Babbling 'brook

Harrington was magnificent and proved he is one of the great Irish competitive sportspersons. He won the US Senior Open tonight by one shot, beating the US Ryder Cup captain, Steve Stricker, who led the US team to heavily beat Harrington's European team last year. Well done Padraig, at the top of th...

For any over 50's golfers who dream about hitting those "all-time greatest" shots, check out Padraig Harrington's back nine in the 3rd round of the US Seniors Open last night. Absolutely mind blowing 5 wood from 270 yes to 4 feet followed by eagle putt and lots more like it.

Dream on!

Very interesting article in the 42 on John Ryan's exit: https://www.the42.ie/john-ryan-munster-5799113-Jun2022/ I observed John Ryan at close quarters in an Ireland Development squad on Tour prior to his selection in a National senior squad. Whilst he had an underlying medical condition, it was wel...

Despite the one-sided scoreline, this was a game worthy of review. Montpellier surprised Castres from the outset with some superb passing, handling and running, rather than merely bish, bosh boom. They scored two great tries, went ahead by 20 points and then retired that game. That allowed Castres t...

Performance in the next three games is going to be a real measure of the coaching ability within this group. There is clearly a significant difference in the preparation of this group compared to the 6N collection. That said, the improvement during the course of the 6N was marked and I expect to see...

Maybe this is the start of a new era of domination by the South African's across all fronts but if they hadnt just had both teams in the final of the URC we wouldnt be having this conversation. And if one SF was 5 mins longer and the other 5 mins shorter, we could have had a Leinster Ulster final. ...

Three business stories broke this morning, all worthy of some good investigative journalism and some names. The AIB & Building Society fine by the Central Bank. Biggest fine in Irish business history. But not one mention of the key executives who made these policy decisions within either institu...

I personally think that the SA teams joining and winning the URC is a great thing. For years the Irish teams have played in the most mediocre league in world rugby, where teams can play up to 60 players a season and still win most games handy. Where the best players almost never get into double dig...

Yeah. Putting SA in the Heineken Cup is the audition. Now all it takes is a few years without someone shitting the bed. France will get light touch until the RWC, then law changes and/or refereeing interpretations will hobble the giant forwards somewhat. If we want to beat them in the RWC we won't ...

The provocative TAB New Zealand advertising campaign around the Irish Rugby tour in NZ is typical of the Paddy Power-style marketing offensive to raise betting revenue and thus profitability. Perhaps the Irish Tour Party should respond by asking TAB New Zealand why they are considering selling their...

paddyor wrote: ↑June 20th, 2022, 3:26 pm

cormac wrote: ↑June 20th, 2022, 1:57 pm Joe Joyce joining Connacht from Bristol for the start the start of the 2023/24 season.

Why announce that now?

Because they've agreed it now and he's essentially pre-contracted (very normal in French rugby) and probably precluded from talking to others in the meantime.

Really looking forward to seeing Clarkson get better in the coming season and Abdeladze being backed to start a few games, there’s no point keeping him around all these years otherwise. Vakh has been in the Leinster system for a long time. He did three years in the sub-academy before going into the...

Well done Nick for having the courage to trust the Leinster brotherhood. Well done to that band of brothers for supporting him so strongly. That emotional weight must be an awesome burden in a society which is only beginning to accept that there are a range of different sexualities and to be differe...

England 21 - Barbarians 52 with Skelton (Barbarians) dismissed on 36th minute. Clearly England minus Sarries & Leicester is not as dominant as Jones predicted. Couldn't watch it but match reports say Ba-Bas pack devoured England, even with Curry & Underwood in their back-row.

Will Ireland be tempted to adopt the now prevalent tactical approach of kicking high, long and often in an attempt to beat NZ? This strategic style, with some particular variations, has been successful for France and various NH Club teams. It appears to be the lower risk tactic preferred by some hig...

Arguably, the Six least entertaining teams in the three NH Leagues qualified for the three finals. Montpellier come through to play Castres, following the Prem kick-fest between Leicester & Sarries and the all SA URC final of Bulls & Stormers. Certainly doesn't look too encouraging for teams...

We can learn from both Bulls & Tigers short penalty tries. Both effective and inventive.

What a negative game. We played "gaining ground" as kids, but without a pack of forwards in front of each kicker. There must have been more than 100 kicks from half-backs & full-backs. But described as a "wonderful final" by Austin Healey.

A great finale, but lousy rugby.

The progress of Kelleher, Sheehan, Boyle, Ed Byrne and McKee during McBryde's tenure can't be ignored. However, based on performances for Leinster, as opposed to Ireland, Furlong and Porter have stalled this year, or maybe we're not using them properly. Without adequate power coming through from the...

The World Rugby proposals as to how they intend giving the TMO an interactive role with the Referee should be extended to the Stadium audience who deserve to have the spectacle, they have paid a premium to attend, made available for their "participation". The TV audience, at present, get a...