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Expected Ireland Starting Team to Face Australia – Full Line-Up

Expected Ireland XV to Face Australia – Selection Calls, Pressure Points and Full Line-Up

Ireland enter their second Test of the November window under significant scrutiny. A 41–10 win over Japan felt more like a warning light than a confidence boost, and the selection for the clash with Australia is expected to reflect both the need for stability and the urgency to sharpen key areas. With the Wallabies arriving in Dublin wounded and unpredictable, Ireland must find rhythm, accuracy and intensity from the opening whistle.

Back Three: Power, Pace and Territory

The backfield is expected to remain built around experience and versatility. Mack Hansen should return at full-back, offering counter-attacking flair and reliability. Tommy O’Brien is in form and brings defensive sharpness, while James Lowe remains Ireland’s primary territorial kicker and wide carrier.

Midfield: Control, Defensive Structure and Gainline Options

Sticking with the familiar looks most likely. Garry Ringrose, the defensive general, continues to be central to Ireland’s shape, while Stuart McCloskey provides physicality, direct carrying and structure in midfield. Their understanding is crucial, especially against an athletic Australian pairing.

Half-Backs: Tempo and Tactical Control

Jack Crowley retains the 10 jersey, tasked with game management and unlocking width. Jamison Gibson-Park returns at scrum-half, pushing tempo, scanning space and dictating rhythm. Ireland’s attack must be sharper here — slow ball killed flow in Yokohama.

Front Row: Experience and Scrummaging Duty

Experience still trumps experimentation. Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong are expected to start again, tasked with stabilising the scrum and delivering cleaner lineout delivery. All three offer powerful defensive work around the field.

Second Row: Leadership and Breakdown Pressure

James Ryan continues to steer the lineout, while Tadhg Beirne operates as the disruptor — stripping ball, reading rucks and generating turnovers. This pairing gives Ireland height and mobility.

Back Row: Balance, Breakdown and Ball-Carry

Ryan Baird brings athleticism and lineout reach on the blindside. Caelan Doris is again expected to captain the side from openside, offering breakdown accuracy and tempo. Jack Conan adds carrying power at No.8, giving Ireland a direct outlet against Australia’s defensive line.

✅ Predicted Ireland Starting XV

Mack Hansen

Tommy O’Brien

Garry Ringrose

Stuart McCloskey

James Lowe

Jack Crowley

Jamison Gibson-Park

Andrew Porter

Dan Sheehan

Tadhg Furlong

James Ryan

Tadhg Beirne

Ryan Baird

Caelan Doris (captain)

Jack Conan

✅ Bench Impact Options

  • Ronan Kelleher
  • Paddy McCarthy
  • Thomas Clarkson
  • Cian Prendergast
  • Josh van der Flier
  • Craig Casey
  • Sam Prendergast
  • Jimmy O’Brien

Verdict

This XV offers structure and familiarity but still carries pressure to deliver cohesion. Australia remain capable of chaos and counter-punch rugby — Ireland must rediscover accuracy and aggression in the collision zone to avoid another disjointed performance. With major Tests still ahead, the Wallabies clash comes at the perfect time to reset confidence and start building momentum.

Provincial Club GAA Weekend Review – St Martin’s Shock Na Fianna, Commercials Dominate, St Finbarr’s Advance


Provincial Club GAA Weekend Review – St Martin’s Shock Na Fianna, Commercials Dominate, St Finbarr’s Advance

By SportsNewsIreland / GAA Provincial Round-Up

It was a dramatic and action-packed weekend of GAA provincial club championship action across Ireland, with several major stories emerging.
St Martin’s produced the biggest shock of the season by knocking out reigning All-Ireland club hurling champions Na Fianna,
while Clonmel Commercials coasted to yet another Tipperary Senior Football Championship title.
In Munster, St Finbarr’s booked their place in the Munster Senior Camogie Final,
Naas pushed on to the Leinster Hurling semi-finals,
and the dual warriors of Éire Óg Ennis kept their extraordinary season alive on two fronts.

