Sport Archives - Page 4 of 18 - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

Le Tour de (Little) France in Edinburgh

19th March 2025 funtime65

Everyone’s going cycling crazy here as we gear up for Le Tour de (Little) France in Edinburgh.

And it’s about temps too as Scotland and France’s links go back centuries through the Auld Alliance of its royal families.

With the ‘Jocks’ nickname for Scots even emanating from the French name Jacques for the-then monarch James.

With the area by the Royal Infirmary where Mary Queen of Scots’ French entourage are said to have stayed… Little France.

Wee Tour de France

The news that Scotland’s capital will host Le Départ 2027, the start of the biggest annual sporting event in the world is trés grand.

And a ringing endorsement for Scottish cycling which has a rich legacy.

Stretching back to King of the Mountains Robert Millar right up to multi-Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy.

The only regret is that my old colleague, Commonwealth Games competitor and cycling and sports journalist Richard Moore is no longer here to see it.

Le Grand Départ is then un grand deal.

And judging by past visits to British shores, in London and Yorkshire, it will bring in hundreds of millions in tourist mullah.

Where in Edinburgh the world’s top cyclists will whizz by will be released in due course.

Hooray for Holyrood

But we would expect the City of Edinburgh and Le Tour to want to showcase the Athens of the North.

And the riders to fly around Holyrood Park where this cyclist travelled daily on his bike to work.

From Edinburgh’s beach town Portobello, home, of course, of our own Sir Chris.

So, Le Dieu willing I’ll be on the streets in two years and Sir Chris will too to cheer on Le Grand Départ.

As we get the wheels turning for Le Tour de (Little) France in Edinburgh.

America, Countries, Sport

Touchdown Pittsburgh with Aer Lingus

7th February 20257th February 2025 funtime65

And for the weekend that’s in it our friends at Ireland’s national airline carrier are proud to announce it’s touchdown Pittsburgh with Aer Lingus.

It’s green for go for Aer Lingus and the pride of Pittsburgh, the Steelers, who have entered into a four-year partnership.

With the Pennsylvanians pencilling in a first, a regular season NFL game in Ireland later this year.

At Croke Park, the home of Ireland’s Gaelic Games.

Steel yourself

Team of all talents: Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh, who share the record number of Super Bowl titles of six with the New England Patriots, have long-held contacts with Ireland.

Through the Steelers’ founding family, the Irish-American Rooneys.

They came over from the Oul Country in the 1840s.

Now we’ve been trailing the Steelers and Ireland connection and drive to host a regular season match in Ireland.

Which, of course, will bring the famous Steeler Nation over in their droves… and all on Aer Lingus planes.

Rooney Rools

Susanne Carberry, Aer Lingus Chief Customer Officer is looking forward to laying out the green carpet.

She said: ‘As an airline that connects people, places and possibilities, we eagerly anticipate welcoming many Steelers supporters.

‘As they travel to Ireland to cheer on their team and to explore Europe.’

Steelers President Art Rooney II is no stranger to the land of his forebears.

And he said: ‘The opportunity for the Pittsburgh Steelers to play in Ireland is truly special.

‘Not only because of the Rooney family history there, but also to play in front of the growing number of Steelers fans in Ireland.’

Philadelphia, who will be carrying the flag for Pennsylvania on Sunday.

With the Eagles facing the Kansas City Chiefs, Travis and Taylor et al, has long been on the Aer Lingus radar.

With flights to the City of Brotherly Love one of 24 North American routes.

From Dublin, Shannon and Manchester, bolstered by new destinations in Nashville and Indianapolis.

The City of the Andys

Of course, as much as we want to show Pittsburghians around Dublin’s Fair City.

We’re also keen having spent time with them in Ireland to get out there too.

To the city of the handy Andys… where Warhol and where Carnegie’s footprint is huge.

It should, of course, come as little surprise that Ireland should have been chosen for the Gridiron expansion.

With Aer Lingus having been a proud supporter of College Football since 2016.

Aer receivers

When the first-ever Aer Lingus College Football Classic took place and which we have been fortunate enough to attend ourselves.

Since 2022, the event – held on Week Zero of the College Football calendar – has been a regular fixture at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.

