It was an 18th success in the premier Irish classic for Aidan O’Brien, who also trained the runner-up and third placed horse.

The winner, who was declared a non-runner in the Betfred Epsom Derby at the beginning of the month, ran out a one-and-three-quarter length winner over the Epsom victor, Christmas Day (4/1), who, as in the English classic, was ridden by Ronan Whelan.

Pierre Bonnard (9/1), in the hands of Wayne Lordan, came home third, a neck behind the runner-up.

”If there was any weakness in his armour, it was going to be exposed.”

The master of @Ballydoyle reveals he was by no means convinced that Benvenuto Cellini had a Derby-winning performance in him after what happened at Epsom. pic.twitter.com/qobUubcqMs

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) June 28, 2026

In ensured a 1-2-3 for owners Coolmore who were responsible for four of the runners in the eight-horse field.

The post Benvenuto Cellini Wins Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The competition in the International Ring, and the final qualifying opportunity for the AON Grand Prix, saw 63 horse-and-rider combinations take on the challenge of the Canadian Utilities Cup 1.55m.

A fault-free round while staying within the 80-second time allowed was required to reach the jump-off round.

On a course designed by FEI Course Designer Anderson Lima of Mexico, 13 combinations secured their spot in the shortened jump-off.

Fast clear gives Farrel and Coyle the win

Daniel Coyle demonstrated exactly why he is considered one of the world’s top show jumpers. Aboard Farrel, Coyle delivered a spectacular jump-off performance, stopping the clock in a blistering 40.64 seconds while leaving all the rails in place.

His winning time proved more than one second faster than second-place finishers Lillie Keenan (USA) and Kick On.

Coyle’s fellow Irishman Conor Swail and Clonterm Obolensky rounded out the podium in third.

With another international victory added to his impressive resume, Coyle and Farrel once again showcased the speed, precision, and partnership required to succeed at the highest level of the sport.

“This arena and this place is very unique”

On returning to Spruce Meadows in 2026, Coyle admitted:

“I could go on for days about what I love about Spruce Meadows, but everybody kind of knows that now. The biggest thing for me here is that I get to know my horses even better, my younger ones especially, and my older horses that I know so well.”

“This arena and this place is very unique and you don’t just ride like you ride everywhere else, it’s two gears faster and the jumps are twice as long as they are anywhere else.”

Top 10 Canadian Utilities Cup 1.55m

1. Daniel Coyle (IRL) & Farrel
2. Lillie Keenan (USA) & Kick On
3. Conor Swail (IRL) & Clonterm Obolensky
4. Lillie Keenan (USA) & Anton
5. Gabriel de Matos Machado (BRA) & Legaland Sandro
6. Conor Swail (IRL) & Casturano
7. Hilary Scott (AUS) & Lola
8. Mark Bluman (COL) & Genial de B’Neville
9. Vaclav Sanek (CZE) & Quintin
10. Katie Laurie (NZL) & ZF Chacco Rio

The post Daniel Coyle & Farrel capture Canadian Utilities Cup at Spruce Meadows appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The reigning World Champion produced an authoritative performance as she lead the field through the halfway mark.

She soon became locked in a battle with Briton Lauren Henry.

The Irish rower fought all the way to the finish, showing remarkable composure under pressure to secure the silver medal as Henry claimed the gold medal.

The fast-finishing Tara Rigney took bronze for Australia.

A-FINAL : Women’s Single Sculls

Lauren Henry, Great Britain
Fiona Murtagh, Ireland
Tara Rigney, Australia #WRCLucerne #WorldRowingCup pic.twitter.com/pGezHVZXTm

— World Rowing (@WorldRowing) June 28, 2026

The Irish teams ends the weekend at Lucerne with silver for Murtagh as well as a bronze from Saturday’s action for Izzy Clements, with representatives having reached three A Finals and placed every crew into finals racing.

The post Silver for Fiona Murtagh in Women’s Single Sculls A Final at Lucerne appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Mexico’s Kenia Lechuga Alanís, winner of the opening World Cup in Seville, led from the first strokes in her pink boat and was never challenged for gold.

