Saints semi-final not just another game, says Leinster out-half Ross Byrne
Ross Byrne admits Leinster can't treat Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup semi-final against Northampton as just another game.
Ireland Sport News
'The goal hasn't changed' - Donegal defeat hasn't dented Derry's Sam Maguire hopes
Prior to the Ulster quarter-final defeat to Donegal, things couldn't have been going better for Derry and centre-back Eoin McEvoy.
Northampton need ‘appreciation and respect’ for Croke Park history ahead of semi-final
Northampton have been learning about the history of Croke Park in anticipation of becoming the first English club side to play at the home of Gaelic sport when they clash with Leinster on Saturday.
Áine Donegan qualifies for a second US Women's Open
For the second successive year, Lahinch golfer Áine Donegan has qualified for the US Women's Open.
Northampton need 'appreciation and respect' for Croke Park ahead of Leinster semi-final
Northampton have been learning about the history of Croke Park in anticipation of becoming the first English club side to play at the home of Gaelic Games when they clash with Leinster on Saturday. Saints visit the famous stadium for an Investec Champions Cup semi-final that matches the best teams in Ireland and England. Director of rugby Phil Dowson believes crucial to success is an understanding of the history of Croke Park, which is steeped in national symbolism as the site of the 1920 Bloody Sunday massacre that took place during the Irish War of Independence. Northampton's Irish strength and conditioning coach Eamonn Hyland gave a presentation on its background to the squad on Monday and while Dowson stresses "we are not playing against ghosts", he knows the venue carried special meaning. "It's absolutely fundamental that we have an appreciation of the significance of Croke Park, both culturally and historically, to the Irish battle for independence and to their psyche," Dowson said. "It's mainly important because we should have an understanding of the history, regardless of whether we are playing rugby there or not. "But we should also understand the influence it will have on their playing group, the crowd and the implications for that around the atmosphere. "At the same time we are not playing against ghosts. We need an appreciation and respect for the history, but then we have to get our game on the field.
Ireland's Aoife Wafer nominated for Six Nations award
Ireland's Aoife Wafer has been nominated for Player of the Championship in the 2024 Guinness Women's Six Nations.
Line Of Duty star Brian McCardie dies 'suddenly' aged 59
Brian McCardie has died aged 59, his agent has confirmed.
Punchestown Festival: Galopin Des Champs bids to right last year's wrong
Familiar foes Galopin Des Champs and Fastorslow are both reported in fine spirits ahead of the latest chapter in their engaging rivalry in the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup.