England – Six Nations Champions

England were crowed Six Nations Champions after a 61-21 win victory over Scotland at Twickenham. Scotland went into the game with genuine hopes of derailing the English Championship challenge. That particular hope was dashed as early as the 2^nd minute when hooker Fraser Brown was yellow carded for a tip tackle on Elliott Daly.

From the opening exchanges it was very that England were going to put it up to Scotland in the physical stakes and Scotland wilted in the face of an incredible physical challenge where England players like Maro Itoje , James Haskell and Owen Farrell stood up and were counted when it mattered most.

Eddie Jones has continued the good work that Stuart Lancaster started back in 2011 and now England are righted the second best team in World Rugby. There are still a few questions to be answered, can they beat the All Blacks who are still raising the bar after their 2015 World Cup win.

Eddie Jones has defiantly strengthened this England team and will want finish his second Six Nations campaign not alone as champions but they will want to be a double Grand Slam winning team as well. They are very well placed to achieve that particular feat with all of their key players playing well.

Jones has worked on numerous facets of his England team and over the past two seasons we have seen giant strides forward from this squad with only minimal changes between the Grand Slam win in Paris in 2016 and the Championship win in 2017 that could also have a Grand Slam win alongside it as well , only time will tell !!

He has stuck with Dylan Hartley as his skipper even though he has come under real pressure from Jamie George and also his disciplinary issues with Northampton Saints have been well documented. He hasn’t had as much of an influence this season as he had in the 2016 Grand Slam win.

Owen Farrell has taken on a real captain’s role this season and although he wasn’t named skipper he has led from the front and really helped the men inside him namely George Ford and Ben Youngs. The strength of the England forward pack has been huge for this campaign.

Go back 12 months and before the Championship started, Eddie Jones was asked what he wanted to achieve while he was in charge of the England rugby team and while the World Cup in Japan in 2019 is the ultimate aim, he had planned on working on aspects of the team to strengthen their resolve.

He has worked on their forward play with Steve Borthwick and Neal Hatley and now in the aftermath of their decisive win over Scotland, you can now see the back play beginning to take shape and slowly but surely we can now see the fruits of Jones labour taking shape and England have again been crowned Six Nations Champions with a realistic chance of a second successive Grand Slam also in the pipeline.  

Two Years is a long time in sport but England have laid down another marker to New Zealand and the rest of the Rugby World that the 2019 World Cup is certainly now firmly in sight and they are ready to challenge to become World Champions in 2019 like the Class of 2003….

By

Cian Mc Gibney

14/03/2017

2016 – The Year of Change

So as 2016 draws to a close, it is that time of year again where people examine their lives as the New Year approaches. Of course I’ll be doing something similar tomorrow evening and at midnight I’ll be officially able to say goodbye to a year that has seen my life change forever.

Over the last 10 days I have to say I have been humbled again by the number of people who have taken time out to ask how things are and that has shown me again what community spirit is all about. I have had plenty of time to think and try and work out what might be next for me.

 I have one or two irons in the fire that I will be following up in the coming weeks. My domestic skills are coming along ok, plenty of work done but plenty still to do. To anyone who has struggled with a loss or in life in general , tomorrow evening could be the chance to put to bed all of the pain that you may have suffered in 2016 and let’s face it there has been plenty to make you wonder what kind of world are we living in.  Use tomorrow as the chance to wipe the slate clean and start a fresh because I certainly will be doing that…

2016 has been a year of refection as well as Ireland marked 100 years since the 1916 Rising. The one thing that all the leaders of the 1916 Rising would be proud of is that the sense of community is alive and kicking within every person and it is only in a time of crisis that you see people stand up and be counted and that particular quality has been seen at the door of Mc Gibney’s on countless occasions since September 7^th.

As I have already mentioned I won’t be sorry to see the back of 2016 and the dawn of a new year will give everyone the chance to turn over a new leaf and make changes to make life better in 2017. I have mentioned it a couple times in recent pieces I have written but life is short so please go out and grasp ever opportunity that presents itself in 2017 and beyond. Take it from someone who has done plenty of soul searching in the last three months, all issues can be resolved no matter how big or small!!