A-FINAL : Lightweight Women’s Single Sculls

Kenia Lechuga Alanis, Mexico
Femke Van De Vliet, Netherlands
Isobel Clements, Ireland #WRCLucerne #WorldRowingCup pic.twitter.com/oihgYvy6ty

— World Rowing (@WorldRowing) June 27, 2026

Behind her, Clements held second place for much of the 2,000 metres. She rowed with assurance as the field stretched behind the dominant Mexican leader.

In the closing metres, however, the Netherlands’ Van Vliet edged into silver, leaving the Irish sculler with bronze and Ireland’s first podium finish of the regatta.

The post Bronze for Izzy Clements at World Rowing Cup in Lucerne appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Match Details

• Fixture: Dublin v Galway
• Competition: All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Quarter-Final
• Venue: Croke Park
• Date: Sunday
• Live on: RTÉ

Team News

Championship So Far

Dublin

• Dublin 2-16 Wicklow 2-14
• Dublin 0-20 Louth 0-10
• Westmeath 2-28 Dublin 0-26 (after extra-time)
• Louth 4-18 Dublin 1-24
• Dublin 1-24 Cavan 0-16
• Dublin 2-26 Donegal 2-22 (after extra-time)

Galway

• Galway 1-20 Leitrim 2-12
• Roscommon 3-21 Galway 2-22
• Galway 3-21 Kildare 0-17
• Galway 3-21 Westmeath 2-21

Recent Championship Meetings

• 2025: Dublin 1-18 Galway 2-14
• 2024: Galway 0-17 Dublin 0-16
• 2018: Dublin 1-24 Galway 2-12
• 1983: Dublin 1-10 Galway 1-8
• 1976: Dublin 1-8 Galway 0-8

Head-to-Head

Key Statistics

• Galway defeated Dublin 0-20 to 1-15 in Round 7 of the Allianz Football League this season.
• Galway have scored 3-21 in three of their four championship games this year.
• Roscommon also scored 3-21 against Galway in the Connacht Final.
• Dublin have scored six goals and conceded ten in six championship matches.
• Galway have scored nine goals and conceded seven in four championship games.
• Ger Brennan is leading Dublin into an All-Ireland quarter-final for the first time in his debut season as manager.
• Páraic Joyce reaches his third All-Ireland quarter-final as Galway manager, having previously beaten Armagh in 2022 and Dublin in 2024.

League and Championship Record in 2026

• Dublin: Played 13, Won 6, Lost 7.
• Galway: Played 11, Won 6, Drew 2, Lost 3.

Prediction

The post Dublin v Galway Preview: All-Ireland SFC Quarter-Final – History, Form, Team News and Prediction appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Ireland begin their 2026 World Rugby Under-20 Championship campaign on Saturday with a huge Pool C clash against England at the Avchala Stadium in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Kick-off is at 12.30pm Irish time, with the game shown live on Premier Sports and RugbyPass TV.

This is a repeat of one of Ireland’s standout results from the Under-20 Six Nations, when Andrew Browne’s side defeated England 31-21. However, there have been several important changes since that meeting, and both teams arrive in Georgia with fresh selection calls, new combinations and plenty to prove.

England Favourites Despite Six Nations Defeat

England come into the game as bookmakers’ favourites, priced at 4/11, while Ireland are available at 2/1. The handicap has England at -7.5, suggesting the market expects a competitive contest but gives England the edge.

That price is understandable given England’s depth and physical power, but Ireland will not lack belief. They have already beaten this opposition this year and will know that another strong performance could give them the perfect start to their World Championship campaign.

Big Call As Charlie O’Shea Starts At Ten

The major talking point in the Ireland selection is at out-half, where Charlie O’Shea has been handed the number 10 jersey.

O’Shea was used from the bench throughout the Under-20 Six Nations, but Browne has now trusted him to run the Irish attack from the start. It is a big opportunity for the Munster playmaker and one of the most interesting selection decisions of the opening round.

