The Dismissal of Joe Greiner 

Joe Greiner has barely had time to bed in as the caddy for two-time major champion Collin Morikawa. Yet, after just five tournaments, it was announced that he has been let go. Morikawa brought in a temporary caddy for the Rocket Classic, the veteran KK Limbhasut. The split was announced after the last Travelers Championship. In this, Morikawa ended in a disappointing tie for 42nd place.  

The tournament at the Detroit Golf Club did have him down as the favourite. This was eventually won by Aldrich Potgieter in his maiden outing. Despite his patchy form, and some issues putting at the Rocket, he remains in the top contenders for many of the upcoming events he is in. This includes his odds for the US Open where he is currently 25/1. This is against some stiff competition.

Morikawa’s Previous Caddies

Source: Pexels

J Jakovac had been Morikawa’s original caddy. He had taken him through his switch to a professional game in 2019. This led the pair to pick up the 2020 PGA Championship and the subsequent year 2021 Open Championship. Undoubtedly, this will have made his five-year tenure hard to follow, although many had assumed this partnership would have run at least a little longer.

At the time, Morikawa had said that something had just felt off when he dismissed Jakovac. At May’s Truist Championship, he had hoped that making a change for Greiner would have allowed him more ownership of his game.

Upcoming Tournaments

This crisis of faith has had a marked impact on Morikawa’s outlook for tournaments further afield than the Rocket Classic. The 2025 British Open has Scottie Scheffler at the head of the pack with golf odds of 9/2. While the Open has provided some of his worst results so far, he is still the world number one and on his game.

Rory McIlroy is second in contention at 15/2. He is a golfer on a run at the moment, but a home crowd could put the pressure on him. He has buckled under it before and may do it again.

Following this, a host of other golfers are ahead of Morikawa in the betting, who trails at odds of around 25/1. This will be the next of the Majors before it turns into the 2026 tournaments. The only golfer other than Scheffler and McIlroy who has better sports betting 20/1 odds on the futures markets for these is Jon Rahm.

With a third caddy in place, the open will be the real test for Morikawa. If this does not work, then he must look at his game and realise that this may not be the issue. Alternatively, it could break the crisis of confidence and see him become one of the best turnaround stars of the year.

The post Collin Morikawa Splits With Caddy After Only Five Tournaments appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The 2025 GAA Championship was always going to be different — but few predicted just how quickly the sport would adapt to the most dramatic rule changes in a generation. At the heart of this evolution? The newly introduced 2-point scoring rule.

In its first full season of implementation, the two-point shot has transformed how teams attack, defend, and structure entire games. Now, thanks to the GAA Games Intelligence Unit’s (GIU) data from Weeks 9–13, we finally see its impact — in cold, hard numbers.

Two-Point Stats: Impact by the Numbers

• Sam Maguire Cup: 11.8 two-point attempts per game
• Tailteann Cup: 12.0 per game, peaking at 12.2 in QFs
• Conversion rate: 43.1% average, 51% in knockout games

That means over 1 in every 5 shots is now aimed for two points — and half of them are going over.

Goalkeepers Go Rogue – And It’s Working

The rule changes also opened the pitch for goalkeepers — and they’ve taken full advantage.

• Keeper involvement: 1.2 possessions per game in Sam Maguire, 2.0 in Tailteann QFs
• 100% of goalkeeper pass receptions in QFs were beyond their 45
• One keeper even took a shot from open play

They’re not just launching — they’re linking. It’s a new playmaking role, and coaches are clearly designing for it.

Kick It Early: Handpasses Collapse, Kick Passes Rise

The handpass-to-kickpass ratio tells the story:

• 2024: 4.4 handpasses per kick pass
• 2025: 3.4 — the steepest decline in GIU records

Teams now average just 5.9 passes per possession in the Sam Maguire. It’s direct, attacking football — designed to exploit space created by 2-point zones and new restart timing rules.

Accuracy Improves — Because It Has To

• Open play shot accuracy: 56.7% in Sam Maguire, up from 52%
• Total scores per game: 30.7 in Sam Maguire, 34.2 in Tailteann
• 2-point shot accuracy: Up to 51% in QFs

It’s not just more shooting — it’s smarter shooting.

Fouls Drop, Flow Increases

• Fouls per game: Down to 23.8 in Sam Maguire, from 29.1 last year
• Ball-in-play time: Up to 62% in Tailteann QFs — highest ever

Fewer stoppages. More play. Better spectacle.

Kick-Out Chaos Reignites the Midfield War

• Kick-outs retained (Sam Maguire R1): Just 61.2%
• Contested kick-outs: 64% — a 10-year high

Forget the short, safe restart — this year brought back clean fetches and broken ball battles as the norm.

