There is something fitting about the road that has led St Flannan’s College back to the TUS Dr Harty Cup final. For the second season running, their campaign has been defined by drawn group games, Tipperary opposition and a final-day rematch that feels as much about growth as it does silverware.

Last year, a group-stage stalemate with Thurles CBS was followed by heartbreak in the decider. This time, Flannan’s opened their campaign with a draw against Tipperary opposition once more and now face another familiar foe, Nenagh CBS, in Saturday’s final at Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg (1pm).

Ahead of this Saturday’s Harty Cup final between @CBSNenagh and St. Flannan’s College, Tipp FM’s @PCarrollSport sat down for a chat with Nenagh captain Eoghan Doughan…

Saturday’s game at 1pm is live on Tipp FM with thanks to REA Eoin Dillon, Nenagh pic.twitter.com/PKB0jr0Z2p

— Tipp FM Sport (@TippFMSport) January 28, 2026

The prize is significant on both sides. Nenagh are bidding to keep Tipperary’s grip on the competition intact and deliver a fourth consecutive Harty Cup title to the Premier County. Flannan’s, meanwhile, are chasing their first crown since 2020 and a 23rd title overall, armed with the lessons of last year’s defeat rather than weighed down by it.

That experience is embodied by joint-captain Harry Doherty. Last season’s top scorer has once again been central to Flannan’s run, amassing 3-34 in this year’s competition, and believes the pain of losing to Thurles has hardened the Ennis side rather than scarred them.

Last year, he admits, the occasion itself took its toll. This time, the mindset is different.

The Clarecastle forward points to the team’s composure under pressure as evidence of that growth. Flannan’s have trailed heavily in several key games this season – by ten points against Nenagh in October, seven against Our Lady’s, Templemore, and five against St Joseph’s, Tulla – yet they arrive at the final unbeaten.

Rather than panic, they have trusted their systems and each other.

That collective resilience will be tested to its limit by a Nenagh CBS side steeped in experience and belief. The North Tipperary school lifted their breakthrough Harty Cup at this same venue in 2024 and return with a core group that knows exactly what the occasion demands.

Eoghan Doughan, now captain, has been outstanding throughout the campaign, contributing 4-39 en route to the final. Alongside him, Austin Duff remains a major threat, while the influence of last year’s winning captain, Darragh McCarthy, continues to loom large despite his move into Donach O’Donnell’s backroom team.

For Nenagh, continuity has been a strength rather than a comfort blanket. Several members of the current panel were part of that 2024 triumph, and O’Donnell believes the balance between experience and depth is stronger again this year.

The manager highlights the competition for places across a 43-man panel, with extensive game time shared throughout the campaign. It is a luxury that allows Nenagh to tailor their bench to different challenges – a factor that proved decisive when they dethroned reigning champions Thurles CBS in a sold-out semi-final in Templederry.

Flannan’s manager Brendan Bugler has been aware of the quality in his group for some time. Long before this run, he saw signs of something special when the year-group was split into two teams for the Clare schools competition, both of which ended up meeting in the county final after beating all other opposition.

That potential has now translated onto the Munster stage, but Bugler is clear-eyed about the task facing his side.

Nenagh, he notes, boast a significant number of players already exposed to adult hurling at club level – experience that can accelerate development and sharpen decision-making under pressure. Flannan’s have fewer players with that background, making Saturday their most demanding test yet.

To lift the cup, Bugler believes nothing less than a full, relentless performance will suffice.

All the ingredients are in place for a compelling final: recent history, contrasting journeys, proven scorers, and two squads that know each other inside out. Familiarity, however, rarely dulls a rivalry at this level. If anything, it sharpens it.

On Saturday afternoon in Ennis, one side will add another chapter to their growing legacy. The other will finally turn hard-earned lessons into silverware.

TUS Dr Harty Cup Final

St Flannan’s College, Ennis v Nenagh CBS

Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg

Saturday, January 31st – 1pm

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UL booked their place in the Fitzgibbon Cup semi-finals with an impressive 0-20 to 0-12 victory over UCC at the UL Grounds on Wednesday night, underlining their status as favourites for this year’s competition.

