SportsNewsIreland

Connacht Rugby 2025/26 Season Preview: Lancaster Aiming for Top Eight

JoeNa Connacht — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 16:16:01 +0000

Connacht Rugby 2025/26 Season Preview: Lancaster Aiming for Top Eight

If Connacht supporters are searching for reasons to believe after last season’s annus horribilis – six wins, 13th place, and a Challenge Cup quarter-final defeat at home to 14-man Racing 92 – they don’t have to look far.

Lancaster Takes Charge

Stuart Lancaster’s arrival offers a fresh start. The former England boss rebuilt a broken culture before the 2015 World Cup debacle and then spent six hugely influential years at Leinster, transforming them into a URC powerhouse. His Racing 92 stint was brief and forgettable, but Connacht fans will hope that, with a stronger support network in Galway, Lancaster can finally deliver as a head coach.

Squad Changes & New Blood

The squad has seen modest change. Sam Gilbert is the sole professional signing and likely won’t feature until December. Academy promotions for Sean Naughton, Harry West and last year’s standout Finn Tracey freshen up the ranks. The departures of Conor Oliver (Ealing Trailfinders), JJ Hanrahan (Munster), Piers O’Conor (Edinburgh) and Santiago Cordero leave gaps, but Bundee Aki and Mack Hansen remain the key men if fit.

Coaching Ticket & Facilities

Lancaster will work alongside Rob Seib, who will look to sharpen Connacht’s attack this season, as well as province stalwarts John Muldoon and Cully Tucker. This mix of international experience and local knowledge could be vital in making Lancaster’s system stick.

The €40 million redevelopment of Dexcom Stadium has transformed Connacht’s environment. Lancaster has called the new indoor centre “as good as I’ve ever seen,” while the final piece – the North Stand – is due to open in January for the URC clash with Leinster.

Turning the Sportsground into a Fortress

Connacht’s last home URC win came back on March 1st against a depleted Benetton. To reach the URC top eight this season, they’ll need at least ten victories and a strong home record. Lancaster has promised a visible increase in intensity and accuracy in the first five rounds.

Predicted Starting XV vs Benetton

1. Peter Dooley
2. Dylan Tierney-Martin or Dave Heffernan
3. Jack Aungier
4. Darragh Murray
5. Joe Joyce
6. Cian Prendergast (C)
7. Shamus Hurley-Langton
8. Sean Jansen
9. Ben Murphy
10. Josh Ioane
11. Shayne Bolton
12. Hugh Gavin
13. Cathal Forde
14. Finn Tracey
15. Seán Naughton or Shane Jennings

This youthful selection pairs Gavin and Forde in midfield and gives Tracey an early shot on the wing. Ioane’s control at 10 and Jansen’s ball-carrying will be crucial to Connacht’s fortunes.

Targets for 2025/26

A top-eight finish and a home Challenge Cup semi-final would represent a strong first year for Lancaster. Anything less would feel like underachievement given the investment in facilities and the talent at his disposal.

With a balanced coaching ticket, new energy from academy graduates, and a statement stadium redevelopment, Connacht have the tools to make 2025/26 a turning point – if they can marry training intensity with matchday consistency.

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List of Live GAA Matches on Clubber This Weekend

JoeNa Connacht — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 10:05:57 +0000

This Week’s Fixtures on Clubber TV

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!