Bringing teams and supporters from across America to Ireland.

In 2027, the University of Pittsburgh’s Pitt Panthers will be the home team taking on rivals Wisconsin in an exciting matchup.

So as the Super Bowl whets your appetite on Sunday.

Just think it will be Touchdown Pittsburgh with Aer Lingus in Dublin for later in the year.

Asia, Countries, Sport

Winging it with John Barnes in the Maldives

19th December 202419th December 2024 funtime65

I was at a disadvantage chasing a Sri Lankan on our Kuramathi football field so I’d not hold out much hope of winging it with John Barnes in the Maldives.

But I’d give it a try seeing that he looks to be partial to a mince pie these days.

‘Digger’ as he’s known to his football pals after the Dynasty character Cliff ‘Digger’ Barnes is the star attraction along with Stuart Pearce and Harry Redknapp for their Campioni Soccer Academy.

Come on ye reds: In Kuramathi with my team-mates

The programme is for kids but our friends at Simply Maldives leave nobody out and have an added midweek parents game.

Now growing up playing on muddy Scottish pitches Kuramathi’s astroturf is a culture shock.

And the big yellow ball in the sky rarely makes an appearance in Jockoland never mind palm trees.

This sporting life

You’ll get coached by legends though here with Simply Maldives.

With Liverpool great Digger running the school from July 28 and August 1.

And Harry and ‘Pscycho’ Pearce on from August 4 and 8, and parents will be hanging off their every anecdote too.

Seeing you’re all visitors together you won’t be disadvantaged by playing with the locals who are more used to the temperatures.

Which I was handicapped by when I asked the staff at our resort if I could join in their kickabout.

And they were gracious to allow me to make up the numbers.

And also join in their cricket match where I ran up a lofty total of three before getting myself run out.

The Maldives, of course, is all about R&R, the most idyllic spot.

Endless culinary and cocktails, watersports, infinity pools and karaoke yes.

With our Irish group belting out Living Next Door to Alice with our own ribald adages.

What’s included

The week starts on Sunday night with a welcome drinks reception.

Where each child is presented with a kit, cap, water bottle and bag while meeting the legends.

Daily development football training starts on the Monday at 3:30-5:30pm.

A midweek parents game.

An end of week medal presentation.

All Campioni families have the opportunity to socialise with the sporting celebs.

The daily football training sessions focus on the children.

And improving their technical skills, game and approach, using the FA’s 4 Corner Model.

Where to stay

2 Bedroom Duplex Beach House ( Sleeps up to 6 people ): adults from €3645 each, under-12s from €2465, teenager 12-16 yrs from €3215.

Pool Villa(sleeps max 3): adults from €4715 each, under-12s from €2945.

Superior Beach Villa (sleeps max 3): adults from €3549 each, under-12s from €2355

Supplement for Basic All Inclusive (buffet dining + all drinks ) = €88 per adult per day & €44 per child per day (up to 16s).

Supplement for select all inclusive (9 a la carte restaurants included = €148 per adult per day & €74 per child per day (up to 16s).

5-day Soccer Academy additional €900 per child.

Prices include return flights from Dublin in Economy Class, Return Speedboat Transfers, 7 Nights accommodation on Full Board Basis (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Plus complimentary Kids Club.

And the chance to be winging it with John Barnes in the Maldives.

America, Countries, Sport

On the Rocky road to Philly

22nd October 202422nd October 2024 funtime65

As a valued VIP I was naturally met by the man himself on the Rocky road to Philly.

And I didn’t even have to walk, never mind run, up the art museum steps to see him.

It takes something, or someone, to shift the Champ and when that guest is coming all the way from Washington DC…

I didn’t have the heart to tell him that I had actually come to Philadelphia to see an old bell.. you know boxers and bells!

Mr Balboa is, of course, long since back in his elevated state on the steps after a brief residency then in Philly’s historic old quarter.

Rocky Fest of fun

Keep on running: Rocky on Philly’s streets

His appeal has, if anything, only grown in the years since we last sparred.

And only last year the greatest Philadelphian who never lived was given his own day, December 3.

And that has only been ratcheted up in the City of Brotherly Glove in the years since.

