Cricket: Ireland continue to search for their first Friends Provident Trophy win since being awarded one-day international status as Essex cruised to a seven-wicket victory in the only game to be completed in a rain-ruined programme.
With every game in England falling foul of the inclement weather, Dublin's Castle Avenue was the place to be for cricket fans.
But the home supporters were not treated to a first South Conference victory of the season as they slumped to a fifth straight defeat as Ravi Bopara and Ronnie Irani put on 180 for Essex's third wicket.
Ireland, who have resolutely failed to reproduce the form they showed in the the World Cup, made a reasonable 227 for five from their 50 overs after Irani had installed Trent Johnston's side after winning the toss.
William Porterfield made 88 opening the batting for Ireland, facing 134 deliveries and striking 12 boundaries.
England all-rounder Bopara took two for 43 as he continued to build on his performances in the Caribbean, but quick-fire knocks from Peter Gillespie (47) and Andrew White, who hit a run-a-ball 25 not out, ensured Essex would have to work for the win.
Opener Alastair Cook, in his last innings before facing the West Indies at Lord's on Thursday, made just 14 but Irani (90no) clubbed 11 fours and two sixes to lead the charge.
Bopara was even more aggressive, with 12 fours and two maximums as he bludgeoned 101 from as many balls as Essex sprinted over the line with 8.3 overs left.