< Here’s a full list of this week’s fixtures from the image, grouped by county: ⸻ Kildare (Football) • Leixlip v Milltown – Fri, 19th Sept – 7:45pm • Castledermot v St. Laurence’s – Fri, 19th Sept – 8:00pm • Rathcoffey v Cappagh – Sat, 20th Sept – 3:00pm • Grangenolvin v Athgarvan – Sat, 20th Sept – 3:30pm • Athy v Caragh – Sat, 20th Sept – 5:15pm • Clane v Nás – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:00pm • Celbridge v Moorefield – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:15pm • Sarsfields v Johnstownbridge – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:30pm • Sallins v Suncroft – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:45pm • Rathangan v Two Mile House – Sun, 21st Sept – 4:30pm • Allenwood v Confey – Sun, 21st Sept – 5:00pm ⸻ Tipperary (Hurling) • Cashel KC v St. Mary’s Clonmel – Sat, 20th Sept – 1:30pm • JK Brackens v Toomevara – Sat, 20th Sept – 4:00pm • Ballina v Thurles Sarsfields – Sat, 20th Sept – 5:00pm • Shannon Rovers v Arravale Rovers – Sat, 20th Sept – 6:30pm • Templederry Kenyons v Burgess – Sun, 21st Sept – 1:00pm • Clonakenny v Moyne Templetuohy – Sun, 21st Sept – 1:30pm • Éire Óg Annacarty v Moneygall – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:00pm • Clonoulty Rossmore v Éire Óg – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:30pm • Killenaule v Kilruane MacDon. – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:30pm ⸻ Cork (Hurling) • Midleton v Glen Rovers – Fri, 19th Sept – 7:30pm • Cloyne v Valley Rovers – Sat, 20th Sept – 4:00pm • Bride Rovers v Inniscarra – Sat, 20th Sept – 4:00pm • Blarney v Na Piarsaigh – Sat, 20th Sept – 6:00pm • Sarsfields v Charleville – Sat, 20th Sept – 7:30pm • Ballincollig v Carrigaline – Sun, 21st Sept – 4:00pm • Erin’s Own v Newtownshandrum – Sun, 21st Sept – 4:00pm • St. Finbarr’s v Imokilly – Sun, 21st Sept – 6:00pm ⸻ Offaly (Hurling) • Carrig Riverstown v Clara – Sat, 20th Sept – 1:00pm • Birr v Shamrocks – Sat, 20th Sept – 2:30pm • Kilcormac-K/Kill v Ballinamere – Sat, 20th Sept – 3:30pm • St. Rynagh’s v Drumcullen – Sun, 21st Sept – 12:30pm • Lusmagh v Kilcormac-Killoughey – Sun, 21st Sept – 12:30pm • Seir Kiernan v Kinnitty – Sun, 21st Sept – 1:30pm • Coolderry v Shinrone – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:30pm ⸻ Waterford (Football) • Gaultier v Kilrossanty – Sat, 20th Sept – 6:00pm ⸻ Louth (Football) • Ardee St. Mary’s v Geraldines – Thu, 18th Sept – 8:00pm ⸻ Monaghan (Hurling) • Castleblayney v Truagh – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:45pm ⸻ Kerry (Football) • St. Brendan’s Board v St. Kieran’s – Thu, 18th Sept – 7:00pm • South Kerry v West Kerry – Sat, 20th Sept – 4:00pm • Tarbert v Beale – Sun, 21st Sept – 2:00pm • St. Brendan’s Board v Mid Kerry – Sun, 21st Sept – 2:00pm • St. Kieran’s v East Kerry – Sun, 21st Sept – 4:00pm ⸻ Wexford (Football) • Gusserane O’R v Crossabeg-B. – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:15pm • Kilenerin v Sarsfields – Sun, 21st Sept – 4:00pm ⸻ Laois (Hurling) • Mountrath/Clonad v Rathdowney Errill – Sat, 20th Sept – 6:00pm • Ballyfin v Camross – Sat, 20th Sept – 6:00pm • St. Fintan’s Mountrath v Trumera – Sun, 21st Sept – 1:00pm • Clonad v Slieve Bloom – Sun, 21st Sept – 2:00pm • Camross v Borris/Kilcotton – Sun, 21st Sept – 2:00pm • Rosenallis v Ballinakill – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:45pm ⸻ Kilkenny (Hurling) • Young Irelands v St. Lachtain’s – Sat, 20th Sept – 2:00pm • Dunnamaggin v Tullogher Rosb. – Sat, 20th Sept – 4:00pm • Conahy Shamrocks v Kilmacow – Sun, 21st Sept – 12:00pm • James Stephens v Blacks & Whites – Sun, 21st Sept – 2:00pm • Danesfort v Mooncoin – Sun, 21st Sept – 4:00pm ⸻ Roscommon (Football) • St. Dominic’s v Western Gaels – Fri, 19th Sept – 7:15pm • Roscommon Gaels v St. Brigid’s – Sat, 20th Sept – 4:00pm • Strokestown v Creggs – Sat, 20th Sept – 4:00pm • Tulsk Lord Edwards v Fuerty – Sat, 20th Sept – 6:00pm • Boyle v Padraig Pearses – Sun, 21st Sept – 1:00pm • Clann na nGael v Elphin – Sun, 21st Sept – 2:00pm • Éire Óg v St. Brigid’s – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:30pm • St. Michael’s v Kilmore – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:45pm • Michael Glavey’s v St. Faithleach’s – Sun, 21st Sept – 4:30pm ⸻ Wheelchair Hurling & Camogie • Munster, Leinster, Ulster, Connacht – 17 games, 10 mins per game – Sat, 20th Sept – 10:00am to 2:00pm ⸻