With its Rocky Fest 2024 in full swing like a Sylvester Stallone haymaker.

Rocky by numbers

Rocky Fest will run from Rocky Day on December 3 through December 8, 2024.

With new moves from the PHLVisitorCenter… the first-ever publicly available Rocky Bus Tours, a Rocky Movie Marathon.

And recreated Rocky Date Nights at The University of Pennsylvania’s 1923 Ice Rink and The Philadelphia Zoo.

The Rocky Bus Tour and Philly PHLASH is a 90-minute deep dive into the different neighbourhoods where the movies were filmed.

Tour de force

And for Rockyphiles that means Laurel Hill Cemetery, Mighty Mick’s Gym, the church where Father Carmine blesses Rocky, the Italian Market, and many others.

The tours will run between November 29, and December 8.

You’ll kick off at The Parkway Visitor Centre and Rocky Shop. Individual tickets $49, Senior/student tickets $42; Available here.

A Rocky date

And because among all the fighting there was a lot of loving too then Philly takes us by the hand through Rocky and Adrian’s love story.

On their choice of Date Nights at the Penn Ice Rink and The Zoo.

Recreate their first date and Rocky’s stumbling around on the ice.

With signature drink specials, a Rocky and Adrian lookalike contest, film recreation photo ops, and speed dating for singles.

And individual tickets $25, student tickets $12.50; Available here.

Tickets include skate rental and 20% discount at the Rocky Shop, valid for purchases made during RockyFest.

Or during the Zoo’s LumiNature event with a million twinkling lights across 16 illuminated zones at the Philadelphia Zoo.

And channel Rocky’s proposal to Adrian in front of Big Cat Falls, Rocky proposed, and maybe have your own moment.

Saturday, December 7, 2024, 5-9 p.m. Two-ticket package for $75; Available here

A Rocky marathon

Of course, Rocky starts, continues and finishes with the movies, all of which you can merch up on at the Sly Stallone Shop.

And while we know you’ve watched and rewatched them all then if you want to test yourself over the equivalent of 15 rounds…

With the Philadelphia Film Centre running anything from single viewings to the full bundle over the Fest days.

Full Screening Schedule Available Here.

Single screening: $14 general admission, $9 PFS member; Bundle: $48 general admission, $42 PFS members. Available here.

And, of course, flying out of Ireland comes to the USA with pre-clearance and Aer Lingus and Philly are old pals with prices from €258.44.

Countries, Deals, Europe, Sport

Best vroom with a view at the Monaco Grand Prix

25th September 202425th September 2024 funtime65

It’s the only place to watch… the best vroom with a view at the Monaco Grand Prix with our sporting travel pal Keith Prowse.

Monaco, as we all know, is the highlight of every motor-racing season.

And KP will set you up with a Formula 1 Ticket-Only and Hotel & Ticket Inclusive Package.

With the best seats in the grandstand when Max, Lewis, Lando and Oscar come whizzing around.

The showcase of the F1 season when petrolheads and paparazzi mix and party on the yachts in the Med runs over the weekend of May 25.

Just the ticket

Now Keith reckons you’ll have your own flights and invitations to the big bashes already sorted out.

But he is sorting you out with your own Grandstand T Ticket and accomodation.

So from €1,605 you’ll get tickets for the Friday-Sunday, Reserved Grandstand Seating and Videowall to follow the race.

With great views of the straight section after the exit of the last right / left `S` of the Swimming Pool Complex.

And three nights in a 3* or 4* hotel.

Riviera of broken dreams

All a big upgrade from our last mosey through Monaco, on our post-school boys’ trip to the French Riviera… and that wasn’t yesterday.

When we dodged the ticket inspectors on the train (do what we say, not what we’ve done, mon petits enfants) down to Monte Carlo.

And even allowing for saving on the fares could only afford the price of a beer and an ice cream.

And gawk at the yachts in the harbour and the big cars in the main square… away to play the tables.

For which we’d clearly not get the memo, in our shorts and salmon-pink torsos.

Before heading back to our campsite and more adventures in St-Raphael before getting run out of town.

See you Lew

Our circumstances have inevitably changed and I was welcomed back to Saint-Tropez in later life.

Where I was treated in the manner I always should have and expect to be in Monte Carlo.

