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Muay Thai Phenom Petjeeja Earns $100K ONE Championship Contract

There could be a new star on the MMA circuit, as Muay Thai superstar Phenom Petjeeja certainly looks on her way to the top of the sport.

The 21-year-old boldly claimed that the ‘Queen is Back’ following her most recent success, and she will now be handed a global platform to maintain her progression toward the top of the sport.  A betting favourite with Thailand’s best online sportsbooks, Petjeeja will now be handed a rivaled opportunity in the United States, as she has signed a big promotional deal worth $100,000 with ONE’s Fight Night to compete in a primetime slow in the United States. 

Petjeeja Earns Huge Contract

Petjeeja continued her rapid rise through the ranks on May 12, as she landed a dominant victory over Ines Pilutti in the dying seconds of the opening round. It was a clinical performance by the Thai superstar in the atomweight division, and it would have been no less than the dominant display that the Muay Thai superstar would have been expecting.

Her aggression throughout the opening round was ultimately too much for her opponent, as Petjeeja continued to land heavy blows to her rival before her second victory in the ONE promotion was secured. However, it was the manner of her performance that captured the attention of Chatri Sityodtong, as the ONE Chairman immediately revealed that she would be offered a $100,000 ONE Championship contract in the aftermath.

Huge Opportunity

It was a career-altering night for the Muay Thai superstar, as the victory promises to change her life forever. A massive opportunity will now be on the horizon for the Thai fighter, as she will compete in the United States in a primetime slot on the ONE Fight Night series in North America. It will be a massive promotional opportunity for the Thai fighter, and one that she promised the chairman she wouldn’t let pass her by.

In the aftermath of her massive victory, she told ONE commentator Mitch Chilson how much she was looking forward to the opportunity of fighting in North America. She revealed that she wouldn’t let down the chairman for giving her the biggest opportunity of her career, and promised that she would continue to train incredibly hard so that she is prepared for whatever her upcoming rival has to throw at her.

Incredible Rise Through The Ranks

For those that have followed Petjeeja’s career to this point, the fact that she has been handed a massive opportunity in North America would come as no surprise. The victory at ONE Lumpinee was her tenth straight victory in MMA, and she has now been incredibly competitive in her recent career. She also brings in a wealth of experience in the octagon, despite being aged just 21.

Her career in the sport dates back to before she turned ten, as she had competed in over 100 fights from a young age. Petjeeja also fought on 70 occasions in those early bouts against boys, as there weren’t enough girls for her to compete against to feed her appetite to continue to improve in Muay Thai competitive competition.

The Thai star boasts an incredible professional record, as she has won on 203 occasions, losing on just 12 occasions. Since competing in the West, she has been perfect, as she currently boasts a 5-0 professional record. Throughout her career, she has continued to pick up major honours, including victories in the WPMF Muay Thai World Championships, while she was also the WMC World Champion.

Her highest esteemed honour came in 2021, as she won the prestigious honour of Thai Fight Queen’s Cup. However, there only looks set to be higher targets in her sights now, and that could include a bid to win the top prize in the ONE promotion.

Conclusion

Petjeeja will now have her sights firmly set on her ONE Championship debut in the United States. However, there may be a slight delay before an opponent and the date for her debut in North America are confirmed. But, there would be no prizes for guessing the star that she has her sights set on, as a potential future bout for the atomweight Muay Thai top prize in the promotion would be her ultimate goal. That could lead to a fascinating future showdown with dominant Brazilian superstar Allycia Hellen Rodrigues.

Video Highlights – All-Ireland Hurling Semi-Final: Limerick Triumphs over Galway

All-Ireland Hurling Semi-Final: Limerick Triumphs over Galway

When Limerick trailed by six points after 25 minutes of this All-Ireland semi-final, you wondered were the three-in-a-row All-Ireland champions teetering. They’d been out-hustled and out-thought by a Galway team bristling with energy, and struggled to muster their usual mixture of fluency with the ball and controlled aggression without it.