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List of live GAA matches on Sky Sports, TG4, GAA+ & RTE

JoeNa Connacht — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 05:02:16 +0000

We have the list of live GAA matches that will be broadcast live on Online, GAAGO, Clubber, Sky Sports & RTE, here are the fixtures Hurling and Gaelic Football league and championships.

CLICK FOR LIVE GAA SCORES

CLICK FOR List of Live GAA Matches on Clubber Here’s a full list of this week’s fixtures from the image, grouped by county:

⸻

Kildare (Football)
• Leixlip v Milltown – Fri, 19th Sept – 7:45pm
• Castledermot v St. Laurence’s – Fri, 19th Sept – 8:00pm
• Rathcoffey v Cappagh – Sat, 20th Sept – 3:00pm
• Grangenolvin v Athgarvan – Sat, 20th Sept – 3:30pm
• Athy v Caragh – Sat, 20th Sept – 5:15pm
• Clane v Nás – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:00pm
• Celbridge v Moorefield – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:15pm
• Sarsfields v Johnstownbridge – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:30pm
• Sallins v Suncroft – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:45pm
• Rathangan v Two Mile House – Sun, 21st Sept – 4:30pm
• Allenwood v Confey – Sun, 21st Sept – 5:00pm

⸻

Tipperary (Hurling)
• Cashel KC v St. Mary’s Clonmel – Sat, 20th Sept – 1:30pm
• JK Brackens v Toomevara – Sat, 20th Sept – 4:00pm
• Ballina v Thurles Sarsfields – Sat, 20th Sept – 5:00pm
• Shannon Rovers v Arravale Rovers – Sat, 20th Sept – 6:30pm
• Templederry Kenyons v Burgess – Sun, 21st Sept – 1:00pm
• Clonakenny v Moyne Templetuohy – Sun, 21st Sept – 1:30pm
• Éire Óg Annacarty v Moneygall – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:00pm
• Clonoulty Rossmore v Éire Óg – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:30pm
• Killenaule v Kilruane MacDon. – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:30pm

⸻

Cork (Hurling)
• Midleton v Glen Rovers – Fri, 19th Sept – 7:30pm
• Cloyne v Valley Rovers – Sat, 20th Sept – 4:00pm
• Bride Rovers v Inniscarra – Sat, 20th Sept – 4:00pm
• Blarney v Na Piarsaigh – Sat, 20th Sept – 6:00pm
• Sarsfields v Charleville – Sat, 20th Sept – 7:30pm
• Ballincollig v Carrigaline – Sun, 21st Sept – 4:00pm
• Erin’s Own v Newtownshandrum – Sun, 21st Sept – 4:00pm
• St. Finbarr’s v Imokilly – Sun, 21st Sept – 6:00pm

⸻

Offaly (Hurling)
• Carrig Riverstown v Clara – Sat, 20th Sept – 1:00pm
• Birr v Shamrocks – Sat, 20th Sept – 2:30pm
• Kilcormac-K/Kill v Ballinamere – Sat, 20th Sept – 3:30pm
• St. Rynagh’s v Drumcullen – Sun, 21st Sept – 12:30pm
• Lusmagh v Kilcormac-Killoughey – Sun, 21st Sept – 12:30pm
• Seir Kiernan v Kinnitty – Sun, 21st Sept – 1:30pm
• Coolderry v Shinrone – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:30pm

⸻

Waterford (Football)
• Gaultier v Kilrossanty – Sat, 20th Sept – 6:00pm

⸻

Louth (Football)
• Ardee St. Mary’s v Geraldines – Thu, 18th Sept – 8:00pm

⸻

Monaghan (Hurling)
• Castleblayney v Truagh – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:45pm

