MUNSTER held their nerve to claim victory over interprovincial rivals Connacht in the URC on Saturday afternoon.
The Reds earned a thrilling 30-24 bonus-point win over the Westerners at a sold-out MacHale Park.
27,870 packed into the Castlebar venue to see the Irish sides battle it out in a cracking contest.
The home crowd were on their feet late on when Dylan Tierney-Martin dived over for what looked like a dramatic winner.
But the try was ruled out after Bundee Aki was penalised for a croc-roll clearout in the build-up.
It was a tough pill to swallow for Connacht, who had battled back from 18 points down.
But Ian Costello’s Munster outfit did just enough to hang on for a big victory after Jean Kleyn’s turnover sealed the win at the death.
Munster were fast out of the blocks in the early stages of the game as they took full control, racing into an 18-5 half-time lead.
Tries from Tom Ahern and Craig Casey, with Jack Crowley pulling the strings superbly.
The out-half also scored a try of his own in the second half.
He also added two conversions and two penalties in a man-of-the-match display.
Munster had to do it the hard way after Alex Nankivell was shown red on 25 minutes for a dangerous hit on Cian Prendergast.
The skipper and brother of Leinster star Sam, was stretchered off and taken to hospital.
Pete Wilkins’ side also finished with 13 men after yellow cards for Tadhg Beirne and Niall Scannell.
Connacht fought back hard as Sean Jansen grabbed a brace, Caolin Blade added another, and Josh Ioane set up a nervy finish with their fourth try.
But despite the late surge wasn’t enough as the visitors’ early dominance and game management saw them home, just.
Connacht: Tries: Sean Jansen (2), Caolin Blade, Josh Ioane,
Cons: Josh Ioane (1) JJ Hanrahan (1)
Munster: Tries: Tom Ahern, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley, Diarmuid Barron
Cons: Jack Crowley (2)
Pens: Jack Crowley (2)
Connacht: Mack Hansen; Chay Mullins, Hugh Gavin, Bundee Aki, Finn Treacy; Josh Ioane, Caolin Blade; Jordan Duggan, Dave Heffernan, Finlay Bealham; Joe Joyce, Darragh Murray; Cian Prendergast (capt), Shamus Hurley-Langton, Sean Jansen.
Replacements: Dylan Tierney-Martin (for Heffernan, 59), Denis Buckley (for Duggan, 57), Jack Aungier (for Bealham, 57), Josh Murphy (for Prendergast, 25), Paul Boyle (for Joyce, 57), Matthew Devine (for Blade, 53), JJ Hanrahan (for Cordero, 53), Santiago Cordero (for Mullins, 5).
Munster: Ben O’Connor; Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Seán O’Brien; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Jeremy Loughman, Diarmuid Barron, Oli Jager; Fineen Wycherley, Tadhg Beirne (capt); Tom Ahern, John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes.
Replacements: Niall Scannell (for Barron, 60), Josh Wycherley (for Loughman, 60), Stephen Archer (for Jager, 56), Jean Kleyn (for Wycherley, 56), Ruadhán Quinn (for Kendellen, 67), Conor Murray (for Casey, 67), Rory Scannell, Alex Kendellen (for Hodnett, 22).
Referee: Craig Evans (WRU)
BUYING a house is one of the most expensive purchases you will make – but Amazon is offering a tiny home for just £12,000.
The prefab home comes with a bathroom, in-built kitchen and a bedroom in an “elegant” design.
While the home is said to be built from sturdy steel, the inside offers a “comfortable living space.”
The floor plan shows it is laid out in a square design, with the bathroom located in the centre of the back wall containing a shower, sink and toilet.
The stylish kitchen with in-built cabinets is located on the left side of the home, meaning you could create an open plan living area for friends and family.
The home is set up so you can have your bedroom on the right side, for some privacy away from your guests.
However, you can also customise the layout and interior design to suit your specific needs.
The description on Amazon states: “Careful utilisation of space ensures that each square metre is designed with practicality and style in mind.
“Our small prefab house perfectly integrates modern aesthetics with functionality.
“Its compact size makes it an excellent choice for those looking for a stylish yet convenient living space.”
The listing claims that the small prefab home can also be suitable in a range of weather conditions and can withstand wind loads up to 113 km/h.
Forget needing any construction skills to move into your home, as it is said to be “effortless” to assemble and its “portable design makes it easy to relocate.”
Of course, the home isn’t light if you wanted to move it at a later date, with it weighing 2494.75 kg.
It explained: “With our prefabricated house, experience the advantages of quick assembly without compromising quality.
“The interior decoration is meticulously finished, offering a moving experience.
“Adopt a carefree life without the hassle of time-consuming renovations.”
While £12,000 is not cheap, it could be a way of getting on the property ladder given the national average house price in the UK was reported at £264,500 in 2024.
Alternatively, you could use the home to rent out for some extra cash, or to house visiting friends and family as a “granny annexe.”
It could also be used as a storage space, office or even workshop, according to the Amazon page.
It says: “Explore the limitless possibilities this versatile prefab home brings to the table.”
Although there is an extra £1,200 delivery cost, the home could be with you in a matter of weeks, according to the estimated arrival date.
Tiny homes are getting increasingly popular in the UK, especially in the cost of living crisis when first-time buyers are struggling to get on the property ladder or current homeowners are having to pay ridiculous interest rates on mortgages.
But Rebecca Miller, Fabulous’ Associate Editor, has shared why living in a tiny home would be her idea of a nightmare.
“I’m currently in the process of selling my flat and buying a house, and as I pack up all my belongings, I’m worried where it is all going to go – there is so much stuff!
Fortunately, I’m very privileged to be buying a house with more square feet than my current flat.
But it got me wondering, could I ever live in a small space? And the answer is no.
Living with another person immediately cuts down on personal space, but remove several rooms, and I’d be left with only the bathroom as my sanctuary. I’m not sure I’d be able to cope!
I’m like a magpie, I like collecting pretty things, and I like my belongings to be organised. With limited storage space, I’d find it really hard to keep everything neat and tidy.
One of the joys of being an independent adult is being able to host – friends, family, overnight stays, and dinner parties. Where would I gather everyone for a Sunday lunch if my table only sat two? Not to mention, how would I cook a Sunday lunch?
Both as an individual, as part of a couple and also my hobbies, can be restricted by physical space. When I first moved into my flat, I was overjoyed at having my own balcony, and it has been a space where my love for gardening has grown. Five years on, my balcony is now overflowing with plants, and I’ve had to set up a mini propagator in the living room!
Tiny homes in the UK have boomed in popularity in recent years and typically range from 100 to 400 square feet in size.
While some people prefer them for minimalistic living, they can provide a more affordable way to live.
Prices vary, but a basic tiny home can cost between £20,000 and £80,000, depending on size, materials, and whether it’s custom-built.
If a tiny home is on wheels, it may be classified as a caravan under UK law, meaning it might not require traditional planning permission.