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.

Ireland Vs France - What Happened?

The questions were answered in the first half - and the answers weren't good. France was so far ahead in the first half, through repeated Irish mistakes, it was tempting to turn the depressing performance off. Then something happened - the French eased up and the Irish started to play. However a loss is a loss (like a win is a win) and the best we could hope for was to win all of the rest of the matches. which includes beating England in Twickenham - yah, right. But then, England were only average when beating Italy, so maybe...

Ireland V Italy 4th February 2006

First game of the 2006 Six Nations Championship at Lansdowne Road.

Brian O'Driscoll Originally uploaded by eoghanmcn.

Paul O'Connell Originally uploaded by eoghanmcn.

It was a tough uninspiring victory. The truth is that Italy were robbed, but a win is a win. The team didn't play as one team, they were more like 2 teams (Munster and Leinster).

A lot of questions to be answered in Paris next week.