When it comes to outdoor pools, Ireland or the UK might not be the first place that comes to mind.
However, as the summers get warmer and the desire for luxurious home features grows, the idea of building an outdoor pool in Ireland and the UK has gained traction – in other words, it has become more popular than ever! But is it really worth it? Let’s delve into the considerations you should keep in mind before taking the plunge into pool construction.
• Climate considerations
The Irish and British weather is notoriously unpredictable, with rain and cloudy skies being frequent companions. This poses a significant challenge for maintaining an outdoor pool. Summers can be delightful, but they are relatively short-lived, which means the pool might not see much use throughout the year. Additionally, the cost of heating an outdoor pool, especially in Irelands and the UKs cooler months, can be substantial. Fortunately, you can always use a wetsuit for swimming to stave off the cold, so that is an option.
• Usage frequency and seasonality
The usage of an outdoor pool in Ireland or the UK largely depends on personal preferences and location. If you’re in a region that experiences milder winters, you might be able to extend the swimming season. However, realistically, the pool’s prime usage time will be limited to a few months during summer. It could potentially make the investment less worthwhile if you’re looking for a year-round amenity.
• Maintenance and upkeep
Outdoor pools require regular maintenance to keep them clean and safe for use. The maintenance can be more intensive in Ireland or the UK, where leaves, debris, and rainwater are constant companions. You’ll need to invest in a robust cleaning and filtration system to ensure the water remains inviting. You should also factor in the cost of chemicals, equipment, and hiring professionals for upkeep.
• The financial investment
Everyone already knows that building an outdoor pool is a significant financial undertaking. From the construction itself to landscaping, decking, and additional features like lighting or pool houses, the costs can quickly add up. You’ll also need to consider the potential impact on your property’s value. While a well-maintained pool could increase your home’s appeal to buyers, it might not necessarily translate to a one-to-one increase in value.
• Lifestyle and aesthetics
An outdoor pool can undoubtedly elevate your lifestyle and offer a stunning aesthetic to your property. It can be a focal point for entertaining and relaxation, creating a resort-like ambience. The investment might align with your lifestyle goals if you envision poolside gatherings, lazy summer afternoons, and picturesque views.
• Alternative options
If you’re drawn to the idea of having a water feature on your property but have reservations about building a full outdoor pool, there are alternatives to consider. For instance, hot tubs, smaller plunge pools, or even natural swimming ponds are options that offer water-related enjoyment without the same level of investment and maintenance.
• Regulations and permits
Before you start digging, be sure to research local regulations and obtain any necessary permits. Building an outdoor pool could be subject to zoning laws, safety requirements, and environmental considerations. Failing to comply with these could result in costly legal issues down the line.
The decision to build an outdoor pool in Ireland or the UK is not one to be taken lightly. If you’re prepared for the costs, maintenance, and limited usage, and if the lifestyle benefits align with your vision, then building an outdoor pool could be a rewarding investment.
Mixed martial arts have rapidly ascended to become one of the globe’s predominant sports. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the premier MMA organisation, has hosted all the notable MMA fighters at some point in their careers. The following enumerates some of the remarkable achievements recorded within the UFC’s history.
If you want to learn more about the latest in the UFC, make sure to follow the official UFC Social Media accounts. You can also find a comprehensive list of UFC Champions and Hall of Fame inductees on the official website.
5 Most Impressive UFC Records
Here is a list of the top 5 UFC records that no one will soon forget.
Most finishes (Charles Oliveira)
In the world of mixed martial arts, a “finish” signifies a victory achieved prior to the expiration of the allotted fight time. This victory can be attained either through submission or strikes, typically knockouts. Charles Oliveira, a native Brazilian and reigning UFC Lightweight Champion, tops the list with the highest number of finishes in the UFC’s storied history. Oliveira clinched his record 17th finish when he triumphed over Michael Chandler to win the Lightweight belt, a record he later enhanced to 18 after his fight against Poirier. Furthermore, Oliveira maintains a UFC record for the most submission victories, with a tally of 15.
Highest win percentage (Khabib Nurmagomedov)
Not all fighters maintain an untarnished win record after a solitary bout and subsequently decide to hang up their gloves for good. Those are not the fighters in question here. The record we’re discussing pertains to the highest win percentage sustained over a considerable number of fights.
The record-holder, Khabib Nurmagomedov, boasts an immaculate win percentage of 100% over an impressive 29-fight streak. Having chosen to retire when he was just 31, after his triumph over Justin Gaethje, one can’t help but wonder the heights he could have reached had he chosen to prolong his career.
Most takedowns in a single bout (Khabib Nurmagomedov)
A “takedown” in mixed martial arts refers to the action of bringing an adversary to the ground from a standing position, a strategic move intended to facilitate a submission. Undefeated MMA titan, Khabib Nurmagomedov, was renowned for his exceptional grappling skills, and he has bested numerous formidable opponents, including the prominent Conor McGregor.
Recognised as the greatest lightweight in the history of the sport, Khabib achieved an incredible feat by executing 21 takedowns within a single fight. Sean Sherk, another remarkable fighter, managed to successfully perform 16 takedowns in a single match, but these numbers pale when compared to the unparalleled prowess demonstrated by Khabib.
Most wins by split decision (Gleison Tibau)
A split decision victory in MMA is when the verdict of two judges favours one fighter, whereas the third judge sides with the opponent. Such decisions are few and far between, given that the majority of fights culminate in knockouts, submissions, or unanimous decisions.
Hailing from Brazil, Gleison Tibau is a notable competitor in the Lightweight class who holds the distinctive record for the most victories by split decision, amounting to five in total. With an awe-inspiring total of 50 fights to his credit, Tibau’s career shows no signs of slowing down.
