Munster 26 – 10 Castres

Munster 26 – 10 Castres; Heineken Cup Round 5

Munster produced a dogged but uninspiring performance to defeat Castres at Thomond Park this afternoon in Round 5 of the Heineken Cup. Tries from Johnne Murphy and BJ Botha mean Munster become the first team to qualify for the quarter finals of the competition, which will help erase memories of their group exit last season.

Ronan O’Gara contributed 16 points from the boot, four penalties and two conversions, to help Munster overcome a stubborn and under-strength Castres side who were out of the competition prior to kick-off.

Munster now head east to face Northampton next week in the final round of the group stages, with a win guaranteeing a home quarter final berth. Northampton had a morale-boosting away victory over the Llanelli Scarlets today, but with three defeats already to their name, they are virtually, if not mathematically, out of the competition.

Quick Thank you

Premiergunner wishes to thank his loyal followers for continuing to visit his blog page on a regular basis. I have not blogged since last April but am hopeful of blogging on a regular basis once the exciting sports action from Ireland and abroad gets into full swing.
I will not be confining my sports writing to just Tipperary G.A.A and Arsenal F.C as I have done in the past, but will cover much more sports stories which I hope will have something for everyone.
Once again thank you so much for your dedication in following my sports stories and I assure you you wont be disappointed once I get back blogging on a regular basis.

Premiergunner

Tipp destroy Galway in Salthill

Tipperary 4-23 Galway 1-14

Tipperary produced a scintillating performance to crush Galway on their home patch in Salthill this afternoon in Round 6 of the Alllianz National Hurling League. There were strong performances throughout the side with Michael Cahill and Paraic Maher outstanding in the backs. Gearoid Ryan in the first half and Shane McGrath in the second were excellent at midfield in their hard work and ball delivery. It was really in the forwards where Tipp tore Galway apart with Shane Bourke of J.K Brackens scoring 3-4 from play in a devestating display.

It was a desperately disappointing performance from Galway, who knew coming into the game a win would seal their place in the final.

Tipp played quite well in the first half against the breeze and led 1-10 to 1-08 at half time. Galway started decently with the in-form Eoin Forde scoring a scrappy goal after Darren Gleeson had fumbled a routine shot. Tipp responded very well with all six forwards scoring from play in the first half. Lar Corbett scored two nice points with Benny Dunne and John O’Brien also doing well. It was O’Brien who scored the goal after 20 minutes after sharply collecting a Pa Bourke sideline ball and placing it low into the left-hand corner of Colm Callinan’s net. Galway replied positively and Forde and Ger Farragher had the deficit down to two by the interval.

Into the second half Tipp started in lightning quick fashion with Bourke and Patrick Maher (0-4) scoring early points. Bourke then rifled an angled shot past Callinan to see Tipp 8 clear at 2-13 to 1-8 on forty minutes. Galway only scored 5 points in the entire second half to cap a miserable afternoon for John McIntyre and his backroon team.

Bourke continued his rampage with a lovely flicked goal and another acute point to sent Tipp 13 clear. Substitute Brian O’Meara, Ryan and McGrath also pointed to see their chances of making the final becoming a serious reality.

Bourke scored his third to seal a great day for him personally, and he duly picked up the man of the match award afterwards. Tipp can make the final should results go their way next week. They play Wexford in Thurles next Sunday, although the Slaney men scored a shock victory over Cork this afternoon, so it wont be a straightforward task but a win will be strongly fancied.

Tipp head to Salthill needing win

Tipperary travel to Salthill knowing only a win will keep their League aspirations on track for 2011. Galway have been in fine form of late, scoring an important win against Dublin last week in Parnell Park.

The Tipperary team shows three changes to the one that earned a credible draw against Cork last Sunday. Darren Gleeson replace Brendan Cummins in goals, John Coughlan takes the place of the the injured Paddy Stapleton and John O’Brien, sent off last week, comes in for Noel McGrath.

Tipp’s hopes of reaching the final are still theoretically possible, although results elsewhere must go their way to have a chance of advancing. Galway, the defending champions, will secure their passage to the final with a win, and will start as favourites tomorrow. The Tribesmen have been showing real signs of steely resolve this season, something that has been lacking in recent seasons in the vital close games. Tony Og Regan, Ger Farragher and Iarla Tannion in particular have been playing very well so far, and Tipp native John McIntyre will fancy his side’s chances of a victory on home soil tomorrow.

