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.

It is showpiece time for hurling, and few finals could carry more intrigue than Galway against Limerick at Croke Park.

Limerick return to the biggest stage seeking a 13th All-Ireland title and another addition to one of the most successful periods in the county’s history. Galway, meanwhile, are attempting to win the Liam MacCarthy Cup for a sixth time and end a wait stretching back to their famous 2017 triumph.

The counties have not met in an All-Ireland final since 2018. On that occasion, Limerick survived a dramatic late Galway comeback to win by a single point, 3-16 to 2-18, and secure their first title since 1973.

That victory helped launch the John Kiely era. Limerick subsequently lifted the trophy in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, establishing themselves as the dominant force in modern hurling.

Galway now arrive as Leinster champions, having produced two enormous knockout performances against Dublin and Cork. Micheál Donoghue’s team have scored heavily throughout the championship and possess the attacking power to seriously test Limerick’s defence.

Limerick will begin as favourites, but this is not a Galway side arriving simply to take part. They have won six of their seven championship matches, scored 17 goals and beaten Kilkenny, Wexford, Dublin and Cork along the way.

How Galway Reached the All-Ireland Final

Galway’s championship began with an impressive 3-25 to 1-16 victory over Kilkenny in the Leinster round-robin series. It was an early statement from Donoghue’s side and demonstrated the attacking depth that would become one of the defining features of their season.

They followed that by defeating Offaly 2-26 to 1-18 before recording a 4-22 to 1-22 victory over Kildare. Three matches, three wins and nine goals represented a powerful start.

Their only defeat came against Dublin. Galway failed to score a goal for the only time in the championship and were beaten 3-16 to 0-21. That result exposed some defensive vulnerability, but their reaction was emphatic.

Galway defeated Wexford 2-31 to 3-20 in another high-scoring contest to secure their place in the Leinster final. They then produced one of their best performances of the year, beating Dublin 4-29 to 4-15 in the provincial decider.

The 14-point winning margin did not tell the complete story of an extraordinary contest in which eight goals were scored. However, it did underline Galway’s ability to punish opponents when their forwards find space.

Galway carried that momentum into the All-Ireland semi-final and defeated Cork 2-26 to 1-18. After Cork had impressed throughout the Munster Championship, Galway’s 11-point victory represented another significant statement.

How Limerick Reached the All-Ireland Final

Limerick’s championship campaign began with defeat as Cork edged them 2-22 to 1-23 in the Munster round robin. Losing their opening game immediately placed pressure on the Treaty County, but the response was ruthless.

They defeated Clare 2-30 to 1-18 before overcoming Waterford 2-29 to 2-20. Limerick then produced a devastating display against Tipperary, winning 5-27 to 0-25.

That three-match sequence restored Limerick’s momentum and secured their place in the Munster final, where they met Cork for a second time.

The provincial decider was far tighter. Limerick won 1-21 to 2-17, overturning their earlier defeat and claiming another Munster title by the smallest possible margin.

They faced Clare again in the All-Ireland semi-final and were forced to dig deep. Limerick eventually prevailed 1-21 to 1-19, surviving an intense contest to book their return to Croke Park.

While Galway’s knockout victories have been convincing, Limerick have shown a different strength: the ability to win tight championship matches when the pressure is at its highest.

Championship Head-to-Head

This will be the 17th championship meeting between Galway and Limerick.

Limerick have won 11 of the previous 16 meetings, Galway have won four and there has been one draw. Galway’s most recent championship victory in the fixture came in the 2005 All-Ireland qualifiers.

Limerick have won each of the four championship meetings since then, including the 2018 All-Ireland final and semi-final victories in 2020, 2022 and 2023.

Last Five Championship Meetings

Limerick also defeated Galway in this year’s Allianz Hurling League, winning 2-27 to 0-31 at the TUS Gaelic Grounds.

Previous All-Ireland Final Meetings

This will be the fourth time Galway and Limerick have faced each other in an All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final.

