Summer of Sport

If you are interested in sport then 2021 has been a hectic year with more to come. Coming up to the Summer Solstice in the northern hemisphere and it is time to savour the Euros 2020. Yes officially 2020 but covid 19 delayed it until now.

So between domestic league and the Euro’s those who follow football are being well catered for. Unfortunately Ireland didn’t qualify but that doesn’t mean that the Euro’s are not being avidly watched. We have all chosen a favourite team and are cheering our surogate team on.

On the domestic front Bray Wanders are not doing too well but as I write this I have just seen that they won their match. Things may be improving!!!!

For tennis fans Wimbledon starts on June 28th to Jul 11th, this is my favourite tournament. However, the douybles matches are not given enough TV coverage. These matches can be fast and furious and generally show great skill and deftness. As for the quad wheelchair matches they are equally as enthralling. A Tennis Fortnight awaits.

Unfortunately The Lions Tour clashes with Wimbledon. The first match is July 3rd but the first test is not until 24th July so that makes things easier with regard to TV scheduling.

Then there is the Tokyo Olympics which is due to be held from Friday 23rd July to Sunday 8th August. At the moment it is due to go ahead but unfortunately Japan has been hit hard by Covid 19. There is a great possibility that there will be no spectators at these Olympics. This will be followed by the Paralympics 24th August to 5th September again there is uncertainty as to whether spe ctators will be allowed into these games.

Now I can’t forget Le Tour running from 26th June to the 18th july. Perhaps Sam Bennett will bring home the Green Jersey again. Now I love the banter among the commentaors especially Seán Kelly and Carlton Kirby on Eurosport. Now, Páidí Ó Lionáird and Pádraic Ó Cuinn would give them a run for their money on TG4.

While all these sporting events are being held there is still,the not so small matter of the All Ireland Hurling and Football Championships. Both start 26th June. Can anyone beat Dublin in the football? In the hurling, will this be Cork’s year? Due to Covid 19 neither New york nor London will be taking part.

Phew. This is certainly going to be a busy Summer of Sport. Now to get out the pen and paper to work out the TV schedules. Perhaps someone will have to watch some sport on the laptop which is just not the same. But……