Because as you can see here, me and Lewis are old pals from the Grand Kadooment at the end of Crop Over carnival in Barbados.

I’ll expect him to beep his horn then when he flies by me in May.

He’ll recognise me from my bandana and me having the best vroom with a view at the Monaco Grand Prix.

America, Countries, Sport

Au Revoir Paris, Hey Los Angeles

11th August 202411th August 2024 funtime65

Au Revoir Paris, Hey Los Angeles and we’ll be guaranteed a Coliseum of noise in 2028 for a Games of gladiatorial combat.

I’ve seen first hand how the LA Memorial Coliseum channels the Olympic spirit with its mock classical style.

And for those who fall into the lazy stereotype of sneering at America’s recreations of the Old World.

It’s worth pointing out that the old cities of the Modern Games have dispensed with their old stadia for modern palaces.

Which is probably not the main reason why the Games are returning to America.

Three cheers

LA has real Olympic heritage with the LA Memorial Coliseum becoming the first stadium to stage three Games.

Following the successes of 1932 and 1984.

Of course, for Fiftysomethings the Coliseum holds iconic memories from 1984.

Of South Africa Brit Zola Budd clipping America’s darling Mary Decker Slaney and her lying crumpled on the track.

Fun and Games

Carl Lewis emulating Jesse Owens by winning four athletes golds at the one Games.

And Sebastian Coe holding off Steve Cram to retain his Olympic 1500m title and Daley Thompson defending his Decathlon crown.

We shouldn’t though have been surprised with the 1932 Games breaking new ground.

With the first Olympic photo-finish when Eddie Tolan held off Ralph Metcalfe to win 100m gold.

And became the first non-European to become the world’s fastest man.

Outwith the Coliseum the 1932 Games introduced an Olympic Village for the first time.

Oh Diana

To wander around the Coliseum, albeit for a concert, is to feel like you’re walking in the footsteps of athletics heroes and heroines.

Sweetest hangover: With Diana in the Coliseum

New names will be inscribed into the plaques in the Coliseum in 2028 to accompany those heroes of 1932 and 1984.

Now a behemoth like the LA Coliseum doesn’t stand around looking pretty until an Olympics rolls around.

And entertainers beyond the world of sport clamour to add their names to the Coliseum Hall of Fame.

With few bigger than Diana Ross who wowed a specially invited audience to see her perform at IPW, the American travel fair.

Four years is a long time but I’m planning on Coming Out to LA in 2028.

And flying Aer Lingus with pre-clearance from €260.70.

And so as we say a fond Au Revoir Paris, Hey Los Angeles… let the Games begin.

Countries, Ireland, Sport

Hole lot of fun in Portrush and around the world

6th August 20246th August 2024 funtime65

My Dear Old Dad was as straight as they come apart from on the course, but I’d have opened him up to a hole lot of fun in Portrush and around the world.

The truth is we enjoyed playfully sending him up.

So one Christmas we bought him a joke book The World’s Most Difficult Holes.

Which included tees on the peak of one mountain and greens on another.

And, of course, Mum had to get us to stifle our laughter as he scratched his head about how to play the hole.

Ireland back on course

Champion golfer: At Portrush with The Opem

Would that Dad had hung around and I could have taken him to Royal Portrush when the Open returned to Ireland after nearly 60 years in 2019.

An experiment that proved so successful that the R&A are revisiting the Antrim course next year.

In preparation for Portrush 2024 TV’s Golf’s Greatest Holes visits Ulster’s famous links.

This special six-part series will be devoted entirely to the challenging 18 holes of the Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush.

Tee for two

The series, supported by Tourism Ireland, will be fronted once again by golfer Paul McGinley and BBC presenter Chris Hollins.

And feature former Open champion and son of the Ulster sod Darren Clarke.

It will be seen by millions across Britain when it premieres on Sky Sports later this year.

And will then be screened around the world, including the US.

The series is set to feature a number of well-known local golf stars and golf-loving personalities.

Siobhan McManamy, Tourism Ireland’s Director of Markets, said: ‘It’s a great way to shine a spotlight on Royal Portrush and the island of Ireland.