From this author, I’d like to again take this chance to thank each and every person for the love and support shown to the three of us in our time of need….. From myself I’d like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and All the very best in 2017 no matter what challenges it may throw your way…

By

Cian Mc Gibney

30/12/2016

Munster March On

Munster are now on a 7 match unbeaten run since the untimely death of head coach Anthony Foley back in October and it has been refreshing to watch Munster improve week on week and are now two from two in Europe with their refixed match with Racing 92 set for January 7^th and now there match up with Edinburgh is set for February 3^rd.

Munster have been on the rise since that time and are now top of the Pro 12 and top of Pool 1 in The Champions Cup. They have returned to playing with the type of fire and passion that seemed to have disappeared for a few seasons. They are now playing with a focus and are water tight in defence which saw Leicester Tigers held scoreless last Saturday afternoon. Since the Leinster defeat in the Aviva Stadium in late September Munster have found a way to beat teams and it has been great to watch.

They are also very grounded , not one player is getting carried away with what’s gone on and supporters are beginning to return to Cork and Limerick in the droves and the old feeling of we will take on and beat all comers has returned. They are playing a very South African style with a cleaver kicking game mixed with hard carrying forwards and a miserly defence that gives away very little penalties and doesn’t give away cheap points.

There is still plenty to work on but what has been seen over the past few weeks has gone beyond the mantra of “Do It For Axel “It is now, go and do it for yourself and to hell with the rest. Rassie Erasmus and his coaches have done a terrific job in the last two months to help control the players emotions and just keep them focused on each job and game and this way of doing things has served them well.

They were ruthless against Leicester and previously against Glasgow they showed how to win ugly , both ways of winning had been missing in recent years but have returned in the last few weeks. The upturn in fortunes has seen the crowds come flooding back and Thomond Park and Irish Independent Park have been full to bursting on each occasion they have been used.

 The chip on the shoulder is back and the next major test of this new found confidence will be this Saturday at 3.15 with the return leg against Leicester Tigers in Welford Road where Richard Cockerill and his squad will be hell bent on atoning for being niled last weekend. They like Munster are a proud bunch and Rassie Erasmus will need all his experience to try and help his squad leave Welford Road with a win next weekend. If they manage to do just that they will set themselves up really well for three tough games in January.

For Munster all is going well now and there big job will be to keep this momentum going because they know what’s its like to be on the other side and they have worked so hard to set themselves up in this strong position not to let all that good work go up in smoke.

Time is now for Munster to strike a real blow and really serve notice to the rest of Europe that they are back and are not going away that easy this time…….

By

Cian Mc Gibney

13/12/2016

Lydia Des Dolles

Hi Lydia,

How have things being going for you with MMA Connect TV since we last spoke ?

Hi Cian, yeah really good thanks it's been super busy, filming every weekend so it's hectic at the minute but we’re having a lot of fun covering all these events.

Have you got any plans to expand MMA Connect TV in 2017 ?

Yeah of course, y’know I said MMACTV as a little bit of fun - there was a huge gap in the MMA market for what we do, I really just curate the show for what I would want as a punter. That's why social media is social important to what I do. Snapchat, Facebook Live, Twitter. I cover everything, backstage, post-fight interviews, a 360 view of the event with my Vlog, I want the viewer to feel like they are at the show, I know what it's like when you can’t get to an event and your scrolling through social media trying to get any information on results or videos of knockouts.

How did your appearance at Tallaght Talks go ? Tell me a small bit about the event itself ?

It was an absolute honour to be asked by Senator Lynn Ruane & Darren Dillon from Kickstart Fitness to attend never mind speak on the panel alongside Paddy Holohan, Richie Sadlier, & Al Porter. Martial Arts changed my life & I don't think I would be sat here today if it wasn't for Jiu Jitsu so if my contribution made one person think about starting to train it was worth it, but hopefully more of these events will happen in the future & it will open up the conversation of mental health in Ireland. It's something that needs to be put to the forefront of people's minds. Hearing some of the stories from families who have lost loved ones to suicide was heartbreaking, you feel so helpless.

