Cork lit up the hurling Championship with a supreme demolition of Derek McGrath’s Déise boys as Mickey Harte’s Red Hand won the battle of Ulster in a revealing Championship weekend.
So yes, the week began with a series of GAA related questions, and it ended with rugby pride as the Irish Lions were roaring the loudest in the build-up to the eagerly anticipated first Test against the All Blacks. The waiting on Warren Gatland’s pride of Lions is finally over and we’re hoping the six Irish panel members can inspire their comrades on Saturday.
Monday
The Cork hurling band were making all the noise after a breakthrough weekend. Hurling fans criticised the Déise boys but still couldn’t help but marvel over Austin Gleeson’s work of art. Tyrone’s trumpet was being blown as All-Ireland contenders, as the second round draw of the football qualifiers was made. Mickey Harte’s tactical revolution might be the answer to Dublin dominance.
Some tantalising summer Sunday are in store for GAA supporters.
Revelations that Cristiano Ronaldo had thrown his toys out of the pram were confirmed. Manchester United fans dared to dream.
Tuesday
The GAA world was so divided in their views on the all revealing and hugely fascinating GAA Nua documentary. Cian O Neill’s occlusion goggles raised the most debate, with their blinkered critics and their blinded supporters. The game is becoming more and more analysed, whether we like it or not.
Amidst all clouded uncertainty of the GAA world, the Lions midweek team won their first game of this year’s Tour against The Chiefs and they did so emphatically. The hype for Saturday was reaching uncharted territory.
Wednesday
Passion. Pride. Determination. Ferocity. Intimidation. Praise. Admiration. Leadership.
Peter O’Mahony.
CJ Stander lead Irish eyes to believe the Corkonian would lead Warren’s troops as captain and his prophecies came true.
O’Mahony will become Ireland’s latest Lions test captain against the All Blacks on Saturday and he will be joined by five of Ireland’s best.
The Conor McGregor fan club are gagging for Las Vegas, and there is new members in the club every passing day.
Westmeath couldn’t repeat their Leinster Championship heroics of last year though their efforts were gallant. The GAA world discovered a new hero in grizzly but polished goalkeeper. A certain Kilkenny hurler’s Instagram was GAA to the core.
Thursday
Yet more Peter O’Mahony praise. Tadhg Furlong can’t wait for the challenge.
Westmeath manager Tom Cribbin spoke with searing honesty as he showed GAA personalities are still able to speak their minds. Robert Lewandowski is a copycat of Cristiano Ronaldo’s or maybe it’s Yaya Touré. He, too, enjoys throwing toys out of the pram and wants out of Carlo’s Munich.
A special moment as @BrianODriscoll presents the jerseys to the match 23 in front of entire Lions squad ahead of the first Test #AllForOne pic.twitter.com/Hn6qKTabcQ
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) June 23, 2017
Friday
A Phil Mitchell lookalike felt obliged to demonstrate his bouncing belly at Royal Ascot. Drinks were spilled, women were knocked over.
Lions supporters’ appetites were whetted even more with Brian O’Driscoll’s dishing out of the jerseys. More pride. More anticipation.
Dana White issued warnings about the dangerous false tickets in the McGregor – Mayweather world and now even Mark Wahlberg has jumped on the bandwagon.
Conor Murray is definitely worth a punt for the first Lions try on Saturday.
Bring on the All Blacks.