Declan Ryan’s team travel northwest with a reasonably strong side picked. Paraic Maher and Gearoid Ryan played well last week but up front, Tipp will need to produce the scores more consistently. Lar Corbett has not shown his dash of ’10 yet, although the current hurler of the year is just back from a foot injury.

John O’Brien did well when coming on as a substitute last week before being sent off for a second yellow card in an altercation with Eoin Cadogan. The Douglas man is developing a notorious reputation for himself as he consistently antagonizes his opponents into reacting to his rough-house antics. This is true in football also, as his last two opponents in both codes have been sent off whilst marking him in his full back position.

Tipp need a win, but Galway may well do enough to see them to their third League Final in four years.

Verdict: Galway

Galway vs Tipperary is live on TG4 @ 2.30, Sun. 3rd April. Ref: James Owens (Wexford)

Gunners win vital this evening

Arsenal head into this evening’s Barclays Premier League encounter vs Blackburn knowing a victory is absolutely crucial to their title aspirations. The Rovers visit The Emirates for a 5.30 kick-off.

The Gunners are 5 points behind Mancherster United, albeit with a game in hand, although, United have a lunchtime kick-off against West Ham at Upton Park and could theoretically be 8 ahead  come 3pm.

The International break was a welcome distraction for Arsene Wenger, having seen his team endure their poorest run of the season up to that point. They tumbled out of three separate competitions in the space of two weeks; firstly losing the Carling Cup Final to Birmingham City, then bowing out of the Champions League in Barcelona. Finally, Man United ended their FA Cup dreams with a Quarter-Final win at Old Trafford. Following this Arsenal came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at West Brom, but still dropped vital points in the race for the title.

Nothing other than a win will do if Arsenal are to keep their charge for the League on track, and anything other than 3 points could end their interest in the the last competition they remain in the hunt for.

Theo Walcott remains sidelined with an ankle injury, although Cesc Fabregas could feature after a series of hamstring problems. Robin van Persie has been in scintillating form of late for both club and country, scoring for the Netharlands in their thrilling 5-3 win over Hungary in mid-week.

Blackburn will likely travel to North London with a siege mentality, as they have done in recent years since The Gunners moved to The Emirates in 2007.

An early goal could lead to a big win for Arsenal, although, as has long been their problem at home in particular, they threaten to run riot without scoring, then panicking to scrape any kind of victory as the clock ticks towards 90.

Arsenal need to win, and Arsenal should win.

Verdict: Arsenal

Tipp team to face Offaly named

Tipperary take on Offaly in McDonagh Park, Nenagh this Sunday, Mar. 13th @ 2.30pm in Round 4 of the Allianz National Hurling League. The team shows three changes from the one which defeated Waterford last weekend

Eddie Connolly of Loughmore/Castleiney makes his League debut at corner-back in place of Paddy Stapleton. Benny Dunne starts at Wing-Forward in place of Shane McGrath, with Gearoid Ryan moving to midfield, and Eoin Kelly comes into the side for his first start of this League campaign with Brian O’Meara dropping to the bench.

It’s another strong side Declan Ryan has fielded. Tipp will be fully expected to win convincingly against an Offaly team very low on moral at the moment. Their 13-point defeat at home to Dublin last week was a serious blow to their ambitions of staying in this years league, with 3 losses from 3 a poor return indeed.

Shane Dooley had to go off in last weeks game after a bad challenge from Peter Kelly. The Tullamore man required surgery to have his ear reattached after it was “hanging off”, according to his father and manager Joe.

Tipp will be keen to build on last week’s win ,and nothing other than a convincing victory will satisfy the large home crowd expected to attend.

 

To Patrons: There will be no parking on the grounds of McDonagh Park on Sunday, so it is advisable to come to the game early to see the action from the start. Car parks around the town will be free of charge on the day.

Manchester United vs Arsenal; Preview

Manchester United’s stormy rivalry with Arsenal sees its latest installment take place at Old Trafford this evening. This FA Cup Quarter-Final tie promises to be another pulsating affair as both teams look to bounce back from defeats in the past week.

