Home Blog Page 107

Ireland v Italy – Rugby Preview, Team News & Video Comments

The Ireland team to face Italy in Saturday’s opening game of the Bank of Ireland Nations Series at Aviva Stadium (Kick-off 8pm) has been named.

Iain Henderson will captain the side for the second time, having previously led the team against France in February 2021. The Ulster man will win his 73rd Test cap in green, partnering Joe McCarthy in the Ireland second row.

Ryan Baird, Caelan Doris and Jack Conan form an all-Leinster backrow. The starting front row will be David Kilcoyne alongside Ulster duo Rob Herring and Tom O’Toole.

Keith Earls is set to make his 99th appearance for Ireland and starts on the right wing in a back three which includes Jimmy O’Brien and Jacob Stockdale.

Craig Casey will form a Munster half-back partnership with Jack Crowley, with Stuart McCloskey lining up alongside Robbie Henshaw in midfield.

Ciaran Frawley, Calvin Nash and Tom Stewart are in line for their Ireland debuts should they feature from the replacements, and they are named in a bench which includes props Cian Healy and Tadhg Furlong, lock Tadhg Beirne, back-row Cian Prendergast and scrum-half Caolin Blade.

Ticket sales for Saturday’s game have passed the 41,750 mark and are still available from www.irishrugby.ie, with children’s tickets available from €10.

Ticket sales for Saturday’s game have passed the 41,750 mark and are still available from ticketmaster.ie with children’s tickets available from €10.

Ireland Team & Replacements (v Italy, Bank of Ireland Nations Series, Saturday, July 5, 8pm, Aviva Stadium)15: Jimmy O’Brien (Leinster/Naas) (5)
14: Keith Earls (Munster/Young Munster) (98)
13: Robbie Henshaw (Leinster/Buccaneers) (63)
12: Stuart McCloskey (Ulster/Bangor) (12)
11: Jacob Stockdale (Ulster/Lurgan) (35)
10: Jack Crowley (Munster / Cork Constitution) (3)
9: Craig Casey (Munster/Shannon) (10)1: David Kilcoyne (Munster/UL Bohemian) (51)
2: Rob Herring (Ulster/Ballynahinch) (34)
3: Tom O’Toole (Ulster/Ballynahinch) (9)
4: Iain Henderson (Ulster/Academy) (72) CAPTAIN
5: Joe McCarthy (Leinster/Dublin University) (1)
6: Ryan Baird (Leinster/Dublin University) (11)
7: Caelan Doris (Leinster/St. Mary’s College) (28)
8: Jack Conan (Leinster/Old Belvedere) (38)

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Tom Stewart* (Ulster/Ballynahinch) (0)
17: Cian Healy (Leinster/Clontarf) (123)
18: Tadhg Furlong (Leinster/Clontarf) (65)
19: Tadhg Beirne (Munster/Lansdowne) (38)
20: Cian Prendergast (Connacht/UCD) (1)
21: Caolin Blade (Connacht/Galwegians) (1)
22: Ciaran Frawley* (Leinster/UCD) (0)
23: Calvin Nash* (Munster/Young Munster) (0)

*Denotes Uncapped Player

Referee: Mathieu Raynal (FFR), Assistant Referees: Pierre Brousset (FFR), Luc Ramos (FFR), TMO: Eric Gauzins (FFR), TMO Bunker: Stuart Terheege (RFU), 4th Official: Eoghan Cross (IRFU), 5th Official: Robbie Jenkinson (IRFU)

Pin-Up Global – secrets of a successful digital business

PIN-UP Global is an ecosystem of independent companies engaged in the complete life cycle of diverse entertainment products.

The ecosystem is divided into distinct directions based on their respective profiles, including PIN-UP.TECH, PIN-UP.BUSINESS, PIN-UP.TRAFFIC, PIN-UP.CARE, and PIN-UP.TEAM. Thanks to the right prioritization, relocation, diversification, assortment expansion, and proper business organization, Pin-Up Global ecosystem continues to work and develop successfully. In the following article, you can learn more about of the ecosystem’s segment called PIN-UP.TECH: https://geek.justjoin.it/pin-up-tech-our-progressive-team-sets-trends-in-the-it-industry-and-grows-every-day/. Additionally, let’s talk about the secrets of a successful digital business without borders.

