Ireland and Wales finally faced off at Ashbourne, and it was worth the wait. As with the game against Italy, Ireland racked up six tries. Unlike the game against Italy, the opposition failed to make an impact near Ireland’s try line. Ireland’s revenge for last year’s narrow loss was sweet.

One month on, and Ireland’s replay against Wales finally rolls around, the original game which opened the 2012 Six Nations having been abandoned at half time due to a frozen pitch. And, sticking with his guns, Ireland coach Philip Doyle has opted for the same starting XV and replacements to face the Welsh

Ireland finally got through 80 minutes of play at home, and in the process firmly put behind them the narrow loss away against France and the abandoned Wales home fixture. The final scoreline amounted to a resounding victory for Ireland, although in fairness to the Italians, doesn’t reflect the ferocity with which they fought.

Marriage Equality today welcomed the results of a new Red C poll which indicate that 73% of voters believe marriage equality should be enshrined in the Constitution. The survey follows yesterday’s news that the government will soon issue draft proposals for the make-up of the Constitutional Convention pledged in the Programme for Government last year.

Congratulations to Ursula and Laura, our Bitches Be Crazy competition winners! They each win for themselves free entry-plus-one to this month’s Bitches Be Crazy, taking place on Friday, 24th February. Which, let’s face it, is an amazing prize, yesno?

Having made an impact in the abandoned game against Wales, and (despite the débacle of reaching the venue) fighting fiercely in a narrow loss to the French, Doyle has opted for a strong and reliable side once again.

In what was Ireland’s first full game of the Six Nations tournament this year, the team faced heartbreak losing to France by just one point. But then, after 27 hours of travelling in planes, trains and automobiles before arriving at your destination at 3am on match day, perhaps that’s not so bad a scoreline.

Zut alors! It’s all about France v Ireland this weekend in the women’s and men’s rugby. So, in the spirit of helpfulness and usefulness – and in case you missed our updates on Facebook and Twitter – here’s all you will need to know if you’re taking the horse to France for the rugby.

After a stuttering start to this year’s Six Nations tournament, Ireland head coach, Philip Doyle, has named an unchanged team to face France away from home tomorrow night. Unfortunately the game won’t be broadcast on television or streamed online – but you can catch it on radio!

While men’s football went into convulsions yesterday over Fabio Capello’s shock resignation as England manager, this writer learned about the naming of the Irish squad for this year’s Algarve Cup. Taking place at the end of the month and into March, The Algarve Cup will provide an ideal opportunity to field the national side and integrate the team’s new players ahead of the remaining Euro 2013 qualifiers later this year.

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.

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

Good morning, lesberinos! How are we on this fine November morn? Grab yourself a hot cuppa and peruse some of the queer headlines from Ireland and around the world.

Welcome one and all (even imaginary bisexuals and trans* people) to your mid-week, once-off “Eamon Delaney round-up”. (Or, to your mid-week, once-off “Eamon Delaney antidote,” if you prefer).