Gaelic Games

Image source, Inpho

Connacht will play at Mayo GAA's McHale Park for the first time in the professional era when they take on derby rivals Munster in March.

The historic occasion in Castlebar will see the teams compete in an interprovincial United Rugby Championship encounter on Saturday, 29 March.

"All the players were absolutely delighted when told the news - the opportunity to play in front of a massive home crowd, in the heart of the province, is something to really look forward to," said Connacht club captain Cian Prendergast.

"Our supporters are amongst the best there are, and we know the passion that the people of Mayo, and Connacht more widely, show every time they support their teams, whatever the code or colour of the jersey."

Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins is also looking forward to seeing his team play at McHale Park.

"We're all incredibly excited by today's news - we are proud to represent the whole province of Connacht, and we look forward to sharing this great occasion with our existing supporters and getting out to meet many more new supporters from all across the province."

Image source, Inpho

Mayo goalkeeper Rob Hennelly has announced his retirement from inter-county football.

The 34-year-old won seven Connacht championships, three National League titles and helped Mayo to three All-Ireland finals.

Hennelly will continue to line out for his club Raheny in the Dublin Senior Championship.

He said it was a "privilege" to have played for Mayo's senior side since 2011 as he thanked his family, team-mates and supporters.

"I'm grateful to be leaving on my own terms and with so much to look forward to in 2025 and beyond," Hennelly said.

"Thank you to every team-mate I've had the privilege of togging out with.

"It's been an honour to play alongside you all and, more importantly, to get to know you as people.

"To the current Mayo team, while I'm sad to leave, I'm so excited to see where you go this year. I know the characters, culture, and environment in this group will drive Mayo football to where it belongs."

Image source, Presseye

Storm Darragh has wiped out Saturday's entire scheduled Irish Premiership programme, with all six scheduled games called off because of the adverse weather.

The match between Coleraine and Portadown, which was to start at 17:00 GMT, was the last of the games to fall victim of the high winds.

It was called off about one hour and 10 minutes before kick-off.

The game between Dungannon Swifts and leaders Linfield was called off just over an hour before the scheduled 15:00 GMT kick-off and came after Cliftonville's home game against Carrick Rangers was postponed.

The fixtures between Glentoran and Ballymena United at the Oval, Glenavon and Crusaders at Mourneview Park and Loughgall and Larne at Lakeview Park were called off on Saturday morning.

The match between the Glens and the Sky Blues was postponed following a pitch inspection at 10:30 GMT, with the games between the Lurgan Blues and the Crues and the Villagers and the Invermen following later.

Ulster Intermediate final off

It was revealed on Friday that Saturday's Ulster Club Intermediate Football Championship final between Arva and Ballinderry at Healy Park had been postponed.

Cavan's Arva and Derry side Ballinderry were due to face each other in Omagh at 17:00 GMT.

However, in a short statement on Friday evening, Ulster GAA said the match has been postponed "due to the amber weather warning".

The game has been refixed for Saturday, 14 December at the same venue with a 17:00 GMT throw-in.

An amber warning for wind has been issued for Northern Ireland from 01:00 GMT on Saturday until 21:00 on Saturday.