Meanwhile, Ward and the Irish women open their Uefa Nations League campaign against Turkey at Tallaght on Friday week, followed by a trip to face Slovenia in Koper four days later

Handicapper Martin Greenwood also concedes I Am Maximus will have to produce a record-setting performance if he is to defend his crown

Stadium naming rights within the League of Ireland are a rarity at the moment. 

If Welsh rugby sinks any lower, big questions about the Six Nations' long-term health may have to be asked.

Former Ireland midfielder Healy worked as assistant to Ward’s predecessor Eileen Gleeson and remains adamant a promise of continuity in the job was guaranteed by the FAI

There’s a reason that no team has ever won three Super Bowls in a row. And there’s a reason why no one has ever won three Six Nations rugby championships in a row either. It's incredibly difficult.

Elsewhere, Limerick were right to punish Seamus Flanagan and Antrim's case to play their Ulster quarter-final against Armagh at Corrigan Park is strong. 

“I’m really looking forward to joining the Ireland women’s national team and to be part of Carla’s backroom staff,” she said.

Niall Scannell has penned a one-year extension with Munster while Josh Wycherley has signed a two-year contract extension. 

Emotional success against France captures imagination and showcases the charm and unpredictability of the Six Nations

The Corkman enjoyed another victory in Edinburgh on Saturday. 

The club is also looking at securing a long-term training base and is increasing its community outreach

Detry held his nerve to follow Berger in from seven feet and then hit a stunning approach to the par-three 16th to set up a tap-in birdie.

"...the task of adolescence is to pull away from our parents and find our voice and identity in the world. Because of the intense change, teenagers do not always handle this with grace..."

A second successive wooden spoon seemingly awaits after a record drubbing by France was followed by a 22-15 defeat against Italy.

Gainer claims  first Ladies European Tour victory after beating  Dagar in play-off

Never in the professional era has a Lions year coincided with the country which had supplied more Test players than the other three in such a sorry state.

The New Zealander could have only three games left.

Doyle - undoubtedly Ireland's greatest-ever tennis player - reached the last 16 in the 1982 US Open before losing to John McEnroe.