What is a structure of Pin-Up Global

PIN-UP Global has chosen an ecosystem strategy that has proven to be far more effective than traditional centrally managed corporation systems. The market is very dynamic and corporations do not keep up with it, as they develop slowly. Plus, every decision requires a lot of approvals and bureaucracy.

Pin-Up Global is a fast-growing business without borders. The ecosystem covers the needs of all locations at the same time, which allows to quickly achieve the desired results. The structure of PIN-UP Global consists of a network of interlinked companies that interact in the process of creating, scaling, and promoting gaming products and services.

The system consists of such segments:

  • PIN-UP.BUSINESS is a direction focused on outsourcing and quality execution of business processes;
  • PIN-UP.TECH is an IT direction that develops software and specializes in technological solutions;
  • PIN-UP.TRAFFIC is a group of companies within the PIN-UP Global ecosystem, providing quality, cost-effective traffic to customers’ products and services in the markets where they are present;
  • PIN-UP.CARE is a segment uniting non-profit organizations declaring the principles of social responsibility in the areas of human rights, labor relations, environmental protection and charitable activities.
  • PIN-UP.TEAM direction was created to focus on taking care of the ecosystem’s specialists. Several programs were implemented for employee adaptation, development, training, and even leisure activities. For an ecosystem’s management, employee well-being is one of the most important principles of the ecosystem’s culture.

All ecosystem members are qualified and experienced professionals who find non-standard solutions for the most complex tasks.

 

Ash Tree Meadow and 17-year-old Danny Gilligan win Galway Plate

Ash Tree Meadow and Danny Gilligan win the 2023 Tote Galway Plate for Alymer Stud and trainer Gordon Elliott.

Ash Tree Meadow (13/2) and Danny Gilligan achieved an all-the-way success in the Grade 3 €270,00 Tote Galway Plate at Ballybrit on Wednesday.

In the colours of Alymer Stud, the Gordon Elliott-trained seven-year-old took up the lead from race start and fought off all challengers to run out an impressive two and a half length winner over Authorized Art (14/1) from the Willie Mullins yard.

The runner-up, owned by Nicholas Peacock and ridden by Danny Mullins, was the main challenger to the eventual winner once all the jumping was completed.

Despite the best efforts of the eight-year-old son of Authorized, Ash Tree Meadow showed great resilience and found more inside the closing furlong to achieve a dream win for 17-year-old local rider Danny Gilligan.

“I don’t know what to say, to be honest,” said the 2023 Tote Galway Plate-winning jockey. “I thought I got it easy enough in front and got him filled up whenever I could. Coming down into the dip I was quite confident he’s get up the hill – I thought I had enough held the whole way round.”

Favourite backers got off to an ideal start on Tote Galway Plate Day when Lán Chinnte held on for The Download The Tote App Handicap over 1 mile 123 yards.

Ridden by Shane Foley, the 5/4 market leader took up the lead entering the Ballybrit straight, only for Malbay Madness to come very late to challenge on the outside under jockey Seán Bowen.

The Jessica Harrington-trained Lán Chinnte, in the colours of Joan Brosnan, held on at the finishing line by a short-head from the Emmet Mullins-handled son of Wings Of Eagles.

Genuine Article, last throughout the course of the race, ran on late in the colours of Juddmonte, to claim third place under seven-pound claimer Conor Stone-Walsh.

Minella Mate and Cheltenham Festival bumper-winning jockey John Gleeson caused a 66/1 upset when winning The Tote.ie Never Beaten By SP (Q.R.) Maiden for owner and trainer John Nallen.

The winner, who only got into the race as a reserve, had a length and three-quarters to spare over the well-bred Joseph O’Brien handled Up And Under.

The Follow @thetotecom Today Handicap saw another big priced winner as 40/1 hope Last Ammo brought Ballybrit success for seven-pound claimer Jack Kearney and trainer Richard O’Brien.

The six-year-old mare A Law Of Her Own (18/1) denied Aurora Princess (11/4f) by a short-head in the Mares’ Handicap Hurdle over 2 miles 110 yards. The Peter Fahey-handled Sam Ewing-ridden winner held off Aurora Princess from the Emmett Mullins yard, in the hands of Donagh Meyler.

