Why exactly was there a record crowd at the FAI Cup Final last weekend?This is a question which is not easy to answer convincingly. It is clearly part of a broader pattern whereby soccer in Ireland is increasing in popularity.

All the evidence suggests that Victor Wembanyama is uniquely placed to live up to the colossal expectations that have been set. What will be fascinating to watch about him is how his fame manifests itself.

Down in Shinrone, The Waterboys were great – but The Saw Doctors were incredible. I’d never even heard of them before. They stole the night.

As for his part, William Webb Ellis was unable to record his own thoughts on the matter. He was dead when the story of his invention of rugby was created.

The late Aussie Rules legend, who'll be honoured at the MCG, had a huge impact on the game. 

Dave Gallaher played a crucial role in the construction of his adopted country's national identity.

It's clear we are just in the early stages of the technological changes that will increasingly make decisions in sport.

For 136 years, the previews and match reports of county finals have been staple content for local papers.

The absence of rugby does not mean that other sport is not visible on and off Rue de Rivoli; indeed, all manner of other things underline the centrality of sport to modern culture.

Rugby internationals between the two countries began again in 1920 when France won for the first time in Dublin.