O’Sullivan breaks mother’s record

Ballymore Cobh AC’s Sophie O’Sullivan produced one of the performances of the weekend in winning the women’s 1500m title. She stormed to victory in a Championship Record of 4:05.62, breaking the previous mark of 4:07.09, set by her mother, Sonia O’Sullivan, in 1995. Laura Nicholson (Bandon AC) clocked 4:08.27 to take silver, while Jodie McCann (Dublin City Harriers AC) completed the podium with bronze in 4:09.54.

“I’m excited for the European Championships,” said Sophie O’Sullivan. “I’ll get back to training over the next couple of weeks and hopefully do something special.”

Sprint double for Richardson

Benjamin Richardson from Waterford AC stormed to the men’s 100m title in a Championship Record of 10.13 seconds to complete the weekend’s sprint double after taking the 100m on Saturday. Defending champion Bori Akinola (UCD AC) ran 10.21 seconds to win silver, while Seán Aigboboh (Tallaght AC) claimed the bronze medal in a time of 10.26 seconds.

2025 runner-up McPhillips takes gold this year

Cian McPhillips (UCD AC) produced a commanding display to win the first senior outdoor 800m title of his career, going one better than his runner-up finish 12 months ago with a classy victory in 1:47.76. Cillian Kirwan (Raheny Shamrock AC), despite a strong effort, had to settle for the silver medal in 1:49.36, while Bobby More (Bray Runners AC) completed the podium with bronze in 1:51.05.

Speaking after the race, McPhillips said:

“I’m getting there, it was a good run. It was a very frustrating start to the year. I had to get surgery on my jaw, had to get a cyst removed and four teeth taken out. I’ve only been back running properly since May and, thankfully, it’s been smooth sailing since. It was a bit depressing for a couple of months, but hopefully this trajectory can continue.”

Coscoran reclaims title

Andrew Coscoran (Star of the Sea AC) reclaimed the men’s 1500m title for the first time since 2021. He produced a superb performance to halt Cathal Doyle’s bid for a fifth consecutive outdoor crown. Coscoran crossed the line in 3:44.07 to prevail in one of the highest-quality races of the weekend, with Doyle (Clonliffe Harriers AC) taking silver in 3:44.79 and Nick Griggs (CNDR Track AC) completing a stellar podium in third with 3:45.02.

“It’s never easy in those tactical races; you just make the moves you think are right,” said Coscoran. “I had a really good turn of pace over the last 100 metres, which I’ve been working on. I’m flying in training again, I’ve turned things around and I’m in the perfect spot.”

Ciara Neville (Emerald AC) underlined her dominance in the women’s 100m, successfully defending her national title in 11.44 seconds to claim the third senior outdoor crown of her career. Mollie O’Reilly (Dundrum South Dublin AC) secured the silver medal in 11.63 seconds, while Molly Scott (St. Laurence O’Toole AC) completed the podium with bronze in 11.67 seconds.

Cork pair McElhinney & Allen win titles

Darragh McElhinney (Bantry AC) produced a decisive surge over the closing stages to reclaim the men’s 5,000m title, his first national outdoor crown in the event since 2020. The Bantry athlete clocked 13:31.71 after reeling in long-time leader Jack O’Leary (Mullingar Harriers AC) over the final 1,000 metres to take the Tom O’Riordan Memorial Cup. O’Leary held on bravely for silver in 13:35.54, while Brian Fay (Raheny Shamrock AC) claimed the bronze medal in 13:45.29.

Niamh Allen (Leevale AC) successfully defended her women’s 5,000m title in style, producing a personal best of 15:26.54 to retain her national crown. Fiona Everard (Bandon AC) went with her all the way, claiming silver in 15:30.34, while Danielle Donegan (Tullamore Harriers AC) completed the podium with brave bronze in 15:50.68.

