Moving Hearts Reunion Concert

KeithDonald2
Originally uploaded by M+MD.

Live at Vicar Street, Dublin – 8th / 9th February 2007. I've got my tickets - I wouldn't miss it for the world.
The band line up will consist of Donal Lunny, Davy Spillane, Eoghan O'Neill, Keith Donald, Matt Kellaghan, Noel Eccles, Anto Drennan and Graham Henderson.
Moving Hearts, one of the few truly legendary Irish bands, have have announced their decision to do special shows at Vicar Street on Feb 8th & 9th Formed in 1981, Moving Hearts were one of the first bands to successfully explore the fusion of trad Irish roots music with rock ‘n’ roll. With a powerful contemporary rhythm section, they took a no holds barred approach to music rooted in the Celtic tradition. Blurring genres with a potent brew of folk, rock, jazz and traditional; Moving Hearts blazed a brief but dazzling trail across the Irish musical firmament for four years, informed by a unique union of styles and a singular (and at the time controversial) political stance.(text courtesy of Tara Music.

The Messiah at St Patricks

We went to Handel's Messiah with the Irish Baroque Orchestra and Resurga at St Patricks Catherdral last night. Excellent performance and venue. The President Mary McAleese was also in attendence. The Messiah was first performed in Dublin on the 13th of April 1742.

Thomond Park

I finally made it to Thomand Park, today for Munster Vs Connaught. The conditions were awful and while Connaught put on a good display Munster did the business in the end, not very pretty but effective. There was a great crowd, given the weather. Michael, Senan and Katy came along while Mags stayed in Thurles with her mother. It was Michael’s first rugby match and the first that Katy could remember – I think bring her to a Schools Senior Cup final in Lansdowne when she was about 3 but she doesn't remember that!

Freddie at Bewleys

FreddieBewleys
Originally uploaded by M+MD.

Last week Katy said – hey Freddie White is playing in Bewleys on Mondays – you like him don’t you?
So we arranged to have an early bird dinner in La Cave with Dave and Mags and we showed up in Bewleys little Theatre upstair at about 8.30 – we were a bit early but there was just a table left.
It was an excellent night. It’s a very intimate venue – just room for about 50 people, a small bar, a very appreciative group of fans. It was like being back in the basement in Toners on a Monday night, 29 years ago. He played all the old songs and some good new stuff too. He even finished with Desparados – always brings a tear to my eye!
It was a new experience for Dave and Mags – they had’t heard him before. A great night – must do it again

Freddie White
Originally uploaded by Matthew Verso.

Katy's Debs 13 October

13^th October – Katy’s Debs in Killiney Castle. Lunch in Fitzers, Maurice Stokes.

Today was Katy’s Debs. The tradition in her school is that the parents attend too. We have invited family friends and neighbours as well as her escort’s (Paul) parents for drinks before we set off for Killiney.

Katry was getting her hair done in town so she and I met for lunch in Fitzers. We were sitting down when who should walk over but Paul’s father and mother.

Now it’s a strange co-incidence but when Katy was in Washington last March she met up with Paul, who was a member of the group from Ireland. It turns out that Paul’s father Maurice was a great friend of mine when we were both teenagers down in Tara Cove. We meet up again last summer at a Tara Cove golf outing.

So Maurice comes over and says hallo, chats about the debs and says – see you later. When they go back to their table, Katy says “who’s that? Why did they say see you later?”!!!

The evening was very enjoyable, and represents the end of an era for us at Killians.

Old Friends

Bookends 1968 Simon & Garfunkel.

I had an e-mail this week from an ex-colleague; "Congratulations - today you are 6 months in your new job; let me buy you lunch in celebration!". Today, Friday we had a one to one with a one and one (fish and chips) in Foleys pub. Its good to catch up (no pun intended) and reminisce about "the good old days". But as some one said recently " these are the good old days - enjoy. Thanks Paul, I appreciate the lunch.

Thirst

Thirst ©2006 Daragh Owens M+MD.

Last night we went to see Thirst (a short play by Flann O’Brien) in Russell’s Pub in Ranelagh. Our neighbours, Michael and Heather came along. It was part of the Ranelagh Arts Festival. It was very well done – we were sitting in the pub and it was if the actors were just a few regulars (in fact I think they were). It’s a short piece, but entertaining.

Ryder Cup 012

Ryder Cup 012
Originally uploaded by M+MD.

Joy and Sorrow at Millenium Stadium Cardiff

What a week-end. On Saturday we had the long awaited Munster victory in theHeiniken Cup Final played out in the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff. On Sunday in the same Stadium, Leeds played Watford in the play-off final for the last place in the premiership. After all my patience - they lost - not only did they lose but they were played off the pitch. Watford won 3-0. I don't think Watford will last more than a season in the premiership, maybe that's sour grapes - but call it a prediction. So Leeds have to start all over again next year. This year will have done them some good - the lesson is: don't wait for the play-offs you have to come first or second - last year we got within 4 points of Sheffield - but let them get away. The play-offs are a lottery. Its 2 cup matches and a great spectacle. The fans get a great day out - but its a sustained league performance and Premiership football that we need, not a day out in Millemium Stadium (or Wembley - if it is ever completed)

O'Connell Steet in Limerick

What a day for Munster - finally Victory in the Heineken Cup.

Watching04 Originally uploaded by _CitizenKane_.

Biarritz Olympique 19-23 Munster Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Att: 74,534 Saturday 20th May 2006, 15:00.

For those who couldn't go - O'Connell Street in Limerick had a big screen and thousands of people. Sereli Bobo had given Biarritz the perfect start with a converted try after two minutes. Seven down. But in the seventh minute we had a penalty from Ronan O'Gara and in teh seventeenth minute a try from Trevor Halstead converted by RoG. 5 minutes later Munster were penalised in the ruck and no mistake from Yachvili, and were were back to 10 all. There followed some strong Biarritz pressure but the Munster defence held. Payne eventually clears the ball for Munster, and with Munster in possession - the referee calls the defence offside. O'Gara kicks for the corner - but it's a poor kick and the throw is taken from the 22.

Then comes the moment of magic. Stringer saw opposite number Yachvili out of position and left Serge Betsen grasping air as he rounded the blindside of the scrum untouched to score. O’Gara’s conversion put Munster 17-10 ahead at half time. A penalty early in the second half settles Munster.

However Yachvili gets 3 penalty opportunities. He converts each - as you would expect. With ten minutes left its 20 - 19 to Munster. Both sides look nervous. But Biarritz makes the mistake and Munster have a penalty. Ronan kicks and its 23-19. The last 3 minutes see Biarritz pressure - but in the end Ronan O’Gara kicks the ball out of play and the Millenium Stadium and O'Connell Street erupts... Ronan has had kicked a perfect five out five to clinch an historic win.

Heartbreaking defeats in the finals of 2000 and 2002 had upped the stakes for Munster but it was a case of third time lucky after producing the performance of a lifetime.

Promotion in Sight Again

After a disappointing 1-1 draw at Elland Road on Friday, Leeds beat Preston 0-2 away from home to get into the play-off final. The opposition will probably be Watford who are 3-0 after the first leg against Crystal Palace. Watford play Palace at home to-night.

Leeds and the Promotion Play-offs

After losing 2-0 away to Preston in the final match of the championship, Leeds now have to play Preston twice this week-end to get into the play-off final. To-morrow night Leeds are at home in Elland Road and on Monday they are away. Preston have been in the play-offs seven times now and have never made it - lets hope it stays that way! Full Championship Table.

Heineken Cup Semi Final 2006

IMG_7547
Originally uploaded by e_mulvey.

Munster Celebtaions

Reds do it again

Munster beat Leinster by a convincing 30 points to 6 today at Lansdowne Road. Munster got the quick start they hoped for with early pressure giving O'Gara an easy penalty. Then Leamy scored a try in the 9th minute to make it 10-0. Then Leinster got a penalty only to concede one back to Munster. Another penalty before half time and Munster went in 16-3 ahead at the break. The second half saw Leinster upping the pace. There was no score in teh second half util the 28th minute when Contepomi kicked a penalty to make it 16-6. He missed another penalty and then O'Gara got over for an easy try under the posts. In the final minute Halstead - who had a fantastic game - intercepted inside his own half and sprinted down the field for a try under the posts. O'Gara kicked the conversion and it was all over.

Paul O'Connell was again Man of the Match

Reds beat Blues - maybe its an omen!

Liverpool surprised the marginal favourites Chelsea (2-1) in the FA cup semi final yesterday. This must be a sign for Munster to do the same against Leinster in the Heineken Cup semi final this afternoon.
If we are looking for other Red V Blue signs then Biarritz booked their place against the winners of to-days encounter at Cardiff in May. They were relatively easy winners (18-9) over a disappointing Bath team.

Well its the play-offs - get over it.

With 6 draws and 2 defeats in the last eight matches - Leeds have to be content with the play-offs. A draw with Reading on Saturday and a draw away to Sheffield last night were good results. However it is now 2 cup matches to settle the promotion battle. The four teams to play out for one premiership place are already settled: Watford, Palace and Preston join Leeds. -However who plays who, is far from settled - any team is capable of finishing in 3rd through 6th place. Leeds have to play one of the possible opponents, Preston in the last match of the season. Preston were in the play-offs last season, while Palace were in the premiership last season - so there are no easy opponents. Full Championship Table.

The early bird ...

Myself and Senan went to the Leinster Vs Llanelli at Lansdowne Road this evening. We decided to go early. When we arrived in teh ground they announced that there was a limited number of North Terrace tickets for next Sunday Heineken Cup semi-final between Leinster and Munster. We couldn't believe our luck - joined the queue and are now proud holders of two tickets. Leinster had a slow enough start and let Llanelli go in at half time 19 to 7 ahead. However they came out a much more convincing team and the score finished up 30-22.

Katy goes to Washington

Katy writes: J’ai passé la semaine derniere a Washington avec 300 élevés de plus de vingt pays différents. J’ai reçu une bourse pour aller a Washington avec neuf autre élevé irlandais. Le voyage a été organise par EIL et une compagnie américain qui s’appelle > Presidential Classroom. A Washington nous avons visite d’emplacements par exemple le monument de Washington, le musée Smithsonian et le mémorial de Lincoln. Nous avons écrit un communiqué aussi, comme ils font dans l'ONU. J'étais le chef de mon groupe. Nous avons écrit un communiqué au sujet du nationalisme. Il a dû être accepté par tous les vingt pays. Nous avons travaillé très dur, mais Le communiqué a échoué. Un communiqué est un document, qui doit être admis par tous les pays. Il explique les vues et la croyance des pays impliqué. L'ONU fait beaucoup de communiqués au sujet comme des droits de l'homme, santé, et Terrorisme.

Senan is Confirmed

Senan writes: On Saturday the first of April I made my Confirmation. I was confirmed by Bishop Eamonn Walsh. I picked my uncle Michael as my sponsor. My confirmation name is Francis after St Francis of Assisi. The ceremony was quite long. After we were anointed with chrism we said the prayers of the faithful and I did a prayer for those who could not be at the confirmation because of illness. On Saturday my granny was sick and wasn’t well enough to come to the confirmation and so at the time I was thinking of her. After the confirmation we went to dinner with just the family and my sponsor. I had a great time and after we went home and watched the rugby matches. On Sunday we invited relations and family friends to our house. Lots of my cousins were there. I enjoyed the weekend thoroughly.

Its been at exciting week

Its been an exciting week in our house.

• Lisa is in the middle of her first 3 weeks of teaching practice.
• Senan had his confirmation on Saturday.
• Katy has just spend 10 days in Washington as part of an Irish delegation to the "Future World Leader Summit" and
• I started my new job last Monday.

Great Rugby, but more disappointment for Leeds

What a week-end of sport. I'm afraid that Leeds losing to Hull means that we look stuck in the play-offs rather than the hope of a second place and guaranteed promotion. Watford also lost - but Crystal Palace are on a great run and a draw by Sheffield means that they are now 7 points clear of Leeds with 5 games to go. But moving swiftly on .... .... Rugby was a different story. Athough I have lived in Leinster for most of my life, I am a Munster rugby supporter. It's very simple - I was born there and that's my excuse! It was the Leinster performance, away to Toulouse, which was the performance of the week-end - they didn't just win they swept them away. While Toulouse got close near the end (35-41) - there was never any real danger. The backs were (finally) at their best. There were world class tries from O'Driscoll and Hickey. But it was Contepomi who was the real star - his aggresion in running from inside the Leinster 22 to set up Hickey was awesome and he handled the ball twice in the sequence leading up to the O'Driscoll try.

I've Got You My Precious Uploaded by BobTheCorkDwarf.

For Munster - it was as I had feared - as clear favourites against Perpingnan, they struggled. Leinster with nothing to lose played out of their skins. Munster won without too much danger, (19-10) but it was nervy and not very good rugby to watch. However you know what we say - "A win is a win". Now, we have the hottest ticket in town in just under 3 weeks, when Leinster play Munster in Lansdowne Road. Who knows what will happen - the only certainty is that their will be an Irish team facing either Bath or Biaritz in the Heiniken Cup final in May.

Another Rugby week-end

This week-end we have the quarter finals of the Heiniken Cup. Leinster just managed to make it into the last eight by beating Bath last January and so have the dubious honour of facing the cup holders Toulouse in Toulouse on Saturday. While everyone expects a running performance from the famous Leinster back line - it is hard to find anyone who believes they will win. Munster on the other hand have a "home" draw against Perpignan in Lansdowne. The Irish fans are dismissing Perpignan as poor travellers and the French team is almost as unfancied as Leinster. Tickets for Lansdowne Road are hard to find right now - even for such a "dead cert" game. We have Leinter Vs Toulouse kicking off at 4pm followed by Munster Vs Perpignan at 5.30.

Reality Strikes

Leeds 0-1 Crystal Palace A game in hand isn't worth three points when you don't win. Jobi McAnuff scored the only goal of the game to boost Crystal Palace's play-off hopes and dent Leeds' automatic promotion chances. Plus with Watford beating Southampton last night its beginning to look harder for Leeds.

Triple Crown - Hopes Fulfilled

George said we'd win - I wanted to believe him - but I wasn't sure! It was a long day of rugby - I watched most of a poor game when Scotland beat Italy. The significance of this is that by the end of the day Scotland might finish ahead of England in the Championship. The Wales got our hopes up leading and dominating a mediocre French team. But in the last 10 minutes our hopes were dashed and France beat Wales to leave Ireland needing to beat England by 34 points to win the Championship. That was clearly out of the question. So it just left us the Triple Crown to play for. England got the perfect start with a try by Noon after just 1 minute. However given the contrarian nature of the Irish psyche, this early score left the English thinking this is easy ("Swing Low" started up in the stands) but it was just the thing to get the Irish just focused on the job at hand.

Easterby's Line Out Uploaded by papang.

6 minutes later, Horgan had a clever kick on from a fumbled catch by an England defender, to touch down and get us back on level terms. The replay showed that the ball bounced on the touchline (out!) and for the second time this season the Irish were lucky. The first half finished 14-11, Ireland dominated the 1st half, but ended up just 3 points ahead (three O'Gara penalties to two from Goode). But the half time commentary from George and the TV panel was still favourable and our hopes were up. Then England piled on the pressure in the 2nd half, Borthwick got the reward with a try, Leamy stole one back but then Goode got his kicking boots back and with 5 minutes to go at 24-21,

Horgan's Try Uploaded by papang.

we were 3 points behind. Then it happened in extra time with 4 minutes left on the stop watch - a scrum on our 22 metre line; a chip ahead by O’Driscoll; a catch missed by Voyce, a bounce and catch by O'Driscoll, out to Horgan who passed back to O'Driscoll, who set up the break-down, feeding back to Stringer who floated a long, cut out pass to Horgan who charged the corner and with Moody trying to drag him into touch, we were with the TV ref.....but Horgan’s strength and guts were too much… it was a try...!! The O'Gara got the conversion and with 90 seconds to go we were 4 points ahead.

Champagne at Twickenham Uploaded by papang.

Champagne flowing at Twickenham.

Triple Crown trophy Uploaded by papang.

Victory in Twickenham for the second time in a row was made all the sweeter when we received the first ever presentation of a Triple Crown trophy. The team went on a lap of honour around the ground - the English fans had gone home but the place looked to be still half full of cheering Irish fans.
And that's how it finished 28-24 and the Triple Crown to Ireland.

Leed now 4 points behind with a game in hand

After the 1-1 draw with Coventry yesterday, Leeds boss Kevin Blackwell said: "Anyone who watched the game cannot say that we deserved at least a point. Coventry defended stoutly and their keeper made several good saves, but credit to the lads as they kept going. At one point we were 17 points off automatic promotion but now it is only four." 10 days ago, Blackwell has signed a 3 year deal to manage Leeds - so getting to the premiership this year will set him up. His old club Sheffield United (where he was assistant manager before joining Leeds) continued their terrible run yesterday with a 2-1 defeat at Norwich. Since beating Wednesday 4 weeks ago in the Sheffield derby, United have not won a game. Their best result was a home draw against bottom of the table Crewe. On Tuesday next we find out what a game in hand is worth when Leeds play Crystal Palace at home. 3 points from this game will Leeds just one point away from automatic promotion to the premiership. Leeds beat Palace 2-1 away from home just 2 weeks ago so this has to be a great chance to make the game in hand count.

To-morrow its a feast of Rugby.

First we have Italy Vs Scotland; then we have France playing Wales in Cardiff. This match can win the championship for France. However if Wales could beat France then we have the final match with England with the Championship and Triple Crown at stake. England have made a lot of changes - we have made none. Its always hard to win in Twickenham - but we have a sneaking hope....

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Leeds Inch Closer

Leeds has a lucky escape yesterday with a last minute equaliser at home to Norwich making it a 2-2 draw. A draw should have been a set-back in the promotion stakes - however Watford were playing Reading at home and while Watford achieved a credible draw they have not gained any ground based on Leeds. Much more importantly, Coventry continued a 12 match unbeaten at home run by beating Sheffield 2-0. So we inch closer - now just five points behind with a game in hand. Click here for latest table. The remaining matches. Sheffield and Leeds swap opponents and go away from home next week. That means Leeds face Coventry in Coventry next week. So what about this Coventry unbeaten run at home.
Micky Adams, the Coventry manager had this to say after beating Sheffield: "Sheffield United can rest assured we'll try to do them a favour by doing everything we can to beat Leeds." Coventry are in 9th place and still have an outside chance of making the play-offs.
So we continue to hope but it's a big 10 days ahead. On Tuesday the 21st March Leeds play their game in hand, its at home to Crystal Palace - an important one to win. Although we beat them 2-1 away from home last week, they will not be easy to beat.

Ireland beat Scotland and set up Triple Crown game

Ireland won 15-9 and were never really in danger. Now we have set up the Triple Crown game against England in Twickenham. Ireland on the Break Originally uploaded by M+MD It was a competent but not inspiring win. The conditions were terrible, all of the players played well - but none of them dazzled - except Paul O'Connell. If they play as well against England they may get their reward.

Ireland V Scotland Today

It's early morning on the day of the last 6 nations rugby international to be played in the current, Lansdowne Road. The team news is that Paul O'Connell is fit and I've got a ticket. The plan was to go to watch the game with our Scottish next door neighbours in "The 51" - one of the pubs near the ground - just to soak in the atmosphere. Now I will be abandoning them just before 3 to take my seat in the stands. It should be a good day - nothing less than a convincing win will satisfy the crowd. I'm not so sure how clear cut it will be. If it were too convincing we might be optimistic going to Twickenham - a very foolhardy and dangerous notion. I'll have the camera, so expect to see some pictures soon - not to the standard of eoghanmcn; but recording the event nonetheless. Anyway - I've a game of golf to play first, see ya later.