Coeur D’Or wins thrilling Colm Quinn BMW Mile Handicap

Coeur D'Or denies No More Porter in the Colm Quinn BMW Mile Handicap at Galway.

Dermot Weld, so often the trainer to follow at Galway Races, won the Colm Quinn BMW Mile Handicap with Coeur D’Or at odds of 14/1.

Ridden by Chris Hayes, the son of Dubawi held off the late fast finishing No More Porter (18/1, jockey Jamie Powell), with Robbie Colgan on Dunum a further three-quarters of a length back in third.

The win was the first part of a double for Weld and Hayes, who took the Caulfield Industrial Irish EBF Maiden with the Moyglare Stud Farm-owned Livio Milo (5/2).

Willie Mullins, who achieved an opening night double on Monday, matched the achievement this evening when taking the opening two races on the card.

The least fancied of the Mullins runners in the betting market, Arctic Fly (12/1), won the Colm Quinn BMW Novice Hurdle for rider Seán O’Keeffe, while the 1/4f Sharjah, a six-time Grade 1-winning hurdler, made a successful chasing debut – at the age of 10 – in the Latin Quarter Beginners Chase under Paul Townend.

The good form of trainer Paddy Twomey and rider Billy Lee continued, thanks to Purple Lily (5/2f) in the Colm Quinn BMW Irish EBF (Fillies) Maiden.

The caulfieldindustrial.com Handicap went the way of the Andrew Slattery-trained 7/2f Bells On Her Toes, while the Tuesday finale was won by the Make Believe gelding Complete Fiction (4/1jf) for Jarlath Fahy and Colin Keane.

Teed Up wins Connacht Hotel Handicap at Galway

Teed Up and Raymond Barron win Connacht Hotel Handicap at Galway.

Teed Up won the opening night feature at Galway, the Connacht Hotel Handicap, in the hands of jockey Ray Barron.

The 7/2 race favourite, trained by Emmet Mullins, had a half length to spare at the finishing line from The Very Man in the two-mile one furlong contest.

The six-year-old winner, a recent Tramore runner-up, was another big winner on the CV of former rider, Emmet Mullins, who trained Noble Yeats to win the 2022 Aintree Grand National.

Gordon Elliott’s Shajak was third in Monday’s highlight, a half-length behind the runner-up The Very Man, with HMS Seahorse next home in fourth.

Top owner JP McManus had an opening evening double courtesy of Mystical Power (7/4f, jockey Mark Walsh) in the first race, the Galwaybayhotel.com&Galmont.com Novice Hurdle, and Neveradullmoment (4/1f, jockey Danny Gilligan) in the EasyFix Handicap Hurdle.

The former, a four-year-old gelded son of Galileo out of former top mare, Annie Power, was also the first leg of a double for trainer Willie Mullins, who later won the bumper with My Great Mate (9/2, Patrick Mullins).

Mythology (7/4f), second to the impressive Henry Longfellow at The Curragh on his most recent start, got on the board for Joseph O’Brien and Donegal rider Dylan Browne McMonagle.

The 8/1 shot Rio Largo was successful for breeder/trainer Luke Comer in the Claytonhotelgalway.ie Handicap over seven furlongs, in the hands of Declan McDonagh, while Youcrackmeup (16/1) gave handler Jessica Harrington and jockey Shane Foley a winner on the first night of the festival.

Will Ireland end their Rugby World Cup hoodoo?

The tenth Rugby World Cup is less than 50 days away as France prepares to host the sport’s premier international competition for the second time.

The hosts will have high hopes of claiming their inaugural World Cup victory on home soil but their Six Nations counterparts from the Emerald Isle have similarly lofty ambitions. Andy Farrell’s squad will enter the tournament as Grand Slam champions for the first time but perhaps more significantly, as world number one.

The Irish camp is in great shape, however, there is an ominous air of caution surrounding their chances. It is one of rugby’s most famous hoodoos; despite countless titles, grand slams, famous victories and world class talent, World Cup success has eluded the men in green since the tournament’s inception in 1987 as no Irish side has managed to reach the World Cup semi-final stage. Much like the All-Blacks pre-2011, Ireland have earned the unwanted reputation title of ‘choke artists’ when it comes to rugby’s grandest stage.

