Each weekend, we select performances from Irish sports worthy of highlighting. This weekend, we are highlighting the historic performance of Rory McIlroy at the Masters, UCC Demon’s Buzzer Beater in Basketball, Cork Camogie matching their Me’s team by taking the Very Camogie National League title and more.
This week’s Champions of the Weekend is brought to us by KPMG, one of Sport for Business’ key partners and supporters of our coverage of Golf and Innovation.
Rory McIlroy
No European had ever completed a career grand slam in Golf. No Irish golfer had ever won the US Masters. Both truths were packed away last night after Rory McIlroy completed a 14-year journey since his first Master’s appearance and an 11-year trip since his last major to lay claim to Ireland’s greatest-ever sporting achievement. It was not easy to watch. It was a grand slam-worthy rollercoaster of brilliance and frailty.
UCC Demons
History was on the cards at the National Basketball Arena as well, with Killester having already won the Domino’s Pizza Women’s National League Final, but UCC Demons beat the men’s team with a final seconds two point victory in Tallaght.
Cork Camogie
Cork’s last Camogie League title was a full 12 years ago but they brushed aside Galway yesterday to take the Very-sponsored title in FBD Semple Stadium, laying down a marker for the Championship season ahead.
Swim Ireland
Wiffen, Hill, Walshe, Fannon, Ryan, McSharry. Rarely has swimming had so many star names and never has it had so many competing in home water. The Irish Open Championships started in front of sold out crowds at the Sport Ireland Campus and continue through until Wednesday.
Alex Dunne
Alex Dunne from Offaly made history with his first Grand Prix win in the curtain raiser F2 race at the Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday. Driving for McLaren, he is edging ever closer to a F1 seat, a first for the Republic of Ireland since Ralph Firman in 2003 and only the sixth in history.
Leinster Rugby
a 62-0 win in the round of 16 was followed up by a 52-0 win over Glasgow Warriors on Saturday. There may not be much by way of Drama in Leinster’s march to the semi-final of the Investec Champions Cup but their progress has been relentless. Northamptoin are up next on May 3rd at the Aviva Stadium.
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