A champion climax
And there we have it, Ireland have retained the Six Nations championship after a thrilling final day which even the most melodramatic Hollywood script writer couldn’t have dreamt up.
While it was an edition of the tournament which may not go down as the best, but certainly had the best climax, writes Gerry Thornley.
Ireland had come under quiet criticism in their first four games for playing a brand of rugby that was effective without being rousing, however with a 21 point deficit to make up against Scotland the shackles came off and Joe Schmidt's side played with adventure.
One of the beneficiaries of a more expansive game was the returning Luke Fitzgerald, who impressed in his first Test start since 2011.
Liam Toland praises an Ireland side who were a world away from the one beaten in Cardiff, while Matt Williams feels the Six Nations should introduce a bonus-point system to reward the attacking rugby showcased on Saturday.
Ireland's ability to adapt as the tournament progressed bodes well for the World Cup, writes Gavin Cummiskey, while Joe Schmidt's side have garnered praise around the globe for their title win, writes John O'Sullivan.
Ireland’s women the nation’s best side
Ireland’s women won the Six Nations title in style yesterday as they hammered Scotland 73-3 in Clyde.
Needing to win by 26 points to lift the trophy for the second time in three years they had the job done by half time as they mercilessly battered a hapless Scottish side, and Gavin Cummiskey has paid tribute to arguably Ireland's most consistently brilliant sporting side.
This is Juanfield
Juan Mata's brilliant brace helped a dominant Manchester United to a 2-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield yesterday as they took a huge step towards Champions league qualification.
Having witnessed United boss the opening half Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was introduced at half time for his final appearance in the fixture, and he lasted just over 30 seconds before being sent off for a stamp on Ander Herrera.
Chelsea rode their luck as they stretched the gap at the top of the table to eight points with a 3-2 win away at Hull, while Everton bounced back from their midweek Europa League exit with a 2-1 win over QPR at Loftus Road.
Elsewhere Barcelona have one hand on the La Liga title after a 2-1 win over Real Madrid at the Nou Camp.
Cats edge relegation dress-rehearsal
Kilkenny and Clare are set for an relegation play-off after the Cats narrowly edged the dress rehearsal 2-20 to 2-19 at Nowlan Park yesterday.
Even if they had won Clare would have needed Dublin to lose to Galway in order to make the quarter finals and Ger Cunningham's side weren't willing to oblige as they won 0-26 to 2-14 at Parnell Park.
In Division 1B Waterford were too good for Wexford at Wexford Park, winning 0-22 to 0-16 to set up a quarter final with Galway.
Russell could return on Windsor Park
After a tumultuous weekend for jockey Davy Russell, who followed up being sacked by Lord Windermere trainer Jim Culloty by breaking his arm in a fall at Gowran Park, there is good news as he is in line to ride Cheltenham winner Windsor Park at Punchestown on his return.
Rory ready for Augusta
A final round of 70 from World number one Rory McIlroy saw him finish tied 11th in the Arnold Palmer invitational, eight shots behind winner Matt Avery, but the anticipation is already building as he looks towards the US Masters and completing the Major grand slam.
What to watch out for:
CYCLING Eurosport, 2.30pm-4.15pm
Stage 1 Tour of Catalunya
RUGBY RTÉ 2, 7pm-8.05pm
Analysis Against the Head
GAA TG4, 8.30pm-9.30pm
Highlights Hurling league
SOCCER RTÉ 2, 11.05pm-0.05am
Highlights Soccer Republic