The Irish MMA scene is going from strength to strength since we last chatted, can you give me an update on what’s been going on ?

The rapid increase of the sport has been fantastic, we're seeing a lot more local shows, with a lot of new faces stepping into the cage for the first time which is brilliant. Our Team Ireland Amateurs are just home competing at the IMMAF European Championships in Prague, massive congratulations to Lee Hammond, Dave fogarty & Alex O Sullivan who all represented our country and brought home medals. But y’know we also have a huge influx of people joining Martial Arts Academies for fitness, which is great to see, there's a reason why Combat Sports athletes are constantly in good shape [Laughs] & of course we're seeing a lot more women getting involved with Jiu Jitsu for fitness & more importantly self defence.

You recently began working for IMMAA, the Irish MMA Association, can you tell us about your role?

Sure, I'm the social media & publicity manager for IMMAA, alongside Fergus Ryan our Public Relations Officer, so between us we look after the Communications Team for IMMAA. It's been great so far, and the public response has been received really well. My aim for getting involved was to promote Team Ireland & our amateur competitors throughout the country. There is so much happening in the sport on amateur level that people don't know about, and there is a lot of people, especially those on the committee that are trying to grow the sport & get it the recognition it deserves. Im extremely grateful to get the opportunity to work alongside John Kavanagh, Andy Ryan and all the guys that make up IMMAA, they've been involved in this sport since Day 1.

How big of an impact has John Kavanagh had on Irish sport ?

[Laughs] I don't know how much hes influenced Irish Sport but Irish MMA, yes hugely, outside of Conor he's probably had the biggest impact. John represents everything that a coach & subsequent role model should be, it's really hard to explain, but when you meet him you’ll understand. Kids today look at John and Conor in the same way I looked up Roy Keane & Jack Charlton growing up, in my opinion theyve both transcended their successes.

Its BAMMA 27 in a few weeks’ time in the 3 Arena, how have preparations been going for that event ?

Busy, we’re six days out now from the start of press week so the controlled mayhem is about to begin. I've been working with them since BAMMA 22 and every show just keeps getting better, I know it might seem like I am bias, but a BAMMA show is a difference experience, their cards are always stacked with Irish & international fighters, Jude Samuel is ahead of the game with matchmaking, honestly I can't tell you how grateful I am to be a part of such a wonderful team.

What fight are you most looking forward to at BAMMA 27?

I mean I want to watch them all, that's the only negative about working at the show, is that you can't sit down with the fans and enjoy it with them. But I'm most looking forward to Rhys McKee V Jai Herbert, both fighting for the lightweight title, Marc Diakiese’s Belt before he signed to the UFC. I first met Rhys when he signed to BAMMA for his pro debut, he's one of the sweetest people I have met in MMA and to see him grow from this quiet shy kid from Ballymena into the superstar that he's become, getting to see him fight for this title will be really special.

What's the best part about the work that you do, with BAMMA or with MMA Connect TV?

With MMACTV it has to be the MMA fans at the shows, they're the best bunch, I mean that sincerely, I have a whole routine now when we cover a show, get to the venue, set up the cameras with Karl & Jenny our videographers, say hi to all the fighters & staff, get the shows running order & as soon as the doors are open I'm down at the cage meeting everyone, they've all seen the show so their feedback on it is really important to me, without them it doesn't make sense to do this.  With BAMMA I love the emotional process that goes along with working on the press team, the day before the fight we have weigh ins - trying to get fighters to do photos and sign posters when they are in the middle of a weight cut & seeing their opponent face to face for the first time is difficult so you have to mind them a little bit, the next day when they get to the venue they've refueled but the pre-fight nerves & excitement kick in so you find they just want to talk about anything that's not the fight, once they fought, my job is to take the winner from the cage to their medicals and then straight to the media room for their post fight interviews, that walk with them is a rollercoaster of emotions going from tears of joy to laughter. I get really emotionally invested, so for me that job is alot more than just working as part of the press team, it's a privilege to share a little bit of their journey.