Final Whistle: The GAA Got It Right

The GIU stats don’t lie — the rule changes worked:

• Games are faster
• Shooting is sharper
• Play is more open
• And the crowd is loving it

2025 will go down as the year Gaelic football modernised without losing its soul. From the double-score zones to midfield dogfights and keeper counterattacks — the game is alive and kicking again.

The post Two-Point Revolution: 11.8 Attempts Per Game, 51% Success Rate — How GAA 2025 Was Redefined by Rule Changes appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Connacht Rugby and the IRFU have confirmed the appointment of Allan Temple Jones as the province’s new Head of Athletic Performance.

Temple Jones brings a wealth of experience across a wide range of rugby codes, with an impressive CV built on elite-level roles in Ireland, South Africa, and the international Sevens scene. He joins a new-look backroom team at Connacht this season, led by Stuart Lancaster and supported by Rob Seib.

Proven Success on the Global Stage

Temple Jones most recently served as head coach of the Ireland Women’s Sevens team, a role in which he guided the side to their first-ever title on the SVNS Series, with a standout victory in Perth in 2024. His leadership also saw the team qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

His latest stint with the Irish Sevens ran for two years, but it was actually his second spell with the programme, having worked as Head of Athletic Performance for the men’s and women’s Sevens teams from 2017 to 2021.

South African Roots, World-Class Pedigree

Between 2021 and 2023, Temple Jones worked with The Sharks in his native South Africa, where he held the position of Athletic Performance Manager. A Durban native, he spent a decade as Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Springbok Sevens, gaining a reputation as one of the best in the business during South Africa’s most successful period at Sevens level.

His achievements include:
– Olympic Bronze Medal
– Commonwealth Gold
– Two World Series Titles

Taking Over from Michael Kiely

Temple Jones replaces Michael Kiely, who departs after three years in the role. Connacht Rugby and the IRFU thanked Kiely for his commitment and contributions, wishing him every success in his next chapter.

A Forward-Focused Appointment

This high-profile appointment signals a serious intent from Connacht and the IRFU to drive elite performance standards heading into the next cycle of domestic and international rugby. With Stuart Lancaster at the helm and Rob Seib also part of the coaching ticket, Temple Jones joins a team determined to bring silverware west of the Shannon.

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There’s a feast of action lined up this week across the Clubber TV network, with top-class club fixtures from Roscommon, Laois, Waterford, Wexford, Cork, Offaly, and Kerry all being streamed live. From fierce rivalries to local bragging rights, here’s what’s coming up!

Roscommon

• St. Brigid’s v Roscommon Gaels – Fri, July 11th – 8:00pm
• Athleague v Oran – Sun, July 13th – 1:00pm
• St. Dominic’s v Camross – Sun, July 13th – 2:30pm
• Roscommon Gaels v Pádráig P. – Sun, July 13th – 4:00pm

Laois

• Abbeyleix St. Laz v The Harps – Fri, July 11th – 7:30pm
• Rosenallis v Rathdowney Errill – Sat, July 12th – 5:30pm
• Ballinakill v Borris Kilcotton – Sat, July 12th – 7:00pm
• Clough Ballacolla v Castletown – Sun, July 13th – 1:00pm
• Portlaois v Camross – Sun, July 13th – 2:30pm

Waterford

• Tramore v Ballysaggart – Fri, July 11th – 7:30pm
• Shamrocks v Ballygunner – Fri, July 11th – 7:30pm
• Passage v Mount Sion – Sat, July 12th – 2:30pm
• Dungarvan v Ferrybank – Sat, July 12th – 4:00pm
• Affane/Cap./Tourin v Portlaw – Sat, July 12th – 4:00pm
• Clonea v Brickey Rangers – Sat, July 12th – 6:00pm
• Lismore v Fourmilewater – Sat, July 12th – 7:30pm
• Ballygunner v Abbeyside – Sun, July 13th – 2:00pm
• De La Salle v Roanmore – Sun, July 13th – 3:30pm
• Tallow v Clashmore/Kinsalebeg – Sun, July 13th – 6:00pm

Wexford

• Kilanerin v Shelmaliers – Fri, July 11th – 7:30pm
• Crossabeg/B. v HWH Bunclody – Fri, July 11th – 7:30pm
• Castletown v Starlight – Fri, July 11th – 8:00pm
• Glynn Barntown v Sarsfields – Sat, July 12th – 2:00pm
• Naomh Éanna v St. James – Sat, July 12th – 4:00pm
• Gusserane O’R. v St. Mogue’s – Sat, July 12th – 8:00pm

Cork

• Sarsfields v St. Finbarr’s – Sat, July 12th – 3:00pm
• Midleton v Killeagh – Sun, July 13th – 5:00pm

Offaly

• Seir Kieran v Birr – Fri, July 11th – 7:00pm
• Belmont v Kilcormac-Killoughey – Sat, July 12th – 1:30pm
• Ballinamere v Coolderry – Sat, July 12th – 3:30pm
• Shinrone v St. Rynagh’s – Sun, July 13th – 5:00pm

Kerry

• Causeway v Ballyduff – Sat, July 13th – 2:00pm
• St. Brendan’s v Ballyheigue – Sun, July 13th – 4:00pm

Get unlimited access to ALL counties with your Clubber Annual Pass – tune in and support your club this weekend!

