The42

EVEN IN THOSE quiet moments when Katie Taylor dared to dream, could she possibly have dreamed of a night like this?

AUSTRALIA’S FOUR-MATCH winning run came to an end in Mendoza on Saturday as the Wallabies failed to exploit a late two-man advantage in a 28-28 draw with Argentina. New coach Les Kiss failed to win for the first time in his fourth match in charge, following a victory last week against the Pumas and two successes over Japan. Even so, the result gave Australia a 1-0 series win, their first in Argentina. It was a bruising affair, dominated by eager forwards, but the draw was probably a fair result.

Legend: Katie Taylor. the end Taylor retires as a three-time undisputed world champion. KATIE TAYLOR DEFEATED Flora Pilli by unanimous decision to call time on her legendary boxing career with a fairytale farewell in Croke Park. There were emotional scenes afterwards as the three-time undisputed world champion savoured her final moments in the ring, with a heartfelt speech and poignant final lap:

KATIE TAYLOR WENT out as she came in 30-odd years ago, her canvas oiled in a masterpiece. In a whir of leather, she punched out of work for the final time, stinging Flora Pili like an angry swarm of bees before floating like a butterfly into the sunset. The first boxing headliner at Croke Park since Muhammad Ali in 1972, Taylor lived up to the billing. She always has done.

YANG HYUN-JUN SCORED the winner as Celtic came from behind to beat an impressive St Mirren side on Saturday night. St Mirren were heading for the top of the Premiership when Nikolas Agrafiotis netted from the spot midway through the first half. Liam Scales conceded the penalty with a handball but made amends when he headed home six minutes after the break. And Yang finished off a counter-attack midway through the second half after good pressing from Camilo Duran.

A CONTENTIOUS ENDING marred the chief-support bout to Katie Taylor’s undisputed clash with Flora Pili, with Dublin heavyweight Thomas Carty (now 11-1, 9KOs, 1NC) enduring a no-contest against fancied Englishman Dave Allen (now 27-9-2, 1NC, 20KOs) at Croke Park. Carty, previously 11-1, 9KOs, was clipped around the back of the head and fell out of the ring during the first round of his encounter with Allen, causing consternation and the eventual cancellation of their bout.

STEPHEN KENNY WAS left frustrated but proud as the St Patrick’s Athletic boss hailed the commitment of his players despite being dumped out of the FAI Cup by Bohemians at the end of a dramatic penalty shootout. The Gypsies came out on top 8-7 at Richmond Park to book their place in the semi-final after a frenetic contest ended 1-1 in extra-time. Kenny, however, insists Pat’s should have had the chance to win it with a penalty of their own at the end of normal time.

CONNACHT STEPPED UP their preparations for the new season with a decisive win over Ealing Trailfinders at Dexcom Stadium with Mack Hansen leading the way. Connacht, pipped in their other preseason game away to Vannes last weekend, were on top for most of the contest against the English Championship side which included former Munster centre Rory Scannell in their squad and which also has former Connacht back rower Conor Oliver on board for the season.

FAI Cup quarter-final Bohemians 8-7 on penalties NEVER WILL ROMAL Palmer feel this low after going sky high. It was the St Patrick’s Athletic midfielder’s decisive spot kick in the penalty shootout that sailed over the bar and confirmed Bohemians’ place in the FAI Cup semi-final. They triumphed 8-7 but it will not just be that miss that will haunt Palmer and the Saints.

SOUTH AFRICA PRODUCED a brilliant second-half display to earn a Test victory over New Zealand in Johannesburg on Saturday, and a 2-1 lead in the four-match series. Deadlocked 12-12 at half-time, the Springboks powered to a 12-point advantage in the second half before conceding a try after the full-time hooter. Wing Kurt-Lee Arendse, centre Jesse Kriel and hooker Malcolm Marx scored tries for the Springboks, who were also awarded a penalty try.