Limerick’s Defensive Dominance

But then their defence with William O’Donoghue in an unfamiliar position of centre-back got to grips with the men they were marking, they began competing with their usual zeal for ball in the middle third, and they dominated the puck-out battle.

Limerick’s Forward Domination

That gave them the platform to really get their forwards into the contest and they completely dominated the last 10 minutes of the first half and all of the second to eventually run out very comfortable victors.

Limerick’s Hunger and Galway’s Disappointment

Clearly the hunger of this Limerick team remains undiminished as they now advance to yet another All-Ireland Final, and bid to make it four titles in a row and five in six years. The manner in which their challenge petered out after a very encouraging start will be hugely disappointing for the Galway players.

Galway’s Promising Start and Limerick’s Response

They had settled into the contest quickly, with points from Evan Niland (free) and Brian Concannon sandwiching an Aaron Gillane free for Limerick. But then, somewhat against the run of play, Limerick landed the first heavy blow of the game when Gillane struck for a trademark goal.

Galway’s Struggle and Limerick’s Shooting Woes

Galway hit back immediately with another Niland free which testified to the steely mental resolve they were bringing to bear on the contest. Another Niland free brought them level and then Conor Whelan pushed them back into the lead when he won a ball ahead of Mike Casey, wriggled free from the Limerick defender, and lanced the sliotar over the bar.

Another Niland free quickly followed before Limerick leveled the game again – 1-3 to 0-6 – through points from Gillane (free) and Peter Casey. Then came the best attacking play of the match so far when Kevin Cooney played in Cathal Mannion with a pass of real vision and the midfielder lashed the sliotar to the net from a tight angle.

At the other end of the pitch Limerick’s shooting was uncharacteristically off-color with seven different players hitting seven wides in the first half.

Limerick’s Revival and Late Surge

A tricky situation for Limerick could have been much worse had Mike Casey not made a brilliant goal-line save from a Concannon ground-stroke that looked destined for the net. As if energized by that near-miss, Limerick came to life in the final 10 minutes of the first half.

Darragh O’Donovan deserves a lot of credit for their resurgence. He hit a great point from wide on the left and then set up two more for Aaron Gillane and Seamus Flanagan with beautifully weighted passes. The reigning champions hit the last four points of the half to leave the scores reading 1-13 to 1-12 to Galway at the break, which must not have felt reflective of the huge effort the Tribesmen had produced.

Limerick’s Second-Half Dominance and Galway’s Struggles

Limerick have a well-earned reputation for putting their foot on the gas at the start of the second-half and they did it again in this match. They outscored Galway by four points to two in the first ten minutes of the half with the pick of the bunch an inspirational effort from Tom Morrissey.

Then came their second goal, and it was one Galway will have nightmares about. Cian Lynch put David Reidy through with a clever pass and when the wing-forward squared it to Aaron Gillane, his initial batted effort struck the cross-bar. Padraic Mannion attempted to flick the rebound clear, but instead he directed it straight into Gillane’s path again and this time the Patrickswell star finished ruthlessly as he lashed a ground-stroke to the net.

Now trailing by four points, Galway were in real trouble. They were struggling to get any sort of grip on the game because Limerick swallowed the ball up almost every time Éanna Murphy pucked it out. And when they did manage to win possession in the middle third, they were under so much pressure from swarming Limerick tacklers they struggled to get decent passes into their starving inside forwards.

Limerick’s Comfortable Victory and Galway’s Disappointment

Points from Kyle Hayes, Gearoid Hegarty, Peter Casey, and David Reidy pushed a now very dominant Limerick team seven points clear by the 58th minute, and even by then a Galway comeback looked very unlikely. Limerick had the luxury of running their bench and won pulling up, with subs Graeme Mulcahy and Cathal O’Neill getting in on the act in injury-time as they scored the final two points of the game.

Looking Ahead: Limerick’s Journey Continues

And so, Limerick marches on to another All-Ireland Final where they will hope to ink another historic chapter in their already remarkable story.

