compiled by Gavin Cummiskey
AIL left in cheap seats again
THE ALL-IRELAND League decider has been left in the cheap seats again. The regular season wrapped up yesterday in fairly dramatic circumstances but it is the final kick-off time on Sunday, May 11th that highlights the lack of foresight from the IRFU fixture experts.
After the AIB Cup final was overshadowed by the Leinster v Munster match at the RDS last week, the union had already taken steps to avoid a repeat scenario by moving the league final back to Sunday, as Munster play Glasgow in Musgrave Park at 5.30pm on May 10th, only to see it crash smack into the start of the GAA championship.
It gets worse. The match has been fixed for 1.15pm in Musgrave and will be live on RTÉ One. Our sources tell us this is a first. The sad thing is those in clubhouses around the country aren't surprised anymore.
Last year's beaten finalists Cork Constitution host Clontarf, while defending champions Garryowen make the short trip to Coonagh to face Shannon in the semi-finals on May 3rd.
Bergamasco decision sends out clear message
THE GAA'S convoluted and constant problems with their disciplinary/appeals system regularly sees the crime become a secondary issue once legal loopholes are unearthed.
They could learn something from Six Nations protocol. Mauro Bergamasco was suspended for 13 weeks after being found guilty of eye-gouging Welsh fullback Lee Byrne in Italy's 47-8 defeat back in February.
This week a three-man independent appeal committee of chairman Rod McKenzie (Scotland), HHJ Jeff Blackett (England) and Richard McGhee (Scotland) increased the Stade Français flanker's suspension to 17 weeks, ruling him out of action until July.
It sends out a clear message. Take note Croke Park.
O'Brien's hard act to follow
THE AVERAGE age of the Tullow pack in yesterday's Provincial Towns Cup final against Naas was about 28. The forwards coach is 21. But Seán O'Brien is a different breed. The most recent product of the youths system, now playing for UCD, has been promoted to full status with Leinster next season.
The province are not signing a new openside to replace Keith Gleeson so O'Brien is clearly being groomed to put pressure on Shane Jennings. Michael Cheika described him in one word: "Hard."
The Kinsale Sevens takes place over the May Bank Holiday weekend and has become an increasingly popular destination for rugby-mad stag parties. This year marks the 20th year of the competition with an increased prize fund of €30,000.
Unlucky 13 for Leinster?
"TRISKAIDEKAPHOBIA".
Look it up. It means "morbid fear of the number 13", as in that worn by the Leinster, Ireland and Lions captain. We noticed at the recent Munster match in the RDS that Leinster have come up with a new method to market their prized asset in T-shirt form.
Just one question: What happens if Brian O'Driscoll moves to 12?