Galway’s Goal Threat

Galway’s most striking championship statistic is their goal return.

They have scored 17 goals in seven games, an average of more than two goals per match. The only game in which Galway failed to raise a green flag was the defeat to Dublin, which was also the only match they lost.

They have scored four goals in three separate championship matches: against Kildare, Dublin in the Leinster final and during their high-scoring provincial campaign. Their 17-goal total means Limerick cannot afford to give Galway’s forwards repeated opportunities close to goal.

However, Galway have also conceded 14 goals. Dublin scored three against them during the round robin and four in the Leinster final, while Wexford also found the net three times.

That creates the central question surrounding Galway: can they maintain their attacking output while preventing Limerick from exploiting the defensive openings that other teams have found?

Limerick’s Defensive Edge

Limerick have scored 12 goals in six championship games and conceded eight. Their goal-scoring total is lower than Galway’s, but they have allowed six fewer goals.

Their attack remains capable of devastating an opponent, as demonstrated by the five goals scored against Tipperary. Yet Limerick’s greatest advantage may be the balance between their attack and defence.

They are comfortable winning in different ways. They can overwhelm teams with scores, but they can also survive matches decided by one or two points. Their Munster final win over Cork and semi-final victory against Clare provide recent evidence of that composure.

Championship Experience

Both teams contain a core of players with extensive championship experience.

For Limerick, goalkeeper Nickie Quaid is the county’s most experienced current championship player, with 79 appearances since making his debut in 2010. Tom Morrissey has played 59 times, Gearóid Hegarty 58, Diarmaid Byrnes 57 and Cian Lynch 56.

Galway can counter with a hugely experienced group of their own. Conor Cooney has made 72 championship appearances since his debut in 2012. Pádraig Mannion and Daithí Burke have both played 70 times, Cathal Mannion has 69 appearances and Conor Whelan has 66.

The Managers

John Kiely – Limerick

John Kiely is in his tenth season as Limerick manager. His record already places him among the most successful managers in the history of the game.

He guided Limerick to All-Ireland titles in 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. Under Kiely, Limerick developed a powerful running game, extraordinary work-rate and the ability to control matches through physical strength and relentless scoring.

His team have also repeatedly demonstrated that they can recover from setbacks. Their opening championship defeat to Cork did not derail their season, and Limerick later gained revenge in the Munster final.

Micheál Donoghue – Galway

Micheál Donoghue is in the second season of his second spell as Galway manager. His first term ran from 2016 to 2019 and included the county’s 2017 All-Ireland triumph.

Donoghue later managed Dublin in 2023 and 2024 before returning to Galway. His side have played with greater attacking freedom this year and have scored 10 goals across their Leinster final and All-Ireland semi-final victories.

A Galway win would make Donoghue an All-Ireland-winning manager with the county in two separate spells.

Why Galway Can Win

1. Their goal threat: Galway have scored 17 championship goals and have multiple forwards capable of turning half-chances into decisive scores.

2. Their knockout form: Galway defeated Dublin by 14 points in the Leinster final and Cork by 11 points in the All-Ireland semi-final. Those were not narrow escapes; they were commanding victories.

3. Their experience: Donoghue can call upon a group of players who have been operating at the highest level for more than a decade.

4. Their motivation: Several Galway players were involved in the painful one-point defeat to Limerick in the 2018 final. This represents a rare opportunity to reverse that result.

5. Their ability to build big totals: Galway have scored 29 points or more in three championship games and have the firepower to remain in contention even if Limerick begin strongly.

Why Limerick Can Win

1. Their All-Ireland final experience: Many of Limerick’s leading players have already won five senior All-Ireland medals.

2. Their record against Galway: Limerick have won the last four championship meetings between the counties.

3. Their defence: They have conceded only eight goals in six championship matches, compared with Galway’s 14 in seven games.

4. Their ability to win close games: Limerick defeated Cork by one point in the Munster final and Clare by two in the All-Ireland semi-final.

5. Their midfield and half-forward power: When Limerick impose themselves physically and begin winning puck-outs and breaking ball, they can control long periods of a match.

