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Pro14 season suspended indefinitely

The board of Celtic Rugby DAC met by teleconference this week and agreed upon a strict list of criteria that would enable the Championship to recommence.

However, no decision on a definitive re-commencement date can be made until four key criteria can be met within our respective competing territories:

– Public Health Authorities cease to prohibit the resumption of sport and group training

– Travel restrictions between our territories are lifted

– No forced isolation or quarantine orders are in force when visiting our territories

– Player welfare is safeguarded, including requirement for a suitable pre-recommencement training period, to be established in conjunction with the high-performance personnel at our participating unions and teams

Due to the evolving situation, unfortunately the board had to take the further decision to cancel the Guinness PRO14 Final at Cardiff City Stadium, set to take place on June 20. Refunds will be made automatically to all who have already purchased tickets.

Full information on refunds will be available on https://www.pro14.rugby/finalin the next 24 hours.

Proposals regarding how to restart the season will be reviewed in the near future. PRO14 Rugby is working with key stakeholders to carefully examine several proposals that can be implemented and delivered in order to close out the season – albeit at a later date.

Should any final be played as part of the 2019/20 season it will be hosted by the team with highest ranking based upon league records from this campaign.

When positive indicators on the criteria listed above PRO14 Rugby will provide another update.

Everyone across the Guinness PRO14 would urge fans and everyone involved in the sport of rugby to heed the directions from their local health authorities regarding the COVID-19 outbreak and play their part in staying safe.

Motorsport Ireland suspends until the 1st June 2020

As a consequence of the ongoing health emergency and in accordance with the measures being implemented globally to counteract and contain the spread of COVID-19 all events permitted by Motorsport Ireland are suspended until the 1st June 2020.

This date may be revised but we will at all times be guided by government policy and what is the right thing to do on a national level.

 All clubs affected by this suspension of events will be reimbursed the deposits which they have paid to Motorsport Ireland and we encourage those clubs to work directly with us with a view to hopefully running their events at a later time. These are extraordinary times such as we have not experienced before but one thing is certain we will come out of this, unfortunately no one can put a time on when that will be.

 Our thoughts go out to the victims and their families that the virus has affected and to all those club members who for months have been devoting time and energy to the preparation of their 2020 events.  We share their disappointment and wish to express our solidarity and support

The Best Activities for Sports Lovers

It is easy to see why so many people in Ireland and all around the world love sports, whether this is football, rugby, horse racing, tennis or any other type of sport.

Something is thrilling about watching live sport, particularly when it is a team/player that you support, and you get to see them triumph. Of course, sport is not always on, but there are lots of activities that you can enjoy, which will provide a similar thrill and help you to fill the time until the next sporting fixture. Read on for a few fun activities that any sports lover will enjoy.

 

  • Video Games

Video games are one of the most exciting and thrilling activities that you can do from the comfort of your own home as they are so engaging and immersive. Additionally, there are many excellent sports video games for practically every sport, so it is a great way to engage in the sport yourself, whether you are playing online against your friends or against the computer.

 

  • Exercise

Exercise is hugely important for health, and it is something which most sports enthusiasts will enjoy, particularly if you are playing a competitive sport. Getting in good shape can give you a greater appreciation for the athletes that you watch on TV, but it will also help you to feel happier, healthier and more confident in your life.

 

  • Online Betting

Online betting can bring a similar thrill to watching or playing live sport as you get the highs of winning contrasted with the lows of a defeat. You can bet on all kinds of different sports and other activities with online betting websites too so it is easy to find something to bet on and you can do this no matter where you are (provided you have an internet connection). 

 

  • Chess

It may not be as pulsating as watching an end-to-end rugby match, but many sports fans find that chess is a terrific activity which has more similarities to the sport than you might initially think. This is because chess is a game that is all about strategy, reading your opponent and reacting – these are all key in most sports and can give you a greater appreciation for a win through tactics.

 

  • Reading

Reading is an enjoyable hobby for many reasons, and it is one which any sports lover can enjoy because there is so much to read in books, magazines and online. This might include match previews and reviews, tactical information, interviews, biographies, analysis or anything else related to your favourite sport.

 

  • Blogging

Following this, you could also start your own sports blog where you share your own content with the world and encourage conversation with your readers. This can be a fun way to share your thoughts with the world and engage with fellow sports fans online. 

These are a few suggestions for activities that any sports lover will enjoy when there isn’t a sport to watch. They all have close ties to competitive sport and could help you to get more from your favourite sports while giving you another hobby to enjoy.

AIL Rugby season to conclude with immediate effect

Irish Rugby has finished the AIL rugby season with immediate effect.

It wants give clubs the chance to put plans in place for the 2020/21 season.