Quinlivan Leads Clonmel Commercials to 22nd Tipperary SFC Title

Michael Quinlivan produced a brilliant display, scoring a superb goal as Clonmel Commercials
dismantled Kilsheelan–Kilcash 1-26 to 1-5 in the Tipperary Senior Football Championship final.
The win gives Commercials their 22nd county title, moving them ahead of Fethard on the historic roll of honour.

Tommy Morrissey’s side, inspired by All-Ireland hurling winner Peter McGarry, led by only three at half-time but completely
dominated the second half. The victory carried emotional weight as the players dedicated the title to the late Philly Ryan,
known as “Mr Commercials”. His son Shane played in goal in a poignant moment for the club.

Quinlivan, Seamus Kennedy, Cian Smith, and Seán O’Connor — who hit 0-6 each — all starred, setting up a huge Munster quarter-final clash
with St Finbarr’s next weekend.

Sorcha McCartan Fires St Finbarr’s into Munster Camogie Final

Cork’s two-time All-Ireland winner Sorcha McCartan delivered a match-winning performance, hitting 1-9 to help
St Finbarr’s defeat Newcastlewest and qualify for their first Munster Senior Camogie Final.

Newcastlewest forced extra time with a brilliant late goal from Kate Ambrose — who finished with an extraordinary 2-7 — but
the Barrs kept their composure. Cork star Orlaith Cahalane chipped in with 0-3, and McCartan sealed the win with the final point in a
high-scoring 2-19 to 3-14 thriller.

The Cork champions now face De La Salle after the Waterford side overcame Thurles Sarsfields in the opposite semi-final.

Jack Sheridan Shines as Naas March into Leinster Hurling Semi-Finals

Naas continued their impressive provincial run with a 2-17 to 1-17 victory over Mount Leinster Rangers in the
Leinster club hurling championship.

The sides were level at half-time, but Jack Sheridan’s expertly taken goal pushed Naas five points clear on 41 minutes.
Rangers’ hopes faded further when talisman Chris Nolan received a second yellow card.

Kevin McDonald’s late goal narrowed the gap, but Simon Leacy’s fourth point from play steadied Naas and sealed a semi-final
showdown with St Martin’s of Wexford.

Barry O’Connor’s Goal Helps St Martin’s Upset Na Fianna

In the headline story of the weekend, St Martin’s produced a stunning 1-21 to 2-17 victory to eliminate
All-Ireland champions Na Fianna in the Leinster hurling championship.

Barry O’Connor’s decisive 49th-minute goal — cleverly set up by his cousin Rory — proved the momentum-shifter. The former AFL player finished
clinically to punish Na Fianna, who have been surviving on razor-thin margins all season.

Despite goals from AJ Murphy and Seán Currie, Na Fianna could not hold off a late surge, as
Dáithí Hayes’ men landed the final three points in injury time. Jack, Rory, and Barry O’Connor all contributed in a historic win.

McInerney Masterclass Keeps Éire Óg Ennis Alive in Both Codes

Éire Óg Ennis continued their outstanding dual-code season with a 0-20 to 1-13 victory over Rathgormack in the
Munster senior football quarter-final.

Clare star Mark McInerney hit an incredible 0-16, including four two-pointers, to carry the Ennis side despite
an early goal from Rathgormack’s Stephen Curry.

Éire Óg’s remarkable group of 11 dual players now enter a hectic schedule:

  • Next weekend — Munster Club Hurling Semi-Final vs Loughmore-Castleiney
  • Following weekend — Munster Club Football Semi-Final against the winner of St Finbarr’s vs Clonmel Commercials
 

Monday Rugby Betting Lines – Early Market Snapshot

🏉 Monday Rugby Betting Lines – Early Market Snapshot

Opening handicaps and prices for this weekend’s internationals. All prices 10/11 each side unless stated. UK/IE fractional odds.

🇮🇹 Italy v South Africa — 12:40

  • Handicap: Italy +22
  • Italy (+22): 10/11
  • Draw (+22): 22/1
  • South Africa (–22): 10/11

Note: Big physical edge to SA; line shows Italy getting home respect.

