Across Europe domestic sporting seasons in games such as Rugby Union and Football are coming to a close for the Summer break. Despite this there is a terrific Summer of sport to look forward to which has a very strong Irish involvement across a wide range of sports and suggests that this year could be a truly memorable one for Irish sport.
This coming Saturday in rugby union we see an all Irish final for the first time in the Heineken Cup as Leinster take on Ulster in what is an extremely intriguing tie. Whatever the outcome in Twickenham, it will result in a great day for Irish Rugby and highlights how much the game has advanced in Ireland. In June, Ireland’s national team will make the long journey down to New Zealand for a three-test trip to test their might against the newly crowned World champions. With the Ireland squad already missing players such as Tommy Bowe, (Haematoma), David Wallace (retired, knee), Jerry Flannery (retired) and possibly Paul O Connell (Knee), it will be an extremely difficult tour.
A busy summer schedule for counties competing in provincial and national football and hurling championships ensures to make for exciting viewing. In Golf, the Irish open will host three local Major winners in Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke and Graham McDowell at the end of June at Royal Portrush Golf Club in county Antrim.
The Olympic games in London which begin in late July will be one of the most watched and supported events in this year’s Irish sporting calendar. With 46 Athletes already having qualified for a place in Team Ireland, hopes will be high that our athletes can bring home some silverware from the 2012 Olympics. Hopefully some more names can be written in the history books, to follow those like Ronnie Delany, John Treacy and Sonia O’Sullivan.
Perhaps the most eagerly anticipated Irish involvement of the summer will be that of the Irish football team who will be competing in the European Championships in Poland/Ukraine which marks their first appearance in a major tournament since the 2002 World Cup. Despite a tough group in which we play Italy, Croatia and current World and European champions Spain, the Green Army will be hoping to qualify for the latter stages of the competition. Thankfully the physio tables are currently vacant, despite a scare from John O Shea (calf) who has been passed fit to join up with the rest of the squad this coming Sunday.
Of course there are many other Irish sporting individuals and team involved in numerous other events which have not been mentioned above. The Physio Company will be keeping a close eye on progress of our athletes over the Summer so be sure to follow our posts for information about our athletes involvement. Hopefully this summer will be a “Green” one and also an injury free one for our hopefuls. The very best of luck from everyone at The Physio Company to all those competing and indeed working with our participants!! There is no doubt our participants will do us proud!