Scorers and Lineups

Scorers for Limerick: Aaron Gillane 2-6 (5f), Diarmaid Byrnes 0-3 (3f), Kyle Hayes, Gearoid Hegarty, Tom Morrissey, Peter Casey, Seamus Flanagan all 0-2, Darragh O’Donovan, Graeme Mulcahy, Cathal O’Neill, David Reidy, Cian Lynch all 0-1.

Scorers for Galway: Evan Niland 0-9 (all frees), Cathal Mannion 1-1, Conor Whelan 0-3, Brian Concannon 0-3, Kevin Cooney, Tom Monaghan both 0-1.

Limerick Team: Nickie Quaid; Michael Casey, Dan Morrissey, Barry Nash; Diarmaid Byrnes, William O’Donoghue, Kyle Hayes; Darragh O’Donovan, Cian Lynch; Gearoid Hegarty, Tom Morrissey, Dv; Aaron Gillane, Seamus Flanagan, Peter Casey. Subs: Cathal O’Neill for Tom Morrissey (56), Graeme Mulcahy for Peter Casey (67), Conor Boylan for Gearoid Hegarty (69), Oisin O’Reilly for Seamus Flanagan, Adam English for Darragh O’Donovan (both 72).

Galway Team: Éanna Murphy; Jack Grealish, Daithí Burke, Darren Morrissey; Padraic Mannion, Gearoid McInerney, Seán Linnane; Joseph Cooney, Cathal Mannion; Ronan Glennon, Cianan Fahy, Kevin Cooney; Conor Whelan, Brian Concannon, Evan Niland. Subs: Tom Mon

Unleashing the Ultimate Gaelic Glory: GAA All-Ireland Championship Semi- Finals 2023

Unleashing the Ultimate Gaelic Glory: GAA All-Ireland Championship Semi- Finals 2023

For Irish sports fans, nothing fosters a deep sense of unity and peace like the annual GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship, otherwise referred to as the All-Ireland Championship.

Generally, the history of this championship dates back to 1887. The popularity of this championship over the years has thrust it among the most revered sporting events in this country. It signifies the significance of Gaelic games in enriching the sporting heritage and culture in Ireland.

All-Ireland Championship Organisation Generally, the All-Ireland Championship is an annual competition that features inter-county hurling teams under the organisation of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). Initially, finals were held in the August- September months but presently, they have moved to July, and in 2023 the epic finale showdown is about to take place from July 8th to 9th as favourites engage in the crowd-moving clash as we’ll find out later in this article.

Liam MacCarthy Cup, is the ultimate prize for competing teams and comes with unparalleled grandiose parading and of course monetary value.

While qualification procedures have evolved over the years, the recent schedules have seen qualification limited to teams competing in the 3 top- tier feeder competitions. These include
• Munster Senior Hurling Championship – 3 teams
• Leinster Senior Hurling Championship – 3 teams
Besides, two teams normally qualify from the All-Ireland preliminary quarters played in the second-tier competition _Joe McDonagh Cup. Moreover, upon completion of the championship, some teams get elevated to the elite tournament while others suffer relegation.

The July 8th-9th All-Ireland Champions Semi-Finals

Well, all eyes are now set on the first semi-final of the championships that will see Limerick play against Galway in the iconic Croke Park at the heart of Dublin. The GAA estimates that about 60,000 fans will electrify the grounds, an improvement from last year’s attendance which was slightly above 50,000.

Already stakes are high with bookies offering incredible odds and impressive props. Bettors are already flocking to the leading Irish crypto betting and gambling sites to leverage the epic showdowns as they immortalise their best athletes by staking good bucks on

.

Limerick Vs Galway, Croke Park 18:00

Equally important, teams have already announced their starting line-ups setting even the stakes higher. While updating the eagerly waiting media teams and fans, John Kiely, the Limerick coach announced that Kyle Hayes will play the Center back role, while Gearóid Hegarty will play the Wing-Back position.
The re-assignments were necessitated by the disappointing injuries of Limerick’s Key players, including Declan Hannon and Sean Finn, who has been instrumental in this year’s road to the finals.

