Munster Money Talks Ahead of High-Stakes Clash in Castlebar
A significant swing in the betting markets has raised eyebrows ahead of Connacht’s clash with Munster in Castlebar, with punters piling in on the visitors. What began as Connacht -1 on the handicap has flipped dramatically — now the westerners find themselves 5-point underdogs on home soil.
The movement is a clear signal of confidence in Munster, who look set to field arguably their strongest lineup since their United Rugby Championship triumph in 2023. The likes of Tadhg Beirne, Jack Crowley, Peter O’Mahony, Conor Murray, Craig Casey, and Calvin Nash are all tipped to be involved, while Jean Kleyn, Jack O’Donoghue, and electric winger Thaakir Abrahams could also feature.
Despite this, there’s a sense of uncertainty surrounding Connacht. On paper, they should be strengthened by the return of six players from Ireland camp:
Bundee Aki
Mack Hansen
Finlay Bealham
Cian Prendergast
Caolin Blade
Darragh Murray
That injection of Test-level talent should be a major boost, but Connacht’s form has been inconsistent all season.
It’s hard to know exactly where the Connacht camp is at mentally. Their campaign has lacked momentum, and a win last week would have completely changed the complexion of this fixture. Instead, the pressure is now squarely on the visitors, who have more at stake in terms of league standings and playoff positioning.
Yes, the game is in front of a big crowd in Castlebar, with plenty of excitement and new fans in attendance. But rugby is rarely sentimental — it often comes down to who needs it more. And right now, that’s Munster.
From a Connacht perspective, the hope is that emotion, home support, and a renewed sense of pride can trump that urgency. But make no mistake: they’re going to need a big performance to halt the Munster momentum.
All eyes will be on Castlebar this weekend, and with both squads close to full strength, it promises to be one of the most compelling interprovincial clashes of the season — even if the bookies think the result is already leaning red.
Carlow football has been rocked by the sudden resignation of senior manager Shane Curran, just 11 days before their Leinster Senior Football Championship opener against Meath.
The former Roscommon goalkeeper, who took charge last August, departs after only seven months at the helm. His final game in charge came last Sunday as Carlow edged past London in a thrilling 1-18 to 1-17 victory.
“Shane Curran has informed Carlow GAA that he and his backroom team are stepping away from the management of the Carlow senior football team with immediate effect,” the Carlow County Board announced in a statement.
The statement added the decision was “based on player-related issues which he believed were beyond the scope of the management team.”
During the Allianz National Football League, Carlow finished fourth in Division 4 with a record of three wins, three losses, and one draw. However, the campaign was not without its issues. Several players reportedly left the panel mid-season, and coach James Clarke also exited the setup.
Carlow GAA is now searching for an interim manager to take charge ahead of their crucial Leinster SFC first-round clash with Meath, set for April 6th at Páirc Tailteann.
What’s Next for Carlow GAA?
With just days to prepare, the challenge for Carlow now shifts to regrouping and appointing a capable interim boss who can stabilise the squad ahead of their provincial opener.
Why Did Shane Curran Resign?
The former goalkeeper’s resignation highlights potential internal issues in the setup, with sources pointing to ongoing difficulties with player commitment and squad harmony.
Since 1977, female jockeys have been allowed in the Grand National horse race following the passing of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975.
A total of 20 female jockeys have entered the Grand National at the time of writing, and some have etched their name into the history of the Grand National due to their performances! The Grand National is one of the biggest sporting events in the world. People use the event to enjoy free bets, others watch for the pure love of racing, and these ladies have only added to the action! The women who have participated in the event have made phenomenal strides into a heavily male-dominated sport. Here, we are going to look through some of the greatest performances from female jockeys in the Grand National, showcasing how they have helped the rise and growth of females in horse racing!
The First Female Jockeys In The Grand National
Making history in 1977, Charlotte Brew was the first woman to ride in the Grand National on her horse, Barony Fort. Despite being unable to finish the race as the horse refused to jump over the 27th fence, this rider inspired a generation of future female jockeys. She made an appearance in the 1982 Grand National but was again unable to finish as she was unseated when riding Martinstown.
With Jenny Hembrow riding in the 1979 and 1980 events and Linda Sheedy riding in the 1981 event, these women were not able to finish the race. The Grand National is known for its gruelling nature, and the first woman to finish the race was Geraldine Rees, who accomplished this feat in 1982.
