Sport
Sport Events Happening This Christmas
As we have just been shown in the most fantastical of fashions recently, nothing beats live sport. The adrenaline, the tension, the excitement; they're all at their highest here. If you're anything like us, you're bound to be in the mood for some more over the festive period.
So, while Troy Parrott and his Republic of Ireland teammates prepare for more heroics in March, we have some sport that will hopefully echo that same buzz this Christmas.
Belfast Giants
The SSE Arena, Belfast | 12 – 30 December
Things are always heating up on the ice. Not literally, but the current EIHL and Challenge Cup champion Belfast Giants continue to defend their titles in December. The Teal Army welcome Guildford Flames, Dundee Stars, Fife Flyers and Glasgow Clan to their home ice at The SSE Arena this month.
Whether you’re a die-hard Giant or just want to bring the family down for an evening, your newest sport obsession awaits this Christmas.
BKT United Rugby Championship – Munster v Leinster
Thomond Park Stadium, Limerick | 27 December
After coming together to put Japan and Australia to the sword last month, arms will be taken up again as the old rivals face off for the second time this season. It was Munster who emerged victorious at Croke Park in October, with Leinster hoping to settle the score as they set off into enemy territory.
Munster’s URC campaign is only bested by Stormers and Cardiff so far, while Leinster will take confidence from the 45 points they put up against Harlequins as they look to regain the form that has made them one of the most dominant forces in club rugby.
Over The Top Wrestling
Belfast & Dublin | 21 & 27 December
Stepping away from the pitch and into the ring, Over The Top returns with specatular showcases this December. The show returns to the North for a “Christmas Super Showdown” in Belfast before wrapping up their festive fighting with a visit to the capital with “Endgame”.
These shows are for all ages and will feature OTT Champion Big Damo. Joining him are a host of show specific talent including European Champion Trent Seven, OTT Womens Champion Myla Grace and much more.
An Audience with Steven Gerrard
Gleneagle Arena, Kerry | 18 December
Join a man who inspired Troy Parrott-esque heroics once upon a time as Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard comes to Killarney for an intimate and unscripted interview. The former Livepool and England captain will relive some of the most memorable moments from his illustrious career, share personal insights, and offer supporters a unique chance to see the game through his eyes.
A change of pace from the high-energy action, this event serves as a perfect evening for any Liverpool fan and any sport fan this Christmas. Don’t let it slip your mind and ‘Kop’ a ticket for yourself.
BKT United Rugby Championship – Leinster Rugby V Ulster & Connacht
Aviva Stadium, Dublin | 19 December & 3 January
It’s an interprovincial triple bill for Leinster this Christmas. Sandwiching their trip down the M7 to Limerick are home fixtures against Ulster and Connacht. Facing both teams for the first time this season, the home side will be favourites to repeat their wins in the last three meetings with each.
If you want a good atmosphere from your sport this Christmas, there’s not much that will beat a good old fashioned local rivalry. Old feuds are reignited and new stories are written in front of your eyes.
Friendship Series
The SSE Arena, Belfast | 2 & 3 January
Sports history is being made on the ice in Belfast. Taking inspiration from the success of the Friendship Four tournament, the Friendship Series brings together four Division I teams for the first ever NCAA Division I women’s ice hockey tournament held outside of North America.
Boston University, Harvard University, Quinnipiac University, and the University of Minnesota-Duluth will face off across two days to crown a victor of this inaugural tournament.
BKT United Rugby Championship – Ulster v Munster
Affidea Stadium, Belfast | 2 January
Rounding off our domestic games for the festive season is Munster’s visit to Affidea Stadium to face Ulster. Ulster currently stand with only one blemish on their URC record this season but come up against a third-place Munster side that bested them when the two foes last met in May.
Will it be euphoria for Ulster and misery for Munster? Or will The Red Army continue their charge to the top ofthe URC standings?