Select Day 2 Results

5000m Women

Niamh ALLEN Leevale A.C. 15:26.54
Fiona EVERARD Bandon A.C. 15:30.34
Danielle DONEGAN Tullamore Harriers A.C. 15:50.68

Pole Vault Men

Michael KENT D.M.P. A.C. 4.60
Joshua FITZGERALD Leevale A.C. 4.30
Fionn NAUGHTON Leevale A.C. 4.15

Pole Vault Women

Clodagh WALSH Abbey Striders A.C. 3.65
Una BRICE Leevale A.C. 3.25
Meabh CORKERY Midleton A.C. 3.15

Long Jump Women

Ruby MILLET St. Abbans A.C. 6.47
Lauren CALLAGHAN Finn Valley A.C. 6.45
Elizabeth NDUDI Dundrum South Dublin A.C. 6.42

Hammer Throw Men

Rory Michael DEVANEY Raheny Shamrock A.C. 71.86
Seán MOCKLER Moycarkey Coolcroo A.C. 60.57
Simon GALLIGAN Clonliffe Harriers A.C. 58.36

Hammer Throw Women

Nicola TUTHILL U.C.D. A.C. 70.16
Margaret HAYDEN Tallaght A.C. 63.61
Kotryna PACERINSKAITE Fanahan Mc Sweeney A.C. 57.22

400mh Men

Fintan DEWHIRST Tír Chonaill A.C. 51.76
Jason O’REILLY Killarney Valley A.C. 53.52
Adam COURTNEY Ballymena and Antrim A.C.     53.75

400mh Women

Elle – Kate MCRAE Midleton A.C. 58.35 NU18R NU20R
Arlene CROSSAN Finn Valley A.C. 58.39
Cara MURPHY U.C.D. A.C. 58.98

Long Jump Men

Sam HEALY Leevale A.C. 7.61
Ryan ONOH Cork City A.C. 7.57
Shane HOWARD Bridevale A.C. 7.43

Discus Women

Anna GAVIGAN LSA A.C. 54.51
Tara LAVERTY Carrick Aces A.C. 48.16
Holly WRIGHT Crookstown Millview A.C. 42.64

100mh Women

Sarah LAVIN Emerald A.C. 13.34
Amy TIMONEY Finn Valley A.C. 14.11
Abigail FARRELL Donore Harriers A.C. 14.13

110mh Men

Adam NOLAN St. Laurence. O’Toole A.C. 15.01
Reuben MCCARTHY St. Laurence. O’Toole A.C. 15.95

5000m Men

Darragh MCELHINNEY Bantry A.C. 13:31.71
Jack O’LEARY Mullingar Harriers A.C. 13:35.54
Brian FAY Raheny Shamrock A.C. 13:45.29

100m Women

Ciara NEVILLE Emerald A.C. 11.44
Mollie O’REILLY Dundrum South Dublin A.C. 11.63
Molly SCOTT St. Laurence. O’Toole A.C. 11.67

100m Men

Benjamin RICHARDSON Waterford A.C. 10.13 CR
Bori AKINOLA U.C.D. A.C. 10.21
Seán AIGBOBOH Tallaght A.C. 10.26

800m Women

Madison MOONEY Tullamore Harriers A.C. 2:04.38
Emma MOORE Galway City Harriers A.C. 2:04.59
Alex O’NEILL Limerick Track A.C. 2:05.50

800m Men

Cian MC PHILLIPS U.C.D. A.C. 1:47.76
Cillian KIRWAN Raheny Shamrock A.C. 1:49.36
Bobby MORE Bray Runners A.C. 1:51.05

400 Women

Rachel MCCANN North Down A.C. 52.93
Sophie BECKER Raheny Shamrock A.C. 53.23
Michelle DUGGAN U.C.D. A.C. 53.72

400m Men

Jack RAFTERY Donore Harriers A.C. 46.12
Andrew EGAN Galway City Harriers A.C.46.16
Seán DOGGETT Athenry A.C. 46.89

1500m Women

Sophie O’SULLIVAN Ballymore Cobh A.C. 4:05.62 CR
Laura NICHOLSON Bandon A.C. 4:08.27
Jodie MC CANN Dublin City Harriers A.C. 4:09.54

1500m Men

Andrew COSCORAN Star of the Sea A.C. 3:44.07
Cathal DOYLE Clonliffe Harriers A.C. 3:44.79
Nick GRIGGS CNDR Track A.C. 3:45.02

The post National Senior Track & Field Championships – Sunday Round-Up appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

There will be live coverage on the Athletics Ireland YouTube channel over the weekend.