History of Female Jockeys In The Grand National
After Geraldine Rees, there was not a female jockey who finished until 1994, with 9 different attempts from females failing so far. However, Gee Armytage briefly led the race at the 19th fence, becoming the first female to lead the Grand National at any point throughout the event’s history. Rosemary Henderson was the female jockey who broke the streak in 1994, with Fiddlers Pike being the horse that led Rosemary to a 5th-place finish, the best so far for a woman.
This led to an upturn in form for the ladies, as Carrie Ford was able to finish 5th in 2005, and Nina Carberry was able to finish 9th and 7th in both 2006 and 2010, respectively.
In both 2018 and 2021, we saw the races which featured the most female jockeys in Grand National history, with both events having three females compete!
Female Grand National Winner
In 2021, we were able to witness the first and only female winner to date, Rachael Blackmore, claiming the victory as she guided Minella Times to first place. Having taken part in the 2018 and 2019 events, she was able to win the event on her third attempt after falling on her first attempt and finishing 10th on her second. She has currently raced in 6 Grand National events, making her the joint most experienced Grand National female jockey alongside Katie Walsh and Nina Carberry.
Most Well-Known Female Jockeys To Compete In The Grand National
The Grand National has established some female jockeys, with the race being one of the biggest horse racing events in the world; only the best jockeys get to compete. As previously mentioned, Rachael Blackmore is one of the sports superstars, as she has been able to win some of the biggest races around. From the Grand National in 2021, she is also the first woman to be a leading jockey at the Cheltenham Festival with 6 victories, including the Champion Hurdle in 2021. The following year, she became the first female jockey to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup, which is one of the biggest horse races.
Katie Walsh is another incredibly influential female jockey who has taken part in The Grand National, yet she was never able to win it. She was still incredibly talented and respected by her competitors. Despite not winning throughout her Grand National career, she has ridden three winners at the Cheltenham Festival, which is no feat to be scoffed at.
Nina Carberry was the other female jockey who featured in 6 different Grand National events, with her best finish being 7th in the 2010 Grand National race. Across her career in the Cheltenham Festival, she was able to claim 7 wins to her name, which is incredibly impressive.
What Is Next For Female Jockeys?
With female jockeys on the rise, we can expect to see many more females taking part in the Grand National event over the next couple of years. With many talented upcoming talents, it would be no surprise to see another female jockey winning the Grand National in the next couple of years!
Connacht v Munster Preview – Predicted Teams, Kick-Off Time, Injury Updates & More | URC Round 14, MacHale Park
Date: Saturday, 29 March 2025 Kick-Off: 14:30 Venue: Hastings Insurance MacHale Park, Castlebar Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU)
Historic Day in Castlebar as Connacht Host Munster at MacHale Park
MacHale Park will become the 56th venue to host a United Rugby Championship fixture as Connacht and Munster collide in Round 14. The first professional rugby match ever played at the iconic Mayo GAA ground is set to attract Connacht’s largest-ever home crowd.
Form Guide and URC Picture
Connacht have won two of their last three matches — beating Cardiff and Benetton — and came close to making it three in a row before falling 43–40 to Ospreys. They’re 12th on 31 points, with a top-eight finish unlikely, but a Challenge Cup campaign lies ahead with the prospect of three home games to reach the final.
Munster are sixth on 34 points but reeling from back-to-back losses to Edinburgh and Glasgow. They’ve won twice away from home this season (Ulster and Dragons) and haven’t won in Galway since 2021.
Key Stats
MacHale Park is the 56th URC venue.
Connacht have won 2 of their last 7 matches — both at home.
They’ve lost 7 straight against Irish provinces.
Munster’s only away wins this season came at Ulster and Dragons.
The last 7 meetings have all been won by the home team on the day.
Munster last won in Galway in January 2021.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Connacht are expected to welcome back their Irish internationals — Bundee Aki, Mack Hansen, Cian Prendergast, and Finlay Bealham — while in-form winger Finn Tracey retains his place. Ben Murphy is ruled out through injury.
Connacht Predicted XV:
1. Denis Buckley
2. Dave Heffernan
3. Finlay Bealham
4. Darragh Murray
5. Joe Joyce
6. Josh Murphy
7. Shamus Hurley-Langton
8. Cian Prendergast
9. Caolin Blade
10. Josh Ioane
11. Finn Tracey
12. Bundee Aki
13. Cathal Forde
14. Mack Hansen
15. Piers O’Conor
Munster Team News:
Munster could welcome back several key players to their matchday 23:
Tadhg Beirne
Jack Crowley
Conor Murray
Calvin Nash
Peter O’Mahony
Craig Casey
Jean Kleyn
Jack O’Donoghue
Thaakir Abrahams
Oli Jager is also due to return to training this week after missing the defeat to Glasgow. Meanwhile, the fitness of Niall Scannell and Billy Burns (both shoulder) will be assessed closer to the weekend.