Three Key Battles

1. Galway’s full-forward line against the Limerick full-back line

Galway’s best route to victory may be through goals. They must create one-on-one opportunities and prevent Limerick from setting their defensive shape. Galway have shown that once they begin finding the net, they can overwhelm teams quickly.

2. The battle for puck-outs

Limerick have built much of their success around their ability to retain possession, compete for breaking ball and turn opposition puck-outs into scoring opportunities. Galway must avoid periods where Limerick dominate the middle third and pin them inside their own half.

3. The final quarter

Limerick’s experience becomes especially valuable in the final 15 minutes of major championship matches. Galway may need to establish a lead before that stage rather than relying on a late chase against a team so comfortable in tight finishes.

Betting Odds

Limerick are strong favourites to lift the Liam MacCarthy Cup. The available match odds apply to the result after 70 minutes.

The prices reflect Limerick’s championship record against Galway, their success under Kiely and their experience of winning All-Ireland finals.

However, Galway at 5/2 will appeal to those who believe their recent attacking form can expose the champions. The draw at 8/1 may also interest punters given the counties’ one-point final in 2018 and Limerick’s narrow wins over Cork and Clare.

Betting odds are subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.

RTÉ Man of the Match Betting

Gearóid Hegarty heads the market at 6/1. His size, aerial ability and scoring threat make him an obvious candidate if Limerick control the middle third.

Aaron Gillane is available at 8/1 and is likely to feature prominently if Limerick create enough possession close to the Galway goal. Cian Lynch, one of the outstanding players of his generation, is priced at 9/1.

For Galway, Cathal Mannion is available at 12/1. Given his ability to influence matches through scoring, movement and distribution, he could represent one of the more interesting Galway options.

What Victory Would Mean for Galway

A Galway victory would deliver the county’s sixth All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship and their first since 2017.

It would also be the first time since Galway’s 2017 success that the Leinster champions went on to lift the Liam MacCarthy Cup.

The final is only the third occasion in ten years that the Munster and Leinster champions have met in the decider. The previous two came in 2022 and 2023, when Limerick defeated Kilkenny on both occasions.

Galway therefore have the opportunity to end two significant sequences: Limerick’s run of championship victories against them and the recent failure of Leinster champions to win the All-Ireland title.

What Victory Would Mean for Limerick

Limerick are attempting to win their 13th All-Ireland title and a sixth under John Kiely.

Another victory would strengthen the standing of this group among hurling’s greatest teams. It would also underline their ability to recover after failing to win the championship in the previous two seasons.

For players such as Quaid, Hegarty, Lynch, Morrissey and Byrnes, another medal would add to an already extraordinary collection.

SportsNewsIreland Prediction

This final presents a fascinating contrast.

Galway arrive with the more explosive attacking numbers. They have scored five more goals than Limerick and produced dominant knockout victories over Dublin and Cork. When Galway create momentum, they can score heavily in a very short period.

Limerick, however, possess the stronger recent head-to-head record, the better defensive figures and vastly more experience of winning All-Ireland finals together.

Galway may need at least two goals to win. If they are forced into a point-scoring contest without troubling the Limerick goal, the Treaty County’s physical power and ability to control possession could become decisive.

Limerick’s price of 4/9 is short, and Galway have shown enough this summer to suggest this will be far more competitive than those odds indicate.

Galway’s goal threat gives them a genuine chance of causing an upset, but Limerick’s experience, defensive record and proven composure in close championship matches may just carry them over the line.

Everything points towards a compelling final. Galway are seeking to reclaim their place at the top of the hurling world. Limerick are attempting to add another chapter to a remarkable era.

One cup. Two counties. Seventy minutes to decide where Liam MacCarthy is headed.

The post All-Ireland Hurling Final 2026 Preview: Galway v Limerick 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.

The 2026/27 Investec Champions Cup has thrown up some mouth-watering away trips for Connacht, Leinster and Munster supporters.