Tipperary star Darragh McCarthy led the scoring for the hosts with an outstanding 0-9, while Adam English, Diarmuid Stritch and Adam Screeney each contributed 0-2 as UL pulled clear in the second half to seal an eight-point win.

University of Galway Set Up Semi-Final Clash With UL

In Dangan, University of Galway secured their place in the last four with a 1-21 to 1-14 win over SETU Waterford.

The Galway students trailed 1-5 to 0-6 at half-time, with Tom O’Connell’s goal giving the visitors the early edge. However, a dominant second-half performance turned the contest decisively in Galway’s favour.

Sam O’Farrell was the standout performer, finishing with 0-11, while a late goal from Darragh Neary sealed a seven-point victory and confirmed a Fitzgibbon Cup semi-final meeting with UL next week.

DCU and Mary Immaculate Complete Semi-Final Pairings

The second Fitzgibbon Cup semi-final will see DCU take on Mary Immaculate College, after both sides progressed from their quarter-finals on Wednesday.

DCU recorded a 4-13 to 2-15 away win against MTU Cork, with goals proving decisive. Sam Byrne struck 2 goals (including a penalty), while Denis Walsh (1-5) and Luke Murphy also found the net as the Dublin side advanced.

Mary Immaculate Too Strong for UCD

In Limerick, Mary Immaculate College produced one of the performances of the round, cruising to a 3-22 to 0-13 victory over UCD.

Oisín O’Farrell starred with 2-3, while Shane O’Brien (0-8) and Shane Walsh (1-5) were also among the scorers as Mary I powered into the semi-finals in emphatic fashion.

Fitzgibbon Cup Semi-Finals

• UL vs University of Galway
• DCU vs Mary Immaculate College

With the competition now down to its final four, the Fitzgibbon Cup title race is set for an exciting climax over the coming week.

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The Sigerson Cup has been whittled down to its final four teams following the conclusion of a dramatic set of quarter-finals on Wednesday night, with holders DCU knocked out and three away wins highlighting a compelling evening of third-level football.

Holders DCU Eliminated by UCC

Defending champions DCU exited the competition after suffering a 3-16 to 1-20 defeat to UCC at the DCU Sportsgrounds in Glasnevin.

Late goals from Tom Cunningham and Cormac Dillon proved decisive as the Cork students overturned DCU and booked their place in the Sigerson Cup semi-finals, ending the holders’ hopes of retaining the title.

University of Galway Edge Tight Battle With UCD

University of Galway secured their spot in the last four with a narrow 0-15 to 0-14 victory over UCD at Belfield.

A crucial late two-pointer from Shane McGrath separated the sides in a tightly contested encounter, as Galway showed composure in the closing stages to progress.

Queen’s Secure Away Win Against TUD

There was another away success in Grangegorman, where Queen’s University Belfast claimed a 3-18 to 2-16 victory over TU Dublin.

Goals from Conor O’Neill, Ryan McQuillan (who finished with 1-6), and Michael Burnett proved vital as Queen’s produced a clinical attacking display to advance into the semi-finals.

UL Prevail After Extra Time Against Maynooth

University of Limerick completed the semi-final line-up after a dramatic extra-time win over Maynooth University at the UL Grounds.

The contest finished 3-16 to 0-17 in favour of the Limerick students after extra time, with Daithí Hogan’s late goal forcing the additional periods for David Power’s side. UL then pulled clear in extra time to secure an eight-point victory and their place in the last four.

Sigerson Cup Semi-Finalists Confirmed

The remaining contenders for the Sigerson Cup title are now:

• UCC
• University of Galway
• Queen’s University Belfast
• University of Limerick

With the competition reaching its decisive stage, attention now turns to the Sigerson Cup semi-final draw, as four in-form sides chase third-level football’s most prestigious prize.

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The GAA Football League Division One betting market has begun to take shape after an eventful opening round, with early results already influencing the race for the 2026 Division One title ahead of the second week of fixtures.

