36 IRISH DAILY MIRROR SATURDAY 20.06.2020 irishmirror.ie/sport SATURDAY 20.06.2020 IRISH DAILY MIRROR 37 GAA feature interview

champs Hughes & Monaghan Hughes a team in 1984 centenary Cup WELCOME NEWS Leo lucky boy champs Sinead Aherne Varadkar talks to press Eugene ‘Nudie’ Final step lifts title for Dubs last year Hughes led county through great era of success in the €70m just 1980s Ladies set the ticket is regret format for for sports in county short year from back page I’ve treated by Michael Scully Three years later it was Cork “Monaghan is still BY JACKIE CAHILL distribute the new funding ‘NUDIE’ Hughes’ view is that who did for their All-Ireland producing players, at THE formats for the 2020 that will come as hugely you have your day and you dream at same stage. underage they’re holding their All-Ireland ladies football welcome news to the GAA can only live through that era. “We performed well, as the own very well structure led by Championships have been and IRFU, who have seen That’s his answer when present team does, and Paul O’Connor in ratified – and the draws will revenues badly hit. people ask if he has any maybe if the Championship is Castleblayney,” Hughes said. be held on Tuesday night. Between them they will regrets, or if he would have knockout this year Monaghan “Monaghan are able to play The senior Championship receive up to €40m. liked to be a footballer in this could get there,” Hughes said. that type of football that’s will be contested by 12 A further €10m will go to modern era, with the “We played in the capable of winning titles but counties – with four groups a resilience fund for sport’s opportunities the players Centenary Cup (in 1984) – we they haven’t sustained it long of three in the group stage national governing bodies. have to dedicate themselves played in five, won four, lost enough, like against in and the top team going A sports club resilience so fully to the game. the final to Meath, and that the League earlier in the year, straight to the semi-finals. fund will receive €15m, “I had a great innings in the was the inspiration for the when basic mistakes were Top seeds and holders while a sports restart and cancer game,” he said. success we had in ‘85 and made. Dublin, runners-up Galway, renewal fund will get up to But there is one itch that ‘88, in “86 in reaching the “Conor is the main man, and Cork and Mayo, will be €5m. remained unscratched. “The league final where we lost to but a variety of players were placed in separate groups. Funding will be allocated only thing I would have loved Laois. getting scores that night, An open draw will then on a case-by-case basis – was for Monaghan to have “We played against all the which is what they need to determine who will join submissions for assistance reached an All-Ireland final, to greats, the great Kerry team. take the pressure off him. them in the various pools. will be made by governing see how you’d react on the We were unfortunate that we “Conor is in the twilight The intermediate series bodies to Sport Ireland day,” Hughes said. always met the Munster zone of his career but the few will be contested by 13 ‘with regard to solvency He starred in the side that, champions when we came months off can work in his counties in a round-robin and continued existence’. in 1979, won Monaghan’s first through, we never met the favour. If he learns to play format to determine the Minister for Sport Shane Ulster title in 41 years. They Leinster or Connacht smarter he will benefit and be four semi-finalists. Ross. said: “It is clear that lost the All-Ireland semi-final champions.” there for another few years. Westmeath, who were the challenge is enormous to Kerry. It was the same After a lean two decades, “Some of his point scoring relegated from the senior and is being felt at every like a game outcome in 1985 – Monaghan won Ulster titles in is unreal – he’s up there with Championship in 2019, are level. While the scale of this though they took Kerry 2013 and ‘15, but Croke Park the scoring greats. But we one of the seeded teams, package may seem to a replay – the year has been a graveyard to their need to be capitalising more along with Meath, the 2019 extraordinarily large, it in which they also championship hopes and when he’s still with us,” runners-up. merely reflects the won the National Conor McManus won’t be stressed Hughes. Six counties, meanwhile, enormity of the challenges League title. around forever. will compete in the 2020 being faced.” All-Ireland Junior IRFU CEO Philip Browne Championship – Antrim, thanked