From the famous atmosphere of Clermont to weekends in Bordeaux, Bristol and La Rochelle, there are some fantastic European rugby destinations on this season’s schedule.

We’ve looked at the easiest ways to reach each away fixture from Ireland, taking into account winter flight schedules rather than simply the closest airport.

Connacht

Round 2 – Exeter Chiefs

Sunday 13 December 2026 – 1:00pm

• Venue: Sandy Park, Exeter
• Recommended Airport: Bristol Airport (BRS)
• Transfer: Direct train from Bristol to Exeter (around 1 hour 20 minutes).
• Why? Exeter Airport has very limited services from Ireland during winter, while Bristol enjoys regular direct connections from Dublin, Cork and Shannon throughout the year.

Round 4 – La Rochelle

Saturday 16 January 2027 – 5:30pm

• Venue: Stade Marcel-Deflandre
• Recommended Airport: Bordeaux Airport (BOD)
• Transfer: Direct train from Bordeaux to La Rochelle (approximately two hours).
• Why? Although La Rochelle has an airport, the Dublin route only operates from late March until late September, meaning there are no direct winter flights from Ireland for this fixture. Bordeaux is by far the easiest option.

Leinster

Round 1 – Clermont Auvergne

Saturday 17 October 2026 – 3:15pm

• Venue: Stade Marcel-Michelin
• Recommended Airport: Lyon-Saint Exupéry (LYS)
• Transfer: Around two hours by direct train.
• Why? Lyon offers significantly more flight options from Ireland than Clermont-Ferrand and has an excellent rail connection.

Round 4 – Leicester Tigers

Saturday 16 January 2027 – 8:00pm

• Venue: Mattioli Woods Welford Road
• Recommended Airport: Birmingham Airport (BHX)
• Alternative: East Midlands Airport (EMA)
• Transfer: Birmingham Airport has direct rail services into Leicester in around one hour.
• Why? Birmingham generally offers the widest choice of direct flights from Ireland.

Munster

Round 2 – Bristol Bears

Saturday 12 December 2026 – 8:00pm

• Venue: Ashton Gate
• Recommended Airport: Bristol Airport (BRS)
• Transfer: Around 20 minutes by airport bus or taxi.
• Why? One of the easiest European away trips with frequent direct flights from Ireland.

Round 3 – Union Bordeaux Bègles

Sunday 10 January 2027 – 4:15pm

• Venue: Stade Chaban-Delmas
• Recommended Airport: Bordeaux Airport (BOD)
• Transfer: Around 30 minutes into the city centre by tram and bus.
• Why? Bordeaux remains one of the best-connected French cities from Ireland during the winter schedule.

At a Glance

Supporters are advised to wait until airlines release their full winter schedules before booking. Fixture dates are confirmed, but kick-off times and television selections can still change.

Whether it’s a quick hop across to Bristol, a weekend in Bordeaux or a memorable trip to the volcanic heart of France in Clermont, Irish supporters have plenty to look forward to during another fascinating Investec Champions Cup campaign.

The post Champions Cup Travel Guide: The Best Ways for Irish Fans to Follow Their Province Around Europe appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

De Bromhead will be represented by three horses in the 14-runner field over 3 miles and one furlong for Kilbeggan’s seasonal highlight, sponsored by Kilmurray’s Homevalue Hardware in Mullingar.

The 2025 winner of the Listed contest, Amirite, will carry top weight of 11-12 in a race that he was also runner-up in back in 2024. Five-pound claimer Paddy O’Brien will ride the 10-year-old on Friday evening.

Recent McHale Mayo National winner, Native Speaker, will have the assistance of de Bromhead’s stable jockey Darragh O’Keeffe as bids to add a second summer National to his resumé.

Raglan Road, a winner of two of his last three races, is the final Knockeen Stables’ inmate, and will have the assistance of J.P. McManus’ retained rider Harry Cobden in the saddle.

