Aoife boosts Olympic chances with Elite win!

contract and extend my stay at my home province. The club gave me my first opportunity and since then I’ve loved every minute. Now I want to do everything I can to keep improving and helping the club succeed”.

Head coach Andy Friend said Murray had become a key player for Connacht.

Commenting

“I’m really pleased to sign a two-year

“Niall is a brilliant young professional who’s game continues to go from strength to strength. He’s always had a natural athleticism about him, and recently he’s added extra physicality and bulk to his game. He’s becoming one of our key forward leaders too, so we’re delighted to see him commit to Connacht for at least a few more years”.

Castlerea boxer Aoife O’Rourke boosted her chances of Olympic qualification when she stormed to her fourth Elite national boxing title at the National Stadium on Saturday evening.

The Tarmon fighter was dominant throughout the 75kg final, and emerged the convincing 5-0 winner over Aoibhe Carabine from Geesala Boxing Club.

The win means she is almost certain to be selected on the Irish team for the Olympic qualifiers which take place later this year.

Horseracing this weekend starts this afternoon (Thursday) at Gowran Park, featuring the Grade A Thyestes Chase and the Grade 2 Galmoy Hurdle, first race off at 1.05 pm.

Tomorrow evening racing is at Dundalk, first race at 4.30 pm. Saturday action is at Fairyhouse, racing away at 12.32 pm. Sunday sees action in Naas, and racing is at Punchestown on Monday, scheduled for 1.50 pm.

On Saturday ITV racing is covering of nine races, including five at Cheltenham, and four from Doncaster.

Freezing temperatures continued to take their toll on racing cross channel with cancellations at venues including Haydock, Taunton, Ascot, Fakenham and Lingfield.

Hopefully this marks the end of the weather interruptions, with meetings later this week still subject to inspection with Cheltenham and Doncaster both optimistic about racing this weekend.

Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Energumene and the Arkle victor Edwardstone are still scheduled to meet as the Clarence House Chase will now take its place on the Cheltenham Card next Saturday where they will now meet 4 runners. Editeur De Gite has been supplemented by Gary Moore at a cost of £2,250 to join Joe Tizzard’s Amarillo