🏴 England v New Zealand — 15:10

  • Handicap: England –1
  • England (–1): 10/11
  • Draw (–1): 20/1
  • New Zealand (+1): 10/11

Note: Essentially a pick’em with home advantage to England.

🏴 Wales v Japan — 17:40

  • Handicap: Wales –11
  • Wales (–11): 10/11
  • Draw (–11): 20/1
  • Japan (+11): 10/11

Note: +11 generous to Japan if Wales keep rotating.

🇫🇷 France v Fiji — 20:10

  • Handicap: France –22
  • France (–22): 10/11
  • Draw (–22): 22/1
  • Fiji (+22): 10/11

Note: Huge number; France at home usually justify double digits.

🇮🇪 Ireland v Australia — 20:10

  • Handicap: Ireland –10
  • Ireland (–10): 10/11
  • Draw (–10): 20/1
  • Australia (+10): 10/11

Note: Dublin factor priced in; +10 asks a question of the Wallabies.

Sunday — 🏴 Scotland v Argentina — 15:10

  • Handicap: Scotland –2
  • Scotland (–2): 10/11
  • Draw (–2): 20/1
  • Argentina (+2): 10/11

Note: Tightest tie of the round; line looks bang on.

Prices shown from your Monday screenshots; check latest odds before placing any bets. 18+ only. Gamble responsibly.

Gredleys Ready for a Huge Weekend — Derby Runner-Up Ambiente Friendly and Champion Hurdle Second Burdett Road Both Change Codes

Gredleys Ready for a Huge Weekend — Derby Runner-Up Ambiente Friendly and Champion Hurdle Second Burdett Road Both Change Codes

Ambiente Friendly — Sunday 1:15pm, Maiden Hurdle (Cheltenham)

Last year’s Derby runner-up begins a new chapter on Sunday when he makes his hurdling debut at Cheltenham. The son of Gleneagles produced Classic-quality performances last summer, finishing second in the Epsom Derby and third in the Irish Derby, and earned an official rating of 118.

His 2024–25 Flat campaign, however, failed to ignite. After five unplaced runs and a gelding operation in June, connections opted for a full code switch. Now with James Owen, the talented colt has been re-schooled with a focus on jumping.

“He schooled really well before his last two Flat runs,” Owen said. “He’s had a good break and hopefully he’ll find things easier going hurdling.”

With the Gredleys’ proven record of successfully converting Flat stars to hurdles — including Champion Hurdle runner-up Burdett Road and Triumph third East India Dock — Ambiente Friendly’s debut is one of the most anticipated moments of the weekend.

Burdett Road — Saturday 1:45pm, Grade 2 Arkle Trial Novices’ Chase

Burdett Road returns to Cheltenham chasing a third consecutive November Meeting win and could take the bold step of jumping a fence in public for the first time. His record on the Old Course reads 1-1-2, and his Festival second behind State Man cemented him as one of the most versatile horses in training.

His Listed second at Kempton last time out has already been boosted after the winner, Rubaud, collected the Grade 2 Elite Hurdle last weekend — making Burdett Road’s profile even stronger heading into Saturday.

A debut over fences would represent a significant shift, but his agility, turn of foot and Cheltenham record make him a major player if connections take the plunge.

Other Key Weekend Runners at Cheltenham

Parchment — Saturday 12:35pm, Grade 2 Triumph Trial

Parchment has been described by Tom Malone as “a rocket” and could make a sparkling British debut. Purchased privately after winning in France, his form has since held up, with the horses he beat winning next time out. David Pipe and owners John White & Anne Underhill have enjoyed previous success with French recruits, adding intrigue to this appearance.

Protektorat — Sunday 2:55pm, 3m3½f Handicap

Protektorat avoids the Paddy Power Gold Cup this year and instead lines up in Sunday’s marathon handicap. The 2024 Ryanair Chase winner makes his seasonal debut after being withdrawn from the Charlie Hall due to firm ground. This run sets him up for a tilt at the Fleur de Lys Chase later in the season.