the government Nudie: I did Derry, Fermanagh (the 2019 for its response. “Irish runners-up), Carlow, Rugby’s income has eugene ‘nudie’ mac impact Wicklow and Limerick. effectively fallen off a cliff,” TO be picked ahead of Conor McManus as It is envisaged that each he said. “The funding will hughes factfile • Born into a family of 14 in Monaghan’s greatest underlines the influence Championship will be be a lifeline to sports.” ..I just won’t ‘Nudie’ Hughes had on Gaelic Football. played off over seven Castleblayney in 1958 The third phase of easing • Made his Monaghan senior Able to line out anywhere on the right flank, weekends, with a two-week Covid-19 restrictions was debut in 1975/76 NFL v Armagh in defence or attack, versatility was a speciality. break between the end of confirmed last night, along • Won Ulster Championship in ‘Nudie’ describes the selection as a “nice the group phases and the with some elements of 1979, ‘85 and ‘88 honour”, though wryly notes that a public vote All-Ireland semi-finals, and • Won 84/85 National League - phase four – including would surely be won by McManus (below), a further two-week break sport. county’s only ever national title between the semi-finals • Won three All Stars, the first given the media hype over modern players. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar A massive part of his legacy was his Railway and finals with all dates to confirmed that mass at corner-back, the second two at corner-forward Cup appearances for Ulster, but also that be confirmed. outdoor gatherings – • Won 3 Railway Cups with Ulster Castleblaney won an astonishing 15 of 19 club including sports events – • Won 15 of 19 club county finals county finals during his career. will be limited to 200 and 2 Ulster Club titles in 1986 “We were very fortunate to do so, but in GWS slump people outdoors until July and ‘90 fact we were also unlucky to come up 20, then to 500 – until, it is accept defeat against a Scotstown team that won hoped, crowds of 5,000 can cancer in December 2018. pens when you accept it. away after taking a couple previous job... I a reaction to the first round to get a second opinion and the people you four Ulsters, including a to AFL loss attend games from the end “I’ve treated it like a And I wouldn’t be one for of Rennie, came to mind. guessed some- of treatment,” he explained. from McEntee, a surgeon in surround yourself with. three in a row,” he said. BY AHMER KHOKHAR of September. By MIChael SCULLY game of football,” Hughes accepting anything like As did the thing wasn’t “I did for the second the Mater Hospital. I’m in good shape.” “At one stage, 13 of the Tyrone’s Aidan Corr played The GAA’s planned Farney legend Eugene ‘Nudie’ told MirrorSport. “My that.” slight concern right,” he joked. batch, but my energy levels “I said, ‘You’ll have to Thankfully unaffected by county team came from a peripheral role as Greater return to contact training Hughes was recently friends in the GAA have Hughes attended the All he had felt That evening he were very good. I was very take some responsibility Covid-19 apart from isolat- ‘Blaney and Scotstown. Western Sydney flopped to was July 20, but the selected as Monaghan’s played a big part in this. Stars ceremony in Croke that, while was diagnosed with focused and kept doing all for this, Gerry’, recalled ing, Hughes begins a new “We played in three a 57-33 loss away to the association’s advisory greatest ever footballer. “After it hit me, I said to Park at the start of Novem- doing light cancer. the things they asked. Hughes. “He looked at me. treatment next week. Ulster club finals from Western Bulldogs. committee may bring that A three-time All Star, (former Meath great) ber in that year, to cele- exercises, “I knew myself it “You’re trying to stay safe “I said, ‘Remember the He spends his time on ‘75 to ‘91, and won two. By half-time the out of date forward following a hughes on Hughes was at the heart Gerry McEntee it was like brate as three Monaghan he couldn’t was serious, but it and doing the opposite to ‘84 Centenary Cup final, Dublin’s northside when Scotstown won four. form GWS had only booted weekend review. of innumerable big playing against the wind in players picked up awards. bend down prop- was a shock to the what you’d normally do. some of the tackles I got...’