TV coverage in Ireland

The game, which will mark the first Super Bowl since the 1970 merger between teams that each ranked in the top four in scoring offense and scoring defence during the regular season, will be live on Virgin Media (11pm), Sky Sports NFL (10pm), Channel 5 and DAZN.

The Patriots, who ended the season 17-3, make their 12th Super Bowl appearance, the most among all teams.

Tonight, New England can become the first team to win seven Super Bowls and surpass San Francisco (40 wins) for the most postseason wins by a franchise in NFL history.

Seahawks bid for second Super Bowl win

The Seahawks, with a 16-3 season record, will appear in the Super Bowl for the fourth time, and can secure the second Super Bowl victory in franchise history, previously winning Super Bowl XLVIII following the 2013 season, when they defeated the Denver Broncos 43-8.

New England and Seattle are the 10th pair of teams to meet in multiple Super Bowls, previously facing off in Super Bowl XLIX in Arizona following the 2014 season, with the Patriots winning 28-24 on that occasion.

The Head Coaches: Vrabel v Macdonald

Mike Vrabel, in his first season as the Patriots head coach, can become the first head coach to win 18 games, including the playoffs, in his first season with a team in NFL history. He can also become the fifth person in NFL history to win the Super Bowl as both a player and a head coach, joining Mike Ditka, Tony Dungy and Tom Flores as well as Doug Pederson. As a player, Vrabel won three Super Bowls (XXXVI, XXXVIII and XXXIX) with New England.

The Seahawks head coach, Mike Macdonald, can become the third-youngest head coach, at 38 years and 227 days, to win the Super Bowl if successful tonight.

The Quarterbacks: Maye v Darnold

New England quarterback Drake Maye can become the youngest starting quarterback ever to win a Super Bowl. He can also become the fifth quarterback to win the Super Bowl in his first or second season.

Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold aims to become the fourth quarterback to win the Super Bowl in his first season with a team, joining Tom Brady (Super Bowl LV with Tampa Bay), Trent Dilfer (Super Bowl XXXV with Baltimore) and Matthew Stafford (Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams).

Players to watch

Seattle wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba can become the fourth player (fifth occurrence) to lead the NFL in receiving yards during the regular season and win the Super Bowl in the same year. If he achieves the feat, he will join Drew Pearson (1977) and Jerry Rice (1989 and 1994) and Cooper Kupp (2021).

Including the postseason, Smith-Njigba has 1,965 receiving yards – the most receiving yards by a player under the age of 24 in NFL history – and can become the third player ever with at least 2,000 receiving yards in a season, including the playoffs. He can also become the second player with 90-or-more receiving yards in 15 games in a season, including the playoffs.

Seattle wide receiver Cooper Kupp, who was named Super Bowl LVI Most Valuable Player with the Los Angeles Rams, can become the eighth wide receiver to be on the active roster and win the Super Bowl with two different teams.

Seattle linebacker DeMarcus Lawrence, who has a sack and forced fumble in both Seahawks wins this postseason, can become the first player since 2000 with a sack and forced fumble in three consecutive playoff games within the same postseason.

Consecutive Super Bowl wins for Milton Williams?

New England defensive tackle Milton Williams, who won Super Bowl LIX last season with Philadelphia, can become the sixth player to be on the active roster and win the Super Bowl in consecutive seasons with different teams.

If successful, he will join LeGarrette Blount (2016 with New England, 2017 with Philadelphia), Chris Long (2016 with New England, 2017 with Philadelphia), LeSean McCoy (2019 with Kansas City, 2020 with Tampa Bay), Ken Norton (1993 with Dallas, 1994 with San Francisco) and Deion Sanders (1994 with San Francisco, 1995 with Dallas).

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Dubliner Comerford launched Team Ireland’s Olympic campaign on Saturday as he became Ireland’s 34th Winter Olympian, while Maloney Westgård finished his first race of three on Sunday.

Cormac Comerford competed in the Men’s Downhill on the iconic Stelvio Slope, with the  Alpine skier recording a time of 2:04.40 to finish 34th. 