‘Showcasing our world-class golf and inspiring golfers everywhere to put Ireland on their ‘wish-list’ for their next

Millions of reasons

The first series of Golf’s Greatest Holes reached a global TV audience of millions, thanks to repeated screenings by more than 40 broadcasters.

As well as on the inflight services of many airlines around the world.

The series also reached more than 50 million digital viewers.

Now should Irish great Paul McGinley need a teaching assistant for his show then let me proffer that yours truly is a star student.

From his academy in Quinta da Lago in the Algarve.

Then be sure we’d have a hole lot of fun in Portrush and around the world.

Countries, Deals, Oceania, Sport

Olympics surfing bounty for Tahiti

30th July 202430th July 2024 funtime65

Mais oui, there was something of a mutiny on the boards when it was decided to award this competition to a set of islands 15,705kms from Paris, et c’est vrai it has been something of an Olympics surfing bounty for Tahiti.

Now the idea that France, with its 5,500kms of coastline, would even need to farm out its surfing competition.

To a French territory in Polynesia seems a bit la-la.

But a combination of bigger waves at this time of the year than the likes of surfing hub Biarritz on the Bay of Biscay.

And the French desire to show off their territories abroad combined to tip the wink to Teahupo’o on Tahiti.

Which is, empire flexing apart, a good reason to flaunt what is after all the birthplace of surfing.

Before the Hawaiians bagged that claim, and which can be dated back to Captain James Cook, and obviously long before.

Ship shape

All of which means that the Tahitians have earned the distinction of becoming the furthest away venue from the host city in the history of the Games.

And a gold star to anyone who knew the previous record holder was Stockholm.

With the Swedes holding the Melbourne 1956 equestrian events because of Australia’s quarantine rules (no, us neither).

For the bulk of the Olympians having to sleep in cardboard beds in the Olympics village in Paris the thought of hammocks in Tahiti does sound enticing…

They are in fact accommodated on a ship.

Chillin’ in Tahiti

But the famously laid-back surfing set, whose company I have sought and enjoyed from California to Barcelona and other points in between won’t be complaining.

Particularly as today they have been given time off to chill today.

Because all surfing events have been postponed due to surfing conditions according to the IOC.

All of which means more time to kick back and enjoy the slow tourism of Teahupo’o.

As would happen our network is as expansive as the French and the IOC.

And that reach stretches to Tahiti where our amis there have only been in touch of late.

Get on board

Garlands: Surfing is Tahiti’s national sport

Now helpfully the Tahitians recognise we are not all surfer dudes.

And there is no judgment if we are happier on a paddleboard or bodyboard and then work up.

We’re advised that beginners are best to start on the beaches at Orofara and Taharuu.

Where the waves can reach between 1.5 and 2 metres high.

There are excellent surf spots in Taapuna, Papara and Mahina.

But don’t be a hero and think that you can handle the one the Olympians are trying, ‘jaws’ at Teahupoo…

They wouldn’t let you anyway, you need to be elite.

Reach for the Tropical Sky

The best advice, of course, is that given by the Tahitian tourist board who say:

‘When you visit a beach for the first time, be polite and pleasant and the local surfers will be pleased to welcome you.

‘A ‘Ia ora na‘ with a smile goes a long way.’

Of course there is no shortage of holiday providers more than happy to whisk us away to Tahiti and we have plumped for our old friends Tropical Sky here.

A sample seven nights B&B at the Sofitel Moorea La Ora Beach Resort with flights and transfers comes in at from £2,999pp.

So if your piqued by the images of elite athletes walking on water.

And are wondering at why the Games are there and the Olympics surfing bounty for Tahiti then you’re not alone.

Dip your toe into the home of surfing and much more aside…

Or just lie back and think of Tahiti and bronze yourself under the Tropical Sky.

America, Countries, Flying, Ireland, Sport

Aer Lingus and Clayton Hotels Gridiron How?

25th July 202425th July 2024 funtime65

Aer Lingus and Clayton Hotels Gridiron How?

Well, it’s that special relationship between Ireland and America that manifests itself in so many shared cultural displays.

With, of course, St Patrick’s Day, the biggest, but at this time of the year it’s all about the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin.

College football is pure Americana with its followers more missionaries with a religious fervour for their sport.