. he’s attending the Mater for “We were always one goal and managed the “Various options will be games for the Farney a game. While attending a func- erly or do sit ups. system to be told,” Thankfully I applied myself “Gerry looked at me for a morning sessions from 7.30 pitted against each third worst scoring half in considered at its next county and for his club, “The wind wasn’t always tion for referees the follow- His appetite had been Hughes admitted. and everything took off minute before a smile to 1pm. When he’s not, he’s other. It was war their history. meeting,” the GAA stated. greatest Castelblaney Faughs, going to go the one way – ing evening, he felt unwell. fine, though, so he still “It took me a couple from there. came to his face. I said to at home in Castleblaney, without bullets but we When the full time siren The GAA held talks with from the late 1970s to and I was going to get a He saw a doctor on call didn’t think anything was of days to get my “The first six months him, ‘I won’t be able to line where he is up early every were great friends. sounded, they had only the GPA yesterday about the early-1990s. chance to play with it, too. that night and was sent to seriously wrong until the head around it.” were easy because it was out for the second half morning to walk or play “I wonder now how players booted four goals for the the concerns members Now 62, Hughes (left) “It’s how you handle it. hospital after disclosing he radiologist spent 20 of the He began to read up life or death. Then you’re now’. But he replied, ‘Oh, nine holes of the local Con- today would take the physical hits entire game which was may have over returning. battle of has been fighting for his You can whinge and cry, had suffered gall bladder 25 minutes of the examina- about the cancer and the into a situation, like the you will be, but you’ll not cra Wood golf course. we did. I’d love to see the description marred by an all-in melee. The GAA could confirm life for the last 18 but that was never my problems in the mid-1980s. tion concentrating on his treatment, which he then Covid, where you get a bit be selling me dummies!’. “Thankfully now I have that reporters today would give those Corr finished the on Monday it’s plans for the months. He was situation. The stomach pain he left side during the ultra- started on December 3. relaxed and the results “They know that I’d be more good days than bad,” collisions! They were tough games but shortened game with 13 county season, which gets diagnosed with “When you’re beat, you’re suffered a fortnight earlier, sound. “It was tough, but I was mightn’t be as good.” very positive and it is all Nudie added. “Every day is it was a great time to be playing.” disposals and three marks underway on October 17. his life liver and colon beat – but that only hap- the discomfort that went “I’d been a butcher in a very lucky that I didn’t have Part of the process was about your attitude to it, a new challenge.” in the visitor’s defence. 50 IRISH DAILY MIRROR SATURDAY 21.03.2020 irishmirror.ie/sport SATURDAY 21.03.2020 IRISH DAILY MIRROR 51 TENNIS SUPERSTAR GOING STIR CRAZY

ANXIOUS TIMES  Serena Williams OLYMPICS Irish judo hopeful fears games will be cancelled

DELIGHT Brendan Irvine reached second Olympics Irvine can raise the MEGAN THE BEST OUT OF ‘bar again BY Bernard O’Neill TOUGH THE pending European quarter-final clash between CHARACTER  SERENA’S FAR Megan Fletcher says Irish captain Brendan Irvine she is prepared to and Spain’s Gabriel Escobar take whatever may appear surplus to happens next on requirements, given that the chin both men have qualified for FROM SERENE the Olympics. But Tokyo 2020 rankings points will be up for grabs based on the final placings A TERRIBLE at the postponed Euro AT ISOLATION qualifiers for the 32nd By Neil McLeman another and then led to all SERENA WILLIAMS has this anxiety that I’m feeling. Olympiad. revealed she is already “Now I’ve been social Irvine and Escobar feeling “crazy” and “angry” distancing for actually a earned their spots in Tokyo at the start of her six weeks really long time — two after reaching the last eight of self-isolation. weeks now. But every little at the qualifiers in London There will be no thing makes me really last Monday night. professional tennis played crazy. But the 11-day, 43-nation worldwide until at least “And by anxiety I mean tournament was shelved June after the French Open I’m just like I’m on edge three days into competition and isn’t expected to was moved to September. anytime anyone sneezes resume until May. And the American around me or cough. I get SITUATION.. Including Irvine and superstar, 38, announced at crazy. Fletcher: It took me 12 years to reach Olympic standard.. A BALL The Fletcher siblings have made a Escobar, 16 flyweights and the weekend she would “And I don’t hang out HAVING success out of their switch to representing Ireland feathers qualified before spend the next six weeks in with anyone so when I say the plug was pulled. “solitude” with her anyone I mean my I shed tears but I’m now at peace over what comes next Rio 2016 Olympian Irvine daughter Alexis Olympia daughter. She coughed and is thrilled to have booked a during the coronavirus I got angry. I gave her a by Michael Scully heartbreaking for everyone. I’ve an achievement to be in Rio. alternative was a three-year wait ticket for successive outbreak. side-eye. I gave her that been training 12 years full-time “I was disappointed with how to compete for Ireland. Tears came easily to Megan Olympiads. But the 23-time Grand angry Serena. to be good enough to qualify. It’s it went, it was all a bit raw, then “It was a difficult decision, but Fletcher last week as reality “I’m delighted to have Slam champion has now “And then I got sad. I was hit home. been a relentless two years to get a few weeks later you realise the best we’ve ever made,” Megan like, ‘Is she okay? Is there there. what a great achievement it was said. “We’ve never felt more sup- admitted she has been Her first Olympics might not something wrong with my “I didn’t think I was going to to be there.” ported and the results show it.” riding a rollercoaster of happen – on time, or even at all. emotions away from the daughter. Is there anything carry on beyond Tokyo, so it’s a With a mother born and Ben, 28, added: “It’s been I can do’. The IOC’s announcement on spanner in the works for me. reared in Bruff, county Limerick, brilliant. I was always going to be real world. Wednesday was that, with four “It started out with me “And I just don’t know “But I can only take it as it Megan and Ben identified as proud representing Ireland, it what to do. So instead of months to go, it was too early to comes, take it on the chin.” half-Irish growing up in Reading. was more how people viewed us. feeling like, ‘Oh, it can’t make a call on the Tokyo Games. really affect me’,” said being relaxed I’m really It is three years since the And both siblings had a “We know Irish people are under a ton of stress. I However, it’s a stand that 30-year-old switched allegiance decision to make when British very proud of who they are and Williams on a video on could be revisited in the near social media. “Then never expected to relax but from Great Britain to Ireland. Judo centralised its operation what they stand for. We didn’t it is what it is. future as a growing cohort of Her brother, Ben, followed suit a post-Rio, moving lock, stock and want it to be, ‘Oh, I’m Irish now’. suddenly Indian Wells was athletes make their unhappiness cancelled and I was like, “We get through this, we year later. barrel to Walsall. “Sport can feel selfish at times, SHE’S STILL IN THE MIX  have to.” known public. Megan was British Judo’s especially in individual events, Ireland’s Kellie Harrington ‘Oh, okay, that’s weird, but I For Irish judo hopeful have a little time off and I’ll Williams, 38, needs one We were always both Irish number two ranked competi- and I didn’t want to be seen as qualified for another more Grand Slam title to Fletcher, the deteriorating tor at 70kg level. Suddenly she the brash Englishman coming enjoy that time off’. situation caused by the spread and English. And it wasn’t Games, now I just want to “That one cancellation equal the all-time record of faced the prospect of being over and taking the money. get over this crazy time 24 held by Margaret Court. of coronavirus was obvious. fifth in the pecking order if she “But it was an identity led to another and led to “I’m definitely better now,” as if we were taking that’s going on and see it didn’t make the move. that we always had. We through with good health,” she said, laughing. “You just someone else’s place here “I was working as a school- were always both Irish and crack up a bit to start with. he said. NFL NEW CHALLENGE FOR TOM teacher, injured at the time and English. And it wasn’t as if Kellie Harrington, “I had to have a freakout last Both stress it was the best wasn’t sure if I was coming back. we were taking someone week. There were loads of tears. Michaela Walsh, George decision they have ever made “It was make or break – move else’s place here.” Bates, Michael Nevin, BUCS PUNT I felt so sorry for my boyfriend! and they have dreams of making or be completely pushed down Crucial world-rank- “Now I feel at peace about Emmet Brennan, Aidan the Olympics podium for