Munster Injury List:
Shane Daly – hamstring
Diarmuid Kilgallen – thigh
Mike Haley – ankle
Dave Kilcoyne – thigh
Liam Coombes – chest
Edwin Edogbo – Achilles
Roman Salanoa – knee
What’s at Stake
Connacht are eyeing a strong finish in the URC and a major run in the Challenge Cup. With a record crowd and returning stars, they’ll be fired up for a statement win.
Munster need a response. A third straight loss could push them out of the top eight with pressure mounting. A full-strength squad could make all the difference.
Prediction
Connacht 26–20 Munster
Home advantage, form momentum, and returning Ireland stars could see Connacht edge what’s set to be a thrilling encounter.
Jack Crowley at a Crossroads: Will He Stay with Munster or Follow Sexton’s Path Abroad?
Jack Crowley is standing at one of the most critical junctures of his rugby career. At 25, the Munster outhalf is being heavily courted by Leicester Tigers, with reports suggesting a €600,000 annual offer is on the table — significantly more than what Munster and the IRFU are currently offering. It’s a moment that echoes past decisions made by Irish legends Ronan O’Gara and Johnny Sexton — two men who defined Irish rugby’s No.10 jersey over two decades.
But only one of them took the leap.
O’Gara Stayed. Sexton Walked — and Kept the Shirt.
In 2004, Ronan O’Gara entertained interest from Stade Français but ultimately stayed put. He was the established Ireland outhalf, central to Munster’s European ambitions, and had little desire to abandon his quest for Heineken Cup glory. The IRFU knew he was indispensable and didn’t take risks with his value.
Johnny Sexton’s story, however, is more relevant to Crowley’s current dilemma. In 2013, Sexton turned down an underwhelming central contract from the IRFU and accepted a lucrative offer from Racing 92 worth over €700,000 per year. The IRFU gambled — assuming Sexton wouldn’t really leave. But he did. And crucially, he kept the Ireland jersey throughout his stint in Paris. His quality was so far ahead of the competition that he remained the undisputed No.10 for Ireland, even while playing abroad.
Crowley is not in that position. Not yet.
Crowley’s Contract Standoff: A New Problem for the IRFU
Unlike O’Gara and Sexton, Crowley is not on a central contract — and that’s a glaring issue. Right now, there is no Irish outhalf on a central deal. That’s unprecedented in the modern era and has created a strange void in the IRFU’s wage structure.
If the IRFU now offer Crowley a lucrative central contract to fend off Leicester’s interest, they set a new benchmark. What happens when 23-year-old Sam Prendergast — seen by many as Ireland’s long-term playmaker — enters negotiations in 18 months for central contract. If Crowley earns €500k+ as a second-choice outhalf, Prendergast will command even more. The precedent could force the union to break their wage model wide open for a player who may not even be first choice long-term.
It’s a dangerous game of poker — and Crowley’s hand is stronger than it looks.
The Forgotten Man: Harry Byrne Roars Back into Contention
Amid the noise around Crowley and Prendergast, one name quietly gaining ground is Harry Byrne. At 25, Byrne is enjoying a stellar loan spell with high-flying Bristol Bears in the Premiership. He’s looked sharp, composed, and injury-free — all the things that once made him Ireland’s most exciting No.10 prospect.
If Byrne returns to Leinster this summer in top form, he will re-enter the Ireland selection frame with force. Suddenly, Farrell could have a three-way race for the No.10 shirt — and the IRFU could face three separate high-stakes contract battles.
Where Can Crowley Develop Best?
There’s no doubt Crowley needs to keep improving. He has all the tools — athleticism, vision, and confidence — but hasn’t yet shown the control or consistency expected at Test level. So where is he more likely to sharpen those tools?
• At Munster, he remains the first-choice outhalf but is playing in a system that lacks cohesion and consistent forward dominance. The attacking game plan is still developing, and he’s under pressure to lead without the experienced support that Sexton or O’Gara once had.
• At Leicester, he would earn nearly double, play in a competitive league, and work under top-tier coaches in a structured environment — but risk losing his Ireland spot if the IRFU take a hard line on foreign-based players.
The question is: will Crowley be treated like Sexton, who left and still led Ireland, or will the IRFU close the door behind him?
What’s the IRFU’s Next Move?