A time of 2:04.40 for @cormaccomerford in the men’s alpine skiing downhill #rtesport #TeamIreland #MilanoCortina2026 pic.twitter.com/S2RsJCq6gR

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) February 7, 2026

The Glenageary skier was the final athlete to start in the downhill field. Starting last brought added pressure, with the track heavily worn by the time Comerford pushed out of the gate, but he successfully negotiated the course to bring his Olympic debut safely to the finish.

Olympic debut

Commenting on his Winter Olympics debut, the 29-year-old said:

“It’s an incredible feeling to make my Olympic debut today in this weather, on this slope. To bring it down Stelvio is a huge achievement, coming from the artificial slope back home. There’s a huge sense of pride. I made a few mistakes in the run, it felt smoother in training, but that’s racing and I’m really proud to have brought it down.”

Really challenging course

Olympic veteran Norwegian-born Thomas Maloney Westgård finished his first race of three with a 35th place in the Men’s 10km + 10km Skiathlon in a time of 49.24.6.

Competition took place in relatively mild conditions creating a tough course for the athletes in the event which involves skiers competing 10km using classic skis before transitioning to a 10km free skating finish. Wearing bib 36 off the start, in what is his least preferred discipline, Maloney Westgård stuck with the opening hectic pace.

Speaking afterwards, the thirty-year-old three-time Olympian said:

“That was a tough one. Soft conditions and quite icy and tricky in the downhills and crusty corners. So it was a really challenging course for sure. Just like it should be in the Olympics. I was a bit anxious on some of the downhill. So, yeah, I’m happy to have started the Olympics.”

Back in action on February 11th

The next competition for Team Ireland is the Men’s Super-G in Alpine Skiing, with Cormac Comerford racing in his second event on the 11 February in Bormio. Following that action, attention moves back to Predazzo, when Thomas Maloney Westgård switches his focus to the 10km Free.

The post Cormac Comerford and Thomas Maloney Westgård in Olympic Winter Games action appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Four tries and three conversions for the visiting side were followed by a further four successfully converted five-pointers in the second 40 minutes. The hosts only managed two converted tries in the opening period and failed to trouble the score board in the second half.

First score of the game

The visitors went into an early lead through an Ethan Roots try. The England ‘A’ captain’s effort was converted by Leicester Tigers’ Billy Searle.

@EnglandRugby A strike first!@ExeterChiefs‘ Ethan Roots with the opening try of the game in Limerick pic.twitter.com/Cc0pq6I8Ec

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) February 6, 2026

Searle soon crossed himself for a try pushing the English into a 12-0 advantage – as he missed the conversion.

Ireland got on the scoresheet through Munster’s Brian Gleeson. The number eight’s score was added to by Ciarán Frawley as he successfully converted to reduce the deficit to 5-12.

Brian Gleeson gets @IrishRugby XV’s first points of the game

The @Munsterrugby man reduces the deficit against England A in Thomond Park pic.twitter.com/OSEXqMjSqy

— Premier Sports Ireland (@PremSportsIRL) February 6, 2026

The visitors dominated the scoring for most of the following twenty minutes – in the process scoring two converted tries.

Two more tries for the visitors

Ollie Hassell-Collins joined his Leicester Tigers’ teammate Searle on the scoring charts as he touched down for his side’s third five-pointer of the night. Searle missed his second conversion effort of the night – this one from a more difficult angle than the previously one he had missed.

Harry Randall claimed the fourth England ‘A’ try of the fixture, before Searle converted to move the visiting side into a 24-7 lead.

Kenny try before half-time

Shortly before half-time Ireland XV struck back. The fast-reacting Joshua Kenny picked up the ball and raced to touch down – much to the delight, and relief of the home fans.

Joshua Kenny for @IrishRugby XV!

The final try of the first half belongs to one of @leinsterrugby‘s hottest prospects pic.twitter.com/4ynDgTJB86

— Premier Sports Ireland (@PremSportsIRL) February 6, 2026

With an easy tap-over for Ciarán Frawley, the UCD man kept Cullie Tucker’s side in the game, as they headed for the tunnel at half-time 14-24 behind England ‘A’.