Kerry, Donegal, Mayo and Armagh all made strong starts to their league campaigns, while Dublin, Galway, Roscommon and Monaghan find themselves under early pressure following opening-round defeats.

Division One – Opening Weekend Results

The first round of Division One fixtures delivered several eye-catching results across the country:

• Kerry defeated Roscommon, underlining their early title credentials
• Donegal beat Dublin, one of the standout results of the opening weekend
• Mayo edged Galway in a tight Connacht derby
• Armagh overcame Monaghan, continuing their strong league form

With the league format rewarding early momentum, these results could prove decisive later in the season.

Updated Division One Title Odds

Following the opening round, bookmakers have adjusted their Division One outright betting:

• Kerry – 5/2
• Donegal – 3/1
• Mayo – 7/2
• Armagh – 7/2
• Dublin – 13/1
• Galway – 14/1
• Roscommon – 40/1
• Monaghan – 60/1

Kerry Set the Early Pace

Kerry (5/2) remain the early favourites after a composed victory over Roscommon. Their physicality, depth and control marked them out as a side well suited to the demands of a seven-round league campaign.

Donegal Lay Down a Marker

Donegal’s win over Dublin has been one of the defining results of the opening weekend, with Jim McGuinness’ side shortened to 3/1 in the betting. Their defensive organisation and game management suggested a team capable of sustaining a serious Division One title push.

Mayo and Armagh Stay in the Hunt

Both Mayo and Armagh, priced at 7/2, made positive starts.

Mayo showed resilience to edge Galway, while Armagh’s controlled display against Monaghan reinforced their growing consistency at the top level.

Early Pressure on Dublin and Galway

Opening defeats have seen Dublin drift to 13/1 and Galway to 14/1, though both sides remain well capable of responding quickly. With the second round of Division One fixtures approaching, momentum could swing rapidly.

Week Two Could Prove Crucial

As the GAA Football League Division One moves into its second week, teams will be keen to build early momentum — or halt early-season slides — in what already looks like a tightly contested campaign.

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Offaly GAA has moved to end the practice of teams appointing joint captains, following the introduction of a new regulation approved at the January county board meeting.

An amendment to Rule 9.2 of the Offaly County Committee regulations now requires all clubs to nominate one official team captain and submit that player’s name to the county secretary before the start of the championship.

Clubs that fail to comply with the new rule will be hit with a €200 fine.

Only One Captain Permitted at Adult Level

Under the updated regulation, co-captains will no longer be permitted in Offaly GAA competitions, meaning only one player will be allowed to fulfil the role of captain and accept trophies during official presentations after finals.

The only exception applies at underage level, where teams are made up of players from two or more clubs, in which case joint captains will still be allowed.

The ruling brings an end to a practice that has become increasingly common across the county in recent seasons. Several clubs — including three-in-a-row Dowling Cup winners Tullamore — have used joint captains, but this will no longer be permitted under the new regulations.

‘The Captain Is the Captain’

Explaining the reasoning behind the decision, Offaly GAA assistant secretary Pat Teehan said the trend had developed because managers were reluctant to select a single captain.

“It’s something that has crept in because club managers aren’t prepared to pick one,” Teehan said.

“The captain is the captain. It doesn’t happen in other sports. We should abide by the code that’s there.”

Clear Message Ahead of Championship Season

The move sends a clear signal from Offaly GAA ahead of the upcoming county championship season, reinforcing traditional leadership structures and ensuring clarity around official matchday roles.

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The Ballymun Kickhams clubman watched on from the stands as his former team-mates, including younger brother Paddy Small, suffered an opening-round Allianz Football League defeat to Donegal at Croke Park last Saturday evening.

Rather than feeling detached, Small admitted he enjoyed the experience — particularly sharing it with his young son.

“I actually enjoyed going to watch it,” Small said at the launch of the ‘Are You in The Guaranteed Irish Club’ community reward programme.

“It was nice to bring Charlie along. He got to watch his uncle play and he’s starting to ask more about the games now, so that was good.”

‘It Felt Like the Right Time’

Small revealed that his decision to retire was carefully considered and made following open conversations with new Dublin manager Ger Brennan.

