Les Bleus captain Dupont suffered major disappointment on his highly-publicised return from a fractured cheekbone and felt substandard officiating was partly to blame.

The Stephenites had to grind out a hard-fought win in a tough game which saw three players being sent off

England's foundations shook when Peni Ravai went over in the 65th minute and a nerve-jangling finish beckoned as Vilimoni Botitu crossed to level the score soon after.

A sensational tally of 1-12 from the captain saw Patrickswell overcome Kilmallock in Sunday's semi-final.

Ballincollig out of the blocks quick, Tralee beat Templeogue, Star top Killester, while Wildcats and UCC Glanmire look good in the women's League

The only thing that denied Ireland’s place in the last four was the flawed structure of the tournament which has resulted in two of the best four teams heading home in advance of the semi-finals.

Kilcoo had submitted a last-ditch objection against the appointment of referee Paul Faloon what was initally rejected before now being overturned by Croke Park’s Disputes Resolution Authority.

There was a steeliness about them as they spoke to the media two days out from this game that was evident in the way they tackled, attacked the breakdown and clinically finished their try-scoring opportunities.

Inspired by a man of the match performance from the outstanding O’Shea, the underdogs upset the form book once again

The third in a trilogy of county deciders between the county’s top two clubs delivered a memorable encounter.

The Pumas fought back from an early deficit to beat Warren Gatland's Wales 29-17 in Saturday's quarter-final 

Shane O’Neill takes Na Piarsaigh to their 11th final, and a third under his guidance, having won a pair of titles in this first term in charge.

A third consecutive county decider between two of the county’s most talented lines-ups delivered a memorable encounter.

The reaction from a crowd of just over 40,000 was telling. 

Last Saturday was certainly hard to take. But we will begin again.

New Zealand’s team offers so much to the world of rugby and to fans around the globe, writes Mick Cleary.

Victoria Keating and Aine O Gorman said: 'We should all be so grateful to Vicky Phelan.'

The All Blacks had lost a three-match Test series on home soil. To Ireland. This couldn't happen. It just couldn't. 

A strong start to the second half, inspired by Fitzpatrick and Liam Corcoran, ensured Thurles opened their campaign with a five-point victory.

The boys in the white and blue hoops dropped to their knees at the final whistle.