Bud Fox — Sunday 4:00pm, Listed NH Flat Race

Punchestown Festival winner Bud Fox, currently among the early favourites for the Champion Bumper, returns to action in Sunday’s Listed bumper. Unbeaten and highly regarded, he faces stiff opposition from Chicker and Saint Jeannais in what could be an early-season indicator of Festival potential.

Rachael Blackmore to Take On Ladies’ Day Ambassador Role at Cheltenham

Rachael Blackmore to Take On Ladies’ Day Ambassador Role at Cheltenham


Rachael Blackmore CheltenhamGold Cup-winning jockey Rachael Blackmore will make her first return to Cheltenham since retiring when she begins her new role with the racecourse this weekend.

Blackmore, who captured the 2022 Gold Cup on A Plus Tard, has been appointed as head of Ladies’ Day on 11 March in an ambassadorial role designed to encourage more women to attend the Festival.

This year marks the return of the Ladies’ Day name for the first time since 2019, after a five-year spell as ‘Style Wednesday’. Other changes include the movement of the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle to day three, reduced drinks prices, upgraded car parking, and an attendance cap.

Blackmore embracing the new challenge

“It’s going to be very different going racing and not heading for the weighing room,” Blackmore said. “But I’m looking forward to seeing what raceday looks like from the other side and working with the team at Cheltenham.”

She added: “I’m interested in meeting racegoers to see why they attend, and what barriers might be stopping their friends from coming.”

Industry looking to increase female attendance

According to data from the Jockey Club, women make up just 25% of Cheltenham racegoers, compared with a 39% average across jump racing. Blackmore hopes that her involvement can help bridge that gap.

“Horseracing is an amazing sport and a day at the races offers so much opportunity to socialise with friends,” she said. “I’m excited to help show more women what makes the day so special.”

Cheltenham CEO praises appointment

Guy Lavender, Cheltenham chief executive, described Blackmore as “a household name” and the ideal ambassador. “Her ground-breaking success and popularity across all ages make her perfect for connecting with a new female-focused audience,” he said.

Your Digital Firewall: How Prepaid Cards Shield Your Bank Account Online

Your Digital Firewall: How Prepaid Cards Shield Your Bank Account Online

In our digital lives, we create a constant stream of financial data with every click, tap, and purchase. When we use our standard debit or credit cards online, we are creating a direct link between a merchant’s website and our core financial accounts. In an age where data breaches are an unfortunate reality, this direct link can be a significant vulnerability. This is where the simple yet powerful prepaid card comes in, acting as a crucial “digital firewall” to shield your most important funds.

The Hidden Risk of Every Online Purchase

When you enter your primary debit or credit card details on a website, that information is often stored on the merchant’s servers. While legitimate companies have strong security, no system is impenetrable. If that merchant is ever targeted by a cyberattack, your core financial data—the numbers that lead directly to your bank account or credit line—can be compromised. This can lead to significant financial loss and the major headache of securing your accounts.

Creating a Secure Buffer with Prepaid Cards

A prepaid card provides an elegant and effective solution by creating a secure buffer, or firewall, between the online world and your main bank account. The principle is simple: a prepaid card is not linked to your other financial accounts.It only holds the specific amount of money you decide to load onto it. If a prepaid card’s details are ever stolen in a data breach, the risk is completely contained. The thief can only access the funds on that single card, while your primary checking account, savings, and credit score remain safely behind the firewall, completely untouched. This protective layer is a smart strategy for managing online entertainment expenses and exploring new platforms. For instance, using a prepaid card to play at Prepaid Card casinos ensures that your main banking details are never exposed to the online casino site, effectively acting as a firewall for your funds.

The Practical Benefits of This Firewall

Using a prepaid card as a digital firewall offers several practical advantages:

● Protection from Data Breaches: Your primary savings and credit lines are insulated from security failures at third-party websites.
● Control Over Subscriptions: Signing up for a free trial or a new subscription service with a prepaid card prevents unwanted auto-renewal charges on your main account if you forget to cancel.
● Built-in Budgeting: The firewall also serves as a hard spending limit, making it an excellent tool for managing your budget for specific categories like online shopping or gaming.

