With so much happening this St Patrick's Day, it's fair to say that sport sometimes flies under the radar (apart from the Club Championship finals, maybe).
However this year, St Patrick's Day looks like it's going to be an absolute stormer.
Not sure if I'm telling the truth? Let's have a quick run-down:
Cheltenham Gold Cup
What a Festival it has been.
Favourites have been nowhere, Gordon Elliott has been the star, and there’s just been plenty of excitement all round.
It finally comes to a close tomorrow, with the feature race being the blue-ribboned Cheltenham Gold Cup.
The Irish has a great victory in this last year with Don Cossack, and now the likes of Outlander, Djakadam and co will be aiming to repeat that feat and make sure the Gold Cup calls Ireland it’s home once again.
All-Ireland Club finals
As is tradition on St Patrick’s Day, the Senior All-Ireland Club Championship finals take place at Croke Park.
There’s plenty of Dublin interest in the first game, which sees Cuala of Dalkey take on Clare side Ballyea in the hurling decider. Both sides have never won the All-Ireland Club Championship before, so a new name will enter the history books.
In the second game, it will be an Ulster vs Munster clash, as Derry side Slaughtneil take on multiple-time Munster champions Dr. Crokes to take home the football prize.
Dr. Crokes haven’t won the title since 1992 and will want to end that drought, but Slaughtneil were impressive in their win over St. Vincent’s of Dublin last time out.
Ireland Women’s rugby team aim for Grand Slam Glory
The Ireland women will be aiming to bring some cheer to the rugby community, as they face the Old Enemy on St Patricks Day in what is going to be a Grand Slam decider.
England enter the game with a one point lead, however both sides are undefeated.
Tom Tierney’s squad will want nothing more than to claim the Grand Slam with victory over England, but to do it in front of what will be a big crowd at Donnybrook on the country’s national holiday will make it much more sweeter.
Despite being without captain and influential full-back Niamh Briggs, Ireland have been very impressive in their 4 matches so far and they’ll look to finish off in style.
Ireland Legends vs England Legends for Axel Foley
Irish rugby was devastated by the sudden passing of Munster head coach Anthony Foley last year.
On Paddy’s Day, a number of legends from both Ireland and England will take to the field once again for a special game, as they community continues to remember the Late Great Number Eight.
Players like Ronan O’Gara, Shane Byrne, Mick Galwey and Laurence Dallaglio will take to the pitch at the RDS for a game which is sure to provide plenty of excitement.
It’s all part of the festivities and the build-up to the big 6 Nations clash between Ireland and England on Saturday, and it’s hard to know when we’ll get to see so many legends on the same pitch once again.
Michael Conlan makes his professional boxing debut
When Michael Conlan was controversially beaten in the Olympics in Rio last year, he claimed that he has ‘a big career ahead of me’.
We’ll finally get to see the start of what could be something special in Irish boxing, as the Belfast man makes his professional debut in the theatre adjoined to Madison Square Garden in New York City.
He’ll head the card on the night, and gives him a real opportunity to showcase his transition into the professional ranks, and it’s hoped he can provide a successful end to Irish sport on our national holiday.
