Firhill has never been a venue where the men of Munster have enjoyed a particularly comfortable 80 minutes of rugby. Last Friday’s Magners League opener was the latest example of that; a stinging 22-9 reversal not the start that the defending champions would have had in mind given their encouraging pre-season...
Rugby
Munster manager keeps quiet as transfer rumours circulate
Munster manager keeps quiet as transfer rumours circulate
As Munster’s players re-assembled for the beginning of pre-season training, rumours continue to circulate over new players which the Magners League holders are set to introduce. Topping the list is South African centre Jean de Villiers in what was reported by respected rugby sources last week as a done deal...
All-Ireland reversal will burn Munster souls all summer long
All-Ireland reversal will burn Munster souls all summer long
No ifs. No buts. No pointing too accusatory a finger at Nigel Owens, even if he didn’t judge the breakdown as well as he ought to. Quite simply, in no uncertain terms, the better team won before arguably the most colourful crowd that this wondrous venue has ever hosted. Alas, the curtain has fallen on...
A proud Waterford man reflects on son's selection for Lions tour
A proud Waterford man reflects on son's selection for Lions tour
Irish winger Tommy Bowe, son of Waterford man Paul Bowe, is still basking in the afterglow of his selection in the British and Irish Lions squad which will take on South Africa this summer. “I’m just so delighted for Tommy and for all of the Irish players,” Paul told RTE in the immediate aftermath...
O'Leary injury mars build-up to titanic clash with Leinster
O'Leary injury mars build-up to titanic clash with Leinster
Holding his head in his hands, Tomás O’Leary cut a disconsolate figure when stretchered off at Musgrave Park on Friday night last. The ambulance that zipped him away from the ground confirmed to supporters that the signs weren’t good for the Munster scrum-half. Walking out of Musgrave after a 29-10 bonus...
Last gasp try breaks Carrick hearts after absorbing, tension-filled affair
Last gasp try breaks Carrick hearts after absorbing, tension-filled affair
Carrick-on-Suir 14; Saint Mary’s 18 ■□■ View Photos Mud-clad, energy sapped, many beyond consolation, the players of Carrick-on-Suir were visibly stunned at the end of Monday’s Division Three promotion semi-final. Just a few yards away, an overjoyed Saint Mary’s outfit, some in tears, were singing...
Clinical Munster in cracking health as Ospreys travel to Thomond Park
Clinical Munster in cracking health as Ospreys travel to Thomond Park
Munster host the Ospreys in the Heineken Cup quarter-final this Easter Sunday (Sky Sports 1, 12.45pm) in rude health following their 22-5 Magners League win over Leinster at Thomond Park last Saturday. The holders go into next Sunday’s meeting as firm favourites and, irrespective of the Ospreys’ many...
Kiwi class and Italian flair at Ballinakill mini-blitz!
Kiwi class and Italian flair at Ballinakill mini-blitz!
A mini blitz hosted by Waterpark RFC brought teams from home and abroad to Ballinakill on Saturday last and a thoroughly enjoyable day was had by all. Teams representing Waterpark, Kilkenny, Fethard, Wexford, Shannon, Cork Constitution, Farnham (Surrey) and Pirati Rugby (Milan, Italy) competed in the presence of...
Top flight rugby for Waterpark Under 21s suggests a bright future for Ballinakill club
Top flight rugby for Waterpark Under 21s suggests a bright future for Ballinakill club
In an environment laden with economic buzz words, there’s more than one ‘R’ word that’s got some people riled down Ballinakill way over the past few weeks. Waterpark’s relegation from the All-Ireland League will rankle until senior status is re-attained, which, all associated with the club and...
Carrick end ‘regular' season with another massive victory
Carrick end ‘regular' season with another massive victory
Having played 10 matches, won nine, lost just once, scored 221 points and conceded just 60, Carrick-on-Suir finished their Division Three Group B season with a 39-8 win over Dungarvan on Sunday last. They were denied only a perfect season when losing 10-0 to Galbally in a game that was twice postponed, not that it...
Slick Munster win Glasgow bonus ahead of title decider with Leinster
Slick Munster win Glasgow bonus ahead of title decider with Leinster
Munster plays host to Leinster in Thomond Park next Saturday in a game which could ultimately decide who wins this year’s Magners League title. While a win for Tony McGahan’s men shall put them in the box-seat for league honours, a Leinster success would keep the title race ticking over as the campaign...
What a team. What a coach. What a day.
What a team. What a coach. What a day.
It was an orange rugby ball, made from thick plastic. If you kicked it on either of its pointed ends, your foot throbbed. If you kicked it often enough on either pointed end you ran the risk of cracking that sheath of skin above your toes. So when you kicked it, you did your damnest to kick it ‘on the meat’....