Virtual Cards: The Ultimate Disposable Firewall

This concept has been taken to its logical conclusion with the rise of virtual prepaid cards. These are digital-only card numbers that can often be generated for a single transaction or a specific merchant and then deleted or frozen. This is the ultimate form of a digital firewall, as the credentials become useless almost immediately after they are used, providing near-perfect protection against future fraudulent charges.

A Simple Step for Major Peace of Mind

In an increasingly complex digital world, protecting our financial information is more important than ever. The prepaid card offers a simple, accessible, and highly effective way to add a powerful layer of security to your online life. By acting as a digital firewall, it allows you to shop, subscribe, and play online with significantly greater peace of mind.

18 Irish runners at 2025 Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar

Credit: Breeders' Cup.

Eighteen Irish-trained horses will compete in the 2025 Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar, California, on Friday and Saturday.

The Irish contingent will be led, as always, by a strong team from Ballydoyle.

Aidan O’Brien, who was crowned champion flat trainer in Britain last weekend, and who will be confirmed as champion trainer in Ireland for a 28th time this weekend, will have a strong hand over the two-day meeting with eight runners in six Grade 1 races.

Horses from Ballydoyle towards the top of the betting market include True Love (Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint), Precise (Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf), and Gstaad (Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf).

25 Group 1s so far in 2025 for O’Brien

Gstaad will be joined in the Grade 1 race by his stable companions Mission Central and Brussels. O’Brien bids to add to his 25 Group 1 wins this season and edge him closer to his own world record of 28 wins at the highest level which he set back in 2017.

Minnie Hauk, runner-up in the recent Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp, will contest the Breeders’ Cup Turf on Saturday instead of the Filly and Mare Turf. The Coolmore partners will be represented in the latter named race by Bedtime Story instead. The Lion In Winter, well touted for both the 2000 Guineas and the Epsom Derby earlier in his career, will contest the Breeders’ Cup Mile.

O’Brien’s sons Joseph and Donnacha will also have runners at Del Mar this weekend.

Joseph and Donnacha O’Brien compete

Joseph, a former Breeders’ Cup-winning rider, will be represented by Queen Of Hawaii in the Juvenile Fillies’ Turf and North Coast in the Juvenile Turf on Friday evening.

Donnacha takes three runners to California, namely Havana Anna (Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint), Balantina (Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf) and Atsila (Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf).

Champion jumps trainer in Ireland and Britain Willie Mullins travels his Royal Ascot and Ebor hero Ethical Diamond to the Californian sunshine to compete in the Breeders’ Cup Turf on Saturday.

Adrian Murray and Jack Davison runners

County Westmeath-based handler Adrian Murray will have two runners in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint on day two of the meeting, with both Arizona Blaze and Bucanero Fuerte carrying the Amo Racing silks. Meath trainer Jack Davison has She’s Quality engaged in the same contest.

Adrian Murray’s Valiant Force has been declared for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint but the horse is currently ranked as first reserve, so the Irish trainer will be hoping one horse comes out of the race.

There will be coverage of the 2025 Breeders’ Cup from Del Mar on Virgin Media Two from 8pm on Friday, with coverage beginning on Saturday 8.30pm.

There will also be comprehensive coverage on At The Races/Sky Sports Racing.

Ireland Team v New Zealand on Saturday

Credit: Irish Rugby.

Ireland Rugby Head Coach Andy Farrell has named his match day squad for Saturday’s Gallagher Cup clash against New Zealand at Soldier Field, Chicago.

The 8.10pm Irish time kick-off, live on Virgin Media One and TNT Sports, will be the first game in a busy month of international fixtures for the Irish side.

Dan Sheehan will captain Ireland for the second time at Soldier Field, while Leinster prop Paddy McCarthy is in line for his Test debut off the bench.

