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Morning Bulletin: Headlines from the sports desk

Gaelic games, racing and schools rugby are all on the traditional sporting menu this St Patrick's...



Morning Bulletin: Headlines fr...
Off The Ball Radio

Morning Bulletin: Headlines from the sports desk

Gaelic games, racing and schools rugby are all on the traditional sporting menu this St Patrick's Day.

GAA

All roads lead to Croke Park today for the highlight of the year for many of the club players around the country.

The finals of the All-Ireland club championships will be held as a double-header at GAA headquarters.

In the opening game of the day, Limerick's Kilmallock will go up against Kilkenny kingpins, Ballyhale Shamrocks, who are seeking their sixth All-Ireland hurling title (2.0).

That match will be followed by the football decider between Galway's Corofin and Slaughtneil of Derry (4.0).

Nineteen-ninety-eight champions Corofin are bidding to become the first Galway winners since Salthill-Knocknacarra's 2006 victory, while their opponents will rely on the defensive skill of the McKaigue brothers, Chrissy and Karl, as well as inter-county midfielder Patsy Bradley.

RACING

Racing fans can choose between Wexford and Down Royal this St Patrick's Day.

There's some familiar names in action in the Arctic Tack Stud Veterans Handicap Chase, which is the feature race in Wexford this evening.

Former Cheltenham Festival winner Alderwood will have Davy Russell on-board for the main event, but will face stiff competition from stable-mate Fosters Cross and relative youngster Rubi Light.

The first of seven-race card in the South-East will go to post at 2.05.

Meanwhile, just three horses have been declared for the Daily Mirror Chase, which is the big prize on offer today at Down Royal - but that field will include Roi Du Mee in what is expected to be the 10-year-old's final run-out before next month's Aintree Grand National.

There's also seven races down for decision there today, with the first off at 2.25.

SOCCER

Arsenal face a mammoth task this evening if they're to reach the Champions League quarter-finals.

The Gunners have made the trip to the principality where they will have to overturn a 3-1 first-leg defeat against Monaco.

It means that Arsene Wenger's side need to score at least three times in order to avoid going out due to the away-goals rule.

In tonight's other last-16 tie, Atletico Madrid will play host to Bayer Leverkusen, with the German side holding a 1-0 first-leg advantage.

The three top clubs in the Championship are all in action (7.45).

Only goal-difference keeps Bournemouth ahead of Watford and Middlesbrough in the battle for the top spot.

Bournemouth will travel to face Cardiff tonight while Watford visit Wigan.

Middlesbrough face the toughest test as they must visit fourth-place Derby County, who are just two points behind the top three.

RUGBY

The Ireland squad will continue training today ahead of Saturday's Six Nations finale against Scotland.

Head coach Joe Schmidt held a review of last weekend's defeat by Wales during a team meeting yesterday, and the players and coaching staff will be looking to improve on the weaknesses that were exposed by the Welsh when they return to training at Carton House this morning.

Meanwhile, the Schools Senior Cup finals will be held across three provinces today.

This year's Munster Schools Cup final features Rockwell against Ardscoil Rís at Thomond Park (2.0).

The Ulster Schools decider will be held at Kingspan Stadium, where Royal Belfast Academical Institution will go up against Wallace High School (3.0).

And there's a 4pm start at the RDS where Belvedere will take on Roscrea in the Leinster Schools Cup Final.

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