The surprise is that Tom Wood drops to the bench. Wood impressed during the Six Nations and many would have expected him to continue as Ireland’s starting out-half. His ability to cover multiple roles still makes him a major weapon later in the game, but his omission from the starting XV is certainly a bold call.

O’Shea partners fellow Munster player Christopher Barrett in the half-backs, giving Ireland an all-Cork pairing at nine and ten.

Noah Byrne One To Watch

One player Irish supporters should keep a close eye on is Noah Byrne.

The former Dublin minor footballer starts at full-back after impressing throughout the Under-20 Six Nations, where he established himself as one of Ireland’s standout performers. Byrne’s GAA background is clear in his aerial ability, sharp reading of the game and confidence when attacking space.

England are likely to test Ireland’s back three with a strong kicking game, but Byrne has the pace and composure to turn pressure into opportunity. If Ireland can give him broken-field ball, he could be one of their most dangerous attacking outlets.

Ireland Pack Has Power And Continuity

Ireland captain Sami Bishti leads the side from tighthead prop and packs down alongside Max Doyle and Rian Handley in the front row.

Donnacha McGuire and Dylan McNeice form the second-row partnership, while the back row of Josh Neill, Ben Blaney and Connacht’s Diarmaid O’Connell gives Ireland a strong blend of physicality, work rate and ball-carrying threat.

O’Connell’s battle with England captain Connor Treacey at number eight could be one of the defining contests of the game.

England Make Changes From Six Nations Meeting

England have also made notable changes from the side beaten by Ireland earlier this year.

Alan Poku, Zac Finch and Hugh Shields all earn their first Under-20 caps, with Shields starting at out-half. That means Finn Keylock, who featured prominently during the Six Nations, is named on the bench.

England still have plenty of experience across the side. Scrum-half Lucas Friday starts at nine, Nick Lilley brings considerable Under-20 experience in midfield, and captain Connor Treacey leads from number eight.

Their bench also has impact, with Keylock, George Pearson and Jack Lewis among those who could influence the second half.

Key Battles

Charlie O’Shea v Hugh Shields

Both out-halves have something to prove. O’Shea gets his chance after spending the Six Nations on the bench, while Shields makes his Under-20 debut for England. Game management, territory and goal-kicking could decide the match.

Diarmaid O’Connell v Connor Treacey

Ireland’s Connacht number eight faces England’s captain in a major physical battle. Whoever wins the gain line here gives their side a huge platform.

Noah Byrne v England’s Kicking Game

Byrne’s composure under the high ball and ability to counter-attack could be vital. If England kick loosely, Ireland have a player capable of punishing them.

Ireland U20 Team

15. Noah Byrne, 14. Charlie Molony, 13. Rob Carney, 12. James O’Leary, 11. Daniel Ryan, 10. Charlie O’Shea, 9. Christopher Barrett.

1. Max Doyle, 2. Rian Handley, 3. Sami Bishti capt, 4. Donnacha McGuire, 5. Dylan McNeice, 6. Josh Neill, 7. Ben Blaney, 8. Diarmaid O’Connell.

Replacements: Duinn Maguire, Adam Cooper, Jamie Conway, Paddy Woods, Alex Lautsou, James O’Dwyer, Tom Wood, Jack Deegan.

Prediction

England deserve respect as favourites, but Ireland have already shown they can beat this side. The Six Nations win will give Browne’s players real confidence, though England’s changes and physical depth make this a serious challenge.

The selection of Charlie O’Shea at ten is a brave call, while the impact of Tom Wood from the bench could be crucial in the final quarter. If Ireland can match England physically and get Noah Byrne involved from full-back, they have every chance of making a winning start.

Prediction: England U20 24-24 Ireland U20.

Match Details

Fixture: England U20 v Ireland U20
Competition: World Rugby Under-20 Championship, Pool C
Venue: Avchala Stadium, Tbilisi, Georgia
Date: Saturday
Kick-off: 12.30pm Irish time
TV/Stream: Premier Sports and RugbyPass TV

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The reasons behind this phenomenon go far beyond the sport itself. International tournaments combine national identity, emotional storytelling, limited-time urgency, and massive media coverage, creating a unique environment where casual viewers become deeply invested. Fans who may not follow a sport regularly often return during major tournaments because the stakes feel larger and the narratives become impossible to ignore.