⸻

Kerry (Football)
• St. Brendan’s Board v St. Kieran’s – Thu, 18th Sept – 7:00pm
• South Kerry v West Kerry – Sat, 20th Sept – 4:00pm
• Tarbert v Beale – Sun, 21st Sept – 2:00pm
• St. Brendan’s Board v Mid Kerry – Sun, 21st Sept – 2:00pm
• St. Kieran’s v East Kerry – Sun, 21st Sept – 4:00pm

⸻

Wexford (Football)
• Gusserane O’R v Crossabeg-B. – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:15pm
• Kilenerin v Sarsfields – Sun, 21st Sept – 4:00pm

⸻

Laois (Hurling)
• Mountrath/Clonad v Rathdowney Errill – Sat, 20th Sept – 6:00pm
• Ballyfin v Camross – Sat, 20th Sept – 6:00pm
• St. Fintan’s Mountrath v Trumera – Sun, 21st Sept – 1:00pm
• Clonad v Slieve Bloom – Sun, 21st Sept – 2:00pm
• Camross v Borris/Kilcotton – Sun, 21st Sept – 2:00pm
• Rosenallis v Ballinakill – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:45pm

⸻

Kilkenny (Hurling)
• Young Irelands v St. Lachtain’s – Sat, 20th Sept – 2:00pm
• Dunnamaggin v Tullogher Rosb. – Sat, 20th Sept – 4:00pm
• Conahy Shamrocks v Kilmacow – Sun, 21st Sept – 12:00pm
• James Stephens v Blacks & Whites – Sun, 21st Sept – 2:00pm
• Danesfort v Mooncoin – Sun, 21st Sept – 4:00pm

⸻

Roscommon (Football)
• St. Dominic’s v Western Gaels – Fri, 19th Sept – 7:15pm
• Roscommon Gaels v St. Brigid’s – Sat, 20th Sept – 4:00pm
• Strokestown v Creggs – Sat, 20th Sept – 4:00pm
• Tulsk Lord Edwards v Fuerty – Sat, 20th Sept – 6:00pm
• Boyle v Padraig Pearses – Sun, 21st Sept – 1:00pm
• Clann na nGael v Elphin – Sun, 21st Sept – 2:00pm
• Éire Óg v St. Brigid’s – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:30pm
• St. Michael’s v Kilmore – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:45pm
• Michael Glavey’s v St. Faithleach’s – Sun, 21st Sept – 4:30pm

⸻

Wheelchair Hurling & Camogie
• Munster, Leinster, Ulster, Connacht – 17 games, 10 mins per game – Sat, 20th Sept – 10:00am to 2:00pm

⸻

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Conor Murray Slams Munster Recruitment – Full List of Signings from CJ Stander to Alex Nankivell

JoeNa Connacht — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 15:59:54 +0000

Conor Murray Slams Munster Recruitment – Full List of Signings from CJ Stander to Alex Nankivell

Conor Murray has delivered a scathing assessment of Munster’s recruitment policy in recent seasons, accusing the province of being “far too conservative” with their spending and failing to replace iconic figures like Ronan O’Gara and Paul O’Connell.

“Rog was a world-class 10, with a huge personality and the pure willpower to drive his team to those legendary heights.
He had an incredible pack in front of him, driven by another world-class player in Paul O’Connell.
Did we ever replace them? Of course we didn’t.
You just won’t get away with it in Europe if you don’t pack your squad with really formidable, world-class operators.
Financially, I think we were far too conservative, we ended up skimping on the talent that’s needed to win the big one.
Or, maybe it was just a basic lack of ambition, I don’t know.”

Murray even cites the province’s shock defeat to Zebre in 2024 as a glaring example of where, in his view, Munster’s lack of squad depth and top-end recruitment left them exposed.

Munster Rugby Signings: 2010–2025

When you look back at Munster’s signings over the last 15 years, it’s a mixed bag of world-class operators, solid professionals, and some who simply never delivered.