Nevertheless, the coach is upbeat that the replacements are equal to the task as they will play alongside experienced players like Cian Lynch who takes the center-forward position. Although disappointingly he has been on and off the pitch owing to recurring injury challenges, Lynch is as fit as a fiddle to lead Limerick’s attack.

For Galway fans, things look brighter. Their coach Henry Shefflin announced an unchanged line-up from their previous match. Captained by Daithi Burke who will be donning jersey number 3, we can’t wait for the match. Equally, Gearoid McInerney will revert to his usual role, Center- Back having played as the Full-Back in the previous clash.

Kilkenny v Clare, Croke Park, 16:00

On the other hand, Clare will be battling out with Kilkenny on Sunday, July 9. While announcing the possible line-ups the Clare manager Brian Lohan was hopeful that Conor Cleary, John Conlon, and David McInerney will be returning from injury to probably help the team qualify for the finals, which is the team’s target following a largely successful championship campaign.
Disappointingly, however, Aidan McCarthy will miss the semis match day owing to an earlier injury that will probably see him out for the rest of the season.

However, despite the injury blow, Lohan indicated his team will put up a spirited fight to replicate the 2013 performance when the team last won the coveted championships cup.

Like last year, Kilkenny is returning as Leinster champions and their ever- animated fans are waiting with bated breath for the epic showdown happening this Sunday. After beating Dublin in the quarters, they are

hoping to make it to the finals, set on 23rd July, for the second successive year.
While the match will rekindle the decades-long rivalry, we believe the Kilkenny, AKA the Cats, go to this fixture with a statistical upper hand. For example, in their previous 9 championship clashes Kilkenny have a record 6 times, drawn once, while Clare’s only one

Video footage circulating of stabbing incident at U16 Tyrone GAA match

Stabbing Incident at Tyrone U16 Match: Arrest Made – Latest Updates and Reactions

A disturbing incident took place during an under-16 GAA match in Co Tyrone, resulting in two individuals being stabbed and the arrest of a suspect.

Incident Details:

A man in his 40s has been apprehended by the PSNI following a stabbing incident at a sports ground on Convent Road in Cookstown.

The incident occurred during a championship match between Cookstown Fr Rocks Under-16s and Fintona Pearses at Paddy Cullen Park. Two individuals were stabbed, with one requiring hospitalisation and the other receiving immediate on-site treatment.

Arrest and Investigation:

The suspect, a man in his 40s, was taken into custody for questioning. The PSNI has urged witnesses and individuals with video footage of the incident to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation.

Emergency Response:

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service received an emergency call at 9.03pm on the day of the incident. An ambulance promptly arrived at the scene, and after assessing and treating the wounded, one individual was transported to Antrim Area Hospital.

Support for Witnesses and Victims:

Cookstown GFC, the hosting club, is actively providing support to the children and young people who witnessed the distressing incident. A dedicated committee has been established to ensure that the necessary assistance and care are provided in the days following the event. The club expressed solidarity and concern for those affected by the incident.

Official Statements:

Tyrone GAA, the governing body of Gaelic games in the county, has acknowledged the incident and extended their thoughts to all those impacted. They have confirmed that the investigation is being handled by the PSNI and currently have no further comments to provide. Similarly, Fintona Pearse, the opposing team, expressed awareness of the serious incident and emphasized their focus on the welfare of the children and young people present during the match.

Social Media Footage:

Footage circulating on social media platforms captures the swift response of police officers to the incident at the GAA grounds, offering a glimpse into the immediate aftermath of the distressing event.

Lahinch Amateur Áine Donegan Shines in US Women’s Open

Lahinch Amateur Áine Donegan Shines in US Women’s Open at Pebble Beach

Amateur golfer Áine Donegan from Lahinch, Co Clare showcased her remarkable resilience and skill at the US Women’s Open in Pebble Beach. Despite facing challenges such as losing her clubs and discovering her driver had been smashed, she delivered an impressive three-under 69, briefly sharing the clubhouse lead. Glenlo Abbey Pro Gary Madden who is her caddie and coach played helped get over all adversity.