The Power of National Identity

One of the strongest drivers of engagement is national representation. When athletes compete for their country, fans experience a collective sense of pride that is different from club-level support.

People who support different domestic teams may unite behind the same national side, creating a broader and more emotionally charged audience. This shared identity often leads to increased viewership, public celebrations, and widespread discussion both online and offline.

Major tournaments also become cultural events. Schools, workplaces, and communities frequently organize viewing activities, while social media platforms fill with reactions, predictions, and highlights. The competition becomes part of the national conversation, extending its reach far beyond traditional sports audiences.

Scarcity Creates Excitement

Another important factor is scarcity. Most international tournaments occur only every few years, making each edition feel special.

Unlike domestic leagues that run annually over many months, tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup or the Olympic Games offer a limited window of opportunity. Fans know that certain matchups may not happen again for years, which increases anticipation and emotional investment.

This scarcity effect encourages viewers to watch live rather than wait for highlights. Missing a historic moment can feel significant, especially when millions of people are experiencing it simultaneously.

Modern fan engagement is no longer limited to watching matches on television. Digital platforms have transformed tournaments into 24-hour global conversations.

Social Media and Real-Time Interaction

Fans can react instantly to goals, controversial decisions, injuries, and standout performances. A single moment can generate millions of posts within minutes, keeping audiences engaged even when they are away from the screen.

Players, teams, journalists, and influencers also contribute to the discussion, creating multiple layers of content around every event.

Streaming and Second-Screen Viewing

Many viewers now watch tournaments while simultaneously following statistics, commentary, and fan reactions on their phones. This “second-screen” behavior increases the amount of time people spend interacting with the event and creates a more immersive experience.

Star Players and Global Storylines

International tournaments provide a stage for athletes to become global icons. Even fans who do not regularly follow a sport often recognize the biggest stars during major competitions.

The tournament format naturally creates compelling narratives:

• Underdog teams upsetting favorites.
• Veteran players seeking a final title.
• Young talents announcing themselves to the world.
• Historic rivalries renewed on the biggest stage.

These stories make tournaments accessible to casual audiences because viewers can connect with personalities and emotions, not just technical aspects of the sport.

Economic and Media Momentum

Large tournaments benefit from enormous marketing investment. Broadcasters, sponsors, and organizers promote the event months or even years in advance, creating constant anticipation.

News coverage expands dramatically during major competitions, with sports stories appearing on front pages, television bulletins, podcasts, and social media feeds. This visibility attracts people who might otherwise have little interest in the sport.

Businesses also contribute to the atmosphere through promotions, themed events, and public viewing areas, further embedding the tournament into everyday life.

Why Younger Audiences Engage So Strongly

International tournaments are particularly effective at reaching younger fans. Short-form video highlights, behind-the-scenes content, interactive polls, and creator-driven commentary make the experience more dynamic than traditional sports broadcasting alone.

Young viewers often discover players through viral clips and social media trends before becoming interested in the matches themselves. The tournament acts as an entry point into the sport, helping organizations build the next generation of fans.

The Lasting Impact of Major Tournaments

Record engagement does not end when the final whistle blows. Successful tournaments can leave a long-term legacy by increasing participation in youth sports, strengthening fan communities, and expanding international audiences.

Memorable moments become part of sporting history and continue to generate discussion for years. Fans remember where they were when a dramatic goal was scored or a surprise champion emerged, creating emotional connections that last far beyond the event itself.

Ultimately, international tournaments drive record fan engagement because they combine national pride, scarcity, global storytelling, digital interaction, and unforgettable moments into a single shared experience. Few forms of entertainment can unite such a large and diverse audience around the same event, which is why major tournaments continue to set new benchmarks for attention, participation, and worldwide excitement.