2010/11

Johne Murphy, Sam Tuipulotu, Peter Borlase, Wian du Preez

2011/12

BJ Botha, Will Chambers

2012/13

James Downey, Sean Dougall, Casey Laulala, CJ Stander

2013/14

Andrew Conway, Gerhard van der Heever

2014/15

Eusebio Guinazu, Robin Copeland, Tyler Bleyendaal, Andrew Smith

2015/16

Francis Saili, Mario Sagario, Lucas Amorosino, Mark Chisholm, Sean Doyle

2016/17

Thomas du Toit, Jean Deysel, Rhys Marshall, Jaco Taute, Jean Kleyn, Sammy Arnold, Jean Andress

2017/18

Chris Farrell, JJ Hanrahan, James Hart, Chris Cloete, Gerbrandt Grobler, Jeremy Loughman, Ciaran Parker

2018/19

Tadhg Beirne, Mike Haley, Joey Carbery, Alby Mathewson, Arno Botha

2019/20

Jed Holloway, Nick McCarthy

2020/21

RG Snyman, Damian de Allende, Matt Gallagher, Roman Salanoa

2021/22

Jason Jenkins, Rowan Osborne, Simon Zebo, Paddy Patterson, Declan Moore

2022/23

Antoine Frisch, John Ryan, Malakai Fekitoa, Chris Moore, Oli Morris

2023/24

Alex Nankivell, Oli Jager, Sean O’Brien

2024/25

Diarmuid Kilgallen, Tom Farrell, Billy Burns, Thaakir Abrahams, Andrew Smith, Lee Barron, Michael Milne

The Verdict

Murray’s criticism will sting for Munster fans who have endured years of near misses and painful European exits. While names like CJ Stander, Tadhg Beirne, and Damian de Allende were inspired additions, the squad turnover has also featured journeymen and short-term solutions who struggled to make a lasting impact.

With the URC becoming more competitive every year and Leinster, Stormers, and Toulouse all boasting deep, star-studded squads, Murray’s words raise an uncomfortable question: have Munster been aiming high enough to reclaim their place at the top table of European rugby?

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Al Riffa comfortably wins Comer Group International Irish St Leger

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 16:26:54 +0000

Al Riffa (3/1) won the final Irish classic of the season, the Group 1 Comer Group International Irish St Leger at The Curragh on Sunday.

Trained by Joseph O’Brien, the well-travelled son of Wootton Bassett, is owned by Australian Bloodstock, and is now the favourite for the Melbourne Cup in November.

Absolute demolition job

𝐀𝐥 𝐑𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐚 dazzles from off the speed in the Irish St Leger at the Curragh pic.twitter.com/YKC4KwU22h

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 14, 2025

Ridden by Donegal-born jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle, the five-year-old ran out a four-length victor over British raider Amiloc (2/1), in the hands of Rossa Ryan.

Another overseas raider, Al Qareem, trained in Yorkshire by Karl Burke, was third, at 12/1 for rider Clifford Lee.

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BREAKING: Boxing Legend Ricky Hatton Found Dead at 46

Garth Kenny — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 11:34:33 +0000

BREAKING: Boxing Legend Ricky Hatton Found Dead at 46

World boxing champion Ricky Hatton has tragically been found dead at his home in Gee Cross, Hyde. The
Stockport-born fighter was just 46 years old. Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that they are not treating the death as suspicious.

Police Statement

Officers were called to Bowlacre Road, Hyde at 6:45am on Sunday, 14 September 2025. A spokesperson said:

“Officers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6:45am today where they found the
body of a 46-year-old man. There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances.”

A Storied Career

Born in Stockport and raised in Hyde, Hatton grew up at the New Inn pub on the Hattersley estate and turned professional at
18. Based at Billy “The Preacher” Graham’s gym in Moss Side, he went on to become one of Britain’s most successful fighters,
winning multiple world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight. He was crowned Fighter of the Year in 2015
and remains one of the most beloved figures in British boxing history.

Planned Comeback

Just two months ago, Hatton announced plans to make a stunning return to the ring more than a decade after his last
professional fight. He was set to face UAE fighter Eisa Al Dah in a middleweight showdown in Dubai on 2 December 2025.

A Candid and Courageous Life

Outside the ring, Hatton spoke openly about his struggles with mental health and addiction. He survived multiple suicide
attempts and reconciled with his family after seeking help. Fans and fellow athletes have praised his honesty and courage in
recent years for helping reduce stigma around mental health in sport.

Tributes are pouring in from across the sporting world for the man affectionately known as “The Hitman.”

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Delacroix wins Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Sat, 13 Sep 2025 17:51:44 +0000

Delacroix (2/1 favourite) won the Group 1 Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday.