“I thought it was a natural ending. I’d made my decision and had a good chat with Ger about it — twice — and he gave me the time to really think about what I wanted to do,” he explained.

“I came back and said, ‘Listen, I think the best thing is a new group and a new start.’ I wanted to retire and get it done very quickly. Ger was very supportive and very good about it.”

While acknowledging the magnitude of the decision, Small said he was fully at peace with stepping away.

“It’s a big decision, but I thought about it in depth, spoke to a few people, and I was comfortable with what I decided.”

Still Backing Dublin for All-Ireland Success

Despite retiring from the inter-county scene, Small remains firmly in Dublin’s corner — especially with his brother still part of the panel.

“Of course I want Dublin to win the All-Ireland this year,” he said.

“I want to see Paddy do well and I want to see the group do well.”

Small also highlighted the strength that remains within the squad, naming Ciarán Kilkenny — one of his closest friends — as an example of the leadership still in place.

“They have a good team and a good squad. I think they’re going to be very competitive. There’s still an excellent panel there and a very strong starting 15 to go to war with.”

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An outstanding run of form has seen the province reel off ten consecutive wins in all competitions, and they now have the opportunity to make it 11 straight when they host Edinburgh at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, before attention turns to the Guinness Six Nations break.

The defence of their BKT URC title did not begin smoothly. Leinster managed just one win from their opening four league fixtures, struggling for momentum while a long list of frontline players was unavailable. Since then, however, Cullen’s side have surged back into contention, winning six URC matches on the bounce to climb to third in the table, while also completing a perfect four-from-four record in the Investec Champions Cup pool stage.

Reflecting on that turnaround, Cullen was quick to credit the resilience shown within the camp.

“I have to applaud our players and staff because they’ve worked incredibly hard over the last couple of months,” he said. “The group was getting a bit of flak at the start of the season, especially with the number of players missing, and we just took it on the chin.

“It’s a real credit to the characteristics these guys show every day.”

Leinster’s latest success came last weekend in Galway, where they claimed a 34–23 bonus-point win over Connacht in front of a record 12,461 crowd at the Dexcom Stadium, on a night that also marked the opening of the new Clan Stand.

“We knew it was going to be a huge occasion because it’s been in the calendar for a long time,” Cullen said. “We were heading into a hostile environment against a team that was going to be hugely motivated, so we expected a tough challenge.

“Connacht started the game a million miles an hour. They flew into everything on both sides of the ball, exactly as we thought they would. Credit to them, it was tit-for-tat throughout.

“It’s always satisfying to come away from a place like that with a bonus-point win.”

Focus now shifts to Saturday’s URC meeting with Edinburgh, who arrive in Dublin sitting 12th in the table after a home defeat to the Vodacom Bulls last time out.

Assistant coach Robin McBryde believes Leinster must ensure their recent work is capped off properly before the break.

“After a difficult start, we’ve just kept building week by week through what’s been a long block,” he said. “It’s been good, but now we’ve got to finish the job.

“Everyone is looking forward to the break after Saturday, so it’s one final push. There’s a different feel around the place this week with a lot of internationals away with their countries, which is always an honour.

“It brings a different energy and buzz, and everyone’s excited for the weekend.”

McBryde is expecting a response from the Scottish side following last weekend’s setback.

“They’ll be hurting after that result and keen to finish their own block on a high,” he added. “It’s always better going into a break with a win because the result stays with you.

“They’re a cohesive group, so it’ll be tough enough. We just need to improve on certain aspects from last Saturday and really re-knuckle down.”

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At this point, it’s becoming a quiz question rather than a team update.

Ireland’s Six Nations build-up has been shredded by injuries, with absentees piling up across every line of the squad. This isn’t one problem area — it’s everywhere. Backfield, midfield, front row, engine room. Pick a position and Ireland are light.

Start with the back three, where the list alone tells the story. Hugo Keenan is out. Mack Hansen is out. Calvin Nash, Jimmy O’Brien, Shayne Bolton and Jordan Larmour are also unavailable. That’s Ireland’s most dependable organiser at full-back, their most creative winger, and almost all of the versatility Farrell relies on when games break open. Experience, aerial security and counter-attacking threat — gone.