Half-time score: Ireland XV 14 England ‘A’ 24

Within minutes of the restart Fineen Wycherley was sin-binned. With a one-man advantage, England ‘A’ pressured the home side’s line, before Geaorge Kloska crashed over for a try.

Searle’s conversion effort was again successful, as he moved his side to a 31-14 lead.

Ollie Hassell-Collins claimed his second try of the evening, while Wycherley was still in the sin bin. Searle again added the extras as England ‘A’ moved 38-14 ahead.

“That’s what they can do!” @LeicesterTigers‘ Ollie Hassell-Collins scores as @EnglandRugby A’s dominance continues pic.twitter.com/agGEjlfR8t

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) February 6, 2026

The England ‘A’ side dominated from then onwards, with winger Cadan Murley of Harlequins getting in on the try-scoring action. Roots scored his second try and with Searle converting the former’s try and Charlie Atkinson the latter, England ‘A’ ran out 14-52 victors.

Full-time score: Ireland XV 14 England ‘A’ 52

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Irish competitors will compete in events across four competition clusters in northern Italy.

Team Ireland combining emerging talent and established experience, with three first-time Olympians and one athlete competing in his third Olympic Games.

Irish athletes will compete in Alpine Skiing, Freestyle Skiing and Cross Country Skiing.

Meet Team Ireland

Anabelle Zurbay 

Anabelle will compete in Alpine Skiing, specifically focusing on the technical events – Slalom and Giant Slalom, the latter being her favoured event. The Colorado-based athlete is not only the youngest member of the team; she is also the youngest Irish athlete to ever compete in Alpine Skiing at the Olympics, and she turned 17 last December. Zurbay’s family, via her maternal grandmother, comes from Rosemount, outside Moate. Anabelle, also known as Annie, will be competing in the Cortina cluster.

Ben Lynch 

Ben will compete in the Freestyle Skiing Halfpipe event. The Dublin-born skier moved to Vancouver, Canada, with his family when he was three, where he discovered skiing. Despite his family mostly being successful rowers, Ben enjoyed the freedom of skiing, and specifically the expressive element of freestyle disciplines. He is a first-time Olympian and will be based in Livigno for the duration of the Games.

Cormac Comerford 

Cormac will compete in Alpine Skiing, with the Slalom being his favourite discipline. The Dublin skier first learnt his love for skiing at the Kilternan dry slopes, and is also competing in his first Olympic Games. Working as a Mechanical Engineer in the off-season, Cormac spends most of the winter travelling Europe, training and competing. He will be competing in the Bormio cluster.

Thomas Maloney Westgård 

Thomas is the veteran of the team, and is set to compete in his third Olympic Games, when he will become only the second man to ever compete in three winter games. He competes in the Cross Country events, with the 50km race his favourite discipline. Thomas was born in a small island called Leka in Norway to a Galway mother and Norwegian father, and following a hugely successful few seasons, he competes for professional team Team Aker Dæhlie. Thomas will be competing in Predazzo, in the Val di Fiemme cluster.

Team Ireland Schedule

Saturday 7 February: Cormac Comerford – Downhill (Alpine Skiing), Bormio; RTÉ Player, 11.20am to 12.55pm

Sunday 8 February: Thomas Maloney Westgård – 10km + 10km Skiathlon (Cross Country), Predazzo; RTÉ Player, 11.20am to 12.55pm

Wednesday 11 February: Cormac Comerford – Super-G (Alpine Skiing), Bormio; RTÉ Player, 10.20am to 12.45pm

Friday 13 February: Thomas Maloney Westgård – 10km Free (Cross Country), Predazzo; RTÉ Player, 10.35am to 12.45pm

Saturday 14 February: Cormac Comerford – Giant Slalom Run 1 & 2 (Alpine Skiing), Bormio; RTÉ Player, 8.50am to 11.05am, 12.20pm to 2.10pm