In the men’s 200m, Waterford’s Benjamin Richardson won his first senior national outdoor title in 20.64 seconds. Seán Aigboboh (Tallaght A.C.) finished strongly for silver in 20.75 seconds, while Mark Smyth (Raheny Shamrock A.C.) and Ryan Mulholland (Tallaght A.C.) shared the bronze medal after dead-heating for third in 21.16 seconds.

Race Walks

David Kenny (Farranfore Maine Valley A.C.) successfully retained his men’s 10,000m Race Walk title in commanding fashion, crossing the line in 38:56.24 to claim a fourth consecutive outdoor national crown.

The women’s 5,000m Race Walk produced one of the best finishes in recent years, ultimately finishing with Kate Veale (West Waterford A.C.) securing her 24th national senior title across indoor and outdoors. Veale clocked 24:18.38 to hold off Aisling Lane (Mullingar Harriers A.C.) in 24:21.03, while Leah O’Gara (Finn Valley A.C.) completed the podium in 24:22.91.

3,000 Steeplechase

Abbie Sheridan (St. Peter’s A.C.) defended her women’s 3,000m steeplechase title with an impressive winning time of 9:55.60. Róisín Treacy (Dundrum South Dublin A.C.) finished second in 10:20.53, with Dearbhla Allen (St. Peter’s A.C.) taking bronze in 10:46.02.

Finley Daly (Sligo A.C.) won his third men’s 3,000m steeplechase title in four years with an impressive victory in 8:59.70. Jack Dee (St. Peter’s A.C.) was second in 9:30.93, while Adam Kirk-Smith (Derry City Track Club) earned bronze in 9:44.48.

Field Events

Olympian Eric Favors (Raheny Shamrock A.C.) successfully defended his men’s shot put title with a best throw of 19.47m. Theo Hanlon (Suncroft A.C.) claimed silver with 15.81m, while Callum Keating (North Cork A.C.) took bronze with 14.72m.

Michaela Walsh (Swinford A.C.) won her seventh outdoor national shot put title – and first since 2023 – with a winning throw of 13.11m. Laura Frawley (Nenagh Olympic A.C.) finished second with 11.90m ahead of Alana Frattaroli (Limerick A.C.), who threw 11.53m.

Conor Cusack (Lake District A.C.) successfully retained the men’s javelin title with a best effort of 69.09m. Oisín Joyce (Lake District A.C.) finished second with 64.05m, while Michael Jordan (Naas A.C.) claimed bronze with 61.17m.

Kate Joyce (Dundrum South Dublin A.C.) claimed her first senior outdoor national javelin title with a winning throw of 50.21m. Leanne Healy (Marian A.C.) took silver with 46.03m, while Ailbhe Gordon (Greystones and District A.C.) took bronze with 45.33m.

The women’s high jump saw Daena Kealy (St. Abbans A.C.) produce a lifetime best of 1.87m to secure the national title. Siún Quinn (Brothers Pearse A.C.) cleared 1.80m for silver, while Tara O’Connor (Dundalk St. Gerards A.C.) claimed bronze with 1.75m.

David Cussen (Old Abbey A.C.) added a sixth outdoor national high jump title to his collection after clearing 2.15m in the men’s high jump.

Daphni Doulaptsi Teeuwen (Raheny Shamrock A.C.) successfully defended her women’s triple jump title with a winning leap of 13.06m. Saragh Buggy (St. Abbans A.C.) claimed silver with 12.47m, while Caoimhe McDonagh (South Sligo A.C.) won bronze for the second successive year with 11.98m.

Joseph Gillespie (Finn Valley A.C.) won the men’s triple jump title with a best leap of 14.19m. Darragh Fahy (Loughrea A.C.) finished second on 13.91m, while Daniel De Antolin-Rodriguez (Ratoath A.C.) took bronze with 13.61m.