Journey from Vagliano Trophy to Pebble Beach

Áine Donegan, a rising star from Lahinch and Louisiana State University, made it to her first major tournament after successfully qualifying in a 36-hole event a month ago. Following her participation in the Vagliano Trophy for Great Britain and Ireland at Royal Dornoch, she embarked on a lengthy journey to California, spanning 30 hours from Scotland to Dublin and Newark.

Overcoming Adversity and Embracing New Opportunities

Despite her clubs arriving only on the eve of the tournament, Donegan didn’t let a bogey-start deter her. Instead, she showcased her resilience by delivering the best round of her career. Reflecting on her performance, she expressed pride in overcoming the challenging start and eagerly anticipated the upcoming rounds.

New Equipment and Inspirational Encounters

Following the delay with her clubs, Donegan received replacement equipment from PING, including a new driver. Surprisingly, she found herself falling in love with the new driver and was relieved not to rely on her old one, which had arrived damaged. Throughout the week, Donegan had the incredible opportunity to play a practice round with renowned golfers Annika Sorenstam and Lexi Thompson, describing it as an awe-inspiring experience.

Impressive First Round Performance

With her new driver, Donegan’s performance in the first round was nothing short of remarkable. Combining an eagle and three birdies with three bogeys, she set an early pace alongside Hae Ran Ryu from South Korea, trailing behind China’s Xiyu Janet Lin by a single shot. Donegan’s performance was a testament to her skill, determination, and ability to overcome adversity.

Hurling – Clare v Kilkenny – Preview, Live Scores and Starting Teams

Preview: Clare vs. Kilkenny in All-Ireland Hurling Semi-Final

In a highly anticipated clash, Clare and Kilkenny will face off in the All-Ireland hurling semi-final. Kilkenny enters the match as the Leinster champions, while Clare secured their spot in the semi-final after defeating Dublin in the quarter-final.

History and Ambitions

Kilkenny aims to reach the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship final for the second consecutive year. On the other hand, Clare’s last appearance in the final was in 2013, when they also clinched the title.

Path to the Semi-Final

Clare’s journey to the semi-final included victories over Tipperary, Limerick, Waterford, Cork, and a dominant performance against Dublin in the quarter-final. Kilkenny, meanwhile, overcame Westmeath, Galway, Antrim, Dublin, and had a thrilling draw against Wexford before defeating Galway in the Leinster final.

Top Scorers

For Clare, Tony Kelly leads the scoring charts with an impressive tally of 5-32, followed by Aidan McCarthy and Mark Rodgers. Kilkenny’s TJ Reid is their top scorer with 2-54, with Eoin Cody and Martin Keoghan also contributing significantly.

Head-to-Head Battles and Recent Meetings

The last five championship meetings between Clare and Kilkenny have seen the Cats come out on top, including their clash in last year’s All-Ireland semi-final. However, Clare’s sole victory over Kilkenny came in the 1997 All-Ireland semi-final, adding an extra element of intrigue to this encounter.

All-Ireland Semi-Final History

Kilkenny has a strong record in the All-Ireland semi-finals, winning seven out of their last ten appearances, including their victory against Clare last year. Clare, on the other hand, has a mixed record in the semi-finals, with one win, one draw, and six losses in their last ten appearances.

Starting Teams for Clare v Kilkenny 

we will have teams Thursday night or latest Friday afternoon.

Conclusion

The semi-final clash between Clare and Kilkenny promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams vying for a spot in the All-Ireland final. With a history of close battles and Kilkenny’s recent dominance in head-to-head meetings, Clare will be eager to overturn the odds and secure a place in the final. Hurling fans will be eagerly awaiting this highly anticipated showdown between two talented teams.

Rugby Championship – South Africa v Australia : Preview, Live Scores & Starting Teams

Preview: South Africa vs Australia in Rugby Championship

The much-anticipated clash between South Africa and Australia in the Rugby Championship is set to take place this weekend. Both teams have named their lineups for the opener, and there are some interesting selections on both sides.