In the pack, Farrell has chosen Jamie Osborne, Tommy O’Brien and James Lowe in the Ireland back three.

Stuart McCloskey will partner Garry Ringrose in midfield, while Munster’s Jack Crowley will start at out-half, partnering Jamison Gibson-Park in the half-backs.

Andrew Porter, captain Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong constitute the front row.

James Ryan and Tadhg Beirne are in the engine room, and a back row of Ryan Baird at blindside flanker, Josh van der Flier at openside and Jack Conan at number eight completing Ireland’s starting line-up.

Strong Irish bench

Farrell has strong options on the bench with Ronan Kelleher, the uncapped McCarthy, Finlay Bealham, Iain Henderson and the returning Caelan Doris the forward replacements.

Craig Casey, Sam Prendergast and Bundee Aki will provide the backline reinforcements.

“A privilege to be back here”

As he looked forward to Saturday’s game against the All Blacks, Ireland Head Coach Andy Farrell said:

“It is a real privilege to be back here in Chicago ahead of a huge game against New Zealand. The clashes with New Zealand over the years have been fantastic occasions and we’re expecting more of the same on Saturday.

“The historic nature of this game is something we are embracing and there’s great excitement in the squad, not least for Paddy McCarthy who is set to make his international debut this weekend. Paddy has made a great start to the season and his selection is testament to his impressive form. We wish him well and will all do our utmost to make it a special weekend for him and his family.”

Ireland (v New Zealand):

(Club/Province/Caps)

15. Jamie Osborne (Naas/Leinster)(8)
14. Tommy O’Brien (UCD/Leinster)(2)
13. Garry Ringrose (UCD/Leinster)(67)
12. Stuart McCloskey (Bangor/Ulster)(21)
11. James Lowe (Leinster)(40)
10. Jack Crowley (Cork Constitution/Munster)(26)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster)(43)

1. Andrew Porter (UCD/Leinster)(75)
2. Dan Sheehan (Lansdowne/Leinster)(32)(captain)
3. Tadhg Furlong (Clontarf/Leinster)(79)
4. James Ryan (UCD/Leinster)(72)
5. Tadhg Beirne (Lansdowne/Munster)(61)
6. Ryan Baird (Dublin University/Leinster)(29)
7. Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster)(73)
8. Jack Conan (Old Belvedere/Leinster)(51)

Ireland Replacements:

16. Ronan Kelleher (Lansdowne/Leinster)(39)
17. Paddy McCarthy (Dublin University/Leinster)*
18. Finlay Bealham (Corinthians/Connacht)(51)
19. Iain Henderson (Academy/Ulster)(85)
20. Caelan Doris (St Mary’s College/Leinster)(51)
21. Craig Casey (Shannon/Munster)(20)
22. Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne/Leinster)(9)
23. Bundee Aki (Galwegians/Connacht)(65).

* denotes uncapped

7 Irish Horse Racing Meetings To Put In Your Diary For 2026

Winning connections after Saturday's Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas at The Curragh. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.

7 Irish Horse Racing Meetings To Put In Your Diary For 2026

Ireland’s horse racing calendar is one of the richest and most exciting in the world, offering everything from pulsating National Hunt festivals to world-class flat racing showpieces. Whether you’re a lifelong racing enthusiast or simply love the thrill of a day at the races, these seven meetings, highlighted by the horse racing betting experts at Bet442, deserve a prime spot in your 2026 diary.

1. Cork Easter Festival – March 28-30, 2026 (Easter Weekend)

The Cork Easter Festival kicks off Ireland’s spring racing season in style. Held over the Easter weekend at Cork Racecourse, Mallow, this three-day meeting blends competitive National Hunt action with festive family entertainment. Expect lively crowds, top-quality jump racing, and the famous Cork Easter Sunday Handicap Chase, a highlight for many punters.

2. Irish Grand National – April 13, 2026 (Easter Monday)

While this falls close to the Cork Easter Festival in the calendar, the BoyleSports Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse Racecourse deserves its own spotlight. Run on Easter Monday, this legendary steeplechase is one of the most prestigious and historic races in Ireland. With huge crowds and high drama, it’s a true test of endurance and skill, and a race every jockey dreams of winning.

