Each weekend, we select performances from Irish sports that deserve recognition. This weekend, we highlight action in Football, Swimming, Rugby and Gaelic Football.
This week’s Champions of the Weekend is brought to us by Dublin City Council, one of Sport for Business’s key partners and a leading player in the delivery of sport to communities that need it most.
Caoimhin Kelleher
Ultimately, the game ended in defeat, but on 75 minutes, Caoimhin Kelleher reminded us of the joy that can come from supporting the Republic of Ireland with a save that could have come from ‘Roy of the Rovers’. Cristiano Ronaldo, in front of his home crowd, would expect to celebrate after the penalty was won, especially as he saw Kelleher dive right as he drove the ball down the middle. But an almost balletic raised left boot cleared the ball and sent the fans into delirium, at least for another 16 minutes.
Ellen Walshe
Ellen Walshe continued her remarkable rise on the international stage this weekend, delivering two outstanding performances at the World Aquatics World Cup in Carmel, Indiana. The Templeogue swimmer first stormed to silver in the 400 m individual medley, clocking a superb 4:28.47 to stand on the podium alongside some of the world’s best all-rounders.
Less than 24 hours later, Walshe returned to the pool to make history. In the 200m butterfly, she produced a blistering swim of 2:05.07 to claim bronze and, in doing so, shattered a 28-year-old Irish short course record previously held by Olympic medallist Michelle Smith.
Dunloy GAA Club
Of all the County Finals over the weekend, the one that stood out was the Antrim Senior Football decider, where Dunloy won a first title with the bigger ball since 1936. They have been dominating the county Hurling scene with 11 titles so far this century, but lost in the semi-final last weekend, with 14 of the players who turned out again yesterday. Yesterday was a very sweet way to bounce back.
Shelbourne FC’s Defence
The SSE Airtricity Premier Division was there ready to be handed over to Shamrock Rovers on Friday night. After Kerr McInroy’s first-half goal, Shelbourne looked the more likely winners, though. Paddy Barrett’s sending off changed the dynamic, and the last 15 minutes were a breathtaking rollercoaster of a defensive show that would not have been out of place at the Alamo.
Munster and Ulster
Leinster got back to winning ways in the URC, but the spotlight is still shining on Munster and Ulster, who both won at home to maintain 100% records in this season’s competition so far.
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