South Africa’s Debutant and Captaincy Change

Former Ireland lock Jean Kleyn will make his debut for South Africa after being approved by World Rugby to play for his native country. Kleyn’s selection adds depth to the Springboks’ second row. Duane Vermeulen, the former Ulster Number 8, will lead the team as captain, replacing the injured Siya Kolisi.

New Faces in Australia’s Lineup

 

The Wallabies, under coach Eddie Jones, have included several debutants in their matchday squad. Tom Hooper, the rising star from the Brumbies, will start at No. 6. Hooper’s versatility and dedication make him a valuable asset to the team. Suliasi Vunivalu, a former NRL star, will also make his run-on debut after a brief appearance off the bench last year.

Key Players and Lineups

South Africa’s lineup features out-half Marnie Libbok and flanker Marco van Staden, who will be making their first starts for the national team. The Wallabies have experienced duo Nic White and Quade Cooper at the helm, while Reece Hodge starts at No. 12, surprising some fans.

Head-to-Head Battle and Challenges

The Wallabies face a tough challenge against an understrength Springboks team that has sent a group of players in advance to prepare for their match against the All Blacks. Australia’s last victory over South Africa on their home soil dates back to 2011, making the task ahead even more challenging.

Starting teams Australia v SA

 

South Africa – 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Duane Vermeulen (captain), 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Mbongeni Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Replacements: 16 Joseph Dweba, 17 Thomas du Toit, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Rudolph Snyman, 20 Evan Roos, 21 Deon Fourie, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Damian Willemse.

Australia: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Suliasi Vunivalu, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Reece Hodge, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Nic White, 8 Rob Valetini, 7 Michael Hooper (co-captain), 6 Tom Hooper, 5 Will Skelton, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 David Porecki, 1 James Slipper (co-captain).
Replacements: 16 Jordan Uelese, 17 Matt Gibbon, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Richie Arnold, 20 Pete Samu, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Samu Kerevi, 23 Carter Gordon.

Conclusion

With new faces on both sides and the desire for victory, the clash between South Africa and Australia in the Rugby Championship promises an exciting contest. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how the debutants and experienced players perform in this highly anticipated encounter.

Celtic Secures Scottish Cup and Domestic Treble with Furuhashi’s Heroics

Scottish champions were celebrating late into the night when Celtic claimed another domestic treble. Victory in the Scottish Cup final means that no side in footballing history has won as many as Celtic’s eight trebles. The victory was certainly a bittersweet moment for the club on the whole, as rumours of manager Ange Postecoglou’s imminent departure were evident throughout the build-up to the Scottish Final against Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Those rumours ultimately turned out to be true, with the Australian formally revealing that he had agreed to be Tottenham Hotspur’s new manager just days later. But, his departure is unlikely to see any clouds cast over Celtic Park after yet another dominant campaign on the field.

Celtic Claim Scottish Cup Glory

The Hoops were listed as the clear favourites to win all major domestic prizes at the start of the campaign, but achieving a treble should be achieved regardless of how expected the feat is. The league title was certainly the biggest challenge that Celtic faced, as they looked to fight off the challenge from Rangers to win the prestigious honor.

They were able to do that in a dominant manner, winning a total of 99 points. Overall, they won 32 of their 38 games throughout the 2022-23 campaign, with two of their three defeats coming in their last five matches when the league title was already secured. The Hoops wrapped up the Scottish League Cup in smooth fashion at the end of February, as they registered a 2-1 win over Rangers in the showpiece.

The final piece of the jig-saw was added on June 3, as they collided with second-tier Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the Scottish Cup final. Celtic were listed as the clear favourites to win the trophy, with their rivals priced up at a massive 20/1 to win in 90 minutes. Celtic netted their opening goal after 38 minutes through Kyogo Furuhashi, before second-half efforts were added by Liel Abada and Jota to secure a famous afternoon for the Hoops.