Ire- the sidelines. ing finishes followed. Walsh, Dean Gardiner, Kiril what comes next. land. “So mum and dad spoke to me “Ciaran made it ON BRADY “At first, you’re staying positive, Afanasev and Aoife By Alex Wood especially given his While Megan just failed in her about the possibility of switching clear from the start,” O’Rourke were with the thinking it’ll be fine if everyone NFL superstar Tom huge commercial draw. bid to make the London and Rio to Ireland. I asked Ciaran Ward, Megan recalled. “He Irish squad in London. Brady has signed for the Brady said: “If there keeps training. Games – she had a back injury the Ireland coach, if it was pos- said, ‘You guys get- All nine will still be in play Tampa Bay Buccaneers is one thing I have “Then the first competition four years ago that was later sible and would they want me.” ting the results when the tournament after leaving the New learned about football, was cancelled, then the next and diagnosed as rheumatoid arthri- The response was enthusiastic would secure us resumes. England Patriots. it’s that nobody cares the next. tis – she was in Brazil to support but Megan wanted everything to our high perfor- And while Kurt Walker, It’s thought a deal in what you did last year “I’m fine for qualification, I’m Ben, who represented Britain in be above board. mance ranking’. Carly McNaul and Christina the region of £25million or the year before that… not chasing points, but then the the 100kg division. As with many smaller sports, “ Th e first Desmond lost in London, a year has been agreed you earn the trust and worry kicks in for the Olympics. “It was strange,” said Ben, who there was a close relationship Worl d Cup they will, if selected, get for the veteran respect of those around “But it’s weird how quickly you bounced back to make Rio after between the Irish and British medals we got their final shot at the world quarterback (above). you through your adapt. an administrative error robbed judo authorities and she didn’t secured the qualifiers in this At 42 he is firmly in commitment every “In my head it’s going to be him of the chance to compete in want any bad blood. programme, summer. the twilight of his career single day. I look forward postponed. There’s a fear of what London 2012. Fortunately, both Fletchers so that was a Tokyo 2020 ranking but the Bucs are willing to proving they can if... is it going to be cancelled “The London experience left a received Team GB’s blessing to m a s s i v e points are available in all to take a punt, believe and trust in me.” altogether? That would just be bitter taste, so it was definitely leave the programme. The thin g.” the weights. DMEEIR DMEEIR 44 IRISH DAILY MIRROR TUESDAY 31.03.2020 irishmirror.ie/sport TUESDAY 31.03.2020 IRISH DAILY MIRROR 45 Coronavirus crisis How a man used to the Open road is coping indoors

GHOST TOWN ’s plush streets are deserted BRAZIL GUTS Roche (left) & cousin after Rio Games race in 2016 ManagingTHE the long lockdown NIC days are a OF TIME TOKYO CALL-OFF IS challenge but Roche is still in the saddle By MIChael SCULLY recalled Roche. “Photos were going putting in three hours a day in total. NICOLAS Roche watched viral, it was like the height of The hardest hours are between from afar as the Taoiseach summer on the quays on the Seine three to five in the afternoon, once the RIGHT decision delivered his lockdown speech in Paris. It was, ‘It’s our last day of he has trained (inset), had lunch BY MICHAEL SCULLY the road and it’s over. I had the on Friday night. freedom, let’s go outside’.” and taken a nap. WHILE understanding why the Vuelta the following week. Sitting in his Monaco apartment, The French authorities quickly “I try to keep myself busy,” he Tokyo Games had to be Sprinting for 35th or 40th he was chatting online to his cousin revised their position but then a said. “Some hours are longer than postponed, frustration sums up wouldn’t have changed much, in Ireland when the briefing began. 