With the winter months fading into obscurity, 2021 is now in full swing -- and that means the annual return of some of Ireland’s favourite sporting events. Accordingly, Irish teams and sports competitors -- not to mention, of course, the fans themselves -- are already gearing up for what might be an exciting year and, to mark the occasion, we will be taking a whistle stop tour of Irish sporting events coming up this year.
Let us take a look now at what to look forward to in 2021.
SFC All-Ireland Championship
The GAA SFC Championship is making a return in 2021. This season will mark the return of the single knockout format, which has last been used in 2000 and, already, promises to usher in plenty of unexpected moments for the fans and players alike.
This year, clubs from all over Ireland are competing in two divisions based on geography. The tournament will feature three matches for each team with the top two competing in a semi-final and, eventually, a final round. Meanwhile, Intercounty play will go on from May up until the All-Ireland Championship at the end of August.
For those who are into sports betting, this is one of the most interesting leagues to watch with the return of a playoff format where the case is simply win, or go home. Be sure to keep an eye out for your favorite teams as they compete in a new format where qualifiers and Super 8 are no longer needed.
Dubai Duty Free Irish Open
From 1st - 4th July this summer, the Men’s European Golf Tour will be making a stop at Juliet Estate in Thomastown, County Kilkenny for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open. This will mark a return for professional golf in Ireland.
The tournament was part of the Rolex Series rotation until the previous year. But the prize money has changed, with the winner walking away with 3 million Euros. While the Irish open is no longer part of the Rolex Series, it is still a fun tournament to watch featuring some of Europe’s brightest golfing stars.
British & Irish Lions 2021 Tour Of South Africa
The Union Rugby team of Ireland and the United Kingdom will travel to South Africa for an upcoming tour. The Lions will face off against some of the top rugby teams in the African nation with fixtures held in Capetown, Johannesburg, and Pretoria. Nonetheless, this tour might be fun to watch for rugby fans all over Ireland.
As of today, the tour is scheduled to take place in July with their first contest taking place on 3 July. The final contest will be held on 31 July when the Lions play their 2nd test against the South African National team.
A Front Row Seat Awaits For Ireland’s Biggest Sporting Events
Just five months into the new year, it seems as though the entire sporting world is working to reinvent itself. From the formation (or lack thereof ) of new leagues to the introduction of new and, for now, somewhat contentious technology making its way onto the pitch. Already, fans are growing increasingly attuned to the sense of change and development that hangs in the air of the country’s sporting hotspots, and we can rest assured in the knowledge that 2021 will bring its fair share of highs and lows across the board.
Most of these sporting events will be held throughout the summer. You really don’t want to miss out on all the action, so be sure to leave plenty of blank spaces in your calendar to enjoy the best of what the Irish sporting world has to offer.