The union has a decision to make. If they let Crowley walk and Prendergast doesn’t kick on, they’re exposed. If they overpay to keep him, they open the floodgates for Prendergast — and potentially Byrne — to demand equal or greater deals.
In short, the IRFU may have created a problem they’ve never faced before: an outhalf vacuum with no clear hierarchy and no central contract in place. They must now choose between protecting their budget or protecting their depth chart.
For Crowley, the choice is simple on paper: stay and back himself to reclaim the Test jersey, or go and double his earnings — but gamble on international exile.
This isn’t just a career decision. It could be the moment that redefines the entire future of Ireland’s No.10 jersey.
Kate O'Connor won a silver medal at the World Indoor Championships. Credit: @irishathletics.
Kate O’Connor has won a historic silver medal in the pentathlon at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China.
The Dundalk St Gerard’s AC athlete won her first global medal with a stunning performance of 4,742 points. It is Ireland’s first podium place at a World Indoor Athletics Championships since Derval O’Rourke’s gold in the 60m hurdles in 2006.
O’Connor’s performance comes just over a fortnight after her bronze medal success at the European Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn. There she set a new national record of 4,781 points, achieving personal bests in four of her five events. Friday saw her improve on three of those personal bests once again, and this time on the world stage.
The Dundalk athlete got the competition off to a flying start with a personal best of 8.30 in the 60m hurdles. She followed with an impressive 1.81m clearance in the high jump. A second PB followed in the shot put, where she threw 14.64m.
The afternoon session saw O’Connor open with a personal best of 6.30m in the first of her attempts in the long jump. She improved on the mark mark once again in the second round with a leap of 6.32m. The final 800m event saw her reproduce another outstanding track performance, crossing the finish in a time of 2:14.19 which guaranteed her place on the podium.
Speaking after her final event, 24-year-old O’Connor, who is only the seventh Irish athlete to win a medal individually at a World Indoor Championships, said:
“I’ve just been on a bit of a run since the European Championships. I really wanted to come in here with a bit of confidence and just go out there and enjoy myself. I’ve been training really hard and I wanted to go out there and make my country proud.
“Winning this medal and the medal a couple of weeks ago will really push multi events forward in the country and let younger athletes see what other options are available to them in athletics.”
Connacht Unchanged in the Backs as Wilkins Names Strong Squad for Ospreys Test
Connacht have named their matchday 23 for Saturday’s BKT United Rugby Championship clash away to the Ospreys (kick-off 5.15pm), with just three changes from the side that overcame Benetton three weeks ago.
There is continuity across the backline, as head coach Pete Wilkins sticks with the same seven backs for the second consecutive league fixture — a rare show of consistency in selection that reflects growing cohesion in the attacking unit.
Josh Ioane and Caolin Blade continue as the half-back pairing, with Cathal Forde and Hugh Gavin retained in midfield. Shayne Bolton and Finn Treacy remain on the wings, while Piers O’Conor lines out at full-back once again.
Up front, Denis Buckley returns to the starting XV and is joined in the front row by Dave Heffernan and Jack Aungier. Captain Joe Joyce comes back into the engine room alongside Darragh Murray, while Josh Murphy joins Shamus Hurley-Langton and Paul Boyle in a physical and mobile back row.
There’s also a clear intent to match Ospreys physically, with a 6:2 forwards-to-backs split named on the bench. Sean Jansen, typically a back row option, takes the number 23 jersey, highlighting the tactical focus for this crucial away fixture.
Away Form Must Improve
Connacht’s only away win in the league since April 2024 came against the Scarlets back in early October. Since then, results on the road have been inconsistent — a trend that must change if the province are to stay in touch with the playoff places.
With a massive fixture against Cardiff to follow next week — set to be played at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park in Castlebar — Wilkins and his staff will be eager to carry momentum into the home stretch of the season.
A defeat in Swansea could force selection changes for the Connacht leg of that double-header, while a victory would put Connacht slightly back in the mix for a top-eight finish.
Team named for tomorrow’s BKT URC clash with Ospreys in Swansea
3️⃣ changes from the Benetton win
Backline unchanged
6:2 bench split
1. Denis Buckley 2. Dave Heffernan 3. Jack Aungier 4. Joe Joyce (Captain) 5. Darragh Murray 6. Josh Murphy 7. Shamus Hurley-Langton 8. Paul Boyle
Replacements: 16. Dylan Tierney-Martin 17. Peter Dooley 18. Sam Illo 19. Niall Murray 20. Cian Prendergast 21. Conor Oliver 22. Tom Farrell 23. Sean Jansen
Starman Favourite to Lead First Season Flat Sires in 2025 (UK & Ireland)
Starman Heads the Market
As the 2025 flat racing season approaches, attention turns to the freshman sires with their first crop of runners. Bookmakers have released odds for the Leading First Season Flat Sire in the UK & Ireland, and Starman is the clear favourite at 1/3.