Mozart 250

This year is the 250th anniversary of Mozart’s birth. He was born on the 27th January 1756 in Salzburg, Austria. By way of tribute Brilliant Classics have made a box collection of the Complete Work of Mozart. This is a collection of 170 CD’s. It can be purchased online for the fantastic price of €99 plus €20, delivery from Austria. The collection is divided into 9 Volumes: 1. Symphonies; 2. Concertos; 3. Divertimenti/Serenades/Dances; 4. Chamber Music/Violin Sonatas/Church Sonatas 5. String Ensembles; 6. Keyboard Works; 7. Sacred Works; 8. Concert Arias/Songs; 9. Operas.

That’s • 41 Symphonies; • 28 Piano Concertos; • 2 Piano Rondos; • 1 Clarinet Concerto; • 2 Flute Concertos; • 1 Concerto for Flute & Harp; • 5 Horn Concertos; • 1 Oboe Concerto; • 1 Bassoon Concerto; • 1 Wind Concerto; • 7 Violin Concertos; • 23 Divertimenti; • 11 Serenades; • 2 Wind Adagios; • 6 Wind Nocturnes; • 12 Horn Duos; • 16 Marches; • 35 Dances; • 1 Horn Quintet; • 1 Oboe Quartet; • 2 Clarinet Trio; • 1 Clarinet Quintet; • 1 Wind Quintet; • 4 Flute Quartets; • 6 Flute Sonatas; • 6 Piano Trios; • 2 Piano Quartets; • 2 Piano Quintet; • 2 Variations for Piano & Violin; • 30 Violin Sonatas; • 17 Church Sonatas; • 2 String Duos; • 2 String Trio; • 23 String Quartets; • 6 String Quintets; • 6 String Prelude & Fugues; • 18 Piano Sonatas; • 17 Piano Variations; • 41 Klavierstücke; • 8 Piano pieces for 4 Hands; • 1 Fugue for 2 Pianos; • 1 Sonata for 2 Pianos; • 9 Organ Works; • 1 Requiem; • 4 Litaniae; • 3 Regina Coeli; • 1 Santa Maria; • 7 Offertoria; • 14 Liturgical Chants; • 17 Masses; • 2 Kyrie; • 2 Sacred Musicals; • 4 Cantatas; • 2 Solemn Vespers; • 41 Canons; • 47 Concert Arias; • 33 Songs; • 19 Operas.

I am currently about one eight of the way through listening to the collection, mixing it around from Symphony to Opera to Piano Sonata, as the mood takes me. Each CD takes a journey in and out to work, more or less, so Ian Dempsey and Matt Cooper have lost a listener for now.

Ireland at home to Scotland next Saturday

Next Saturday wil be the last 6 nations international in the present Lansdowne Road stadium. We are expecting an easy victory. The thesis is that Ireland put in a good performance against Wales and that the Scots will not be as good away from home as they were in Murrayfield against England and France. This is dangerous thinking. The Scots will be thinking that they now have had their hardest games behind them; their final game against Italy should be a reasonably straight forward win for them. So, if Scotland can beat Ireland on Saturday and England beat France and Ireland beat England next week – then hey presto Scotland are the Champions. While nobody is saying much about this – you can be sure the Scots have figured it out. No time for complacency, especially with the average performances so far.

Now just 6 points with a game in hand.

Good day - a difficult fixture won - an easy fixture drawn. Leeds move closer to that guaranteed promotion spot. Latest Championship League Table Sheffield could only draw at home to bottom of the table Crewe. Leeds won 2-1 away to Crystal Palace - Palace are currently 5th, also in the play-off zone. I would have been happy with a draw there. The run in is still very challenging for Leeds. Next week looks ok, with Leeds at home to Norwich (10th); Sheffield away to Coventry (12th) while Watford should fall further behind away to Reading. Currently, my realistic prediction sees Leeds finishing 7 points behind Sheffield. That's because Sheffield have just 2 difficult games left and they are both at home. Leeds have 4 difficult games left including away at Sheffield. Leeds can continue to improve their chances over the next few weeks. A home win at Crystal Palace on the 21st March is the next big target. However their fate will be seal in the 15th and 18th of April with Reading at Elland Road and Sheffield at Bramall Lane. We continue to hope.