And that is why 25,000 fans are expected to fly across the Atlantic to watch the latest iteration of the contest.

Which this year sees Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets from Atlanta tackle Florida State Seminoles from Talahassee on August 24 at the Aviva.

Up the Creek Indians

Seminoles, you say, well they’re Creek Indians from Georgia and Alabama who migrated to Florida in the 1700s.

And are celebrated to this day in the name they attach to their College Football heroes.

The States, of course, has gone on its own journey regarding its First Nation.

And rebranding the Washington Redskins NFL franchise to the Washington Commanders.

While championing Native American tribes such as the Creek Seminoles.

College day out

Will It seems kismet then for that reason that college teams from Florida and Georgia should come together for this fixture on the calendar.

Now, of course, the exodus of 25,000 Gridiron-daft Americans to Dublin provides a great opportunity for Irish hoteliers and hospitality industry.

With an expected €100million boost to the Irish economy.

And our old friends and game sponsors Clayton have stepped up big style.

To welcome their American friends, fans and the Georgia Tech team.

American Football newbies

Hogging the limelight: At Clayton Hotels

There is a special hoo-ha over this year’s event with the game being broadcast with ESPN and Sky Sports broadcasting the event.

So that for American Football newbies there is the chance to mug up on the game.

And for my own little cheerleader too who got
to the third quarter when we were invited to the game by Aer Lingus.

Before asking ‘so, are they able to throw the ball forward?’

Now we hope we have answered another question for you… Aer Lingus and Clayton Hotels Gridiron How?

And are happy to repeat that Ireland’s national airline carrier flies to 18 routes in North America with pre-clearance.

While Clayton,whose hospitality we have enjoyed across the world, have eight hotels across Dublin’s Fair City.

America, Countries, Deals, Sport

A Tee Party in the Capital Region

24th July 202424th July 2024 funtime65

One thing we can all agree on in this US election cycle is that there’s going to be a Tee Party in the Capital Region when the Solheim Cup rolls in.

Fresh from making my pitch for my local course, Muirfield.

To golfing great Sir Nick Faldo at the Open at Royal Troon I’m looking further afield.

The golf tours move on, to the Olympics in Paris and now the men’s majors are done for the year, the women’s game.

Solheim from home

We have a special interest in my new stomping ground of North Berwick, the best place in Britain to live in.

In Solheim Cup great and proud townswoman Catriona Matthew.

And a special relationship with DC, Maryland and Virginia through family there and friends met at the US Travel Fair, IPW.

All under the umbrella of the Capital Region.

Capital gains

Reflections: After sunset from the edge of the reflecting pool in Washington DC.

I will often advise newbies to travelling in America that if they can’t do it all then the Capital Region is America in a nutshell.

Maryland, in fact, bills itself as America in Miniature while the capital and its Smithsonian Museums, tells the story of the States.

The next President of America: In Washington DC

And Virginia is your entry to the Deep South where the Trump posters we saw in 2016 will have been adapted to replace Pence for Vance.

Now if you think the divisions in American politics and society has reached a new breaking point.

Then it is worth noting that Virginia was the theatre for the first major battle of the US Civil War.

Battleground tourism

Stonewall it: With Stonewall Jackson in Manassas.

And why does this matter? Well, just because, but because you’ll be staying in Manassas for your golf.

Your Golf Travel offers packages to the Solheim Cup in Gainesville, Virginia.

All of which takes place from September 10-15, starting from £2215pp including flights.

You’ll get six nights bed and breakfast at the Hampton Inn in Gainesville or the Tru by Hilton in Manassas.

And the news: From the Capitol: In Washington

The practice day and tournament day tickets, Solheim Cup return transfers, 24-hour concierge service and event party.

Visitors wishing to add golfing experiences in the Capital Region USA can add a tailor-made holiday to the package for an additional cost.

Picnic time

And if it might seem quirky to be a tourist in a battlefield town then consider this.

Day trippers descended on Manassas, or Bull Run, with picnic blankets to watch the fighting.

We’re hoping and expecting that the two sets of rivals will keep it more gentlewomanly on their field of battle.

And that you can enjoy your Tee Party in the Capital Region.