The post Why International Tournaments Drive Record Fan Engagement appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

But nobody can call this championship with any real confidence, and that uncertainty is showing up clearly across the betting markets, the best Irish betting sites right now show prices shifting by the day as opinion on who can win this title remains genuinely divided.

Galway go into the semi-finals as the team bookmakers have most respect for after their Leinster campaign, but they have not been installed as a runaway favourite in most markets. Their provincial title was earned against strong opposition, and they look well-organised heading into the last four. Limerick, meanwhile, have been a familiar presence at short prices in this competition in recent years.

Reclaiming the Munster crown has restored confidence in their camp, and they will expect to be near the head of the outright betting when the knockout rounds arrive. Two credible favourites, one title, and the market is not sure which way to lean.

The Quarter-Finals Could Flip the Market 

The two quarter-final ties are where serious punters will be paying closest attention. Clare face Dublin on one side of the draw, while Cork take on Offaly on the other. Both games carry genuine betting interest and, depending on how they play out, could significantly rearrange the outright picture before a semi-final ball is struck.

Clare will attract attention from bettors who like value outside the top two. Their recent form across grades has been strong, and there is an argument that the Clare team is more settled and battle-hardened than their odds suggest. Dublin, after a difficult day in the Leinster final, will need a commanding performance to regain any credibility in the outright market. A Clare win would shorten their price sharply and bring a fresh dynamic to how bookmakers price up the semi-final stage.

Cork’s situation heading into their quarter-final against Offaly is one of the more interesting wagers of the championship knockout stage. They were beaten narrowly in Munster, a result that hurt their outright price, but a Cork team that gets rolling in championship hurling is not something bookmakers or opponents take lightly. If they come through Offaly, expect their odds to tighten considerably.

Where Punters Might Find the Best Value

This is one of those championships where the smart play may not be backing an outright winner at the current prices. Each-way punters and those who prefer ante-post markets on semi-final placings might find better value than the winner market right now, simply because the gap between the top four or five counties in hurling has rarely felt smaller. The outright prices reflect a genuine toss-up between Galway and Limerick, but the quarter-final survivors could easily upset that order.

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland has emphasised the importance of informed and responsible wagering, and for any punter placing serious money on an open market like this, that means doing your research rather than following the crowd. The outright hurling market is exactly the kind of bet where early sentiment and fast-moving money can shift prices significantly, and where patient, well-informed bettors tend to find the most rewarding positions.

A Championship That Refuses to Be Called

What makes this championship so difficult to price is the genuine quality spread across multiple counties. Limerick bring experience, Galway bring provincial form, Clare bring momentum, and Cork bring the kind of character that tends to unsettle odds-on picks. Each of these represents a credible case for the title, and the bookmakers know it. This is not a market where one county is running away from the field, and any punter treating it that way is likely to be caught out.

For those building a position in the outright market, the sensible approach is to hold off until the quarter-final results are in. The prices after each knockout round will tell a very different story to what is on offer at the start of the summer, and there may be genuine ante-post value to be found once the semi-final picture becomes clear. The All-Ireland Hurling Championship in 2026 has the makings of a brilliant summer for GAA fans and, for anyone who can read a market as well as a game of hurling, it might turn out to be the most rewarding wager of the year.

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Leo Cullen’s remarkable 12-year spell as Leinster head coach is set to come to an end, with the province expected to confirm that he will leave his role at the conclusion of the 2026/27 season.

The decision brings to a close one of the most successful coaching eras in Irish provincial rugby. Since taking charge in 2015, the former Leinster captain has overseen a period of sustained excellence, delivering the 2018 Champions Cup and six URC titles, including last Friday’s triumph.

However, his tenure will also be remembered for a series of agonising European near misses. Leinster reached five Champions Cup finals after their 2018 success but fell short in 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024 and again in 2026, leading to growing scrutiny over the province’s inability to convert dominance into European silverware.

End of an Era

Cullen has become synonymous with Leinster rugby, both as a player and coach. Under his leadership, the province consistently produced Ireland internationals and remained one of Europe’s strongest clubs, regularly reaching the latter stages of the Champions Cup and URC.

