The World Cup in Paris, back-to-back World titles for Rhys McClenaghan in gymnastics, scenes of delight in the Sports Direct FAI Cup, semi-finals and county titles to be celebrated across Gaelic games, as well as three medals for Irish Badminton stars across Europe.

 

 

It took only 63 seconds for Ireland to score the first try against Scotland and calm any nerves that had been fluttering over the past two weeks.

And while much has been said about uneven matchups throughout the tournament, if you never allowed the ‘minnows’ to play at the biggest events you would never get to see the joy on Portuguese faces as they secured a first win against Fiji on Sunday night.

While the Rugby World Cup may have claimed the highest viewing figures over the weekend, the biggest sporting achievement in Green came in Belgium where Rhys McClenaghan secured back-to-back World Championship titles and a place at the Paris Olympic Games where he will be a serious medal contender.

The Sports Direct FAI Cup Final will be between Bohemians and St Patrick’s Athletics after their Semi Final wins in Galway and Cork over the weekend. It will be a repeat of the final from two years ago and likely one of the most vibrant and colourful sporting occasions of the year.

Badminton Ireland was celebrating three medal performances at events in Bulgaria and Scotland over the weekend. There were bronze medals for Nhat Nguyen, Scott Guildea and Kate Frost in Mixed Doubles in Bulgaria, and Kate frost again with Sophia Noble in the Women’s event at the Bulgarian International.

In Gaelic Games there were County Finals being decided up and down the country as the Club season reaches fever pitch for those involved.

Mohill won the Leitrim Football title, Camross the Laois Hurling, Summerhill the Meath Football and Kilmacud Crokes the Dublin Ladies Football Titles.

And finally, it was Paralympic Day in Paris on the eve of tickets going on sale for the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games