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Movies & TV

22nd May 2015

The richest game in football, Munster Hurling Championship, Paul O’Connell: Sport on TV this weekend

A sporting feast awaits us

Eric Lalor

There is a serious amount of great sport on offer this weekend on the telly.

We have a look at all the best bits and let you know when they’re on. It’s as simple as that.

Saturday

Scottish Championship Play Off Semi-Final 2nd Leg: Hibernian v Rangers (BT Sport 2, 12pm)

It’s time for two big Scottish clubs, who have both fallen from grace, to go to battle in a bid to restore themselves to the top tier in Scottish football.

No matter what Celtic fans tell you, Scottish football needs both of these clubs in the top flight, but only one can go up.

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - MARCH 22:  Rangers forward Kenny Miller celebrates after scoring the second goal during the Scottish Championship match between Hibernian and Rangers at Easter Road on March 22, 2015 in Edinburgh, Scotland.  (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Rangers hold a 2-0 lead and are favourites, but Hibs will not be intimidated and a noisy Easter Road awaits the men from the blue half of Glasgow.

Guinness Pro 12 Semi-Final: Munster v Ospreys (TG4/Sky Sports 1, 2.30pm)

Munster are looking to finish the season on a high note, but they won’t have it easy against an Ospreys side with a very good record at Thomond Park.

Guinness PRO12, Irish Independent Park, Cork 16/5/2015 Munster vs Newport Gwent Dragons MunsterÕs Paul OÕConnell scores a try  Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Billy Stickland

Also, if you believe the rumours, this could very well be the last time Paul O’Connell plays for Munster at Thomond. The man is a living legend and, if it’s true, deserves a tremendous send-off.

Sky Bet League 2 Play-Off Final: Southend v Wycombe (Sky Sports 1, 5.30pm)

It’s play-off time in the football and that usually means drama aplenty from Wembley, as both Southend and Wycombe come head-to-head to battle for a place in League 1.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 14:  Helicopters pass Wembley Stadium seen from the air on June 14, 2014 in London, England.  (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

Both sides finished on 84 points and Wycombe edged the two league encounters, winning one and drawing the other, so it’s anyone’s guess as to who will prevail.

Expect drama.

Sunday

Barclays Premier League: Chelsea v Sunderland, Hull v Manchester United, Newcastle v West Ham (Sky Sports 3pm)

It’s the last day of the Premier League and there is only one issue up for contention and that’s relegation.

Sunderland are now safe, so the only two matches that matter are the Hull and Newcastle matches.

HULL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 31:  Samuel Ameobi of Newcastle United is tackled by Michael Dawson of Hull City during the Barclays Premier League match between Hull City and Newcastle United at KC Stadium on January 31, 2015 in Hull, England.  (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Hull have to beat United and hope that Newcastle do no better than a draw to secure their top flight status. For the sake of Robbie Brady, Paul McShane and David Meyler, we’re hoping Hull prevail.

Sunday Game Live: Cavan v Monaghan, Ulster Foootball Championship, Limerick v Clare, Munster Hurling Championship (RTE 2, 1.30pm)

The GAA Championship is in full swing now and we have a double-header to look forward to.

First up at 2pm, Monaghan travel to Cavan in the quarter-finals of the always hugely competitive Ulster Football Championship.

Waterford Crystal Cup Quarter-Final, Sixmilebridge, Clare 19/1/2014 Clare vs Limerick  Clare's Stephen O'Halloran and Cillian Duggan with Michael Ryan of Limerick Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan

We then switch our attention to Semple Stadium in Thurles for the clash of two local rivals, Limerick and Clare. Sit back and enjoy what is sure to be an action-packed, full-blooded game of hurling.

Sky Bet League One Play-Off Final: Preston v Swindon ( Sky Sports 1, 5.30pm)

Another play-off final at Wembley and it features Swindon and Preston, the latter who will no doubt be kicking themselves for not getting automatic promotion.

PRESTON, ENGLAND - MAY 10:  Jermaine Beckford of Preston North End celebrates as he scores their third goal during the Sky Bet League One Playoff Semi-Final second leg match between Preston North End and Chesterfield at Deepdale on May 10, 2015 in Preston, England.  (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)

Both have a win each in their two meetings so far this season and although Preston finished 10 points ahead of Swindon, this could easily go to the wire.

Monday

Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final: Middlesbrough v Norwich (Sky Sports 1, 3pm)

Billed as the ‘richest game in football’ seeing as the victors earn promotion to the Premier League and all its riches. Middlesbrough will enter the game as slight favourites here.

NORWICH, ENGLAND - APRIL 17:  Wes Hoolahan of Norwich City and Adam Clayton of Middlesbrough chase the ball during the Sky Bet Championship match between Norwich City and Middlesbrough at Carrow Road on April 17, 2015 in Norwich, England.  (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)

Irish fans will be hoping that Wes Hoolahan can influence a win for the Canaries and a return to top flight football.

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