As befits the time of year, it’s another GAA heavy weekend, and with three provincial titles up for grabs we aren’t complaining.
Further afield, the Tour De France is entering the crucial stages and our own Dan Martin is in impressive form.
As if that wasn’t enough, we have at least two, if not three more days of British Open action at the home of golf.
Sit back, put your feet up and enjoy!
British Open Golf
The third major of the year is being massively affected by the weather at St Andrews. Jordan Spieth comes in chasing his third consecutive major of the year, and was five under after Day One. The absence of the Rory McIlroy is significant as Spieth can overtake him as world no.1. with victory, but there is a lot of golf to be played, and weather to be navigated, before a winner is declared.
Amateur Paul Dunne from Greystones had a dream start, and all the Irish competitors are positioned to make the cut. Due to finish on Sunday evening, but could well run on into Monday given current conditions.
Good news. Play will resume at 10am today. Great work from all the greenkeeping staff. #TheOpen #RainDelay https://t.co/hPiAvzLFdz
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 17, 2015
The British Open, BBC all weekend
Munster SFC final replay
Ancient rivals Cork and Kerry produced the spectacle of the season so far in the drawn game – Fionn Fitzgerald rescued the Kingdom with a last gasp equaliser. Cork supporters will travel with a little bit more hope on this occasion and the return of Alan O’Connor to the midfield has been a key factor in their performances. Kerry will probably improve more from the drawn game and the returning Colm Cooper can swing this game in his side’s favour.
Infographic by Michelle O’Keeffe
Cork v Kerry, Saturday Game Live, RTE2 – throw-in 7pm
Tour De France
Ireland’s Dan Martin is in a rich vein of form and has already had two runner-up positions in this year’s race. The mountain stages are spectacular and will make for some spectacular viewing over the weekend. Team Sky’s Chris Froome currently holds the yellow jersey and he looks to hold all the aces. Nicolas Roche is an integral part of the team and protecting Froome’s yellow jersey will keep Roche right in the firing line this weekend.
Tour De France, Eurosport all weekend
Ulster SFC final
Donegal contest another provincial title and they have been seriously impressive under their new manager Rory Gallagher. The transition from the McGuiness era has been seamless with Michael Murphy arguably the best footballer in the country right now. Monaghan are one of the few teams that can match Donegal for physicality and they will bring plenty to the table over the weekend. Any Ulster final will be hard fought but expect Donegal to edge another tough battle.
Infographic by Michelle O’Keeffe
Monaghan v Donegal, Sunday Game Live, RTE2 – throw-in 2pm
Connacht SFC final
An unusual pairing for the Connacht Football Final but Mayo look in pole position to claim another provincial title at Dr. Hyde Park in Roscommon. Sligo stunned Roscommon with a real determined and gutsy display in their semi-final clash. However, this Mayo team are serious All Ireland contenders and they are expected to brush aside the Sligo Challenge on Sunday afternoon.
Infographic by Michelle O’Keeffe
Mayo v Sligo, Sunday Game Live, RTE2 – throw-in 4pm