Yet the pressure surrounding those repeated final defeats intensified over recent seasons, despite domestic success.

The IRFU and Leinster are expected to begin the search for his successor ahead of the 2027 season.

Recent Comments Raised Eyebrows

While Cullen’s achievements on the field are unquestionable, the closing months of his tenure have also been marked by several unusual public comments.

Following Leinster’s Champions Cup campaign, Cullen criticised sections of the media over their coverage of the team, suggesting some journalists had created unnecessary negativity around the province. The remarks attracted attention, with many observers feeling criticism naturally accompanies a side with Leinster’s resources and expectations.

He also referenced what he described as online “Munster trolls”, claiming social media discourse had become increasingly toxic. While there is no doubt online abuse exists across all sports, some supporters felt Cullen’s focus on online commentary was an unusual distraction at a time when attention remained firmly on Leinster’s performances in Europe.

Legacy Secure

Despite those recent controversies, Cullen’s legacy is unlikely to be defined by his final press conferences.

Instead, he leaves having maintained Leinster as one of Europe’s elite clubs for more than a decade, helping develop the core of Ireland’s recent international success while delivering consistent silverware.

The challenge for his successor will be significant. Domestically, Leinster remain the benchmark. In Europe, however, the expectation will be to end a run of five Champions Cup final defeats and return the game’s biggest club prize to Dublin.

For Cullen, the final season of his tenure now presents one last opportunity to finish with the European title that has so narrowly eluded Leinster in recent years.

Speaking about his departure from the role Head Coach Leo Cullen said: “By the end of next season, in 2027, I will have been in my current job for 12 years. It’ll also be 32 years since I first represented Leinster as a Schools player! So, I think the timing will be right for me to move on to a new challenge.

“I managed 10 years as a player on different Leinster teams before moving to Leicester in 2005 and then returning to Leinster in 2007 to go on to experience some of the most amazing days imaginable.

“As many of you will know, I’m committed to Leinster up until the end of next season, and I intend to honour my contract, as I always have done.

“We’re moving back to Laya Arena at the start of next season, and we can’t wait for that homecoming. We also have players leaving Leinster and other players who’ll potentially be coming in. So, I think it’s good to have continuity and certainty heading into the summer.

“We have a fantastic group of coaches, staff and players here and I know the club will do everything to ensure continuity and stability – two cornerstones of Leinster Rugby. 

“I want to thank the Leinster Professional Game Board, in particular Shane Nolan, Guy Easterby and Frank Doherty, for their support throughout this process and indeed during my time as Leinster Head Coach.

“And to my family, friends and all Leinster supporters a huge thanks also.”

Leinster Rugby CEO, Shane Nolan said: “I would like to thank Leo for everything he has done as the Head Coach of Leinster Rugby, his achievements in the role speak for themselves, including winning seven trophies in 11 years culminating in a brilliant URC Grand Final win at Croke Park last Friday. Leo has been a great player, coach and leader for Leinster and will always be held in the highest regard by anyone that has ever been fortunate enough to work with him.

“Leo and his coaching team are already well advanced in their planning for the new season and will continue to drive the high standards that have been a hallmark of his time as Head Coach and has seen Leinster consistently competing for trophies season after season. I am sure all Leinster supporters will join me in celebrating Leo and his achievements throughout his final year in charge.

“We have begun the process to recruit our new Head Coach and will work to ensure that we secure the best possible candidate to continue the success of Leinster Rugby.”

The post Leo Cullen to Leave Leinster Head Coach Role After 2026/27 Season appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Live Sport This Weekend: GAA, FIFA World Cup, Rugby, Royal Ascot, US Open golf and Queen’s Club

Sports fans are in for another packed weekend of live action, with GAA Championship fixtures, FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, rugby finals and semi-finals, Royal Ascot, US Open  and Queen’s Club tennis all available across TV and streaming platforms.

The weekend schedule includes major All-Ireland SFC and SHC fixtures, Tailteann Cup action, FIFA World Cup games live on RTÉ2, the Gallagher Premiership Rugby final, French Top 14 semi-finals, Royal Ascot on Virgin Media One and the Queen’s Club men’s singles final.