The midfield situation is just as damaging. Bundee Aki and Robbie Henshaw are both sidelined. Together, they’ve been the heartbeat of Ireland’s defence and the launchpad for so much of the attack. Remove both, and Ireland aren’t just replacing players — they’re replacing an entire system built around power, trust and defensive reads.

Up front, concerns deepen. At loosehead prop, Andrew Porter, Paddy McCarthy and Jack Boyle are all missing. Porter’s absence is enormous. He sets the tone physically, plays big minutes and anchors the scrum. Against France, losing that security is no small thing.

In the back five of the pack, Ryan Baird and Tom Ahern are also out. That’s athleticism, lineout flexibility and dynamic carrying stripped from the engine room — exactly the attributes needed to live with France’s power game.

Even the betting markets have lost faith. Just last week, Ireland were +5 for this fixture. By Monday, that had drifted to +9. Now it has stretched to +13. An eight-point swing in a matter of days doesn’t happen on sentiment. It reflects mounting injuries, disrupted preparation and a growing belief that Ireland will struggle to live with France’s physicality and depth in Paris.

And even now, the list may not be finished. Tadhg Furlong, Robert Baloucoune and Jamie Osborne remain doubts. Any one of those missing would be a blow. More than one, and the margin for error shrinks further.

This isn’t about panic — but it is about reality. Ireland are missing players in every critical area of the pitch. Depth will be tested, combinations will be rushed, and young players will be asked to learn fast in one of the harshest environments in world rugby.

Paris doesn’t wait. France won’t ease off. And when the absentees list is this long, the Six Nations stops being about momentum and starts being about survival.

Ireland Six Nations Absentees & Doubts

Back Three

• Hugo Keenan
• Mack Hansen
• Calvin Nash
• Jimmy O’Brien
• Shayne Bolton
• Jordan Larmour

Midfield

• Bundee Aki
• Robbie Henshaw

Loosehead Prop

• Andrew Porter
• Paddy McCarthy
• Jack Boyle

Back Five of the Pack

• Ryan Baird
• Tom Ahern

Major Doubts

• Tadhg Furlong
• Robert Baloucoune
• Jamie Osborne

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Premiership Rugby is actively working on proposals to overhaul the structure of the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup, with growing alignment across Europe that the current format is no longer fit for purpose.

Senior figures within English rugby believe the competition has lost much of the edge and prestige that once defined it, and discussions are underway to present a united front to European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR). While the Premiership is leading the process, its thinking is understood to be broadly shared by both France’s Ligue Nationale de Rugby and the United Rugby Championship.

Although neither the Top 14 nor the URC are formally involved in the Premiership’s internal planning, the rare consensus between Europe’s three major leagues has raised hopes that meaningful reform could finally be pushed through. The goal, according to sources, is to restore jeopardy, intensity and elite status to a tournament many feel has become diluted.

That urgency has been sharpened by comments from EPCR chief executive Jacques Raynaud last week, in which he publicly defended the current format and stated that the competition structure is locked in until 2030. Those remarks are understood to have surprised — and frustrated — figures across the Premiership.

One senior source told the telegraph about the mood he bluntly put it:
“We’re dissatisfied. We believe this competition should sit properly between domestic leagues and international rugby. It needs to feel elite and premium again — and we think that’s achievable.”

At the heart of the debate is scale. The Champions Cup currently features 24 teams, a number critics say has stripped meaning from the pool stage and allowed sides to progress despite minimal success. This season, both Leicester Tigers and the Bulls reached the knockout rounds having won just one match, a scenario many believe undermines the tournament’s credibility.

The leading idea gaining traction within English rugby is a reduced, high-intensity competition. One proposal would see the Champions Cup cut to 16 teams, with qualification restricted to the very top performers from the Premiership, Top 14 and URC. The tournament could then be played in a continuous block — either before Christmas or immediately after the Six Nations — with straight knockout rugby across consecutive weekends to build momentum, narrative and genuine consequence.