Mullins yet to win Midlands National

Champion jumps handler Willie Mullins will attempt to win the race for the first time since its inauguration back in 1997. The Closutton trainer will saddle both Uncle Tom, a Punchestown Festival winner, and Yoradreamer, runner-up in the three-horse Jim Ryan Memorial Novice Chase at Punchestown early last month. Paul Townend will take the mount on Uncle Tom, while Seán O’Keeffe will wear the Brookhouse colours aboard Yoradreamer.

Tipperary trainer John Ryan is responsible for four of the horses contesting the Midlands National, with seven-time winner and €5,000 purchase Drumgill likely to be his best chance of landing the €100,000 race. The Templemore handler has an impressive recent record at Kilbeggan, having had two winners and two seconds from just six runners at June’s meeting.

Enda Bolger’s runner Pride Of Place was successful in the Tote Killarney National on his penultimate outing, while Boston Rover, who hasn’t run since last October, may be the strongest of the Gordon Elliott trio to face the starter.

The first of seven races will start at 4.50pm. The Kilmurray Group Midlands National goes to post at 6.32pm

The post Native Speaker Bids For Midlands National At Kilbeggan 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.

The post Ireland Chasing European Glory at 2026 Co-ed Slowpitch Championship appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

There has been support for France, Ireland and Argentina, while punters have backed Fiji and Scotland to keep things closer than originally expected.

Here are our picks for every game.

New Zealand v Italy

Pick: Italy +32.0

New Zealand were outstanding against a top-class French side, playing with pace and accuracy throughout. With another Test to come, some rotation is expected.

Italy, meanwhile, simply couldn’t have played much worse against Japan. Errors, knock-ons and poor discipline plagued their performance, but they should improve significantly.

The handicap has edged out to 32 points, making Italy slightly more attractive.

Prediction: New Zealand by 24-30.

Australia v France

Pick: France -8.0

Australia will still be wondering how they let victory slip against Ireland, while France proved they can compete with the world’s best despite travelling without several frontline stars.

The market has moved from France -7.5 to -8.0, and it’s easy to see why. France look the more complete side and should create enough opportunities to pull away.

Prediction: France by 8-14.

Japan v Ireland

Pick: Ireland -20.0

Japan deserved plenty of praise for their victory over Italy, but Ireland showed real character to edge Australia in a high-quality contest.

The handicap has shortened slightly from 20.5 to 20 points, giving Ireland backers a little more value.

Ireland’s superior power and squad depth should prove decisive during the final quarter.

Prediction: Ireland by 24-28.

Fiji v England

Pick: Over 63.5 Points

Neither side produced their best last weekend.

Fiji were disappointing against Wales, while England were completely outclassed by South Africa.

The handicap has dropped from England -20.5 to -19.0, suggesting support for Fiji, but the total points market is far more appealing. Both teams are capable of scoring from anywhere, making this one of the best games of the weekend for entertainment.

Prediction: A high-scoring encounter with plenty of tries.

South Africa v Scotland

Pick: No Bet

South Africa looked every bit the world champions as they piled 45 points on England.

Scotland impressed against Argentina and have attracted enough support to see the handicap trimmed to 22 points.

The line now looks about right, making this a game to enjoy rather than force a bet.

Prediction: South Africa by 21-28.

Argentina v Wales

Best Bet: Argentina -17.0

Argentina were surprisingly subdued against Scotland, managing just three line breaks all game. Expect a much sharper performance on home soil.

Wales were impressive in beating Fiji, but this is a far tougher assignment. The market has continued to back the Pumas, with the handicap moving from 16.5 to 17 points.

Argentina have too much quality to produce back-to-back below-par displays.

Prediction: Argentina by 18-24.

SportsNewsIRELAND’s Best Bets

Argentina -17.0
France -8.0
Ireland -20.0
Italy +32.0 (Value)
Over 63.5 Points – Fiji v England

The post Six Huge Rugby Bets This Weekend – Including One Line the Bookmakers May Have Got Wrong appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

There is another huge weekend of live sport on TV, with FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, All-Ireland football semi-finals, Nations Championship rugby, Wimbledon, Tour de France, Scottish Open golf, racing and athletics all live across Irish and UK channels.