The post List of Live GAA Matches on Clubber This Weekend appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Mayo GAA have issued an apology following widespread criticism of their original announcement regarding the dismissal of senior football manager Kevin McStay and his backroom team.

The County Board faced fierce backlash after their June 25 release, which stated that McStay and his management were being “relieved of their duties with immediate effect.” The blunt nature of the statement sparked outrage among supporters, players, and commentators who felt the tone lacked basic respect.

Tone Missed the Mark

Speaking at a County Board meeting on Monday night, vice-chairman Michael Diskin acknowledged the misstep. “The tone and content of that statement did not adequately reflect the deep appreciation and regard we hold for Kevin,” he said.

Diskin confirmed the original communication was compiled by Mayo’s management committee but admitted it fell short of the standards the board strives to uphold. Several club delegates also voiced their unease, agreeing that the delivery did not do justice to McStay’s contribution.

A Managerial Void to Fill

Mayo GAA now begin the search for a new senior football manager, with Diskin indicating an appointment could be made by the second or third week of the club championship, which starts in mid-August.

The county is also on the lookout for new minor and U-20 managers. Peadar Gardiner, David Heaney, and Tom Reilly have all stepped away from their roles for personal reasons after two years of service each. Gardiner managed the U-20s, while Heaney and Reilly were joint bosses of the minor side.

A Sincere Note of Thanks

In the follow-up statement, Mayo GAA paid tribute to McStay’s “exemplary commitment” to football in the county and wished him well in future endeavours. The message was far more measured and warmly received, though the damage from the initial release had already been done.

The post Mayo GAA Row Back on McStay Statement with Public Apology appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

CLICK FOR LIVE GAA SCORES

CLICK FOR List of Live GAA Matches on Clubber This Weekend

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THIS WEEK’S TV SPORT

⸻

RUGBY

Wednesday
• Brumbies v Lions – 11am – Sky Sports
• New Zealand U20s v Ireland U20s – 5pm – RugbyPass

Saturday
• New Zealand v France – 8pm – Sky Sports
• ANZAC XV v Lions – 11am – Sky Sports
• South Africa XV v Italy– 4:10pm – Sky Sports
• Portugal v Ireland – 7pm – Virgin Media One
• Argentina v England – 8:40pm – Sky Sports

⸻

GAA – Football

Saturday
• Limerick v Kildare – 2:30pm – RTÉ2
• Kerry v Tyrone – 5pm – RTÉ2

Sunday
• Meath v Donegal – 4pm – RTÉ2

⸻

FOOTBALL

Wednesday
• Champions League Qualifier – Shelbourne v Linfield – 7:45pm – RTÉ2

⸻

HORSE RACING

Newmarket Festival
• Thursday, Friday, Saturday – Virgin Media One

⸻

OTHER SPORTS

• Wimbledon – All week – BBC One / BBC Two
• Tour de France – All week – TNT Sports & TG4
• Diamond League Athletics – Friday, 7pm – Virgin Media Two

#WeekendSport #Rugby #GAA #Wimbledon #TourDeFrance #LeagueOfIreland #IrishSport

The post List of Live Sport on TV this week – RTE, Virgin, TG4 and BBC appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Tipperary and Kilkenny have announced their starting XVs ahead of Sunday’s All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship semi-final at Croke Park.

Tipperary boss Liam Cahill has kept faith with the same side that defeated Galway in the quarter-finals, showing no changes as they prepare for a massive clash with the Cats.

Kilkenny, meanwhile, have made two switches from the Leinster final win over Galway. Eoin Cody returns from injury to take his place in the forward line, while Shane Murphy also comes in. Tommy Walsh and Stephen Donnelly make way.

Throw-in is set for 4pm at Croke Park on Sunday, 7th July.

Tipperary Team v Kilkenny (SHC Semi-Final)

1. Rhys Shelly
2. Ronan Doyle
3. Eoghan Connolly
4. Michael Breen
5. Craig Morgan
6. Ronan Maher (Captain)
7. Bryan O’Mara
8. Willie Connors
9. Paudie McGarry
10. Jake Morris
11. Alan Ormond
12. Sean O’Farrell
13. Diarmuid McCarthy
14. Jason McGrath
15. Jack Forde

The post Tipperary Name Unchanged Team for SHC Semi-Final as Kilkenny Bring Back Eoin Cody appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

After Damien Duff shocked the League of Ireland last month with his departure from Shelbourne, the club have officially announced his replacement.