Sunday 15 February: Anabelle Zurbay – Giant Slalom Run 1 & 2 (Alpine Skiing), Cortina; RTÉ Player, 8.50am to 11.05am, 12.20pm to 2.10pm

Monday 16 February: Cormac Comerford – Slalom Run 1 & 2 (Alpine Skiing), Bormio; RTÉ Player, 8.50am to 11.05am, 12.20pm to 2.10pm

Wednesday 18 February: Anabelle Zurbay – Slalom Run 1 & 2 (Alpine Skiing), Cortina; RTÉ Player, 8.50am to 11.05am, 12.20pm to 2.10pm

Thursday 19 February: Ben Lynch – Halfpipe Qualification (Freestyle Skiing), Livigno; RTÉ Player, 9.25am to 11.30am

Friday 20 February: Ben Lynch – Halfpipe Final (Freestyle Skiing), Livigno; RTÉ Player, 9.25am to 11.30am

Saturday 21 February: Thomas Maloney Westgård – 50km Classic (Cross Country), Predazzo; RTÉ Player, 9.50am to 1pm

Sunday 22 February: Closing Ceremony – Verona (All athletes); RTÉ Player, 6.45pm to 10pm.

The post 4-member Team Ireland to compete at Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The three-time Major winner will become the 50th player in Tour history to reach that milestone, more than 30 years after making his debut at the 1995 Smurfit European Open.

Illustrious career

Harrington has won 43 professional titles in his illustrious career – 15 of which have come on the DP World Tour – and he has represented Europe six times in the Ryder Cup.

The Irish golfer has become prolific on the over-50s circuit, winning 11 times on the PGA TOUR Champions, and is the reigning U.S. Senior Open and ISPS HANDA Senior Open champion.

Commenting ahead of this week’s tournament, Pádraig Harrington said:

“I’m delighted to be back in Doha for the first time since 2003. It’s nice to come back to a venue you haven’t been for a long time to see the difference and what a great golf course it is. It’s in phenomenal condition and it’s a joy to be back. It’s amazing to see how much the course has changed and they’re putting back tees on nearly every hole which kind of suits it because the rough is heavy, the greens are firm and it’s a nice challenge.

Nice to get to 500

Discussing his DP World Tour achievement of 500 appearances, the Dubliner stated:

“500 appearances isn’t something you envisage or plan for but it’s nice to get there. I’ve probably played close to 800 tournaments in my 30-year professional career. I started a bit later than most people because I didn’t turn pro until I was 24. I’m happy to be out here playing on the DP World Tour and I’m still enjoying it.

“I couldn’t have dreamt of the career that I’ve had. I’m quite an optimist and that’s what I love about golf it always gives you that hope that you’re going to find the secret and I’m still doing that today.

Still loves the game

“I still have a pure love for the game. I’m fascinated by it, I enjoy it, I love coaching and thinking about the game. 20 years ago we pretended we weren’t golf nerds but I’m as biggest a golf nerd as you can get. I’m here now to try and be competitive and I know the only way I can do that is to enjoy it.”

.@padraig_h gets his 500th appearance underway #QatarMasters pic.twitter.com/iS1sjyn6bQ

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) February 5, 2026

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Head Coach Cullie Tucker has named the Ireland XV Match Day Squad for Friday night’s clash against England ‘A’ at Thomond Park.

Leinster’s Max Deegan will captain the side as one of six senior capped Test internationals in the starting team.

Shane Daly, James Hume and Ciaran Frawley all add international experience to the backline, while Deegan, Gus McCarthy and Fineen Wycherley are named in the pack.

Daly, Zac Ward and Joshua Kenny start in Ireland XV’s back three, with Hume joined by Dan Kelly in midfield. There is an all Leinster half-back pairing as Fintan Gunne starts at scrum-half alongside Frawley at out-half.

In the pack, Billy Bohan, McCarthy and Scott Wilson are in the front row, while Charlie Irvine and Wycherley start in the engine room.