Select Day 1 Results

Shot Put Women
1. Michaela WALSH Swinford A.C. 13.11
2. Laura FRAWLEY Nenagh Olympic A.C. 11.90
3. Alana FRATTAROLI Limerick A.C. 11.53

10,000m Walk Men
1. David KENNY Farranfore Maine Valley A.C. 38:56.24
2. Jerome CAPRICE Dundrum South Dublin A.C. 47:35.13
3. Evan WALSH St. Joseph’s A.C. 49:35.34

Shot Put Men
1. Eric FAVORS Raheny Shamrock A.C. 19.47
2. Theo HANLON Suncroft A.C. 15.81
3. Callum KEATING North Cork A.C. 14.72

Triple Jump Men
1. Joseph GILLESPIE Finn Valley A.C. 14.19
2. Darragh FAHY Loughrea A.C. 13.91 13.31
3. Daniel DE ANTOLIN-RODRIGUEZ Ratoath A.C. 13.61

High Jump Women
1. Daena KEALY St. Abbans A.C. 1.87
2. Siún QUINN Brothers Pearse A.C. 1.80
3. Tara O’CONNOR Dundalk St. Gerards A.C. 1.75

5000m Walk Women
1. Kate VEALE West Waterford A.C. 24:18.38
2. Aisling LANE Mullingar Harriers A.C. 24:21.03
3. Leah O GARA Finn Valley A.C. 24:22.91

Triple Jump Women
1. Daphni DOULAPTSI TEEUWEN Raheny Shamrock A.C. 13.06
2. Saragh BUGGY St. Abbans A.C. 12.47
3. Caoimhe MC DONAGH South Sligo A.C. 11.98

Javelin Men
1. Conor CUSACK Lake District A.C. 69.09
2. Oisín JOYCE Lake District A.C. 64.05
3. Michael JORDAN Naas A.C. 61.17

Javelin Women
1. Kate JOYCE Dundrum South Dublin A.C. 50.21
2. Leanne HEALY Marian A.C. 46.03
3. Ailbhe GORDON Greystones and District A.C. 45.33

200m Women Final
1. Rhasidat ADELEKE Tallaght A.C. 22.80 CR
2. Lauren ROY Fast Twitch A.C. 23.49
3. Lorena HARRISON Ratoath A.C. 24.61

200m Men Final
1. Benjamin RICHARDSON Waterford A.C. 20.64
2. Seán AIGBOBOH Tallaght A.C. 20.75
3. Mark SMYTH Raheny Shamrock A.C. 21.16
4. Ryan MULHOLLAND Tallaght A.C. 21.16

3000m SC Women
1. Abbie SHERIDAN St. Peter’s A.C. 9:55.60
2. Róisín TREACY Dundrum South Dublin A.C. 10:20.53
3. Dearbhla ALLEN St. Peter’s A.C. 10:46.02

High Jump Men
1. David CUSSEN Old Abbey A.C. 2.15
2. Lorcan MURPHY Dundrum South Dublin A.C. 2.00
3. Patryk PUCEK Clongriffin A.C. 1.95

3000m SC Men
1. Finley DALY Sligo A.C. 8:59.70
2. Jack DEE St Peters A.C. 9:30.93
3. Adam KIRK-SMITH Derry City Track Club 9:44.48

The post National Senior Track & Field Championships – Day 1 Round-Up appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The Dubliner set a championship record time of 22.80 seconds in winning her first senior outdoor national 200m title at the 123.ie National Senior Track and Field Championships.

Amy Foster of Fast Twitch was second in a time of 23.49 seconds, with Lorena Harrison from Ratoath AC third in 24.61 seconds.

It’s mission accomplished for Rhasidat Adeleke who blasts to victory at the Irish nationals over 200m in 22.80 (-1.1m/s), securing the qualification standard (22.85) for next month’s Europeans.

A big step forward after a difficult year. pic.twitter.com/PHVUOgtnjI

— Cathal Dennehy (@Cathal_Dennehy) July 25, 2026

Newport AC’s Sharlene Mawdsley pulled up injured during the 200m final.

The ‘A’ standard for next month’s European Championships in Birmingham is 22.85 seconds.

Speaking to Athletics Ireland after the race, Adeleke paid tribute to the home crowd whose support helped inspire her performance.

