due to an ongoing calf muscle injury. The Wexford colossus hasn’t played since December, but was considered to be on track for a return before this latest setback. Connacht’s Finlay Bealham will replace his Leinster…
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No major surprises in Ireland Six Nations squad
The inclusion of Leinster’s uncapped centre Jamie Osborne is the only occurrence of note in Andy Farrell’s Ireland squad for the forthcoming Six Nations Championship announced this morning. Some would no doubt lament the exclusion of Joey Carbery as equally newsworthy but, in the opinion of this writer, sooner rather than later the Athy man…
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Reserve Tanks do little to enhance their status
Ireland… 35 Fiji… 17 Anybody with the slightest knowledge about rugby for the four decades this writer has been on the go – at the very least – will surely know of the efficiency of those from the Pacific island of Fiji in the 7s format of the game. Therefore, you’d have thought that a…