The win was a 13th success in the contest for trainer Aidan O’Brien, with the winning son of Dubawi ridden by Christophe Soumillon.

The runner-up and third places were taken by the English-trained challengers, Anmaat (4/1) and Royal Champion (18/1), the mounts of Chris Hayes and Clifford Lee respectively.

DELACROIX is a fine winner of the €1.25m Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes! @LeopardstownRC | @BahrainTurfClub pic.twitter.com/WnGT9hdb2v

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 13, 2025

Another Irish Group 1 for Fallen Angel

Fallen Angel (9/4 favourite) took the first Group 1 contest of Irish Champions Festival when winning the Coolmore America ‘Justify’ Matron Stakes for Karl Burke.

The four-year-old grey daughter of Too Darn Hot, winner of the Group 1 Moyglare Stakes at The Curragh as a juvenile and the Tattersalls Ireland 1000 Guineas last year, was ridden this afternoon by James Doyle for Wathnan Racing.

Group 1 glory!

Fallen Angel makes it FOUR top-level triumphs in the €400,000 @coolmorestud ‘Justify’ Matron Stakes on an afternoon to remember for @karl_burke pic.twitter.com/3J0c00rIVJ

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 13, 2025

The victory was completing a quick double for English trainer Burke, who had earlier claimed the Group 3 CMG Group Stakes with Convergent in the colours of Newtown Anner Stud Farm. The three-year-old bay son of Fascinating Rock was ridden by Clifford Lee.

O’Brien and Soumillon win Champions Juvenile

Benvenuto Cellini (1/2 favourite) won the Group 2 KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes for trainer Aidan O’Brien and Belgian jockey Christophe Soumillon.

Racing behind the leader for most of the one-mile contest, the son of Frankel quickened inside the final furlong to complete an impressive five-length victory from Hardy Warrior.

The winner of the race, in which all four runners were trained by Aidan, Joseph and Donncha O’Brien, now gains an automatic berth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Del Mar later in the season.

Benvenuto Cellini is bred to be top-class and the Frankel colt is very good in the Group 2 @KPMG_Ireland Champions Juvenile Stakes, scoring under Christophe Soumillon for Aidan O’Brien @LeopardstownRC pic.twitter.com/AjUzUhIzdB

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 13, 2025

Necklace is all Diamond in Ingabelle Stakes

Diamond Necklace, backed into 1/2 favourite before the off, won the Listed Ballylinch Stud Irish EBF Ingabelle Stakes for Aidan O’Brien.

Deputising for the injured Ryan Moore and the suspended Wayne Lordan, Christophe Soumillon oozed confidence in the final furlong as the bay juvenile daughter of St Mark’s Basilica pulled away from the field for a comfortable two and a quarter length victory.

Johnny Murtagh double

Johnny Murtagh’s topweight Rahmi (14/1) came late and wide of the field to win the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Sovereign Path Handicap for seven-pound claimer Rory Mulligan.

Alakazi (7/2) completed a Murtagh double on the day, as Ben Coen rode the three-year-old to victory in the Group 2 Tonybet Solonoway Stakes.

A double at the Irish Champions Festival for @JohnnyMurtagh!

Alakazi hits the line strongly in the €200,000 Tonybet Solonaway Stakes under @BenCoen2 in the iconic Aga Khan colours @LeopardstownRC pic.twitter.com/oTFnkcJxM5

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 13, 2025

Happy Pharoah (9/1) gave Donnacha O’Brien and Paddy Hartnett a win in the Petingo Handicap, while the final contest of the nine-race card went the way of 22/1 shot Pink Oxalis for trainer Stephen Thorne and jockey David Egan.

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Eight contest Group 1 Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 20:23:33 +0000

Leopardstown hosts the opening day of the two-day Irish Champions Festival on Saturday, where the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes is the feature contest of the afternoon.

Overseas raiders Shin Emperor from Japan, and the British-trained Anmaat and Royal Champion, will face a strong home challenge in the 1 mile 2 furlong race at 5.30pm.

Course and distance winner Delacroix

Aidan O’Brien’s Delacroix, twice a winner over course and distance at the South County Dublin track, is the current favourite for the Group 1 race. In the absence of the injured Ryan Moore and suspended Wayne Lordan, the son of Dubawi will be the mount of Belgian rider Christophe Soumillon. The Ballydoyle handler has won the race six of the last seven years, and will be bidding for a career total thirteenth success in the contest.

