Nothing can overshadow the positive mood that surrounds Stephen Kenny's Ireland at the moment after last night's 3-0 win over Luxembourg, but the strange reaction of the hosting manager Luc Holtz might have come close. After the game, he refused to answer questions in English despite doing so perfectly just the day before. No one can really have a gripe with wanting to speak in your own language, but what followed was a strange, detail-lacking accusation of bad sportsmanship against Kenny and his backroom staff while the translator continually referred to Ireland as British, despite being corrected by the travelling Irish media. Regardless, Holtz's sour grapes did not take away from the fact that the Kenny era came full circle during last night's win. After losing 0-1 at home to minnows Luxembourg in March, Ireland ended this set of qualifiers by avenging the defeat that had many calling for Kenny's head, all but securing the gaffer's future in the process. Gavin Cummiskey was our man at the Stade de Luxembourg last night, reporting on how the second half introduction of Jason Knight was just the creative spice that Ireland needed on their way to a 3-0 win. Ken Early also gives his view on proceedings in his column this morning, arguing that these Ireland players are enjoying playing for their country again after recovering from a turbulent period.
Speaking of unbridled positivity surrounding a national team, Malachy Clerkin argues that James Lowe swatted aside any lingering gripes about his New Zealand heritage when he wrapped up Rieko Ioane in what was arguably the game-winning defensive intervention. In perhaps the most Irish way possible, he became one of us with a gutsy tackle rather than a glitzy try in the corner. Ireland's third win over the All Blacks in the last five years has all of a sudden created a burgeoning rivalry that equals any other in the sport, according to Gerry Thornley. Next summer's three-match tour all of a sudden has taken on an even greater importance; the All Blacks must be licking their lips at the prospect of getting us down there for some revenge. Still, before we get to that stage or even to any talk about what Ireland's win means for their 2023 World Cup hopes, Johnny Watterson takes one last look on what was a day that no one will forget at the Aviva on Saturday. If a pat on the back from crestfallen competitors is your cup of tea, you can find a summary of the New Zealand press' reaction here.
Another Sunday afternoon saw another slew of GAA county finals taking place up and down the country. Dromore and Mountbellow-Moylough ended two long barren runs for final success in Tyrone and Galway respectively, while Ballyea denied final debutants Inagh-Kilnamona to secure the Clare hurling crown. A dramatic draw down in Tipperary means that Thurles and Loughmore will have to do it all again in two weeks' time, while Clann Éireann staged a stunning comeback to shock Crossmaglen in the Armagh final. You can find a full round-up of all the action here. Elsewhere on the awards front, Meath's Vikki Wall capped a dream 12 months by securing the player of the year gong.
After promising starts to their respective weekends both Pádraig Harrington and Leona Maguire stumbled a touch towards the end of their competitions in Dubai and Florida. A final round 75 from Maguire put her hopes of a maiden tour win to bed after she led the field at one point, while Jazz Janewattananond's 18th hole 45-foot eagle putt ensured that Harrington agonisingly missed out on qualification for the DP World Tour Championship. At least it appears Stephanie Meadow retained her LPGA Tour card for next season. In racing, the drama around the drugs seizure from John Warwick continues, as the Coolmore Stud have come out and denied ever being associated with the controversial equine therapist.