Even with the golden generation currently plying their craft at the Aviva Stadium, many will be left wondering whether this will finally be the year Ireland break the rut, or whether Irish pain is destined to go on. Here’s our look at whether the Irish can finally put an end to their World Cup sorrow.

 

Irish Rugby has never been stronger

 

Previous World Cup performances might serve as a bad omen for some, but to be clear, if it weren’t for such a disastrous record in previous editions, few would have any argument that Ireland are in pole position to win it all.

A legendary summer tour of New Zealand was backed up with another impressive autumn series in 2022, but it was in the early months of 2023 where the culmination of Farrell’s hard work at the helm has really been shown to pay off. The 2023 Guinness Six Nations ticked all the boxes for the Englishman’s squad, as his side looked near invincible when playing their best.

It came as no surprise that ten Irishmen made the team of the tournament when in all honesty they could have filled all 15 slots and nobody would’ve blinked an eye. The experienced heads of Peter O’Mahony and Josh Van Der Flier combined with the youthful exuberance of Caelan Doris in the backrow to snuff out any danger in defence and exploit any opportunity in attack.

Meanwhile the talismanic Johnny Sexton came to the fore once again and backed by the world class talents of James Lowe, Mack Hansen and Hugo Keenan in the back three, Ireland’s backline ran roughshod on opposition defences. It was as complete a championship performance as you could possibly hope for and at no stage did anyone look to have the better of an Ireland side that has become so accustomed to imposing their will on others.

Similar to the aura of the New Zealand side that sealed back-to-back World Cup wins in 2011 and 2015, they’re a genuinely frightening prospect for opponents to contend with. They pose the greatest threat to any other team’s chances of lifting the Webb Ellis Trophy aloft in October and that is the ideal scenario heading into this era-defining World Cup campaign.

They will justifiably enter the tournament as one of the favourites and those wanting to bet on Ireland at the World Cup can do so by comparing top betting offers.

 

 

 

 

Route to the final littered with roadblocks

 

Nowhere is Ireland’s strength more evident than the team’s focus on their ultimate goal. Even as players, coaches and staff were popping champagne corks to salute another famous Grand Slam in Dublin, there was still a lingering sense of restraint in the celebration with eyes looking towards the possibility of something brighter looming over the horizon. This is perhaps born from their acknowledgement of the difficult path that lies ahead. Winning the World Cup is never easy, only four countries have managed the feat after all, but this tournament may stand out more so than most. For one thing the Sexton saga following the mercurial fly-half’s altercation with referee Jaco Peyper after Leinster’s Champions Cup Final defeat to La Rochelle has been an unnecessary stress for a side that was looking settled heading into the final stages of its preparation. Thankfully for Farrell they won’t need to worry about finding a replacement for the number 10 just yet after his citing hearing decision means the 38-year-old won’t miss the World Cup and finish his legendary career sitting in the crowd as a glorified fan. While many will still have mild concerns over the injury-prone Sexton and critics will be lining up to lay their ‘Ireland’s over-reliance on Sexton’ grievances bare, the draw itself will be the primary concern for most Irish fans. Courtesy of World Rugby’s bizarre Rugby World Cup schedule, the tournament draw was conducted only a year after the last World Cup in Japan. The impact being that seedings were decided on the world rankings as they were at the start of 2020 that have drastically fluctuated since. As a result the competition has been left significantly lopsided, with one side of the tournament now stacked with teams from the top eight ranked nations. The fallout means that Ireland’s group features South Africa and Scotland, both of whom are in the top five teams in the world along with themselves. Furthermore, should Ireland qualify from the group stage, the chances of yet another last eight exit are significantly higher than usual as either World Cup masters New Zealand or the imposing hosts France await them. Simply put, if Ireland ended up lifting the World Cup on October 28th, they would have done it the hard way.

 

Will Ireland break the curse?

 

Ireland’s players don’t have any previous positive World Cup experience to draw on, no member of the squad has been to a World Cup semi-final before and no Irishman among them knows what a successful Irish World Cup campaign feels like. If there was ever a time where all that felt completely irrelevant, it is now. This side is a once-in-a-lifetime outfit, capable of some special feats on a rugby pitch. While It will be a titanic tussle whoever they face in the quarters, Ireland will be favourites to propel themselves all the way to the final for the first time. There is no more ground to make up, their preparation has been immaculate and not even the jitters of a hoodoo could stop this side in its tracks. Only Fabien Galthie’s Les Bleus stand a real chance of halting the green machine with home-field advantage on their side but with the mental hurdle of three previous silver-medals and the pressure of an expectant home crowd, the luck of the Irish looks like it might finally come good.

