Tony Ward

1 week ago | independent.ie | Tony Ward

Tony Ward: Sam Prendergast response speaks volumes while Leinster’s management have clearly learned important lessonsLeinster players (from left) Jamie Osborne, Jimmy O'Brien and Sam Prendergast celebrate after the URC final in Dublin. Photo: Brendan Moran/SportsfileAs kids we were brought up to believe that winning in sport wasn’t everything. But as we grew and developed competitively that childhood take transformed into believing winning was the be-all and end-all.

2 weeks ago | independent.ie | Tony Ward

When it comes to rugby intensity, the South Africans are global kings – so there is much graft still to be done in Belfield this weekFor the best part of two months they’ve been absent without leave. April 11, against the same opposition at the same venue, was the last time Leinster looked and played like the heavily-loaded outfit we know them to be. But they’ve got to be in the mood and on Saturday, with Glasgow again on the receiving end, they were all of that and more.

3 weeks ago | independent.ie | Tony Ward

I think I’m speaking on behalf of many when I describe the innermost feelings following Saturday’s URC quarter-finals as strange in the extreme. Both results, involving our two remaining runners in the last eight, went the way of the bookies and, if we’re brutally honest, they were both deserved. What is for certain is that Munster did us proud in defeat in Durban whereas Leinster moved on as expected. But there was an eerie absence of raw emotion in Dublin 4 – on and off the field.

4 weeks ago | sussexexpress.co.uk | Tony Ward

On fine Saturdays in the summer months there is a spectacular mass racing-pigeon release at Beachy Head Car park (9000 pigeons in three transporters). Today, Saturday 31 May 2025, was one of those days. My dog and I joined a small crowd of those in the know “waiting for the off”. At 9.30am we would normally be too late as on fine summer days the release can be as early as 6.00am but today mist and low cloud delayed the release.

1 month ago | independent.ie | Tony Ward

Tony Ward: Leinster owe it to themselves and fans to right the wrongs of their European failings​​​​​​ Nothing short of winning the URC will do for Leo Cullen’s Leinster Tommy O'Brien, on the charge against Glasgow, has been in excellent form for Leinster. Photo: Sam Barnes/SportsfileIt was mission accomplished for Munster in Cork and while it wasn’t overly convincing, that precious place in the knockout stages against the Sharks was secured with a small bit to spare.