Uniter suffered a moral damaging 3-1 loss at Anfield last week. Alex Ferguson did a “media blackout” on it afterwards and none of his players spoke to the press either. They still lead the league by 3 points ahead of The Gunners, who have a game in hand on United. Although precious league points are not on offer this evening, a win over their fierce London rivals would be an excellent fillip for the coming weeks. Home advantage will play a key role and it will be interesting to see what team Fergie fields.

Arsene Wenger was in hot water this week over alleged comments he made to the referee after their Champions League exit to Barcelona on Tuesday. Arsenal put in a massive defensive effort in their attempts to shut out Barca and it may take its toll today. Cesc Fabregas isn’t fully fit but may start this evening. Robin Van Persie will be available after his harsh sending off mid-week.

Wenger would love to get one over his old rival in their bid to win the FA Cup for the first time since 2005, when they beat United on penalties in Cardiff. Certainly were they to come away from Manchester with a victory this evening, they would be considered favourites  for the title. With important league games coming up for Arsenal also, Wenger may play a slightly understrength side. A draw and a replay back at The Emirates would be a positive result, although their recent hectic schedule would mean another game would be a nuisance.

Arsenal wont want to tumble out of three separate competitions in the space of two weeks, however, that is an eminent possibility come 7pm this evening. United have had the week off and should be fresher. They have a good pedigree in this competition, and can win this one should they play as well as they can.

Verdict: Manchester United

Manchester United vs Arsenal is live on Setanta Ireland, K.O 5.15 pm

Barcelona vs Arsenal; Preview

Barcelona meet Arsenal in the second leg of their last 16 tie of the Champions League at the Nou Camp tonight. The Gunners lead 2-1 from the first leg and, with the tie delicately poised, this could be a thrilling game between two teams of the purist tradition.
Robin van Persie may feature for Arsenal, having been sidelined since the Carling Cup Final appearance against Birmingham nine days ago. Cesc Fabregas also looks likely to start, which would be a huge boost for Arsene Wenger and his team. Theo Walcott, however, remains out with an ankle injury.
Barcelona have no fresh injury worries ahead of the game. The Catalans have been in scintillating form this season, and have averaged more than four goals a game at home thus far. They are still on course for the treble, a feat they achieved two seasons ago.
Should both teams play to their potential, it promises to be a cracking encounter, but with a partisan home crowd behind Barca, the home team are more than capable on turning the tie around and advancing to the Quarter-Finals.

Verdict : Barcelona

Gunners looking to end Trophy drought

 

Cesc Fabregas

 

Arsenal head into tomorrow’s Carling Cup Final knowing a victory will end their six-year wait for silverware. The 2005 FA Cup victory over Manchester United seems an eternity ago now, and Birmingham City remain the final hurdle in their path to ending that unenviable streak.

Mixed start for Tipperary Footballers

There is no doubt the people of Tipperary live and breathe hurling as their number one sport. The achievements of the Senior and U/21 hurlers last year were rejoiced thoroughly throughout the county and deservedly so. It had been 9 long years since the seniors brought Liam McCarthy back to Thurles in 2001, and an even longer wait for the U/21 crown which was way back in 1995. However, the footballers of Tipperary deserve an honorable mention also.

The standard at club level in the county continues to rise dramatically year on year. The fortunes of their League campaign to date has been somewhat mixed, with a hard fought win over Limerick followed by a narrow loss to Louth in Drogheda last weekend.
Tipp face a difficult game again this Sunday in Semple Stadium against an improving Westmeath team.
Tipp’s did well to ground out a 0-10 to 0-06 win over Limerick and, but for two late points from All-Star Paddy Keenan last week, could have come away from the Louth game with a draw or even a win!
It’s no coincidence the fortunes of Tipperary Football have improved with the arrival of Kerry native John Evans. He joined the set-up in 2008 and led The Premier men to two successive league promotions from division 4 to division 2 before being relegated to division 3 last year.
Tipp have also enjoyed notable scalps in the championship also, most notably a one point win over Laois last year in Thurles.
Exciting young players like Barry Grogan and Philip Austin make Tipp a tough opponent for any team and, while in broad terms an All-Ireland or even a Munster Championship title may seem an unrealistic target, the future of the game in the county certainly looks bright indeed.

Tipperary vs Westmeath in Semple Stadium, Sun. 27th Feb @ 2.30.  Referee: Padraig O’Sullivan (Kerry)