Deegan leads the side from blindside flanker and is joined in the back row by Bryn Ward at openside and Brian Gleeson at number eight.

On the bench, Diarmuid Barron, Sam Crean, Jack Aungier, Harry Sheridan, Paul Boyle and Sean Jansen provide the forward replacements, while backs Matthew Devine and Cathal Forde complete the Match Day Squad.

Friday’s match, which kicks off at 7.15pm, is live on Premier Sports.

Ireland XV (Club/Province/Test caps)

15. Shane Daly (Cork Constitution/Munster)(2)
14. Joshua Kenny (Terenure/Leinster)
13. James Hume (Banbridge/Ulster)(3)
12. Dan Kelly (Munster)
11. Zac Ward (Ballynahinch/Ulster)
10. Ciaran Frawley (UCD/Leinster)(9)
9. Fintan Gunne (Terenure/Leinster)

1. Billy Bohan (Corinthians/Connacht)
2. Gus McCarthy (UCD/Leinster)(7)
3. Scott Wilson (Queen’s University Belfast/Ulster)
4. Charlie Irvine (Queen’s University/Ulster)
5. Fineen Wycherley (Young Munster/Munster)(1)
6. Max Deegan (Lansdowne/Leinster)(4)(captain)
7. Bryn Ward (Ballynahinch/Ulster)
8. Brian Gleeson (Garryowen/Munster)

Replacements:

16. Diarmuid Barron (Garryowen/Munster)
17. Sam Crean (Ulster)
18. Jack Aungier (Clontarf/Connacht)(1)
19. Harry Sheridan (Dublin University/Ulster)
20. Paul Boyle (Buccaneers/Connacht)(1)
21. Matthew Devine (Corinthians/Connacht)
22. Cathal Forde (Corinthians/Connacht)
23. Seán Jansen (Connacht).

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Despite only three runners in the two-mile contest, it had a thrilling finish, with the Gordon Elliott-trained favourite just holding off Kargese (2/1) from the Willie Mullins yard.

Kargese, under Paul Townend, took the field around and was gaining at her jumps, with Romeo Coolio losing some lengths.

4-9F Romeo Coolio, for Jack Kennedy and Gordon Eliott, just held on at the line to repel a renewed effort from Kargese in the Goffs Irish Arkle@LeopardstownRC #DublinRacingFestival #rtesport
@rte2 & @rteplayer pic.twitter.com/4yiwTuCZ7H

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) February 2, 2026

The mare led into the home straight and it looked as though she was on her way to victory, as the Jack Kennedy-ridden favourite seemed to be struggling.

Romeo Coolio soon fought back, and took the lead, but the mare was not going to go down without a fight and battled all the way to the line, being denied by a neck at the winning post.

The outsider, Downmexicoway (22/1), under Seán O’Keeffe, was third all the way around and collected €15,000 for completing the course.

Jack Kennedy, Gordon Elliott and the winning connection react to Romeo Coolio's 'gutsy' victory in the Goffs Irish Arkle@LeopardstownRC #DublinRacingFestival #rtesport
@rte2 & @rteplayer pic.twitter.com/nnraYjmlam

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) February 2, 2026

The post Romeo Coolio holds off Kargese in Goffs Arkle Chase appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Doctor Steinberg gives Mullins opening Grade 1 success

The opening Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle got favourite backers off to a successful start as the even-money market leader, Doctor Steinberg, powered to an eight-length victory.

Ridden by Paul Townend, the six-year-old chestnut son of Doctor Dino asserted approaching the final flight of hurdles as the runner-up Kazansky failed to make an impression in the final furlong.

The second, ridden by Jack Kennedy for trainer Gordon Elliott, had a further six lengths to space over Love Me Tender, from the same yard as the winner, back in third.

Doctor Steinberg stayed superbly to land the Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown.

Good start to the day for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend returning as 7/4f

Watch live now on @rte2 and @rteplayer https://t.co/b2OI4OoWVJ pic.twitter.com/LniOLJ8wrs

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) February 2, 2026

Narcisco Has takes Grade 1 Juvenile Hurdle

Willie Mullins quickly doubled up in the second Grade 1 of the afternoon, the Gannon’s City Recovery & Recycling Services Juvenile Hurdle over two miles.

