Den: Mark has world at his feet
CONNACHT boss Kieran Keane insisted John Muldoon’s character was stamped all over a record win against Leinster.
A disappointing Westerners season ended on a high with their biggest ever victory over another Irish province.
It was also the first time they have defeated all three Irish provinces at The Sportsground in the same season. And Keane claimed that Muldoon (right) was responsible for setting the tone for a wild day of celebration in the west.
Keane said: “He’s an engaging man but he’s a humble man. That humility is a strength within the team and the group. They’re hard-working and when they play for each other look what happens. I’m right in behind that stuff, it spins my wheels.”
Muldoon played all 80 minutes of his 327th and final game of rugby — ending it on a high by kicking their seventh conversion and then booting a penalty to touch in the final play.
Meanwhile, Leinster’s hopes of conquering Europe for a fourth time have been boosted with the confirmation that Racing 92 scrum-half Maxime Machenaud is out of the May 12 Champions Cup decider in Bilbao after suffering knee ligament damage. SNOOKER legend Dennis Taylor believes the stars are aligning for fellow Ulsterman Mark Allen to win this year’s Betfred World Championship.
The Antrim man is competing in his first Crucible quarter-final since 2011 and takes on Kyren Wilson in a repeat of this year’s classic Masters final tomorrow.
Taylor was Northern Ireland’s last winner on the grandest stage when he beat Steve Davis 18-17 in the famous black ball final of 1985.
And with title favourite Ronnie O’sullivan, defending champion Mark Selby and former world champions Neil Robertson, Shaun Murphy and Stuart Bingham all out, Taylor believes Allen has a great chance of claiming the Crucible crown.
He said: “It’s time Northern Ireland had another world champion.
“It’s nice to see him back again, he got close in 2009, got to the semi, but with the way he’s playing he’s got a great chance. Let’s hope he can keep the flag flying for Northern Ireland.”
Allen has a new-found belief in his game after celebrating Masters victory at London’s Alexandra Palace in January.
“Winning the Masters has made him a different player,” stressed Taylor.
“He was always a great player but winning a major in the UK you can see the confidence when he walks around the table.
“He’s one of the best break builders in the game so there’s no reason he can’t be world champion.”
Ambitious left-hander Allen insists everyone in the tournament will fancy their chances after O’sullivan’s shock second round 13-9 exit to Ali Carter.
“Ronnie was a big, big favourite but it’s literally anyone’s tournament now, no disrespect to Ali,” admitted Allen. “Everyone that’s left will fancy their chances. Their ears would have pricked up after
Ronnie went out.”