3. Punchestown Festival – April 28 – May 2, 2026

The Punchestown Festival is the grand finale of the National Hunt season, Ireland’s answer to Cheltenham. For five thrilling days, County Kildare becomes the heartbeat of jumps racing, featuring championship contests, elite horses, and roaring stands. With big names, big crowds, and big celebrations, this is a must for any racing fan.

4. Irish Guineas Festival – May 23-24, 2026

Taking place at the Curragh Racecourse, the Irish Guineas Festival marks the start of Ireland’s flat season in earnest. The weekend features the Irish 2,000 Guineas (for colts) on Saturday and the Irish 1,000 Guineas (for fillies) on Sunday; both key tests for future champions. Add in fashion, food, and great atmosphere, and you’ve got one of the year’s most elegant racing weekends.

5. Irish Derby Festival – June 26-28, 2026

The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival, also at the Curragh, is arguably Ireland’s premier flat racing event. The three-day spectacle is highlighted by the Irish Derby on the Saturday, a jewel in the European racing crown and a magnet for top horses from across the continent. The mix of sport, style, and celebration makes it unmissable.

6. Irish Oaks Weekend – July 18-19, 2026

Another Curragh classic, the Irish Oaks brings midsummer magic to County Kildare. The fillies take centre stage in this prestigious Group 1 race, following in the footsteps of legends like Enable and Snowfall. The relaxed summer vibe, fashion flair, and high-class racing make this weekend a fan favourite.

7. Galway Summer Festival – July 28 – August 3, 2026

Few events capture Irish racing’s soul like the Galway Races. This seven-day summer extravaganza blends sport, culture, and craic in equal measure. From the Galway Plate on Wednesday to the Galway Hurdle on Thursday, each day delivers thrills on and off the track. Expect packed stands, laughter, and late nights; Galway’s spirit is unmatched.

Final Thoughts

From the thundering fences of Fairyhouse to the sunlit turf of the Curragh, Ireland’s 2026 racing calendar promises a year packed with spectacle and tradition. Whether you plan to attend one or all seven, each festival offers a unique glimpse into what makes Irish racing so special: world-class horses, passionate crowds, and the unmistakable magic of the Emerald Isle.

Munster 17–15 Connacht – O’Donoghue double keeps Munster perfect as missed kicks and Ralston injury hurt Connacht

Munster 17–15 Connacht: O’Donoghue Double Keeps Munster Unbeaten as Missed Kicks and Ralston Injury Haunt Connacht

URC Round 5 | Thomond Park | 25 October 2025

Munster finished the opening block of the BKT URC season unbeaten after edging Connacht 17–15 in a bruising interprovincial decided, yet again, by the narrowest of margins.

For the second straight week, Connacht’s goal-kicking proved their undoing. Three tries on the board but no conversions left them two points short — following last week’s one-point defeat after another missed kick.

Grit Over Glamour

It was not a night for highlight reels but rather for grit, patience, and sheer will. Captain Jack O’Donoghue embodied all three, powering over for two tries — including the match-winner — to secure Munster’s fifth straight victory and send them into the international break joint-top of the table with the Stormers.

Connacht’s Byron Ralston crossed twice while skipper Paul Boyle crashed over before half-time, yet without accuracy from the tee they could not translate effort into points.

First-Half Fireworks

Connacht started brightly, enjoying long spells of early possession and forcing Munster to defend for over twenty phases. The hosts survived that onslaught and counter-attacked decisively. When Josh Ioane failed to find touch, Munster countered through Shane Daly and Diarmuid Kilgallen before Dan Kelly burst the defensive line and put O’Donoghue away for the opening try.

Five minutes later, Ioane atoned for his error with a sublime offload to Ralston, who scored to level the contest. Connacht stayed on the front foot and soon added another, Ioane again central with a perfectly timed skip-pass that allowed Ralston to complete his brace.

