Why Punchestown Festival holds special place in Ted Walsh's heart, Waterford's Stephen Bennett on playing through the pain barrier, United close in Champions League return

Why Punchestown Festival holds special place in Ted Walsh's heart, Waterford's Stephen Bennett on playing through the pain barrier, United close in Champions League return

Irish Independent

Tuesday, 28 April 2026

This newsletter was edited by Joe Davitt

Top Stories

‘The only way Gordon Elliott will be champion trainer now is if Punchestown gets snowed off’ – Ted Walsh

‘I don’t think anybody could have come in and done any better results-wise’ – Jamie Carragher backs Michael Carrick to keep job

‘How many more days will you have like this?’ – Waterford’s Stephen Bennett on playing through the pain barrier

‘You just keep on piling on the misery’ – Leinster turn to Buddhism in order to avoid repeat of Northampton Saints loss

Colm Keys: Mayo and Donegal both need something different to reboot a season that has bent badly out of kilter

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‘It was not just a one-year thing’ – Kate O’Connor insists 2025 was not a flash in the pan

David Kelly: Harry Kane has discovered more acceptance and success in Germany than he did in his native land

Michael Verney: Punchestown Day One – ‘Marine’ to finish frustrating season on a high in mouth-watering Champion Chase clash

Cork’s Ciarán Joyce ruled out for season with cruciate tear, as Rob Downey sidelined for six weeks

‘I was realistic about my chances’ – Ronnie O’Sullivan had booked flight home before Crucible defeat to John Higgins

Tale of two trainers – can budget Lidl runners compete with €500 sub-two-hour ‘super shoes’? One runner finds out