There will be no promotion or relegation in any of the five divisions of the Energia Men’s All-Ireland League.

The planned expansion of the Energia Women’s All-Ireland League for the 2020/21 season remains in place.

There will be no league or cup winners in any competition organised at a national level including the Energia All-Ireland Leagues, Energia Women’s All-Ireland Cup and the Energia Bateman Cup.

The Fraser McMullen U20 Cup, the Junior Interprovincial Championships and the round-robin qualifiers for the Energia All-Ireland League will not take place.

Speaking about the announcement, IRFU Director of Rugby Development Colin McEntee said:

“The decision to end the domestic rugby season for 2019/2020 season has not been made lightly. All options were discussed and the IRFU is satisfied it has arrived at the only equitable solution.

These are challenging times for us all and we know clubs will be impacted by this directive, but we will look back at this season as one where we put the physical welfare of our rugby community above all else.

Clubs are now in a position to make plans for the 2020/21 season. We look forward to marking the 30th anniversary of the All-Ireland League.”

Dubai World Cup night on Saturday 28th March to comprise of 6 Group 1s & 3 Group 2s

The racecard for the 25th edition of the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse on Saturday 28th March will be comprised of nine races – six Group 1s and three Group 2s, with the day’s racing worth a total of $35 million.

Global Group 1 winners such as Benbatl, Chrysoberyl and Sir Winston are currently likely runners in the $12 million Group 1 Dubai World Cup.

Ghaiyyath and Hong Kong Vase (Group 1) winner Glory Vase are entries in the Group 1 $6 million Longines Dubai Sheema Classic.

Defending champion Almond Eye is likely to be opposed by Hong Kong Cup (Group 1) winner Win Bright and Jebel Hatta (Group 1) victor Barney Roy in the $6 million Group 1 Dubai Turf.

The world’s richest dirt sprint, the $2.5 million Dubai Golden Shaheen, has attracted one of the top dirt sprinters in the world, Imperial Hint, while the $2 million Al Quoz Sprint (Group 1) and $2.5 million Group 2 UAE Derby is expected to see runners from Japan, Europe, the UAE and the USA.

The $1.5 million Dubai Gold Cup (Group 2) entries include Ireland’s Kew Gardens, Aidan O’Brien’s Ladbroke’s St Leger winner at Doncaster, as well as the Group 1 Melbourne Cup winner Cross Counter.

The $1.5 million Group 2 Godolphin Mile features a clash between dominant milers  Capezzano and Salute the Soldier.

The world’s richest race day kicks off with the Group 1 $1 million Dubai Kahayla Classic which will be contested by some of the world’s best Purebred Arabians, including the defending champion AF Maher.

2019 winner Burrows Saint among 97 entries for 2020 BoyleSports Irish Grand National

Last year’s BoyleSports Irish Grand National hero Burrows Saint, who gave champion National Hunt trainer Willie Mullins his first victory in the contest, is among the 97 entries for the €500,000 showpiece at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday, April 13.

The Closutton maestro has 17 horses entered in the 150th running of the race next month, while his main championship rival Gordon Elliott has an incredible 24 entries for the race.

Elliott provides the top-weighted horse with Delta Work, winner of the Grade 1 Paddy Power Gold Cup and the Grade 1 Savills Chase at Leopardstown, and the Gigginstown House Stud-owned horse has been allotted the maximum weight of 11-10.

Dual Aintree Grand National winner Tiger Roll (11-8) and last year’s Aintree Grand National runner-up Magic Of Light (10-12), from Jessica Harrington’s yard, are notable entries.

Race sponsors BoyleSports make Any Second Now and Milan Native, both previous winners of the Kim Muir Chase at The Cheltenham Festival, the early favourites for the Fairyhouse showpiece.

Ted Walsh’s 2019 Kim Muir victor Any Second Now (10-06) started a well-backed 10-1 for this race last year but fell at the eighth fence, while Milan Native (10-3) was an impressive winner of the 2020 Kim Muir for Gordon Elliott and top amateur rider Rob James.

Paul Nolan’s Discorama recorded a third successive Cheltenham Festival placing when third in the Ultima Handicap Chase last week and has been given 10-4.

Peter Roe, General Manager of Fairyhouse Racecourse said: “We are delighted with the strength in depth of the entries for the BoyleSports Irish Grand National which is due to be staged on Easter Monday, April 13. We hope to celebrate the 150th anniversary of this great race this year and will work in tandem with Horse Racing Ireland to ensure that all guidelines set by the Irish Government are met.”