This concept is not new. EPCR explored similar options during a strategic review in 2022, including both 16- and 18-team models. However, those talks stalled over disagreements between leagues on qualification numbers and competitive balance. Any reduction would require at least one league to surrender places, a compromise that has historically proven difficult — particularly given the need for unanimous approval among stakeholders.

The Irish provinces, in particular, have previously been resistant to formats that limit representation, and that unanimity requirement remains the single biggest obstacle to reform.

EPCR maintains that it is open to dialogue. A spokesperson pointed to ongoing work by its sporting and tournaments committee, which includes representatives from all three leagues, and said the organisation remains willing to assess improvements that benefit players, supporters and the wider game.

Broadcasting remains the most immediate barrier to change. EPCR’s current television agreement with Premier Sports runs until the end of the 2026–27 season, and any significant reduction in fixtures would require broadcaster approval. However, the wider media landscape is also shifting — particularly in Ireland.

At present, there is no free-to-air television coverage of European club rugby in Ireland, with RTÉ having completely withdrawn from broadcasting club competitions. That absence has significantly reduced the competition’s reach beyond core supporters. Advocates of reform believe a streamlined, high-stakes tournament could reignite interest from free-to-air broadcasters, with RTÉ potentially tempted back by a revitalised Champions Cup featuring fewer teams, clearer storylines and marquee knockout fixtures.

Looking further ahead, the renewal of European broadcast rights from 2027 onwards may offer the clearest window for change. TNT Sports, already the lead broadcaster for the Premiership, could consider re-entering the European rugby market — particularly if it allows English domestic rugby to sit on one platform in the post-2027 World Cup cycle.

Complicating matters further is the introduction of the Rugby World Club Cup, scheduled to launch in 2028 under EPCR’s management. That competition is set to replace the latter stages of the Champions Cup every four years, adding another layer to an already crowded calendar.

For now, momentum is building behind the scenes. Whether it results in real structural change will depend on politics, broadcast negotiations and a collective acceptance that prestige, reach and free-to-air exposure — not volume — may be key to securing the Champions Cup’s long-term future.

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Bundee Aki has not travelled with the Ireland men’s senior squad to Portugal as the IRFU continues an internal investigation into a disciplinary issue involving the Connacht centre.

The IRFU confirmed on Wednesday that Aki’s omission is for disciplinary reasons, following a misconduct complaint raised after Connacht’s recent URC fixture at Dexcom Stadium in Galway. The complaint relates to alleged interactions with match officials, which are currently being examined under the United Rugby Championship’s disciplinary regulations.

In a statement, the IRFU said it “does not tolerate any form of disrespect shown towards match officials” and reiterated that behaviour falling below the standards expected of players representing Irish rugby will not be condoned. The governing body added that the matter is being investigated internally and that no further comment will be made at this time.

Ulster centre Jude Postlethwaite, who is uncapped at senior international level, has been called into the squad as Aki’s replacement.

Separately, Aki is due to appear before an Independent Disciplinary Committee in relation to the URC complaint. The hearing will consider whether his conduct breached league rules on misconduct, with a decision expected following that process.

Beyond the immediate disciplinary issue, the situation also arrives at a significant point in Aki’s career. The Connacht centre turns 36 in April and is out of central contract with the IRFU at the end of the current season, leaving his long-term future uncertain.

While Aki has been a hugely influential figure for both Connacht and Ireland, competition in the centre has intensified and his role is no longer guaranteed. Younger options are emerging at both provincial and international level, and his minutes are being managed more carefully than in previous seasons.

That context makes Connacht’s next move particularly interesting. Retaining Aki would provide experience, leadership and continuity, but the province must also balance age profile, budget constraints and succession planning. At 36, and no longer a definite starter, any new deal is likely to reflect a more transitional role.

For now, the focus remains on the outcome of the disciplinary process and the IRFU’s internal review. Once those matters conclude, attention will turn to whether Bundee Aki’s time in Galway extends beyond this season — or whether Connacht begin to turn the page on one of the most significant players in their professional history.

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