Momentum then flipped in an instant. Reading Ioane’s next pass, Diarmuid Kilgallen intercepted and sprinted the length of Thomond Park to touch down under the posts on his return from injury. JJ Hanrahan added the extras for a 12–10 lead.

But Connacht finished the half stronger. A maul try awarded to Paul Boyle, confirmed by the TMO, nudged them ahead 15–12 at the interval — all three tries unconverted but enough to keep the visitors in front.

Second-Half Arm-Wrestle

The second half was defined by stoppages and collisions. Connacht lost Byron Ralston to what looked like a serious knee injury shortly after the restart — one of seven players withdrawn in a bruising encounter — while Munster dominated territory and possession (69% possession, 83% territory in the second half).

Still, the breakthrough refused to come until the 67th minute. After a series of short carries from the pack, replacement prop Ronan Foxe drove close and fed O’Donoghue, who powered over for his second try. Replacement Tony Butler narrowly missed the conversion, leaving Munster 17–15 ahead.

Connacht pressed late on but handling errors and Munster’s suffocating defence — led by Gavin Coombes (20 carries, 18 tackles) and Jean Kleyn (13 tackles) — ensured the home side closed out yet another nail-biter.

📊 Match Stats

Metric Munster Connacht
Possession 56% 44%
Territory 66% 34%
Metres Gained 526 m 252 m
Defenders Beaten 31 11
Clean Breaks 5 2
Gain-Line Carries 99 57
Passes Completed 236 161
Offloads 9 2
Turnovers Won 4 3
Kicks from Hand 33 32
Rucks Won 138 96

Top Performers
🏅 Alex Nankivell – 47 m, 15 carries, 12 passes
💪 Jack O’Donoghue – 2 tries, 23 m, 8 carries, 10 tackles
⚡ Diarmuid Kilgallen – 107 m, 4 defenders beaten, 2 offloads
🧱 Gavin Coombes – 61 m, 20 carries, 18 tackles
🔒 Jean Kleyn – 13 carries, 13 tackles
💥 Paul Boyle (C) – 1 try, 20 tackles, 8 carries

Scorers

Munster: Tries – Jack O’Donoghue (2), Diarmuid Kilgallen | Conversion – JJ Hanrahan (1)
Connacht: Tries – Byron Ralston (2), Paul Boyle | Conversions – None

Line-Ups

Munster: Shane Daly; Diarmuid Kilgallen, Dan Kelly, Alex Nankivell, Thaakir Abrahams; JJ Hanrahan, Ethan Coughlan; Michael Milne, Lee Barron, John Ryan; Jean Kleyn, Fineen Wycherley; Jack O’Donoghue (C), John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes.
Replacements: Niall Scannell, Jeremy Loughman, Ronan Foxe, Evan O’Connell, Ruadhan Quinn, Jake O’Riordan, Tony Butler, Shay McCarthy.

Connacht: Harry West; Byron Ralston, Hugh Gavin, Cathal Forde, Finn Treacy; Josh Ioane, Ben Murphy; Jordan Duggan, Dave Heffernan, Sam Illo; Joe Joyce, Darragh Murray; Josh Murphy, Paul Boyle (C), Sean Jansen.
Replacements: Dylan Tierney-Martin, Peter Dooley, Fiachna Barrett, Niall Murray, David O’Connor, Matthew Devine, Sean Naughton, Seán O’Brien.

Referee: Andrea Piardi (FIR)

Aftermath

Munster remain joint-top of the URC on 23 points, unbeaten across their first five games. Connacht, now 12th, are left frustrated after consecutive narrow losses decided by missed kicks.

They will hope for reinforcements when the league resumes. Byron Ralston’s knee injury looked serious and could sideline him for several weeks, but Connacht are expected to welcome new signing Sam Gilbert from the Highlanders by the time they face the Sharks at home on 29 November. Gilbert, who can play full-back or centre, is also a proven goal-kicker and should take over kicking duties as Stuart Lancaster’s side look to steady their season.

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