Sporting fixtures fall foul of Storm Desmond

This afternoon’s Pro12 match between Glasgow and Leinster at Scotstoun has been postponed due to severe weather conditions. With Storm Desmond continuing to batter Ireland and Britain, the playing surface at Scotstoun was deemed unplayable at a pitch inspection this morning.

Leo Cullen’s side had been due to face the Warriors at 3pm but with worsening conditions - a number of flights between Dublin and the Scottish capital had already been cancelled - the pitch was found to be waterlogged.

After confirming that the game against Leinster had been called off, Glasgow released a statement, saying: “The pitch at Scotstoun Stadium is unplayable due to surface water and there is a concern for both players and supporters safety given the adverse weather conditions.”

The IRFU have also announced that some All-Ireland League games here at home, including the clash between Young Munster and Galwegians and Dolphins meeting with Blackrock have also been postponed. They have advised supporters to check with their clubs before travelling.

Racing at Navan has also been cancelled due to a deterioration in weather conditions. The Co Meath circuit was due to stage a seven-race card, featuring the Grade Three Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Klairon Davis Novice Chase.

The Irish Turf Club had initially called an inspection for 9.30am due to the threat of gale force winds, but decided to draw stumps earlier.

Turf Club press officer Cliff Noone said: "Unfortunately today's meeting at Navan has been cancelled.

“They were due to inspect at 9.30am, but the situation has worsened and is due to get worse again through the morning.

“There is no problem with the ground, the track is fine, but they have gale force winds and it’s not safe for racing to take place.”

And in Gaelic games, all of today’s football and hurling interprovincial semi-finals are also off. In football, Leinster and Munster had been due to meet in Newry (4pm) while Ulster were to take on Connacht in Armagh (7pm). Both hurling semi-finals had been scheduled for Pearse Stadium in Galway.

Meanwhile, in Scotland three SPL games were called off early on Saturday morning with games at Celtic Park, Tynecastle and Firhill falling victim. Hearts’ clash with Inverness was the first match to go as the Edinburgh club announced “extreme adverse weather conditions” had put paid to the game.

Although the pitch had been wet on Friday, it was actually strong winds that forced the postponement - balls were rolling from the far corner of the pitch right into the dugout.

Partick Thistle followed with confirmation that their meeting with Motherwell was off because of a waterlogged pitch, and Celtic’s home clash against Hamilton soon went the same way.