“It’s been a rough year,” she admitted. “I didn’t really have any expectations coming in here. I just wanted to come out in front of a home crowd and show up, and whatever happened, happened.

“I wouldn’t be able to do it without this crowd here, honestly. I knew that if I can do it anywhere, it’s at home, so thank you to everyone who supported me. So many sent me such nice messages. Sometimes you’re in a bad place and you think the worst of yourself, and then you see the amount of people showing you love and support. It just lifts my spirits.”

The post Rhasidat Adeleke runs 22.80 to qualify for European Championships appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

McMahon secured her place on the podium after a composed performance in Friday’s Final Series in San Pedro, California, bringing to a close a week of racing against many of the world’s best Olympic sailors.

Racing took place inside the bay in ideal conditions of 10–13 knots of breeze, with both McMahon and fellow Irish sailor Finn Lynch having qualified for the new-look Final Series.

The Women’s Dinghy (ILCA 6) Final Series began after a short delay while the light morning breeze settled across the course. Starting the day level on points for third overall, McMahon delivered when it mattered most, finishing third in the opening Final Series race to strengthen her grip on a medal position.

She backed that up with a fourth-place finish in the final race to secure the bronze medal, ending the regatta just two points behind silver medallist Charlotte Rose (USA) and four behind Britain’s Hannah Snellgrove, who took gold after leading for much of the week.

World Championships in Dublin

Looking ahead to the rest of the season, the multiple Olympic medallist added, “We’ll take a short break now before getting straight back to work preparing for the World Championships in Ireland in September. There’s still plenty to improve, but that’s where our focus is now. Racing for a world title on home waters is a huge opportunity and we’ll do everything we can to be ready.”

In the men’s Finals, Finn Lynch began the day in fourth position but an entanglement with two competitors at one of the marks resulted in a first final race finish of 10th putting the medal opportunity out of reach. Lynch finished the regatta with an eighth place that gave him a final position of seventh overall. The final result was bittersweet in that Lynch missed a medal but will now have the confidence to know he is a contender for the podium in two year’s time.

Paris 2024 Olympic champion Matt Wearn secured gold, with Cyprus’ Pavlos Kontides taking silver and Britain’s Michael Beckett completing the podium.

Attention now turns to the ILCA World Championships in Dún Laoghaire, Dublin, with the ILCA 7 World Championship taking place from 23–30 August and the ILCA 6 World Championship following from 5–12 September. This will be the first time since 2001 that Ireland has hosted a World Championship for an Olympic sailing class, presenting the Irish sailors with a rare opportunity to compete for a world title on home waters.

The post Bronze for Eve McMahon in Los Angeles appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

There will be live coverage on the Athletics Ireland YouTube channel over the two days.

 Adeleke aims for European qualification

With the Birmingham 2026 European Championships next month athletes continue their pursuit of European qualification.

Among the most notable will be Tallaght AC’s Rhasidat Adeleke who will bid for the qualification standard in the 200m. She will face stiff competition in the event this weekend with Lauren Roy (Fast Twitch AC), the fastest Irish female over the distance this season with 22.83 seconds, and Newport AC’s Sharlene Mawdsley, who is also entered in the 400m event.

Sarah Lavin goes for 11th title

A potential showdown between Mark English (Finn Valley AC) and Cian McPhillips (UCD AC) in the men’s 800m could be among the most anticipated events on the two-day schedule.

Clonliffe Harriers’ Cathal Doyle aims to secure a fifth consecutive outdoor 1500m title, though he will face stiff competition from the likes of Nick Griggs (CNDR Track) and Andrew Coscoran (Star of the Sea AC).

UCD AC’s Sarah Healy and Sophie O’Sullivan (Ballymore Cobh AC) hold entries in the 800m and 1500m, while Sarah Lavin (Emerald AC) will bid for an 11th outdoor 100m hurdles crown.

Defending 100m champion Bori Akinola (UCD AC) hopes to successfully defend his 100m title, but will face the in-form Seán Aigboboh (Tallaght AC) and Benjamin Richardson (Waterford AC) who also hold entries for the 200m. Richardson arrives at the Nationals with the fastest times over 100m and 200m this season, having clocked 10.06 seconds and 20.25 seconds respectively.