Joyce and Shefflin set to manage Galway teams in 2024

Galway's Cillian McDaid kicks a first half point in a man of the match display against Armagh. Photo credit: Shane Tighe

Galway Senior Football and Hurling Managers to Continue in Their Roles

Galway GAA has announced that Padraig Joyce, the Senior Football Manager, and Henry Shefflin, the Senior Hurling Manager, will retain their positions for the upcoming season.

Joyce Completes Year One of Three-Year Term, Shefflin to Extend His Tenure

Joyce has successfully completed the first year of his three-year term, which was agreed upon in 2022. On the other hand, Shefflin has completed two years of his three-year agreement. Interestingly, there are indications that Shefflin might extend his time as Galway’s Hurling Manager beyond the remaining year in his contract.

Evaluation of Backroom Teams

During this period, both Managers will be assessing and potentially reshaping their respective backroom teams.

Opportunity for New Managers in U17 and U20 Hurling & Football

Galway GAA is now accepting nominations and expressions of interest for the Galway Managers’ positions in U17 Hurling & Football and U20 Hurling & Football.

Deadline for Nominations

The deadline for submitting nominations is Friday, August 11th, at 5pm. County Board is actively involved in identifying potential candidates for these managerial roles.

Shane Breen and Haya win QEII Cup at Hickstead

Shane Breen riding Haya in The Queen Elizabeth II Cup at The Longines Royal International Horse Show, Hickstead. Credit: Elli Birch/Bootsandhooves.

Tipperary’s Shane Breen and the 11-year-old mare Haya won the Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Hickstead for the second year in a row.

Eight combinations out of the 28 starters jumped clear in the first round.

It wasn’t until the final three riders – all former winners of the Queen’s Cup – that the jump-off really took off. Two-time winner Ireland’s David Simpson came in on new ride Flashback VL and shaved more than 2 seconds off Sammie-Jo Coffin’s leading time.

Shane Breen and Haya went clear in 37.42secs with only Harriet Biddick, a winner of the class in 2017 on Galway Bay Jed left to jump with Night of Glory OL.

Despite their best effort, crossing the line clear in 38.49 seconds, they were forced to concede the win to Breen and Haya.

It was a fourth success in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup for Breen, having claimed the prize in 2008, 2013, 2022 and now 2023. He just one win short of the late Liz Edgar’s record of five wins in total.

Paying tribute to his willing partner, Haya, Hickstead-based Shane Breen said:

“This one’s maybe better, because it’s Haya’s second time winning. I thought it’d be nice if she could do the double, and that’s why I chose to keep her for this class. I have a great respect for her – she’s such a nice mare, in every way. She’s so careful, and just an incredible horse to have.”

Cian Crampton wins discus bronze at European Youth Olympics

Cian Crampton celebrates after winning bronze in the boys discus throw at the 2023 Summer European Youth Olympic Festiva in Maribor, Slovenia. Credit: Tyler Miller/Sportsfile. Image provided by the Olympic Federation of Ireland.

Cian Crampton threw a personal best of 59.32m to win a bronze medal for Team Ireland in the Boy’s Discus on the final day of competition at the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) in Maribor.

In the qualifiers last Thursday, Edenderry’s Crampton threw a personal best on his first throw, achieving automatic qualification for the final.

His first throw in Saturday’s final was another personal best of 58.32m. This placed him in second place in the opening round of six throws. Over the following rounds, the Hungarian, Zsombor Dobo pushed him to third, and with two throws to go, Crampton dropped to fourth place, following a huge performance from David Jarolimek (CZE).

On his fifth throw, the Irish thrower moved back into the medal positions, throwing a metre further than his previous best, with 59.32m.

His final effort was disqualified, but he had done enough to secure the bronze medal, with France’s Samuel Conjungo-Taumhas taking gold.

