Sport by Press Association 06/03/2019, 11:48 am Send us a story Sign up to our Daily newsletter Sean Cronin has been omitted from Ireland’s 37-man squad for Sunday’s Guinness Six Nations clash with France in Dublin. The 32-year-old hooker has paid the price for a below-par performance in Ireland’s patchy 26-16 victory over Italy in Rome. Ulster’s Rob Herring has been added to Ireland’s extended training squad, alongside captain Rory Best and Munster’s Niall Scannell. Kieran Marmion has been drafted in at scrum-half, while Robbie Henshaw and Dan Leavy have been ruled out through injury. “A 37-man squad has been named ahead of Ireland’s Guinness Six Nations game against France at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday,” read Ireland’s statement. “Ross Byrne, who was capped on the summer tour to Australia is named in the squad, which also sees the return of Connacht’s Kieran Marmion. “Up front Rob … [Read more...] about Hooker Sean Cronin dropped from 37-man Ireland squad after poor Italy display
Ireland train tours
All aboard! A €2,270 steam train tour is coming to Ireland
The 'Emerald Isle Express' is hauled by steam locomotives owned by the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland (RPSI), with guests travelling in "beautifully preserved" Craven Coaches, including a bar car serving draught Guinness. Run by UK tour operator Steam Dreams Rail Co, the trip is planned from September 6-11, with guests staying overnight at luxury hotels along the way. And the price? Places on board the real-life Thomas the Tank Engine are available in four different classes, ranging from a 'Non–Dining' option costing £1,195/€1,360pp to full 'Pullman Style Dining' with meals included at £1,995/€2,270pp. Passengers, most of whom are expected to come from Britain, with some from the US and Australia, will start their journey in Dublin, chugging cross-country on vintage carriages hauled by the RPSI's No.85 Merlin and No.4 Tank Engine. Steam Dreams also manages the UK's Cathedrals Express and Flying Scotsman steam train tours, and is returning to Ireland … [Read more...] about All aboard! A €2,270 steam train tour is coming to Ireland
Best — Ireland’s bullish captain
Rory Best has tackled bulls, got the better of the All Blacks twice, led Ireland to the Six Nations Grand Slam and been on the losing side in the European Union Referendum. A pretty full life already for a 36-year-old -- young by most standards but an elder statesman in the rough and tumble of professional rugby -- and one the Northern Irish farmer and hooker has no intention for the moment of easing up on with the defence of the Six Nations title beginning and the World Cup looming in September. However, Best -- whose family farm is a mix of cattle and arable -- came close to throwing in his chips as Ireland captain last year when he was in a much darker place due to criticism for appearing at a rape trial in which two of his then Ulster team-mates Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding stood accused. Both were found not guilty. The trial judge clarified that Best had been asked to attend by one of the lawyers but the opprobrium aimed in his direction made him think of handing over the … [Read more...] about Best — Ireland’s bullish captain
In their own words: Ireland’s rise to a world rugby powerhouse
“It just wouldn’t happen today,” Willie John McBride says on a rainy morning at home in Ballyclare as he explains the vast differences between the gleaming powerhouse of Irish rugby today and a ramshackle sport which he only began playing at the age of 17. Four years later, in 1962, as McBride remembers, “I was in the Lions Test team. Remarkably, I survived.” McBride not only survived. At 78 he remains the godfather of Irish rugby and a lock forward who won 63 caps for Ireland and played a record 17 Lions Tests. He also provides a perfect starting point for a journey through Irish rugby as McBride’s story shows how much Ireland and the game have changed. Despite past sectarian conflicts and multiple identities, there is a new cohesion among the four rugby provinces and the national team. “You feel that unity and its importance even more now,” McBride says. “This Ireland team are unifying the country in the north and south.” … [Read more...] about In their own words: Ireland’s rise to a world rugby powerhouse
Injured James Shannon ruled out for Ireland Wolves
Cricket Ireland has confirmed that James Shannon will return home to Dublin after succumbing to a shoulder injury, with Simi Singh – currently training in India - joining the Ireland Wolves squad as a replacement for the final three 50-over matches of the Ireland Wolves tour of Sri Lanka. Pete Johnston, Head Coach of Ireland Wolves, said his participating in the games had been slowing his recovery.“James flagged some soreness in his right shoulder at the beginning of the tour, but with careful monitoring and rehabilitation work by our medical staff here in Sri Lanka, we hoped he could complete the tour and return to throwing 100% pain-free,” he said.“After this last game, it has now become clear that James’ shoulder is still hampering him and playing in these games is slowing down his recovery from the injury. “With the Oman Quadrangular series and Afghanistan series in India on the horizon, we felt it best for him to return home and focus on his … [Read more...] about Injured James Shannon ruled out for Ireland Wolves