Tuthill one of field event stars

The field events will feature many of Ireland’s leading international athletes. Twenty-two year-old Olympian Nicola Tuthill (UCD AC) is among the headline entries and has established herself as one of the country’s most consistent performers.

She has moved within touching distance of Eileen O’Keeffe’s national hammer record of 73.21m after improving her personal best to 72.73m this season. She will arrive at Morton Stadium seeking a fifth outdoor title.

The post Live Coverage of 123.ie National Senior T & F Championships appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Tara Laverty got Ireland’s European U18 Championships off to a positive start in Rieti, Italy, this afternoon, by breaking her own national U18 record in the women’s discus.

The Carrick Aces AC member qualified automatically, with a first round throw of 49.46m – surpassing the mark set to progress to Saturday’s final.

Speaking to Athletics Ireland, the Monaghan native now feels pressure is now off. I think it just eases the pressure for Saturday too. Very happy with the national record too,” she admitted. “I was just trying to stay as relaxed as possible and I guess it worked. I probably might have a few throws tomorrow and mainly relax.

Cawley & Duffy Qualify for Women’s 2000m Steeplechase

Ethan Carr from Ballymena and Antrim AC was rewarded for a gutsy run in the men’s 400m heats with non-automatic qualification to the semi-finals.

Carr finished fifth in the final heat, the fastest of the day, won by Jakub Marek of the Czech Republic in 47.67 seconds.

The Irish athlete went out hard in the opening 200m but held on well in the home straight to clock 48.89 seconds and claim the final non-automatic qualification spot. He will compete in the semi-finals in Friday’s evening session.

Kwik and Shevlin in action

There was success in the one-lap event for Evelyn Kwik, who secured automatic qualification for the semi-finals in the women’s event. Kwik finished third in heat four in a time of 55.58 seconds, which was won by Eleni Iakovaki of Greece in 55.01 seconds.

Aisling Shevlin had a nervous wait to find out if she had achieved one of the non-automatic qualification spots after clocking 55.87 to finish fifth in heat two. It was later confirmed that she was within the next 6 fastest qualifier spots after the six heats concluded. Kwik and Shevlin will go again in the semi-finals on Friday afternoon.

Collins misses out as Purtill lies 14th

Tralee AC’s Jack Collins narrowly missed out on qualifying for the 800m semi-finals, finishing fourth in heat four with a 1:55.57 clocking. Collins was just outside of the top three automatic places that progressed to the next round.

Emer Purtill (Dooneen AC) sits in 14th position after day one in the heptathlon on 3208 points. Purtill opened her competition with a personal best of 15.19 seconds in the 100m hurdles and backed it up with a 1.60m clearance in the high jump.

The 16-year-old then had an impressive outing in the shot put, throwing 15.26m, ten centimetres further than any other athlete. Purtill finished the day with a personal best clocking in the 200m (26.23) and sits in 14th position with three events left to complete on day two. The event is led at the halfway stage by Ambra Coriulo of Switzerland with 3540 points.

Day Two Irish in Action Schedule 

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That’s part of the fun. Sport gives you stories before anything has happened. A team needs a response after a poor result. A striker’s due a goal. A province has a point to prove. A favourite looks short but hard to oppose. An underdog feels dangerous because the weather’s grim and the crowd will be loud.

A sportsbook brings all of those little arguments into one place. The trick isn’t pretending you can predict every twist. It’s knowing how to read the weekend without letting the fixtures bully you into backing everything with a start time.

The Early Kick-Off Is Usually the Trap

The early kick-off always looks harmless. It’s sitting there at the top of the day, waving politely, acting like a sensible place to start. Then the team news lands, one full-back is missing, the favourite starts slowly and suddenly your carefully planned Saturday has taken a personal insult before lunch.

That’s why early matches deserve more respect. They often carry a much different energy. Players may look flat. The crowd may take time to warm up. Managers may choose caution because nobody wants to spend the rest of the weekend explaining a silly defeat.

Before you get too attached to the first fixture, ask whether the price suits the setup. Is the favourite away from home? Has there been rotation? Is the underdog organised enough to make it awkward? Does the match need goals, or are you only hoping for them because it’s the first thing on screen?