Crampton said of the competition:

“I knew I had to go for it if I wanted anything, and I did, and I got the result I wanted. The last one that hit the cage I knew it would have gone out further, I could feel it, but it’s in the cage now anyway.”

Discussing his medal success, the second Ireland won at this edition of the EYOF, the Offaly native admitted:

“I’m ecstatic, to say the least. I knew I could do it all along, but going out and doing it is the hardest thing. I have seen in training that I can do those numbers and being able to do it in a competition is something else. To be able to do it for the whole Irish team and everyone else is just amazing.”

“I knew I had to do something to get it. I told my mother a few weeks ago that I would get a medal for her, and now I have, and I’ve made her very proud I think.”

Since 1991 Team Ireland has won 72 medals at the EYOF.

The next edition of the EYOF will be in Skopje, North Macedonia, in the summer of 2025.

13th National title for Sarah Lavin

Sarah Lavin of Emerald AC, Limerick, crosses the line to win women's 100m hurdles at the 123.ie National Senior Outdoor Championships at Morton Stadium in Dublin. Credit: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile. Image provided by Athletics Ireland.

Emerald AC’c Sarah Lavin won her 13th national senior title on day 1 of the 123.ie National Track and Field Championships at a windswept Morton Stadium on Saturday.

The 2023 European Games bronze medallist showed all her class to take her 8th outdoor 100m hurdles title in a time of 13.13 seconds.

Lavin was followed across the line by Kate O’Connor (Dundalk St. Gerards AC) in 14.14, and Lilly-Ann O’Hora (Dooneen AC) who took bronze in 14.29.

Titles for Ezeonu and Smyth

The men’s 110m hurdles saw a new name make his mark on the event with James Ezeonu (Leevale AC) coming out on top in a stride for stride finish with Gerard O’Donnell (Carrick-on—Shannon AC). The Leevale athlete made a winning dip for the line to cross in 14.28 ahead of O’Donnell in 14.29.

Mark Smyth (Raheny Shamrock AC) retained his 200m title in 20.87 performance. The Irish indoor 200m record holder stretched away from Colin Doyle (Leevale) who backed up his recent European U23 performances to claim silver in 21.17. Andrew Egan (Galway City Harriers AC) picked up the bronze in 21.51.

Wins for Bergin, Finn and Tuthill

Moyne AC’s Katie Bergin continued her excellent season in the women’s final, following up her recent U23 gold in the 100m to claim the senior 200m crown in 24.60. Bergin was chased home by Laura Nally (Galway City Harriers AC) 25.18 and Janine Boyle (Finn Valley AC) 25.21.

The women’s 3000m steeplechase saw Michelle Finn secure her 9th national steeplechase title in a solo run. The Leevale athlete won in 10.00.14.

The women’s hammer saw UCD’s Nicola Tuthill produce another brilliant performance, claiming gold with a best throw of 67.67m which was just 18 centimetres off her own Irish U23 record. Margaret Hayden (Tallaght AC) 61.63m and Adrienne Gallen (Lifford Strabane AC) 56.05m joined Tuthill on today’s podium.

More winners

Seán Mockler (Moycarkey Coolcroo AC) won the men’s hammer throw with a best of 64.49m.

National record holder Eric Favors (Raheny Shamrock, regained the shot put title he won in 2019 in style, posting a championship record of 19.19m.

Saragh Buggy’s 8th straight outdoor triple jump title continued a remarkable year-on-year consistency of performance from the St Abban’s athlete, adding to her medal haul with her best and final jump of 13.03m.

In the women’s high jump, Sommer Lecky of Finn Valley claimed the gold medal with a best clearance of 1.80m. David Cussen (Old Abbey AC) won the men’s title with a jump of 2.15m.

The 4x100m relays saw Dundrum South Dublin AC claim gold in the women’s race (50.65), with Tallaght AC successful in the men’s in a time of 41.81.

1...106107108...581Page 107 of 581

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

ABOUT US

SportsNewsIreland is an Irish website launched in 2009 to offer sports fans in Ireland an alternative and independent source to keep them up to date with all the news from around the country. Every week we bring you live score updates from all levels of GAA, rugby, soccer, racing and athletics. Contact

Contact us: Email: info@sportsnewsireland.com

FOLLOW US

Design by SportsMediaIreland.ie