Friday 19 June

• 19:25 – Kildare v Tyrone, All-Ireland Minor Football Semi-Final – TG4
• 19:30 – Leinster v Bulls – URC Final
• 20:00 – USA v Australia, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2
• 20:05 – Toulouse v Racing 92, Top 14 Semi-Final – Premier Sports 2
• 23:00 – Scotland v Morocco, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2
• 01:30 – Brazil v Haiti, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2
• 04:00 – Turkey v Paraguay, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2

Saturday 20 June

• 09:45 – Adult Handball Semi-Finals – Spórt TG4 YouTube
• 12:50 – Donegal v Mayo, Munster SFC Round 3 – TG4
• 12:55 – Tyrone v Meath, Leinster SFC Round 3 – Spórt TG4 YouTube
• 14:00 – Barbarians v South Africa, Rugby Test Match – Premier Sports 2
• 14:45 – Armagh v Waterford, Ulster SFC Round 3 – TG4
• 14:55 – Tipperary v Kildare, Leinster SFC Round 3 – Spórt TG4 YouTube
• 15:00 – Down v Fermanagh, Tailteann Cup – RTÉ2
• 15:00 – Northampton v Exeter Chiefs, Gallagher Premiership Final – ITV4 / TNT Sports 1
• 15:45 – Cork v Derry, All-Ireland Minor Football Semi-Final – TG4 Player
• 16:00 – Kerry v Armagh, All-Ireland SFC – GAA+
• 17:00 – Offaly v Wicklow, Tailteann Cup – RTÉ News
• 17:00 – South Africa v AUNZ Invitational XV, Rugby Test Match – Premier Sports 2
• 18:00 – Netherlands v Sweden, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2
• 18:15 – Mayo v Meath, All-Ireland SFC – GAA+
• 19:00 – Clare v Dublin, All-Ireland SHC – RTÉ1 / GAA+
• 19:25 – Kildare v Tyrone, All-Ireland Minor Football Semi-Final – TG4
• 20:05 – Montpellier v Stade Français, Top 14 Semi-Final – Premier Sports 1
• 21:00 – Germany v Ivory Coast, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2
• 01:00 – Ecuador v Curaçao, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2
• 05:00 – Tunisia v Japan, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2

Sunday 21 June

• 13:15 – Dublin v Donegal, All-Ireland SFC – RTÉ1
• 13:20 – Queen’s Club Men’s Singles Final – BBC One Northern Ireland HD
• 15:30 – Cork v Offaly, All-Ireland SHC – RTÉ1 / GAA+
• 16:00 – Monaghan v Westmeath, All-Ireland SFC – GAA+
• 17:00 – Spain v Saudi Arabia, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2
• All day – US Open Golf
• 20:00 – Belgium v Iran, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2
• 23:00 – Uruguay v Cape Verde, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2
• 02:00 – New Zealand v Egypt, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2

Royal Ascot Live on Virgin Media One

Royal Ascot continues from Wednesday to Saturday, with live coverage each day from 1:30pm to 6:30pm on Virgin Media One.

FIFA World Cup 2026 on RTÉ2

The FIFA World Cup 2026 continues throughout the weekend, with all listed matches live on RTÉ2. Key fixtures include USA v Australia, Scotland v Morocco, Brazil v Haiti, Netherlands v Sweden, Germany v Ivory Coast, Spain v Saudi Arabia and Belgium v Iran.

Weekend Highlights

• Dublin v Donegal in the All-Ireland SFC
• Clare v Dublin and Cork v Offaly in the All-Ireland SHC
• Northampton v Exeter Chiefs in the Gallagher Premiership Final
• Toulouse v Racing 92 and Montpellier v Stade Français in the Top 14 semi-finals
• Queen’s Club Men’s Singles Final
• Royal Ascot live on Virgin Media One
• FIFA World Cup 2026 matches live on RTÉ2

SportsNewsIreland.com will continue to provide live sport listings, fixtures, previews, TV information and match coverage throughout the weekend.

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