One Strong Opinion Beats Six Loose Ones

Every sports fan knows the danger of a weekend slip that grows legs. One football pick becomes three. Then a rugby selection joins in. Then racing looks tempting. Then someone mentions darts, and suddenly you’re emotionally invested in a match you didn’t know existed 20 minutes earlier.

That’s where using the betmaster.ie sportsbookis more useful when you arrive with a plan instead of a wandering thumb. A good sportsbook gives you plenty to choose from, but choice only helps if you know what you’re looking for.

The better approach is to build around your strongest read. Maybe it’s a football match where the team news supports your view. Maybe it’s a rugby market where the handicap looks too generous. Maybe it’s a racing selection where conditions suit the horse better than the headline price suggests.

Live Sport Changes the Argument

Pre-match thoughts are useful, but sport has no manners. It changes the argument as soon as the action starts. A football favourite may dominate the ball without creating anything. A rugby side may lose discipline early. A horse may drift before the off for a reason the casual viewer has missed.

That’s why watching matters. Not in a dramatic, notebook-at-the-ready way. Just enough to see whether your read still makes sense once the event begins. Sometimes the market moves because something real is happening. Sometimes it moves because everyone’s reacting to noise.

In football, watch whether pressure is turning into chances or just possession. In rugby, look at territory, penalties and set-piece control. In racing, pay attention to ground, pace and how the market behaves close to the start.

Live sport gives you extra information, but it also tempts you into quick decisions. The key is staying picky. If the match has changed in a way you understand, fair enough. If you’re only reacting because the odds moved and your tea went cold, maybe take a breath first.

The Best Weekend Bets Survive a Second Look

The most useful test is simple: would you still like the selection if it weren’t starting soon? Urgency can make an average idea feel better than it is. A match being live, televised or widely discussed doesn’t automatically make it worth backing.

A good weekend pick should survive a second look. You should be able to explain the case without relying on vibes alone. Why this team? Why this market? Why this price? What would make you change your mind? If those answers are fuzzy, the bet may be more boredom than belief.

This applies across sport. A favourite can still be too short. An outsider can still be too hopeful. A goals market can look lively but lack the setup. A rugby handicap can feel tempting until you check the weather, rotation or recent away form.

Choose the angles that actually make sense, enjoy the rest and let Saturday be chaotic without letting your bet slip join in.

The post Why Weekend Sport Turns Every Fan Into a Selector appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Lynch, riding the 11-year-old KWPN mare Katja, produced a fast, faultless round to win the CSI2* 1.45m Big Tour class. The combination stopped the clock in 58.15 seconds.

The 50-year-old, aboard the eight-year-old Westphalian stallion Cornet Gold, also claimed the CSI1* 1.35m class against the clock.

With a super-fast and smooth round over the jumps, they stopped the clock at 67.27 seconds – a dominant performance that any other combination couldn’t match.

Lynch, who remains a fixture at the highest level of international show jumping, now boasts more than 4,700 international starts and 223 career victories.

The post Two Wins For Denis Lynch in The Netherlands appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Ireland’s Proud European Record

• Silver: 2002, 2004 and 2008
• Bronze: 1998, 2000, 2006, 2010, 2011, 2015 and 2019

Ireland Management Team

Ireland Squad

Clubs from Across Ireland Represented

Ireland’s Fixtures

Tuesday 14 July

• 08:45 – Ireland v Norway
• 15:00 – Ireland v Czechia

Wednesday 15 July

• 10:45 – Ireland v Guernsey
• 14:45 – Ireland v Germany

Thursday 16 July

• 09:00 – Ireland v Lithuania
• 15:00 – Ireland v Austria

Friday 17 July

• 09:00 – Ireland v Belgium
• 15:00 – Ireland v Poland
• 18:45 – Ireland v Great Britain

Friday Could Decide Ireland’s Championship

Germany and Czechia Also Crucial

Battle-Hardened Players

Hazel Kilduff Chasing Another Medal

• 2019: Bronze medal
• 2022: Fifth place
• 2024: Fourth place

Can Ireland Return to the Podium?

