The Six Nations got off to a disappointing start yesterday evening, when the Ireland v Wales match at Ashbourne RFC was abandoned at half time. The rugby itself was impressive, however. Although both teams seemed fairly evenly matched, Ireland appeared to have an edge, reflected by the 10-3 scoreline at half time.

It’s Six Nations Day, everyone! Yesterday we introduced you to Ireland’s starting XV against Wales tonight, including the views of skipper Fiona Coghlan and former skipper Joy Neville. The game kicks off this year’s RBS Six Nations proceedings from Ashbourne RFC. Here we take a look at the XV’s replacements and the remaining Ireland players named by coach Philip Doyle before Christmas. Let the games begin!

Ireland coach, Philip Doyle, has chosen the starting XV for tomorrow night’s opening Six Nations game against Wales at Ashbourne RFC. We take a look at the healthy mix: Legends of the Ball; hardy perennial stalwarts; and wee newbies fresh from making their way up through the ranks.
We’ll have a run-down of the XV’s replacements tomorrow, so check back!

Scrumqueens and the official Rugby World Cup website brought us news yesterday of the qualification process for the 2014 World Cup tournament. As far as Ireland is concerned, the Six Nations tournaments of this year and next could decide the issue. Ireland opens this year’s Six Nations competition on 3rd February next, taking on Wales at Ashbourne RFC.

The Six Nations 2012 fixtures have finally been confirmed, thanks to ScrumQueens, with the tournament kicking off on Friday, 3rd February, when Ireland take on Wales at home.

We’re only just past the half-way stage for the month January, and Irish women in sport are already racking up the achievements – oodles of which have taken place this past weekend alone.

Homare Sawa has been awarded FIFA’s coveted Ballon d’Or Women’s World Player of the Year for 2011. We take a look at the final nominees and longlisted players.

Ireland’s Fionnualla Britton has been shortlisted for the December European Athlete of the Month. Get voting to top of a wonderful month for a great athlete.

Details of Ireland’s rugby squad and fixtures for 2012 have been announced, including Ireland’s Six Nations ties in February and March

Katie Taylor has been shortlisted for the Irish Sports Council/RTÉ Sports Person of the Year Awards in 2011, 2010, 2008, 2007. This morning the winner was announced, and once again Taylor – undisputedly Ireland’s greatest athlete ever – has been overlooked. This is not a first for RTÉ, which seems to pride itself on almost invariably ignoring Taylor.

Why is it that in a world that bit by bit seems to be moving towards a more open society, football players still remain so far in the closet that they are in Narnia?

This months sees FIFA release a very welcome statement that they have begun the first step of the investigation into Nigerian national couch, Eucharia Uche’s, homophobia. Coach Uche stated in interviews that she had gotten rid of lesbianism from the nation soccer team

Paula Radcliffe currently holds the world record for the fastest woman in a marathon. Come January 2012, though, she won’t hold the record anymore. Not because some other woman has out-run her, but because she used male pacemakers.

This weekend sees the long awaited return of the Solheim Cup and we are lucky enough that the best women golfers from the US and Europe will be teeing off right here in Ireland at Meath’s Kileen Castle. It’s a wonderful occasion and to have it here makes it all the better. Bring it on!

A couple of months ago14 ‘ladies’ went to Rotterdam to compete in the Eurogames – a gay community games. The event welcomed more than 6,000 people to the city and was a massive success. The Pink Ladies were there, representing Ireland in the hockey competition.

In which your intrepid correspondent ruminates, deliberates, declines then reconsiders, signs up for and then actually attends… a gym.

Cyclist Graeme Obree has become a surprise addition to the list of sports people warning gay athletes to stay in the closet. Obree believes coming out while still active in sport is still too difficult and too awkward in the dressing room