Lauren McCann

GAA

In line with government guidelines, GAA clubs in Northern Ireland will be able to return to training in groups of 15 or less from April 12, in a welcome boost for the sport. GAA clubs, like those across Northern Ireland in various sports, will only be able to train, with friendly and competitive games not yet permitted. South of the border, the Irish government is set to announce any changes to current restrictions, if any, by the end of next week. There has been no competitive action in Gaelic games since December, and the governing body is waiting for further clarity before taking a decision on the schedule for cross border fixtures in the summer.

Pro 14

Leinster retained their Pro 14 crown, defeating provincial neighbours Munster 16-6 at the RDS to win their fourth consecutive title. Leinster dominated the bruising encounter and were worthy winners in the end, with Jack Conan scoring the only try of the game early in the second period to secure the win. Ross Byrne added three penalties and a conversion for Leinster whilst Joey Carbery got two penalties for Munster, who have now gone ten years without winning a trophy.

Northern Ireland

Ian Baraclough’s men suffered defeat in their opening World Cup 2022 qualifier, losing 2-0 to Italy in Parma, despite a battling performance on the night. Italy dominated the opening half and raced into an early lead through Berardi before they added a second on the break courtesy of Immobile. Northern Ireland will be disappointed by the goals they conceded, but were much improved after the break, going close through Whyte and McNair. It was a memorable night for captain Steven Davies, who equaled Peter Shilton's British international caps record of 125, and he has the chance to break it on Wednesday against Bulgaria, after he was rested for Northern Ireland’s game on Sunday against the USA.

The friendly, which took place at Windsor Park, was the first meeting between the two nations and a chance for Baraclough to assess some of his fringe players as he made 10 changes for the game. Kyle Lafferty captained his country for the first time, as Northern Ireland suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat. Reyna got the opener with a wicked deflected strike before Pulisic doubled the Americans’ lead from the spot after they were awarded a controversial spot kick. Niall McGinn pulled one back with an audacious volley as Dion Charles came on to make his international debut.

All focus now turns to Wednesday, as Northern Ireland host Bulgaria in their second qualifier, a must-win game if they stand any hope of progressing from the group.

Six Nations

Wales were crowned Six Nations champions on Friday night after 14-man Scotland clinched a 27-23 win over France, their first since 1999, to hand Wayne Pivac’s side the title. The game was rearranged due to a Covid-19 outbreak in the French camp, and France knew a bonus point win with a margin of 21 points would hand them the title. It didn’t pan out that way however, as Scotland produced a magnificent performance, with Duhan van der Merwe scoring a late try to seal the win. The result handed Wales their sixth Six Nations title, whilst Ireland finished third in the final standings, one point below the French.

Republic of Ireland

Stephen Kenny has still yet to record his first victory as manager of the Republic of Ireland and is facing mounting pressure, as they suffered damaging defeats to Serbia and Luxembourg, to leave their hopes of qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in tatters. Serbia came from behind to beat them 3-2 in Belgrade on Wednesday night. Alan Browne had opened the scoring for Ireland, their first goal in 11 hours of football, as they took charge in the opening stages. Serbia grew into the game as it wore on and equalised through Vlahovic before substitute Mitrovic netted a double in the second period to wrap up a crucial three points for Stojkovic’s men as James Collins scored a late consolation for Ireland. They then suffered an embarrassing 1-0 loss to minnows Luxembourg at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday night as Gerson Rodrigues scored the winner on a dire night for the Irish.

Irish Premiership

Linfield strengthened their push to retain the Gibson Cup, bouncing back from a midweek defeat to Ballymena with a hard fought 1-0 win over Portadown on Saturday night, courtesy of a goal from Jordan Stewart. The league leaders extended their lead to 10 points after Coleraine failed to close the gap, suffering a shock 2-1 loss to Cliftonville at Solitude. The Bannsiders, who were reduced to 10 men for the last fifteen minutes of the game after Bradley was dismissed, saw their 17-game unbeaten run ground to a halt in north Belfast thanks to goals from Jamie Harney and Paul O’Neill, with Ben Doherty pulling one back from the penalty spot.

That result, coupled with Jay Donnelly’s last-minute winner at the Oval against Crusaders, saw Glentoran move to within just two points of Coleraine in the race for second place and automatic qualification for Europe. Crusaders are now languishing in seventh place and are in real danger of finishing in the bottom half of the table ahead of the split, as a result of their dire run of form since the turn of the year.

Elsewhere, Larne again stumbled in the race for Europe, dropping points by drawing 2-2 with Glenavon, who twice came from behind to peg the Invermen back at Mourneview Park. Ballymena continued their terrific run of form, following up Tuesday night’s win over Linfield with a 5-1 thrashing of basement side Dungannon, with Dean Shiels still waiting for his first win since taking over at Stangmore Park. A late leveler from Swan ensured Warrenpoint took home a share of the points against Carrick at Taylor’s Avenue as the game ended 1-1.

Lauren McCann is is an English and Spanish student at QUB. Listen to her on The Sporty Scoop every Wednesday.

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