Starman won the Group 1 July Cup in 2021. He has proven popular with breeders due to his speed and consistency. His offspring are expected to be fast, early types suited to two-year-old races. That gives him a strong chance of leading the table.
Supremacy Offers Value
Supremacy is the second favourite at 7/2. Trained by Clive Cox, he won the Middle Park Stakes in 2020. Like Starman, he was a top sprinter. His progeny may also hit the ground running in early-season sprints.
Potential from St Mark’s Basilica
St Mark’s Basilica is available at 12/1. He was Europe’s Champion Two-Year-Old in 2020 and claimed two Classic wins in 2021. Although his runners may need time to mature, his class cannot be ignored.
Other Noteworthy Contenders
Space Blues (14/1) brings a mile pedigree and a Breeders’ Cup win to the table. He may produce types more suited to later-season success. Three sires sit at 16/1: Lope Y Fernandez, A’Ali, and Palace Pier.
Lope Y Fernandez has a strong pedigree and was competitive at the top level. A’Ali excelled as a two-year-old sprinter and should pass on his sharp speed. Palace Pier, a multiple Group 1 winner, may shine through later-developing types.
Conclusion
Starman is expected to dominate in 2025. However, early-season winners will be key, and surprises are possible. Punters and racing fans will be watching closely as the first runners emerge on tracks across the UK and Ireland.
Winning connections celebrate with Poniros after his shock 100/1 win in the Grade 1 Triumph Hurdle. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL NEWS: WILLIE MULLINS REFLECTS ON HIS 10 FESTIVAL WINNERS IN 2025
Friday 14th March
Legendary Irish trainer Willie Mullins capped off another sensational Cheltenham Festival by matching his own record of 10 winners in a single meeting — a feat he previously achieved in 2022.
With this year’s results, Mullins has now trained a record-breaking 113 Cheltenham Festival winners and was crowned Leading Trainer for the 12th time — further cementing his place in Festival history.
Speaking after Gold Cup Day, Mullins reflected on a remarkable week for his stable:
“It has been a fantastic week. Anytime you have a winner at Cheltenham it is good, but to have more than one is brilliant.
We have been very lucky this week, so we are not complaining, as you don’t ever expect to have that many winners here.”
Mullins admitted he was concerned about peaking too early:
“For the last two weeks I was wishing the Festival was on the week before as the whole team was just so well in themselves. I was hoping they weren’t over the top by the time that we came here.
We have probably never done as little work in the final week before Cheltenham. They were just really well in themselves and we were waiting there for something to go wrong.”
The Festival veteran praised the rhythm and preparation that led to success:
“Most times you come into the Festival you wish you had another week to prepare your horses, but this year it just fell into place very well.
We’ve had four fantastic days here, and there were a couple of disappointments, but all the horses and jockeys have gone home safe and sound and will live to fight another day.”
Fairness remains a cornerstone of the Mullins operation:
“I always treat every owner the same. If a man who has a horse on a budget that is as good as, or better than the other horse, our stable jockey rides it.
A lot of our success is how we treat everyone the same. If a smaller man has a good horse, we’ll treat it as good as the biggest owners in the yard. Everyone gets a fair shot.”
He highlighted a pair of standout performances:
“I thought Kopek De BORDES in the Supreme and Fact To File in the Ryanair were two brilliant winners.”
However, he acknowledged a few disappointments too:
“The obvious disappointments were State Man and Galopin Des Champs, but everywhere in between was where we are at.”
Mullins expressed gratitude for the remarkable team around him:
“It surprises me how we keep raising the bar. We are gobsmacked with the owners we have and the horses we have. We pinch ourselves every evening when you check all the horses.”
He also paid tribute to Paul Townend, who succeeded Ruby Walsh as stable jockey and this week claimed the Leading Jockey Award:
“Paul took over from Ruby and it has worked seamlessly. He has a different style of riding to Ruby, but he is getting huge success.
I’m so delighted that he has won the leading rider award here this week as he is a huge part of our team.”
Marine Nationale, Seán Flanagan and owner/trainer Barry Connell return to the winner's enclosure after their Champion Chase success. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL NEWS: LEADING JOCKEYS, TRAINERS & OWNERS PLUS FINAL STANDINGS IN THE PRESTBURY CUP AT THE END OF GOLD CUP DAY
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