On paper, it looked like a rematch between Narcisco Has and Mange Tout, and much of the contest it looked like being so.

With Mark Walsh on the race favourite, Narcisco Has (evens favourite), the JP McManus-retained rider lead the field for most of the journey.

Jack Kennedy and Mange Tout, from the Gordon Elliot stable, remained prominent, while the eventual runner-up Selma De Vary (17/2) watched the action from towards the back of the pack.

With Narcisco Has asserting before the last hurdle, Selma De Very went second, while Mange Tout began to fade slightly.

The French-bred Narcisco Has stayed on strongly in the run in to claim the win from the Rich Ricci-owned Selma De Vary, with Mange Tout (15/8) crossing the line third.

Narciso Has (Evens) toughs it out in front in the Gannon's City Recovery & Recycling Services Juvenile Hurdle to make it two from two for Willie Mullins. Mark Walsh in the saddle.

Watch live now on @rte2 and @rteplayer https://t.co/b2OI4OoWVJ pic.twitter.com/mi7Y1EotQz

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) February 2, 2026

Romeo Coolio holds off Kargese in Arkle thriller

The post Willie Mullins wins opening two Grade 1s at Leopardstown appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Trained by Gordon Elliott, the Gigginstown House-owned seven-year-old daughter of Kapgarde tracked the race leader, El Fabiolo, for most of the race.

The Jack Kennedy-ridden Brighterdayshead then took the lead two furlongs from home. She was soon followed by odds-on favourite Lossiemouth, who had been in third position throughout.

Brighterdaysahead began to exert her dominance as she soon powered clear on entering the home straight.

Paul Townend was showing worrying signs on the Willie Mullins-handled Lossiemouth but kept on one-paced and failed to land a blow on the winner.

BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD

The Irish Champion Hurdle goes the way of @gelliott_racing and @jackkennedy15.#DRF pic.twitter.com/VETq91vWqD

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) February 1, 2026

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Kaid D’authie wins Novice Chase

The French-bred Kaid D’authie took the Ladbrokes Novice Chase before Majborough completed the double an hour later in the Ladbrokes Dublin Chase.

Kaid D’authie, winner of a beginners’ chase at Fairyhouse on New Years Day, stepped up to the highest level this afternoon to run out a four and a quarter length victor over Western Fold, with Final Demand a disappointing eight lengths further back in third.

The winner was positioned in second throughout most of the contest before taking the lead three out. The six-year-old gelded son of Choeur Du Nord was briefly challenged by the eventual runner-up, Western Fold, inside the final furlong. He stayed on well as the Gordon Elliott challenger ran on one-paced.

The disappointment of the race was the 30/100 favourite, Final Demand, the mount of Paul Townend. The Willie Mullins-handled son of Walk In The Park made no impression in the closing stages and was a well-beaten third.

The NEW kid on the block

Kaid d’Authie is much too good for his rivals in the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Novice Chase for Willie Mullins and Mark Walsh.

Final Demand trails in last of the finishers #DRF | @LeopardstownRC pic.twitter.com/6huUeQpWrV

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) February 1, 2026

Magical Majborough

Majborough (2/1) dominated the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Dublin Chase over two miles and one furlong as he completed the Walsh. McManus, Mullins Grade 1 double success.

Prominent from flag fall, the French-bred six-year-old son of Martinborough jumped well throughout the race before progressing clear two out.

The market leader Marine Nationale (5/4 favourite) chased the winner in vain in the home straight, but could not match the power and accuracy of the winner.

Majborough was a highly impressive 19-length winner, with the Barry Connell-trained Marine Nationale taking second by a head from Found A Fifty (10/1), ridden by Jack Kennedy.

Full replay and reaction: Willie Mullins hails Majborough as poetry in motion @LeopardstownRC | @Race_iQ

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) February 1, 2026

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