How has your training being going and will we see you in the Octagon soon ?

Really good, I still train Jiu Jitsu 5 days a week and I try do some striking 1 day a week, some days I'm like, right I'm quitting everything and just going to be a full time fighter but I'm 32 so I need to be a lot more realistic [laughs] I am definitely planning on competing MMA at an amateur level and I will always compete at Jiu Jitsu, one of my goals is to be a black belt world champion so I have a few years to prepare yet [laughs]

Conor Mc Gregor has been nominated for the RTE Sports Person Of The Year award , do you now feel with this particular piece of recognition that MMA is finally finding a place for itself in Irish sport ?

It's a step in the right direction, but you would be an idiot to think that it was recognising the actual sport it's not, Conor is ruling not just the MMA world but the sport world and RTE see that, having him has their sports person of the year does more for them then it does for him or MMA. But does he truly deserve that award, yes. He has carried this entire sport on his back for the last 3 years, he deserves more.

Has MMA captured the imagination in Ireland in the way you thought it would?

I'm not surprised if that's what your asking? The growth, and the fans passion speak for themselves. I'm just really appreciative to play a tiny tiny part in getting people to see the true spirit of MMA.

Your following has grown steadily on both Twitter and Facebook and your interviewing style is something special , what are your hopes for 2017 and beyond ?

Honestly I didn't ever design an interview style, i'm not a journalist, and I have no TV experience, I just speak from the heart and talk to the fighters like I would if there was no cameras there, what you see on camera, is how i am in everyday life, I think thats whats people enjoy, I don't try to pretend to be something I'm not, and I'm not afraid to make mistakes or look silly. I just want to keep doing what we are doing, travel more, cover more shows outside of Ireland, were doing something really great, it's fun and positive and it helps a lot of fighters get the exposure they deserve, that's what's important.

All the best at BAMMA 27 in a few weeks time…..

Bonus Points

The Six Nations Council have seen fit to trial the bonus point system in the 2017 Six Nations across all three competitions , Women , Men’s and 20s. This move will see all teams awarded 4 points for a win and a bonus point for either scoring 4 or more tries or losing by less than 7 points, the same system is applied in Super Rugby and in all European Rugby competitions.

This move will only enhance the 6 Nations as the tournament had really only seen one major change with Italy being added in 2000. They have done away with the old two point system with no incentive for any team to play attacking rugby. This move will hopefully see a team like France find there mojo again and start playing with Gallic flair which they were once famed for.

This will mean that all matches will have something tangible attached to them. One would hope that for at least the 2017 Six Nations we won’t see 6 teams trying to win penalties to try and secure a win.

Italy in particular will now have to embrace a more attack minded style and with a coaching team of Mike Catt and Conor O Shea between those two men they should be very capable of coming up with some real quality set piece moves that may shock the other 5 competing sides. Italy have long been seen as a side that only plays 8 man rugby but they will be forced to move the ball that bit wider in 2017 !!!

The Six Nations Council has to be credited with bringing the Six Nations into line with the rest of World Rugby, for far too long it was stuck in a time warp with no imagination or fore sight. Not for one moment am I suggesting that all the issues within rugby are fixed because World Rugby still has many problems to iron out, what role does the TMO actually play ?, stopping the clock at scrum time until the ball in back in play and so forth.

This move has to be seen by all competing nations as a big step forward and hopefully it will work out for the best and we will see it become permanent from 2018 and beyond. It’s time for all teams across the 6 Nations to embrace this change and let’s see some of the attacking rugby that was a feature on the final day of the 2015 Six Nations in particular.

The benefit of this system has been seen in the European Cup and Super Rugby for many years and we have seen what sort of exciting rugby can be played when both teams put it all on the line in the pursuit of glory…….

By

Cian MC Gibney

30/11/2016