Five sporting events to enjoy this weekend

 

Kieran Galvin picks out some sporting delights to enjoy this weekend from both home and abroad.

 

Six Nations Climax – Scotland v Ireland

There is a feast of Six Nations rugby action today (Saturday) as Ireland try to retain their title despite last weekend’s defeat to Wales.

The action in the concluding round gets underway with Italy v Wales in Rome at 12.30, followed by Scotland v Ireland from Edinburgh at 2.30, with England hosting France in Twickenham at 5pm.

Ireland, with Athlone’s Robbie Henshaw in the team once again, will be expected to defeat the struggling Scots, who have lost all their games thus far. Yet can Ireland win by a big enough margin to ensure their scoring difference is better than both England and Wales in the event of both of those countries winning?

At the moment, Ireland’s scoring difference is +33 while England’s is +37, with Wales on +12. All the action is on RTE2 and BBC1.

Liverpool v Manchester United

Both teams are effectively out of contention for the Premier League title, but this is an absolutely huge game in terms of the battle to finish in the top four, thereby securing a coveted Champions League spot. In any case, every competitive match between English football’s two most successful clubs is a momentous occasion which attracts a massive global TV audience.

Man Utd come into the game two points ahead of their north west rivals, but Liverpool have been in superb form in this calendar year. Interestingly, they are unbeaten in the League since December when they were defeated by United.

Paddy Power makes Liverpool favourites at 11/10 with United at 13/5 and the draw is priced at 12/5. The game kicks off at 1.30pm on Sunday and is live on Sky Sports.

Roscommon v Meath & Westmeath v Carlow

Roscommon football is really riding high at the moment. Last Sunday, the senior team defeated Kildare in Newbridge (0-24 to 2-12) and on Wednesday night, the county’s U21 side thrashed Sligo to reach another Connacht final (see report in next week's Westmeath Independent).

On Sunday, the Roscommon seniors face Meath in Dr Hyde Park (throw-in 3pm) – this game was previously postponed due to adverse weather conditions. Should the Rossies win, they will be very much in the frame for promotion with two games still to go.

Meanwhile, the Westmeath senior hurlers take on Carlow at Cusack Park, Mullingar on Sunday (2pm) in a crucial game in terms of their hopes of promotion from Division 2A. Michael Ryan’s charges defeated Wicklow fairly comfortably last weekend but Carlow will present a stiffer test.

Barcelona v Real Madrid

The latest edition of the famed El Clásico could prove crucial in the Spanish title race. Barcelona are currently on 65 points from 27 games played, one point ahead of Real Madrid.

Madrid came out on top when the sides met last October (3-1), but a Barcelona victory at the Camp Nou will put the Catalan outfit in pole position to regain the La Liga title.

Barcelona knocked Manchester City out of the Champions League during the week and they come into the game in much better form than Real, where there appears to be some trouble brewing in the camp. The game is live on Sky Sports tomorrow night (Sunday).

Castledaly 5k Run/Walk

If you fancy actually doing some sporting activity this weekend – as opposed to just watching all the aforementioned action - the 5k run/walk hosted by Castledaly GAA Club on Sunday is an option well worth considering. This takes place on Sunday in Castledaly GAA at 11:30am, with registration from 10am; adults €10 and children €7. There is also a family fun day with lots of fitness based activities including an obstacle course.

These events have been organised by local third level student Chris Claffey, who is fundraising towards working for ten weeks on a volunteer scheme in Calcutta this summer. Chris will be working with Irish based SUAS charity education organisation, assisting their teachers and helping Indian people in the poorest economic areas of India. See article in this week’s Westmeath Independent on the volunteer work Chris will be undertaking.