Rapparees Connection

The post Ireland Reveal Squad for 2026 European Co-ed Slowpitch Championship appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Ireland will be aiming to end a seven-year wait for a European Championship medal when they take to the field at the 2026 European Co-ed Slowpitch Championship in London from 14–18 July.

With an experienced squad, several players arriving straight from last month’s Men’s European Championship and a proud history in the competition, there is genuine belief that Ireland can once again challenge Europe’s elite.

One of Europe’s Most Successful Nations

Since the European Championship began in 1998, Ireland have established themselves as one of the continent’s traditional powerhouses.

Only Great Britain, who have won 13 of the 14 European titles, have enjoyed more success than Ireland, whose record includes 10 European medals.

Ireland’s greatest achievements include:

Silver Medals

• 2002
• 2004
• 2008

Bronze Medals

• 1998
• 2000
• 2006
• 2010
• 2011
• 2015
• 2019

While Ireland narrowly missed out on the podium in both 2022 (5th) and 2024 (4th), those performances reinforced that they remain among Europe’s strongest sides and are more than capable of competing for medals once again.

Battle-Hardened Squad

One advantage Ireland could hold over many of their rivals is recent international experience.

Several members of the squad, including Cathal Creaven, have just returned from representing Ireland at the Men’s European Slowpitch Championship.

Competing against Europe’s top men’s teams provides invaluable preparation, with players arriving in London already match-fit after a week of high-intensity international softball.

Experienced Leadership

Ireland will be managed by Aideen Teo, with Peter Mullen serving as Head Coach alongside coaches Jon Barry and Dermot McManus.

Norma McIntyre captains the side, while pitching duties will be shared by the experienced trio of:

• Simon Lewis
• Wayne Cullen
• Brian Hehir

Tournament Format

All 10 nations play each other once in a round-robin competition.

At the end of the group stage:

• 1st vs 2nd contest the European Championship Final.
• 3rd vs 4th meet in the Bronze Medal Match.
• The remaining teams play classification games.

Every run, every victory and every tie-breaker could prove decisive.

Ireland’s Fixtures

Tuesday 14 July

08:45 – Ireland v Norway

15:00 – Ireland v Czechia

Wednesday 15 July

10:45 – Ireland v Guernsey

14:45 – Ireland v Germany

Thursday 16 July

09:00 – Ireland v Lithuania

15:00 – Ireland v Austria

Friday 17 July

09:00 – Ireland v Belgium

15:00 – Ireland v Poland

18:45 – Ireland v Great Britain

The Matches That Could Define Ireland’s Tournament

Ireland will expect to take victories against Norway, Guernsey, Lithuania, Austria, Belgium and Poland.

Those six games are vital.

If Ireland can also claim one major scalp against Germany, Czechia or Great Britain, they should put themselves firmly in contention for a place in the bronze medal match—or perhaps even the final.

The standout fixture is undoubtedly Wednesday afternoon’s clash with Germany. Germany denied Ireland a bronze medal at the 2024 Championships, and that game could once again have huge implications in the race for the top four.

Opening against Norway is equally important. A fast start would allow Ireland to take confidence into the tougher contests that follow.

Hazel Hoping for Another Medal

This will be Hazel Kilduff’s third European Championship.

Her previous finishes are:

• 5th (2022)
• 4th (2024)

After experiencing the heartbreak of missing out on the European podium two years ago, she will be hoping to add a medal to her collection.

Can Ireland Return to the Podium?

Great Britain rightly begin as overwhelming favourites, but behind them the competition is remarkably open.

Ireland have proven over the past three decades that they belong among Europe’s elite. They possess experience throughout the squad, proven pitching, players arriving in excellent form and a management team that knows what success at this level requires.

If Ireland take care of the games they are expected to win and produce one or two standout performances against Europe’s leading nations, there is every reason to believe they can end their seven-year wait for a European Championship medal.

Did You Know?

Galway City Rapparees GAA Rounders Club will have three players representing two different countries at this year’s European Championship.

Cathal Creaven and Hazel Kilduff have been selected for Ireland, while teammate Katie Jessop will represent defending champions Great Britain—a unique achievement that underlines the growing reputation of the Galway club on the international stage.

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