Duff’s long-time assistant and former Premier League player, Joey O’Brien, has been appointed as the new head coach on a long-term deal.

O’Brien, who earned five caps for the Republic of Ireland and lined out in the English top flight with both Bolton and West Ham, joined Shelbourne’s coaching team in 2021. He served as assistant manager under Duff as Shels secured their first League of Ireland title in 18 years in 2024.

Now, the 38-year-old takes charge of a Shelbourne side currently sitting fifth in the League of Ireland, trailing leaders Shamrock Rovers by 16 points. Their next assignment is a league fixture away to bottom side Cork City this Friday night, before a crucial Champions League qualifying double-header against Linfield:

• Home Leg: Wednesday 9th July
• Away Leg: Wednesday 16th July

“This is an incredible honour. Of course, being honest, it was unexpected – not something I was thinking about,” said O’Brien. “The opportunity came up and I was asked to take it. I didn’t take long to say yes. I’m obviously delighted to be given the chance and grateful for the trust shown in me by the owners and the board. It’s a privilege to be given this chance to continue the work that’s been done over the last few years.”

Shelbourne fans will be hoping that the continuity of leadership helps them stay competitive on both domestic and European fronts as the season progresses.

The post Joey O’Brien Appointed New Shelbourne Boss After Duff Exit appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Tadhg Beirne will lead the British & Irish Lions into their next Tour match this Saturday as Andy Farrell’s men take on the New South Wales Waratahs at the Allianz Stadium in Sydney (KO 11:00 BST).

The Munster and Ireland talisman steps into the captaincy role as Maro Itoje is rested, with Beirne joined in the second row by James Ryan, forming an all-Irish engine room.

The selection represents a major chance for several Irish players to push their claims for inclusion in the Test squad to face Australia — with many eyes on Mack Hansen, Hugo Keenan, Finlay Bealham, and Josh van der Flier.

Big Test for Mack, Fitness Watch for Hugo, Bealham in Test Frame

Mack Hansen gets the nod on the wing and will be eager to show the cutting edge that made him a fan favourite during the 2023 Six Nations. It’s a big opportunity to see if he can transfer his form to the Lions stage.

Hugo Keenan starts at full-back in what will be his Lions debut. The Leinster man is returning from injury and this will be a key outing to assess his match fitness before a potential test role against the Wallabies.

Finlay Bealham continues to press hard. With Tadhg Furlong still finding top gear, another strong performance from Bealham could edge him into the 23 for the First Test. Dan Sheehan and Furlong are also among a powerful Irish bench.

In total, 10 Irish players feature in the matchday squad.

Lions XV to Face New South Wales Waratahs

British & Irish Lions v NSW Waratahs
Saturday 6th July 2025 – Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 11:00am BST | Live on Sky Sports

Starting XV:

• 15. Hugo Keenan (Leinster Rugby/ Ireland) Debut
• 14. Mack Hansen (Connacht Rugby/ Ireland) #867
• 13. Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors/ Scotland) #878
• 12. Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors/ Scotland) #863
• 11. Blair Kinghorn (Toulouse/ Scotland) Debut
• 10. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints/ England) #862
• 9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints/ England) #860
• 1. Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh Rugby/ Scotland) #868
• 2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks/ England) #851
• 3. Finlay Bealham (Connacht Rugby/ Ireland) #856
• 4. Tadhg Beirne (Munster Rugby/ Ireland) #838 (c)
• 5. James Ryan (Leinster Rugby/ Ireland) #880
• 6. Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints/ England) #865
• 7. Josh van der Flier (Leinster Rugby/ Ireland) #874
• 8. Ben Earl (Saracens/ England) #857

Replacements:

• 16. Dan Sheehan (Leinster Rugby/ Ireland) #873
• 17. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears/ England) #859
• 18. Tadhg Furlong (Leinster Rugby/ Ireland) #818
• 19. Joe McCarthy (Leinster Rugby/ Ireland) #871
• 20. Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors/ Scotland) #869
• 21. Jac Morgan (Ospreys/ Wales) #861
• 22. Ben White (Toulon/ Scotland)
• 23. Marcus Smith (Harlequins/ England) #855

Squad Update: Daly Out, Farrell In

Elliot Daly has been ruled out of the rest of the Tour after fracturing his forearm against the Queensland Reds. Owen Farrell has been called up as his replacement and will join the squad in Sydney on Friday evening.

Farrell, Lion #780, returns for his fourth Tour after making 18 Lions appearances between 2013 and 2021. The 33-year-old is England’s record points scorer.

Andy Farrell: “It is heartbreaking for the group that Elliot’s Tour is over. He is a Lions legend and has added so much to the group both on and off the field.”

Tour Manager Ieuan Evans: “Elliot is a wonderful Lion and a world-class player who will be sorely missed. We all wish him a speedy recovery.”

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