3km travel restriction from home others. Thank God that with social Nicolas Roche’s three Olympics we didn’t and were criticised. As Leo Varadkar announced the became a 1km one. media I’ve been able to stay in to date. “I understand why but the new measures aimed at limiting the Now, anyone going outside contact with a lot of people – Ireland have three spots for real problem was that myself or spread of Covid-19, the veteran must bring a printout friends, family, even some the road race, with the Dan Martin should have been cyclist had a sense of deja vu. proving what time they random fans who know personnel due to be in that leading group. I For Roche had already been in left their home. that I’ve been living finalised in May. was really disappointed, lockdown for 11 days. Italy under lock- alone and are check- “We could have easily not being alert to it.” “Things have got more severe,” down was tolerant ing up on me. done it but it wouldn’t A dropped chain admitted the 35-year-old, “but of professional cy- “It’s been quite have been fair for proved costly in Rio four things were pretty severe from day clists training as nice to get that athletes in many sports years ago. one. Initially I was very worried. I usual, their work support. family and I’M FAR FROM who still had to go through Roche was pleased with how thought, ‘This is gonna be a shock, categorised as a spe- friends are sending qualifying,” Roche said. he recovered to finish alongside how will I manage?’. cial circumstance. messages every day His major concern had been Martin but regret lingers. “We “I was in full panic mode, But in the law to keep me company.” FINISHED yet over supporters travelling to could’ve done better, we were at wondering if it went on for a month is strictly upheld with no A night curfew runs NICOLAS Roche was fighting to stuff in my private life and it was Japan and, in particular, so that level but it was a hugely would I be talking and arguing with leeway given to professional ath- from 10pm to 5am. regain the Vuelta’s red jersey last hard for me to overcome it. many athletes converging on competitive field,” he said. myself? But the days go by much letes, including cyclists. “It’s quiet in Monaco but a friend August when he crashed out. “But 2019 was a fresh year, I the Olympic Village. Overall, his Games quicker than I thought they would. The bad news was issued by who llves on the other side of the A broken kneecap was had a new team in Sunweb and I’m “That’s 15,000-20,000 experience has been an I’ve got into a routine. I realised I’m tweet from the Minister for Sport, border sent me video of a police car ROCHE FACTFILE eventually diagnosed - his first really happy with how I’m going. sharing the same queue for anti-climax. Roxana Maracineanu. blasting the message out in the fracture in 15 years as a pro. My life has settled down. The team restaurants,” Roche remarked. The road cycling on my own but I’ve BORN: Conflans-Sainte-Hon- always someone to “She said she understood the evening,” Roche said. “It’s like a bad And it was only the second time was really behind me for the “That’s a high-risk situation. race takes place orine, France on July 3, 1984 in 22 major tours that injury Vuelta. I did what I had to do to talk to somewhere.” complexity of the training required movie, an end of the world movie. AGE: 35 Four months seems like a long the morning after by high profile athletes towards the It’s pretty dramatic.” forced his withdrawal. sacrifice myself in other races.” time away but it’s not. the Opening Surrounded on all HEIGHT: 5ft 10ins Olympics but stressed that this was Roche has also used his free time Nico Roche believes his efforts in He rode for Michael Matthews in Postponing was the right call.” Ceremony and as sides by France, NICKNAME: greater than any sporting event to do live internet interviews and CURRENT TEAM: Team Spain – he led the race for three the , while looking He’s hoping for a better result the Vuelta – Monaco has taken on and the athletes should set an used his Instagram account to Sunweb days (above) before the to participate in breakaways. At when it finally happens after Spain’s famous the directives issued example, not be an exception,” show people there’s a lot you can PAST TEAMS: four-man accident – proves other times, Sunweb wanted him finishing 63rd in Beijing, 89th three-week race – by the French Gov- Roche explained. still do in lockdown. 2005-06; Credit that his career is far from to guide younger colleagues. in London and 29th in Rio. follows after the ernment. Agricole 2007-08; It tried a soft touch Although living on his own, it “A lot of Whatsapp jokes here are the finishing line. “I got my chance again in the Roche was aggressive in a Games, it means Ag2r-La Mondiale “You learn to get up and Vuelta and was able to make the chasing group that caught the he hasn’t approach at first, didn’t take long for the 35-year-old about France being 45 days in 2009-12; Saxo- allowing citizens to to decide that he would self-isolate, lockdown, people getting fat and get on with it,” he smiled. most of it, I showed when I got the leaders in China in 2008 (right) attended a 2013-14; Team Sky (right) “Unfortunately, crashing is chance I’m still one of the best but to no avail. London 2012 Closing move around within a only leaving his apartment if he had becoming alcoholics,” said the CHAIN 2015-16; BMC Racing Team 5km radius. to go shopping. Team Sunweb rider. “I’ve opened a 2017-18. part of the sport. riders in the world – though (above) was disastrous however. Ceremony either. GANG “It wasn’t my first time unfortunately it only lasted six “It was announced The idea of running five times up bottle of wine myself but it’s also TRIVIA: Roche is the son of “I take full responsibility,” he “Maybe I’ll get Team Sunweb rider crashing in a good position in a days,” said Roche. “But I proved on a Saturday, then on and down his street for training important for people to exercise. Roche is counting Irish legend confessed. “We were 99% to attend one as something, that I’m not just the Sunday all of purposes got old quickly. We’re going to put on some weight down the days until who won the Tour de France, race. While I was disappointed, I certain GB would control it for a coach, trainer Giro d’Italia and UCI World was also quite happy to show that getting closer to retirement, that France thought it To maintain fitness, he works on because it looks like we’re going to he can get back on on home soil. or manager!” he the road Road Championships in 1987. I was back at that level. I had a I’m still performing at the highest was a bank holiday,” his home trainer and static bike, be in lockdown until May 4.” Next thing, there’s 30 guys up laughed. tough year in 2018, I had a lot of level and enjoying it.”

FORMULA ONE: SHOCK VIRUS BID VETOED OLYMPICS BIZARRE PLOT  Marko with Max It’s a non-stop summer of sport IT’S RED FOOL RACING as Marko REVEALS crazy plan Verstappen qBy Neil S uires followed by Lions rugby union Lions confirmed yesterday they 2021 sporting summer By Matt Maltby had ­immunity when the season gets whenever the action starts and you can Armchair fans will be in for a Tests against world champions had no plans to change their tour May 29 Football Champions League final, Red Bull chief Helmut Marko has underway. He said: “We have four Formula be ready for what will probably be a very Russia sports bonanza next summer after South Africa which are set to be dates. June 11-July 11 (tbc) Football Euros, revealed he wanted to organise a ‘corona One drivers (Max Verstappen, Alex Albon, tough championship once it starts.” the dates were set yesterday for 5pm kick-offs here. The clash could lead to a semi-final/finals, 12 European countries camp’ for his drivers – so they would be Pierre Gasly, Daniil Kvyat) and eight or 10 Austrian Marko’s plan, however, did not the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics. And with the feast of tricky decision for July 7-Aug 1 Football Women’s Euros, England infected with Covid-19. juniors. go down well with his Red Bull The Games will take place from action kicking off on May Springbok wing Cheslin June 28-July 11 Tennis Wimbledon The virus has wreaked havoc on the “The idea was to organise a camp colleagues and his proposal failed to July-Sept Cricket India five-Test tour to July 23 to August 8 as the 29 with the Champions Kolbe (left) – a World Cup England 2020 Formula One se­ ason, with the where we could bridge this – mentally and ­materialise. International Olympic Committee League final followed by final try scorer against July 18 (tbc) Formula One British Grand Prix ­opening eight races called off. physically – somewhat dead time. He added: “Let’s put it this way, it agreed on a summer slot. the rescheduled Euros, England – who was hoping July 2-25 Cycling Tour de France And 76-year-old Marko, who is “And that would be the ideal time for has not been well received.” July 23-August 8 Olympics Japan It means TV viewers will, on sports fans can be on the to play in the sevens in Tokyo July 24-August 7 Rugby Union Three-test ­motorsport advisor with the energy the ­infection to come. These are all F1 bosses are hopeful of kicking off three successive Saturdays, be edge of their seats all the way into having won a bronze medal in Rio tour for British & Irish Lions, South Africa drinks giant, came up with an unusual strong young men in re­ ally good health. the campaign in the summer with a able to watch Olympic action September without a break. The in 2016. August 24-September 5 Paralympics Japan plan in an attempt to ensure­ his drivers “That way they would be prep­ ared reduced calendar of at least 15 races.