Furuhashi’s Stand Out Campaign

There were few brighter stars throughout Celtic’s treble-winning campaign than Japanese international Furuhashi who has long been a firm favourite at the Japanese gaming site, Casinosnavi.com. The forward scored a remarkable total of 34 goals in all competitions to end the season as the club’s top scorer; 19 clear of the next-best scorer in the team. The tally also saw the Japanese international end the season as the Golden Boot winner in the SPL, as he netted 27 goals across 36 matches in the Scottish top-flight.

It was a standout season for the 28-year-old, and his season was capped with yet another dazzling display in the Scottish Cup Final, as he netted the opening goal in the victory for the Hoops. However, there are now lingering doubts as to whether he has played his last game for the Scottish champions, with a number of Premier League clubs interested in making a move. Among those could lead to a reunion with Postecoglou at Tottenham, while Nottingham Forest is also keen on making a move for the Japanese international.

Big Breakthrough At Celtic

Furuhashi was unknown in Europe before joining Celtic, as he had played the entirety of his early career in his native Japan. His ability was always clear to see for all, as he scored 42 goals across 95 matches with Vissel Kobe. During his time at the club, he would win the Emperor’s Cup in 2019, before he would later add the Japanese Super Cup to his collection of honours in 2020.

However, he was offered a chance to make a mark in Europe in 2021, as he moved to Celtic on a four-year deal. He immediately hit the ground running with his new team, scoring in a Europa League qualifying tie against Jablonec. His quality was clear to see after his first season in Scottish football, as he scored 20 goals across 33 matches in all competitions. His performances also helped Celtic to win the SPL and Scottish League Club and also saw him named in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year.

His performance levels continued to improve throughout the most recent season in Scotland, as he scored a career-best tally in a single season. His role in the team was also key as he helped Celtic win the domestic treble. Furuhashi’s performances were also awarded at the end of the season, as he was named in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year, and was also voted both the PFA Scotland Players’ Player of the Year and the SFWA Footballer of the Year.

Final Thoughts

Celtic’s victory in the Scottish Cup final not only guaranteed their domestic treble but also cemented their place in football history as the club with the most trebles in history. Despite the sad news of Ange Postecoglou’s departure to Tottenham Hotspur, Celtic Park remains a beacon of prosperity after another successful season. The team’s success was led by the excellent efforts of Kyogo Furuhashi, who, after scoring an incredible 34 goals this season, emerged as a notable player and one of Japan’s favourite sports personalities. However, as speculation surrounds Furuhashi’s future, with Premier League clubs interested, his contributions to Celtic’s success will be remembered. Overall, Celtic’s journey has been incredible, and their achievements in the 2022-23 season will be inscribed in the club’s illustrious history.

Top Irish Athletes Compete in Budweiser’s ‘Combine

Budweiser, as the Official Beer Partner of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, has organized the Budweiser Combine, where renowned athletes from Gaelic games, rugby, soccer, and AFL in Ireland showcase their speed, accuracy, kicking, and physical prowess.

A Chance to Witness the Aer Lingus College Football Classic

On August 26th, the Aviva Stadium will host the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, featuring top college football teams, Notre Dame and Navy. Budweiser is providing fans with an exclusive opportunity to win a pair of tickets to this highly anticipated sell-out event.

Athletes and Coaches

Andrew Conway (Ireland and Munster Rugby), Sarah Rowe (Mayo LGFA, Bohemian FC, and Collingwood AFLW), and Dean Rock (Dublin GAA) will be coached by former College American Football Player and kicking coach Tadhg Leader. They will put their speed and kicking skills to the test against NCAA standards.

Catch the Budweiser Combine

Sports enthusiasts can catch the action of the Budweiser Combine on July 4th through LADBible’s social media channels. Additionally, Budweiser will be running the “Best Seats in the House” competition in the coming weeks, allowing fans to participate through selected pubs.