See the full list of entries for The BoyleSports Irish Grand National here

Confirmed Irish racing fixtures up to 29th March

The Horse Racing Ireland list of fixtures up to and including Sunday March 29, which will be shown live on Racing TV, is as follows:

Friday 20 Dundalk (afternoon)

Saturday 21 Thurles

Sunday 22 Downpatrick

Monday 23 Naas (from Sunday March 22)

Tuesday 24 Clonmel

Wednesday 25 Dundalk (afternoon) (from Friday March 27)

Thursday 26 Cork

Friday 27 Navan (from Saturday March 28)

Saturday 28 The Curragh (from Sunday March 29)

Sunday 29 Limerick

ITV Racing will broadcast five races from Thurles on Saturday 21st March, on air from 1.30-4pm on ITV4.

Ed Chamberlin will present the show which will also look back at the recent Cheltenham Festival and the 2019-2020 jumps season.

Premiership postponed until at least April 30th

English FA have decided that there will be no premiership football until April 30th April.

All games in England’s Premier League, EFL, Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship, and all fixtures in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, are currently postponed.

The good news for Liverpool fans is that the season will finished at some stage as the FA have stated the 2019/20 season will be extended indefinitely.

A statement after the meeting, published by the Premier League said: “The FA, Premier League, EFL and women’s professional game, together with the PFA and LMA, understand we are in unprecedented times and our thoughts are with everyone affected by COVID-19.

“We are united in our commitment to finding ways of resuming the 2019/20 football season and ensuring all domestic and European club league and cup matches are played as soon as it is safe and possible to do so.

“We have collectively supported UEFA in postponing EURO 2020 to create space in the calendar to ensure domestic and European club league and cup matches have an increased opportunity to be played and, in doing so, maintain the integrity of each competition.

“The FA’s rules and regulations state that “the season shall terminate not later than the 1 June” and “each competition shall, within the limit laid down by The FA, determine the length of its own playing season”.

“However, The FA’s Board has agreed for this limit to be extended indefinitely for the 2019/20 season in relation to Professional Football.

“Additionally, we have collectively agreed that the professional game in England will be further postponed until no earlier than 30 April.”

More to follow

 

AFL – List of Australian Football Live on BT Sport

It’s one of the few sports left to watch, but BT Sport have live coverage of the AFL, there are plenty of Irish playing Aussie Rules.

Friday 20th March

Western Bulldogs v Collingwood
08:30

Saturday 21st March – Live AFL Aussie Rules

Essendon v FremantleAFL
02:30
GWS Giants v Geelong CatsAFL
08:00

Sunday 22nd March – Live AFL Aussie Rules

Hawthorn v Brisbane LionsAFL
04:00

Thursday 26th March – Live AFL Aussie Rules

Collingwood v RichmondAFL
08:00

Friday 27th March

Sydney Swans v EssendonAFL
08:30

How coronavirus affects League of Ireland

With coronavirus in the air, everyone is taking precautions to stay healthy and not to infect others. The same can be said about the FAI and League of Ireland.

Last Wednesday League of Ireland and Women’s National League have been issued with a list of guidelines, aimed at helping clubs protect individuals attending games in relation to the coronavirus outbreak.

For a while, there shouldn’t be any handshakes, high fives, fist pumps, chest bumps, etc between players, coaches, and officials. Players should also avoid signing autographs and posing for photographs with fans.

But that isn’t as detrimental to fans as the possible football season shutdown. 

The fans will have to miss the Euro 2020 play-off between the Republic of Ireland and Slovakia, which will be played behind closed doors in Bratislava on March 26. Still, the fans can check the results at sites like Xscores.

And what’s more – the League of Ireland is postponed until April 3.

The last two games of series 3 St. Patrick’s Athletic vs Derry City and Finn Harps vs Shelbourne were postponed for an indefinite period. The same is with the last game of series 4 Sligo Rovers vs Waterford and all the games in series 6, 7 and 8.

Still, depending on the future situation more games could be postponed. Currently, a six-man task force, which includes two representatives each from the NLEC, the PFAI and the FAI, is monitoring news on coronavirus pandemic and how the Irish government and the World Health Organization reacts to it.

But coronavirus lockdown didn’t affect only the dates of games, but some club training.

Clubs that are using communal facilities and gyms as training bases are being encouraged to move elsewhere to minimize the risk of getting infected. Clubs like Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers that own their own training grounds and gyms can keep on following their usual routine. 

Also currently FAI is assessing club finances and their needs during the Covid-19 crisis and based on that affiliation fees might be dropped in the SSE Airtricity League to help out cash-strapped clubs.

But on Sunday Drogheda suspended payments of wages and expenses since they aren’t sure football will return after a three-week break and if the club pays the players now when they aren’t training, they won’t be able to pay players at the end of the season. 

And who knows – other clubs might follow Drogheda. 

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