We witnessed another exciting weekend of top class Heineken Cup Rugby last weekend with four outstanding matches.
WHAT a weekend for everyone at Tullow rugby club with the 3rds beating Portlaoise on Friday night away in the cup, the 2nds beating a much-fancied Tullamore to make it to the semi-finals and the Firsts making only their second ever Towns Cup final with a very strong performance and win over Ashbourne at Cill Dara on Sunday.
THE most important match of the weekend from my point of view was undoubtedly at Portlaoise when Tullow played Roscrea in a play-off to decide who would play in Division 1B next season.
THE recent visit of the Princess Royal to the Irish National Stud, following so soon after her mother’s visit, emphasised her family’s longstanding connection with the Turf.
IT was a great weekend for me personally with Tullow winning their quarter-final against Roscrea in the Towns Cup and St Michael’s, the school that I coach in Dublin, winning the Leinster Senior Cup by beating a brave Clongowes side 17-10.
SYNCHRONISED’S smashing Gold Cup success produced that smug satisfaction of actually having nominated him as the likely winner, if to another’s financial benefit rather than one’s own.
IRELAND started Saturday’s game at the Aviva without both Brian O’Driscoll and Paul O’Connell in a Six Nations match for the first time since 2001 and I amongst others were fearful of the Scots who had looked as if they were improving with each game.
WELL, here we go again. Let battle begin; the annual conflict in that Cotswolds crucible – Cheltenham.
THE pitch was playable this time but still no winner could be declared.
ASKED to recall his most memorable Cheltenham Festival experience, this veteran National Hunt owner reflected awhile before pronouncing, with a seraphic smile: “Aye, it will have been Solar Cloud.