Ireland’s hopes of reaching a first World Cup semi-final received another hammer blow last night as Sean O’Brien received a one-week ban that will see him miss Sunday’s quarter-final with Argentina.

Twitter erupted yesterday after Ireland flanker Sean O’Brien appeared to strike France’s Pascal Pape during Ireland’s victory over les Bleus. 

With two wins from two so far, Ireland are busy preparing for their third game of this year’s Rugby World Cup against Italy on Sunday. However, the focus of Rob Kearney and Ian Madigan appears to have wavered over the last day or so, if you are to believe their Twitter accounts.

Sean O’Brien’s focus on Romania may just have wavered for an hour or so last night.

Years of patient hard work and dedication came to fruition at Thomond Park on Sunday when a group of Limerick teenagers from Newcastle West, Shanagolden and Abbeyfeale combined to win the Munster Youths U18 title for the first time.

The Tullow Tank is being prepared for next month’s Ryanair Gold Cup at Fairyhouse following a wasted journey to the Cheltenham Festival.

The Tullow Tank is set to be prepared for the Cheltenham Festival following a much improved effort at Leopardstown.

Joe Schmidt has declared his confidence in Munster out-half Ian Keatley, who will wear the number ten jersey for Ireland against Italy on Saturday.

Sean O’Brien is hoping 50 minutes of international rugby will be enough to convince national coach Joe Schmidt that he has a part to play in the opening game of the Six Nations clash with Italy next week.

Hurricane Fly and Jezki face off for the sixth time at Leopardstown today in a fascinating clash for the Ryanair Hurdle.

Jim Culloty is looking forward to getting his Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Lord Windermere back on the course in the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown on Sunday.

There won’t be a dry eye in the house at Fairyhouse tomorrow if The Tullow Tank can land the Bar One Racing Drinmore Novice Chase.

Jezki, Hurricane Fly, Faugheen and More Of That all appear among a star-studded entry for the Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse on November 30.

Cillian’s Return can land the INH Stallion Owners’ EBF Novice Hurdle for Tony Martin at Fairyhouse this afternoon.

Dual Grade One-winning hurdler The Tullow Tank makes his eagerly-anticipated debut over fences at Fairyhouse today.

The Tullow Tank will have his first race for Dessie Hughes in a beginners’ chase at the end of this month.

Globe-trotting stayer Simenon could make a surprise first appearance over hurdles for a year and a half at Tipperary on Saturday.

If you were playing for Fenagh in a Junior B match in Division Five of the Carlow league last night, we sympathise.

Sean O’Brien has expressed relief at being able to return to play for Leinster before the end of the season.

Philip Fenton enjoyed a welcome change of fortune at Naas yesterday as Real Steel claimed Grade Two honours in the Paddy Power Shops Better Value Novice Hurdle.

The Tullow Tank will not run at the Cheltenham Festival due to the “uncertainty” surrounding trainer Philip Fenton’s ongoing case for alleged possession of anabolic steroids, said his owner Barry Connell.

A leading owner has withdrawn two high-profile horses from racing as the case against trainer Philip Fenton regarding the alleged possession of banned animal medicines, including anabolic steroids, was adjourned until after the Cheltenham Festival.

Leading Irish jumps owners Gigginstown House Stud have offered their unyielding support to trainer Philip Fenton, who has been charged with possession of anabolic steroids and other unlicensed substances.

The Hennessy meeting at Leopardstown is a great starting point for anyone attempting to identify possible Cheltenham festival winners.

Dunguib is on course to have his second comeback run this weekend at either Gowran Park or Navan, meaning he could clash with Champion Hurdle dark horse Un De Sceaux.

The Tullow Tank and Last Instalment impressed trainer Philip Fenton in a workout yesterday ahead of Sunday’s top-class fixture at Leopardstown.

Paul Nicholls and Ruby Walsh will be reunited when Tidal Bay tackles the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown on Sunday.

Seán O’Brien’s decision to sign a new two-year deal with Leinster and Ireland is likely to have prompted an improved offer for Jamie Heaslip from Toulon, who have spearheaded the chase for the Ireland internationals.

The IRFU today confirmed that Sean O'Brien would remain under contract with Leinster, despite having been closely linked with French club Toulon in recent days.

Owner Barry Connell expects to find out which race The Tullow Tank will run in at Cheltenham after his next outing in the Deloitte Novice Hurdle on February 9 at Leopardstown.

Ireland and Leinster rugby star Sean O’Brien volunteered his training nous to the Carlow senior footballers after watching them lose out to Longford in the O’Byrne Cup.

Leinster and Ireland flanker Seán O’Brien has joined Anthony Rainbow’s Carlow backroom team.

In the end, it was Ulster who got the bragging rights — just.

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The unbeaten Pink Hat and classy novice Turnandgo should provide Willie and Patrick Mullins with a first and last race double in Clonmel today.

Twenty-four hours after guiding My Tent Or Yours to a smooth success in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle, Tony McCoy partnered odds-on favourite Jezki to victory in the Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle, one of three Grade 1 events on yesterday’s card in Fairyhouse.

Analifet kept her unbeaten record intact with a bloodless victory in the Bar One Racing Juvenile 3-Y-O Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

Danny Mullins must have felt like someone who had just been let out of jail after partnering The Tullow Tank to success in a maiden hurdle at Naas last Saturday.

It was a weekend of firsts for Irish champion jockey, Davy Russell.

Inscribed on Sean O’Brien’s wrist bandage is a little tribute to a man who had a huge influence on his career.

Leinster 37 Zebre 7

The Tullow Tank will return to Leinster colours tonight to make his first appearance since the ill-fated Test series against the All Blacks in June.

Ireland flanker, Sean O’Brien, will almost certainly be fit enough to play some part in Saturday’s Six Nations match against England at Twickenham.

EUROPEAN rugby player of the year Sean O’Brien will be Carlow’s secret weapon when they take on Wexford at Croke Park on Sunday.