Thursday 9 July

• 10:00am–8:00pm – Scottish Open Golf – Sky Sports
• 1:30pm – Racing: Newmarket July Festival Day 2 – Virgin Media One
• 9:00pm – France v Morocco – FIFA World Cup Quarter-Final – RTÉ2

Friday 10 July

• 10:00am–8:00pm – Scottish Open Golf – Sky Sports
• 5:00pm – USGAA v Warwickshire – All-Ireland Junior Football Semi-Final – TG4 YouTube
• 7:00pm – Diamond League Athletics, Monaco – Virgin Media Two
• 7:00pm – New York v London – All-Ireland Junior Football Semi-Final – TG4 YouTube
• 8:00pm – Belgium v Spain – FIFA World Cup Quarter-Final – RTÉ2

Saturday 11 July

• 6:10am – New Zealand v Italy – Nations Championship – Virgin Media One
• 8:40am – Australia v France – Nations Championship – Virgin Media One
• 10:00am–8:00pm – Scottish Open Golf – Sky Sports
• 11:10am – Japan v Ireland – Nations Championship – Virgin Media One
• 1:15pm – Racing: Newmarket July Festival, July Cup Day 3 – Virgin Media Two
• 2:10pm – Fiji v England – Nations Championship – Virgin Media One
• 3:30pm – Down v Wicklow – Tailteann Cup Final – RTÉ
• 4:40pm – South Africa v Scotland – Nations Championship – Virgin Media One
• 6:00pm – Mayo v Louth – All-Ireland SFC Semi-Final – RTÉ / BBC NI
• 8:10pm – Argentina v Wales – Nations Championship – Virgin Media One
• 10:00pm – England v Norway – FIFA World Cup Quarter-Final – RTÉ2
• 2:00am Sunday – Argentina v Switzerland – FIFA World Cup Quarter-Final – RTÉ2

Sunday 12 July

• 10:00am–8:00pm – Scottish Open Golf – Sky Sports
• 1:45pm – USGAA/Warwickshire v New York/London – All-Ireland Junior Football Final – TG4 YouTube
• 4:00pm – Dublin v Kerry – All-Ireland SFC Semi-Final – RTÉ / BBC NI

Monday 13 July

• 5:30pm – Ireland v Fiji – World Rugby U20 Championship – Premier Sports

All Weekend / All Week

• Wimbledon Championships – live throughout the week on BBC One and BBC Two
• Tour de France – live all week on TG4 and TNT Sports 1

All times listed are Irish time.

Keep up to date with the latest live sport on TV listings on SportsNewsIRELAND.

The post Live Sport on TV This Weekend: World Cup, GAA, Rugby, Wimbledon, Tour de France and More appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

For €20 per ticket, supporters will be entered into the “Win With The Tribes” draw, with all proceeds going directly to the Galway Senior Hurlers’ training fund.

The top prize is a dream package for any Galway fan, including:

• Two Lower Hogan tickets for the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final.
• An overnight stay for two in Dublin on final night.
• A signed Galway Senior Hurling jersey.

The second prize also includes:

• Two Lower Cusack tickets for the final.
• A signed Galway Senior Hurling jersey.

The third prize is:

• Two Lower Cusack tickets for the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final.

With demand for All-Ireland Final tickets expected to far exceed supply, the draw gives supporters an opportunity to secure some of the most sought-after seats in Croke Park while also helping fund the Galway senior team’s preparations.

Every ticket purchased contributes directly towards the team’s training fund as they prepare for one of the biggest days in the GAA calendar.

Whether you’re hoping to be in the stands on All-Ireland Final day or simply want to support the team, the “Win With The Tribes” draw offers Galway supporters a chance to do both.

Click here to win All-Ireland hurling tickets 

The post Win All-Ireland Final Tickets? Galway Launchs Incredible Prize Draw Worth Hundreds appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.