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Living in Ireland during the mid 17th century was a frightening and a bloody time. Following the extreme political crisis that resulted in civil war in England, Ireland was plunged into a period of despair that would lead to the surrender of Galway, and the beginning of its gradual demise. The invasion by Oliver Cromwell’s New Model Army, a ruthless exterminating machine, in 1649, led by Cromwell himself, not only destroyed all military opposition, besieged and ransacked towns, and imposed harsh penal laws on Catholic survivors, but it changed the demographic of the cities and lands with the resettlement of faithful Cromwellian generals, and their families. And in a new twist: tens of thousands of Irish people were transported to plantations in the West Indies, and elsewhere.

Connacht Rugby has been given a reasonable chance of seizing silverware in the Pro14 next season after bookmakers released odds for the 2019/20 campaign. Defending champions Leinster are understandably the favourites to win the trophy, but only four teams have shorter odds than Andy Friend’s men. Munster, Glasgow and Ulster are all tipped to challenge for glory, but Connacht are next in line at 20/1 along with Scarlets and Ospreys.

Fresh from a two-week break, Connacht return to league action in what will be a defining period in this season's campaign.

Connacht coach Andy Friend believes his team have what it takes to make the Champions Cup after watching them destroy a hapless Dragons side on Saturday. James Cannon and Colby Fainga’a scored their first tries for the province in a 33-12 bonus point win that carried them up to fifth in the Pro14 Conference A table. Seven Pro14 teams qualify for the Champions Cup and Friend reckons his squad can kick on and grab one of the spots. They are certainly benefiting from the impact of Australian imports David Horwitz and Fainga’a and optimism currently abounds.

Week II

The rescheduled All-Ireland camogie club finals are down for decision on Sunday with the two Galway clubs hoping to secure a rare double in Croke Park.

Two Galway camogie teams are in All-Ireland final action in Croke Park this Sunday.

The number of vacant commercial units in Mayo has increased last year from the figures recorded in 2015 according to a new research published this week, the research has found that the commercial vacancy rate in Mayo at the end of quarter four of 2016 was running at 15.6 per cent, up from 13.5 per cent at the same time last year.

What a week for Connacht Rugby. Top of the league with four Pro 12 games remaining, Connacht have had precious little time to celebrate a momentous victory over Leinster as they head to Belfast to face Ulster tomorrow evening.

It is another big weekend for Connacht Rugby. Still sitting on top of the Pro 12 table, Connacht are preparing to step it up for the visit of former champions Ospreys to the Sportsground on Saturday (7.35pm).