Anmaat, twice a Group 1 scorer, including a win in last season’s Champion Stakes on British Champions day at Ascot for his handler Owen Burrows, is next best in the betting market. The Shadwell-owned seven-year-old will be ridden by Chris Hayes, though a horse of that age has never been successful in the race’s history.

Yoshito Yahagi’s Shin Emperor, a fast-finishing third in the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes behind Economics and Auguste Rodin last season, hasn’t run since being seventh of nine in the Sheema Classic at Meydan last April. With rain forecast overnight, the soft ground may provide a challenge to the Japanese raider with the colt accustomed to a sound surface.

Murtagh bids for first Irish Champion Stakes win

The Johnny Murtagh-conditioned three-year-old son of Night Of Thunder, Zahrann, will carry the colours of the Exors of the Late H H Aga Khan, and Ben Coen will take the mount on the 113-rated colt, as he bids to give Murtagh a first win in Saturday’s feature.

White Birch, winner of last season’s Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup at The Curragh, and third in this year’s edition of the same race, will represent Joe Murphy and leading flat jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle in the €1.25 million race. The 121-rated grey has been absent from the racetrack since May.

The Group 2 York Stakes winner Royal Champion, from the Karl Burke yard in England, will have the assistance of Clifford Lee from the saddle, as the seven-year-old son of Shamardal runs over his optimum distance of 1 mile 2 furlongs.

Hotazhell, who last visited the winner’s circle when taking the 2024 Group 1 William Hill Futurity Trophy Stakes at Doncaster, will bid to give Jessica Harrington a first success in the Irish Champion Stakes, while Mount Kilimanjaro, who was Group 1-placed as a juvenile and will represent the same trainer and ownership as Coral-Eclipse victor Delacroix, will likely set the pace under Ronan Whelan.

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Ireland Schedule & Where to Watch | 2025 World Athletics Championships

JoeNa Connacht — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 19:15:32 +0000

Where to Watch & Full Irish Schedule – 2025 World Athletics Championships

The wait is almost over! The 20th World Athletics Championships land in Tokyo from 13–21 September 2025, and Ireland is sending its largest ever squad to compete on the global stage. From marathons at sunrise to primetime finals under the lights at Japan’s National Stadium, fans are in for a feast of athletics action.

Where to Watch

Irish fans won’t miss a moment thanks to RTÉ’s wall-to-wall coverage. Catch every race, jump, and throw live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, with daily highlights and expert analysis across all nine days of competition.

Team Ireland Schedule

All times listed are Irish Time (with Tokyo local time in brackets).

Day 1 – Saturday 13 September

Morning Session

00:00 (08:00) – Oisin Lane – Men’s 35km Race Walk – Final
02:55 (10:55) – Eric Favors – Men’s Shot Put – Qualification
03:55 (11:55) – Mixed 4x400m Relay – Heats

Evening Session

11:50 (19:50) – Sarah Healy, Sophie O’Sullivan, Laura Nicholson – Women’s 1500m Heats
13:10 (21:10) – Eric Favors – Men’s Shot Put – Final *
14:20 (22:20) – Mixed 4x400m Relay – Final *

Day 2 – Sunday 14 September

Morning Session

00:00 (08:00) – Fionnuala McCormack – Women’s Marathon – Final
01:00 / 02:45 (09:00 / 10:45) – Nicola Tuthill – Women’s Hammer Throw Qualification
01:35 (09:35) – Andrew Coscoran & Cathal Doyle – Men’s 1500m Heats
03:28 (11:28) – Sarah Lavin – Women’s 100m Hurdles Heats

Evening Session

11:25 (19:25) – Sharlene Mawdsley & Sophie Becker – Women’s 400m Heats
13:05 (21:05) – Women’s 1500m Semi-Finals *
13:30 (21:30) – Efrem Gidey – Men’s 10,000m Final

Day 3 – Monday 15 September

Morning Session

00:00 (08:00) – Peter Lynch & Hiko Tonosa – Men’s Marathon Final

Evening Session

13:00 (21:00) – Nicola Tuthill – Women’s Hammer Throw Final *
13:05 (21:05) – Sarah Lavin – Women’s 100m Hurdles Semi-Final *
13:30 (21:30) – Men’s 1500m Semi-Finals *
14:20 (22:20) – Sarah Lavin – Women’s 100m Hurdles Final *

