EVERY WEEKDAY MORNING TheScore brings you a quick does of your sporting fix, to enjoy with that warming first coffee of the day.
1. #ALL-IRELAND FINAL Leinster produced a display worthy of reigning champions in Bordeaux to book their place alongside Ulster in the Heineken Cup final on May 19.
It is the first time that two Irish teams will contest the show-piece and it was altos the first time that the eastern province won a semi-final away from home.
2. #COAT TAILS With an Irish winner now guaranteed, Connacht can begin planning for their second attempt on the competition. Last year they lost five pool games before derailing Harlequins at the Sportsground, a result which greatly helped Ulster achieve a quarter final place.
3. #SILVERWARE Two second half goals ensured Cork recovered from a half time deficit in Croke Park yesterday to claim the National League Division one title 2-10 to 011 at the expense of Mayo.
Conor Counihan was satisfied with his side’s performance, but insisted they still need to improve before the Championship comes around.
There was a five-point gap at the end of the Division two decider too, Kildare ran out 0-16 to 0-11 victors over Tyrone. Again the Lilywhites finished strong, substitute Padraig Fogarty knocking over three points to seal the title.
Longford claimed the spoils in Division three, but manager Glenn Ryan bemoaned a poor second half from his team despite the win over Wexford.
4. #SURPRISE Hot on the heels of Giovanni Trapattoni announcing the James McClean was ’90 to 99%‘ sure of getting on the plane to Euro2012, the English FA have dropped a bombshell of their own.
Roy Hodgson has bee approached by the governing body as they man to steer the Three Lions. Harry Redknapp has long been considered the favourite for the post, but Spurs’ recent poor form has caused his stock to dip.
5. #DECIDER Keeping with English football, tonight it will see one of the most important games in the 20 years of Premier League history. Manchester United take only a three point lead across town to face second-placed Manchester City.
Only two games remain in the season, it’s time for each club to make the move into the position they wish to finish.
Wins yesterday for Spurs and Chelsea heaped the pressure on Newcastle in the race for fourth, while at the bottom defeat for Blackburn has them looking as good as relegated. Steve Kean’s Rovers are just three points from safety, but must face the in form Wigan and Chelsea in their final two games.
