Tag: ireland

6 Nations Final Day Predictions

Coming to this a bit late – I’ve missed the first game of the day where France predictably did a demolition job on Italy.

For England – Scotland, I think this is a close game, if Scotland perform like they did in the first half against Ireland then they have a change of winning this game. On the other hand, England started off the Championship so poorly, and I really didn’t rate them (or Johnson who seems more like a captain than a manager). Continue reading “6 Nations Final Day Predictions”

Six Nations Round 1 Review

I’m delighted that the 6 Nations has started, for me it’s without doubt the best annual sports competition in the world – I do love the Heineken Cup, but the 6N is the business.

I didn’t see much of the Italian visit to Twickenham, what little I did see was predictable but nothing awe-inspiring from England. From the Italian performance they’re still the whipping boys of the 6N, although Scotland look like they might be racing Italy to this years Wooden Spoon.

Ireland had a wonderful start to the championship with a fantasic win over a decent French side at GAA headquarters. France had an experimental but dangerous side and it was real back and forth stuff. Ireland managed to keep the penalty count lower than the French, and with a couple of really spectacular tries from both sides, it was a pleasure to watch. Continue reading “Six Nations Round 1 Review”

Dublin to Athlone cycle via Royal Canal

I intended to cycle to Galway last Thursday, the route was the canal towpaths out of town as far as Moyvalley bridge, then along the old N4 to Galway, hopefully getting as far as Ballinasloe, Oranmore or even Galway city. Instead of starting at 6am like I intended, I actually started at 8am, which really hurt on the far end. I made it as far as Athlone before I ran out of time (I was getting a lift at the far end). Realistically, I could have made it to Ballinasloe, but not Galway city itself. (Lesson: go to bed before 3am the night before.)

My Surly Crosscheck at the 12th LockContinue reading “Dublin to Athlone cycle via Royal Canal”