1. #CHAMPIONS LEAGUE After last Wednesday’s El Clasico turned out to be something of a damp squib illuminated by a brief moment of Messi magic, we’re all hoping that tonight’s Champions League semi-final second leg between Barcelona and Real Madrid might be a little better.
We’ll be previewing the match throughout the day and Adrian will be hosting a liveblog here later on this evening.
2. #SNOOKER At the end of a rollercoaster two weeks at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre, John Higgins claimed a fourth World Championship title with an 18-15 victory over 21-year-old Judd Trump.
Speaking after his victory, the 35-year-old said that he would like to equal Stephen Hendry’s seven-title haul before retiring.
“I have another five years to win three more. People might mock me and might laugh at that, but we will wait and see.”
3. #MAGNERS LEAGUE The Magners League team of the year has been announced with Leinster players dominating the selection. Jamie Heaslip, Mike Ross, Richardt Strauss and Sean O’Brien were all nominated in the forwards while Isa Nacewa was chosen at full back.
Ronan O’Gara, Ruan Pienaar, and Fionn Carr were the other Irish-based players to receive nominations.
4. #PUNCHESTOWN The world of horse racing waits for no man – the Fairyhouse festival may have just ended but it’s already time for Punchestown.
The five-day meeting at the Co. Kildare racecourse kicks off this afternoon with the Boylesports.com Champion Chase. We’ll be taking a look at the action later on this morning.
5. #BOYS IN GREEN According to reports in today’s Irish Examiner, the Republic of Ireland’s proposed glamour friendly against Italy may take place in Brussels rather than New York as originally suggested.
Tony Leen writes that discussions are ongoing in an attempt to stage the game in the Belgian capital on June 7.
6. #FRANKEL Following his complete domination in Saturday’s 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, connections have indicated that Frankel will bypass the Epsom Derby on 4 June in order to run at Royal Ascot later that month.
If you missed the 3-year-old’s superstar turn on Saturday, sit back and enjoy the video below.