Excitement Surrounding College Football

Colin McGough, Budweiser Brand Manager in Ireland, expressed his enthusiasm for the return of College Football and the association with Budweiser. The game has generated massive excitement among Irish sports fans, and Budweiser is proud to be a part of it. Alongside the exclusive winners of Budweiser’s Best Seats in the House, Dublin’s city center will be buzzing with dedicated Budweiser street entertainment and tailgating activities on game day.

Opportunity to Win Tickets

Fans have a chance to win a pair of tickets to the Aer Lingus College Football Classic by purchasing a pint of Budweiser, visiting the website winwithbud.ie, and sharing a picture. Participating pubs will have branded POS with a QR code for easy scanning, leading entrants to the competition website. The competition runs from Monday, June 26th, to Sunday, August 13th.

Video Highlights – Dublin easily beat Mayo

Dublin easily beat Mayo

Saturday/Sunday 15/16 July

All-Ireland SFC semi-final
Dublin v Monaghan , Croke Park, TBC

Tailteann Cup final
Down v Meath , Croke Park, TBC

All-Ireland SFC semi-final

Kerry v Derry , Croke Park, TBC

Preview

The clash between Dublin and Mayo has become one of the most captivating rivalries in the championship over the past decade. These two powerhouses of Gaelic football have locked horns in no less than ten games within the last eleven years. Dublin has emerged victorious in six encounters, while Mayo managed two wins, with the remaining matches ending in draws. As they prepare to face off once again in the quarter-finals, let’s examine their paths to this stage and revisit their recent championship meetings.

Paths to the Quarter-Finals:

Mayo’s Journey:
1. Roscommon 2-8 Mayo 0-10 (Connacht quarter-final)
2. Mayo 1-19 Kerry 0-17 (All-Ireland Group 1)
3. Mayo 0-14 Louth 1-10 (All-Ireland Group 1)
4. Cork 1-14 Mayo 1-11 (All-Ireland Group 1)
5. Mayo 1-10 Galway 0-12 (Preliminary quarter-final)

Top Scorers for Mayo:
1. Ryan O’Donoghue: 0-17 (0-11 frees)
2. Aidan O’Shea: 0-8 (0-4 frees)
3. Tommy Conroy: 1-3
4. Jordan Flynn: 0-6

Dublin’s Path:
1. Dublin 4-30 Laois 2-9 (Leinster quarter-final)
2. Dublin 0-14 Kildare 0-12 (Leinster semi-final)
3. Dublin 5-21 Louth 0-15 (Leinster final)
4. Dublin 1-11 Roscommon 0-14 (All-Ireland Group 3)
5. Dublin 0-22 Kildare 0-13 (All-Ireland Group 3)
6. Dublin 3-23 Sligo 0-8 (All-Ireland Group 3)

Top Scorers for Dublin:
1. Con O’Callaghan: 2-24 (0-4 frees, 0-3 marks)
2. Colm Basquel: 3-14 (0-1 free)
3. Sean Bugler: 1-12
4. Paul Mannion: 1-11 (0-2 frees)
5. Cormac Costello: 0-13 (0-6 frees, 0-2 ’45s’)

Recent Championship Meetings:

The most recent clash between Dublin and Mayo occurred in the 2021 All-Ireland semi-final, where Mayo claimed a memorable victory by three points after extra time. It was a significant result for Mayo, as it marked their first championship win over Dublin since the 2012 All-Ireland semi-final. Prior to that, Dublin had enjoyed a dominant run, winning five matches and drawing two out of seven championship encounters between the two teams.

Analysis and Expectations:

Dublin enters this quarter-final fixture with an unbeaten record, having won all six of their championship games this year. Their scoring prowess has been exceptional, averaging 2-21 per game, while their defense has remained resolute, conceding only two goals in their opening match against Laois and none since.

Mayo, with three wins and two losses in their campaign so far, will be eager to build on their recent victory against Dublin and carry the momentum into this clash. The scoring contributions of Ryan O’Donoghue, Aidan O’Shea, and Tommy Conroy will be crucial for Mayo’s chances of success.

Starting teams 

Dublin v Mayo starting teams
Dublin v Mayo starting teams

 

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