Day 4 – Tuesday 16 September

11:35 (19:35) – Mark English & Cian McPhillips – Men’s 800m Heats
13:05 (21:05) – Women’s 400m Semi-Finals *
14:05 (22:05) – Women’s 1500m Final *

Day 5 – Wednesday 17 September

14:20 (22:20) – Men’s 1500m Final *

Day 6 – Thursday 18 September

13:45 (21:45) – Men’s 800m Semi-Finals *
14:24 (22:24) – Women’s 400m Final *

Day 7 – Friday 19 September

09:33–13:38 (17:33–21:38) – Kate O’Connor – Heptathlon (100mH, High Jump, Shot Put, 200m)
12:05 (20:05) – Brian Fay, Andrew Coscoran, Darragh McElhinney – Men’s 5000m Heats

Day 8 – Saturday 20 September

Morning

01:50 (09:50) – David Kenny – Men’s 20km Race Walk Final
03:30 (11:30) – Kate O’Connor – Long Jump – Heptathlon

Evening

11:00 (19:00) – Kate O’Connor – Javelin – Heptathlon
12:00 (20:00) – Women’s 4x400m Relay Heats
13:11 (21:11) – Kate O’Connor – 800m – Heptathlon
14:22 (22:22) – Men’s 800m Final *

Day 9 – Sunday 21 September

11:50 (19:50) – Men’s 5000m Final *
12:40 (20:40) – Women’s 4x400m Relay Final *

* Subject to qualification

This year’s Irish team is packed with medal contenders and rising stars – from Sarah Healy and Sarah Lavin on the track to Kate O’Connor in the heptathlon and Mark English over 800m. Make sure to set your alarms and tune in for what could be Ireland’s biggest medal haul yet.

The post Ireland Schedule & Where to Watch | 2025 World Athletics Championships appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Kate O’Connor Targets Big Finish at World Athletics Championships

Garth Kenny — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 15:12:39 +0000

Kate O’Connor Eyes ‘Something Special’ at World Championships

Kate O’Connor is ready to deliver another big performance for Ireland as she heads to the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The Dundalk star has already enjoyed a year to remember – winning gold, silver and bronze across three major international events – and believes there is more to come.

“I Think Something Special Could Happen”

The St Gerard’s AC athlete has gone from rising prospect to national headline act in 2025. She took European Indoor bronze, followed by World Indoor silver, and then capped it off with a sensational World University Games gold in July.

“At the start of the year, World University Games was my main goal – to go there, try to medal, maybe try to win gold,” O’Connor said. “Then what happened at Indoors happened, and suddenly the World University Games became more about opening my outdoor season. I managed to win it by almost 400 points – it was such an enjoyable event.”

Her focus now shifts to Tokyo and the seven-event challenge of the heptathlon.

“I think I have a great chance of finishing really high,” she smiled. “I’m not even putting a number out there – but if I can put together a series like I did at Indoors, something special could happen.”

From Spotlight to Starting Blocks

O’Connor admits the spotlight has been brighter this year than ever before, but says she has embraced it:

“Since winning that medal at European Indoors, life has changed completely. Every week there’s something – an interview, an event – which is lovely, but it took time to adjust. I’m learning to enjoy it all and take it in my stride.”

Her first event – the 100m hurdles – takes place on Day 7 of the Championships, with all coverage live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player.

Three Medals, Three Stories

O’Connor is quick to point out that each of her 2025 medals carries its own unique significance.

“The bronze at Europeans – I’ve never worked so hard for a medal in my life. The silver was Ireland’s first World medal in years, and suddenly people were mentioning me alongside Sonia O’Sullivan and Derval O’Rourke – that was surreal. And to win a gold outdoors in my favourite event, the heptathlon, that was the perfect way to finish the set.”

Her journey has captured the imagination of Irish fans and raised expectations ahead of Tokyo – but O’Connor is embracing the challenge with the same calm determination that has brought her this far.

Whatever happens in Tokyo, Kate O’Connor has already made 2025 a year to remember – and the best may still be to come.

The post Kate O’Connor Targets Big Finish at World Athletics Championships appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.