Sarah's Confirmation

Today we celebrated Sarah Dobey's Confirmation at Rathfarnham church. Mags was her sponsor, she took Joan as her confirmation name. Afterwards we had a lovely family meal. There are 3 cousins being confirmed this year. Sarah is the first. Senan is on the 1st of April and Ronan is 2 days later on Monday the 3rd April. Conor had to leave to see St Mary's get beaten in the Senior Schools Cup. But let's not talk about that.

Montalcino

Montalcino Originally uploaded by Mani Varadarajan.

Just the scene to brighten up a cold day in Dublin. One of my all time favourite places - Montalcino, in Tuscany. Home of the fantastic Brunello di Montalcino wines. A fabulous sunset - with a great view of the hill top town and the valley below. Subject of a great book on Italian living by Isabella Dusi.

A patient Leeds United fan

It's been a good 2 weeks for patient Leeds United fans. We have had a good run in the Championship this year - steadily improving to a point where we have been in third place for sometime now and a place in the play-offs for promotion to the Premiership, looks pretty certain. But a place in the first 2, with automatic promotion to the Premiership looked too much to hope for, until recently. Reading are running away with the Championship and because Sheffield United had such a strong start before Reading caught them, Sheffield looked certain to finish second and to get a guaranteed promotion. Leeds were 14 points behind, albeit with a game in hand - but that was just too much to pull back, or so it seemed. Latest Table However, in the last two weeks Sheffield has dropped points and Leeds have picked them up. Yesterday Sheffield lost while Leeds won. So now we are 8 points behind with a game in hand - its looking like a close run thing. Watford are also giving it a good run - but Leeds look like they have a chance to get back into the premier flight, where they belong. But what are the remaining matches? Leeds probably has the toughest run-in, playing 5 out of 11 remaining matches against teams in the top six; 3 of these away from home. Sheffield have a much easier run-in with only 2 matches against the top 6 teams and both of those at home. Critical for Leeds will be the match away to Sheffield on the 18th April. Watford also have an easier run-in than Leeds, with only 2 matches against the top six teams although they are both away, and one is to Reading. Leeds also have an away game to Reading. So now is a time to hope; it's a time of possibilities and patience for all long suffering Leeds fans.

Ireland Vs Wales - A Win is a Win

Final Score
Picture by Ciarán Bohane.

A competent win - we were favourites and we won based on home advantage helped by the loss of Stephen Jones, replaced by a poor Gavin Henson. It was a nightmare game for him. So now we wait for what should be an easy win against Scotland; hope for a draw in Paris!!

Mal two handed
Photo by Ciarán Bohane.

Easterby
Photo by Ciarán Bohane.

That will set up a show down in Twickenham for the Championship and Triple Crown.

The dream is still alive!

Half Time - Ireland Vs Wales

Ireland leading 11-5. Its was a pretty good start by Wales. However losing Stephen Jones has bad a difference.
Gavin Henson playing at Outhalf is a bit of a joke. Ireland had a poor start - looking a bit better in the second quarter.

Photo by Ciarán Bohane. Watching the half time commentary on TV, George Hook has just said that Trimble is a 21st Century Tony O'Reilly!

Lets see what the second half brings - we're looking good, but not great, so far.

Today - its Ireland Vs Wales

Miracles at Murrayfield Originally uploaded by Monkey Images.

How things have changed since the strange affair in Paris. Yesterday, Scotland put on a Braveheart performance and beat England and Italy put in another credible, if losing, performance agianst the French in Paris. So today, we can believe that

• England are beatable;
• we were playing a better Italian team that we thought;
• the Irish team of strong individuals have discovered how to play as a team ...

Well we can dream like this for at least another 2 hours. By 5 pm today we will have reinforced that dream or started thinking about next year! I'm writing this with 30 minutes to kick-off. Unfortunately no ticket, so I will be shouting at the telly for the afternoon.