Most bouts in the Heavyweight division (Andrei Arlovski)
The Heavyweight division in the UFC, where the most colossal fighters clash, is notorious for its intense, often punishing bouts. The physically demanding nature of these fights typically results in shorter career spans for heavyweights. On average, most Heavyweight UFC fighters experience between 10 and 15 bouts in their career.
However, Andrei Arlovski, a pugilist of Belarusian-American heritage, defies these averages. Arlovski holds the record for the highest number of bouts in the heavyweight division, having stepped into the UFC octagon a remarkable 55 times. His illustrious career includes a stint as the Heavyweight Champion, and impressively, he continues to compete to this day.
Most total fight time (Frankie Edgar)
It’s worth noting that the career of a typical UFC fighter doesn’t ordinarily comprise a large number of bouts. The standing record for the most bouts within a single calendar year is capped at five – a tally regarded as rather excessive for any combatant. The illustrious Frankie Edgar, a past UFC Lightweight Champion now actively participating in the Bantamweight division, defies this norm.
Remarkably, Edgar holds the record for the greatest cumulative fight time, an astounding achievement of 7 hours, 40 minutes, and 51 seconds of intense combat.
Conclusion
The UFC, a paragon of mixed martial arts, boasts a rich history punctuated by exceptional athletes, record-breaking performances, and unforgettable fights. Amidst the dynamic, high-stakes world of the UFC, these astounding records stand as a testament to the prowess, determination, and longevity of its fighters.
These feats, from the highest number of finishes to the most bouts in the heavyweight division, encapsulate the spirit of this sport – a relentless pursuit of victory, no matter the cost. As we continue to watch the UFC, we await the next record-breaking performance that will further define the legacy of this organisation.
With advancements in digital technology, many people are hopping on the bandwagon of online entertainment. From streaming to multiplayer online games, the topic of this article, online gambling, the online entertainment industry is developing rapidly.
Online gambling, significantly, is growing in popularity. In the USA, only six states have fully legalized online casinos. However, experts predict that online gambling websites will be legal on the federal level.
In anticipation of this, we would like to review some of the best online gambling sites and rank them in order. Without further ado, let us look at the ranking of the best online casinos in the current market.
Betway
The first website we are taking a look at is Betway. The company was founded in 2006 and has offices in Europe and Africa. Like most online casinos in 2023, Betway functions as both an online sportsbook and a casino.
The legitimacy of the company is not in question. Various organizations have licensed them and partnered with notable sports leagues, such as the South African Twenty20 Cricket League, the United States National Hockey League, and one of England’s most notable soccer clubs, West Ham United.
In 2015, Betway was also behind the record-breaking jackpot win, where a player won over 17 million Euros. The Guinness World Records Committee officially verified the record. It has been surpassed several times, most recently in 2019.
Betway is also consistently at the forefront of industry reforms. They are primarily responsible for the safety regulations and growing success ofonline gambling sites today. Betway’s casino is available to US players from New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and its sportsbook is available throughout the US.
Bovada
Next on the list is Bovada. Casino fans will be happy to learn that Bovada’s casino is famous for its quick payouts. The speed of the payouts depends on several factors. However, the quickest ones are done through cryptocurrency and usually will be done in less than an hour.
But what games can you play at the Bovada casino? Well, they have everything. Slots, video poker, blackjack, baccarat, and roulette are all available at one of thebest sites in 2023. There are hundreds of slots to choose from, meaning you will never get bored.
If you want to try sports betting, Bovada also has you covered. They offer odds for all four of America’s Major League sports. They also cover Major League Soccer, UFC, and boxing matches. Any sport you can think of, Bovada probably has odds for it. You can even place wagers on the WWE.
BetUS
BetUS is a gambling website tailor-made for fans of horse racing and casinos. Their racebook is one of the most popular ones on the market. They cover some of the world’s most incredible horse racing competitions and let fans place bets through various methods.
In 2023, one of the most popular deposit options is cryptocurrency. However, asany crypto trader should know, the market is incredibly volatile. We recommend you only use Bitcoin to gamble/bet if you have prior knowledge about trading or the industry.
In terms of the casino, BetUS’ gaming library is quite varied. Slots, video poker, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps, and poker proper are all available on the website. Not only that, but some of these games are even available as a live casino option. Players can interact directly with the dealer in real time via text or voice chat.
Red Dog Casino
The Red Dog casino is a rising star in the online gambling industry. Available on any mobile device, from bothApple and Android, the Red Dog Casino comes with various games, such as slots, blackjack, roulette, and poker.
The thing that makes online gambling websites popular is the bonus offers and promotions. And boy, does Red Dog deliver. They offer an $ 8,000 Welcome Bonus for any new player wanting to try out one of their 200+ games.
The minimum deposit at Red Dog casino is $10, making it an excellent choice for high-stake rollers and newbie gamblers. If you want to spend some time playing fun slots, roulette, or test your poker skills, give Red Dog a chance.
FAQ
Why is online gambling on the rise?
One of the main reasons behind the success of online gambling has to do with advancements made in digital technology. We can now create better and more exciting games, which makes more people interested in the final product.
Can I wager on sports at online gambling websites?
Absolutely. Most online casinos double as sportsbooks. In fact, sports betting online is a lot more popular in the USA than online casinos, as it is legal in more states.
Is it possible to gamble from my phone?
Yes. Many casinos nowadays are compatible with mobile devices, as mobile gambling is on the rise.
Can I wager using cryptocurrency?
Absolutely. Crypto deposits and withdrawals are widespread on online gambling websites.
Video Highlights – Ireland had their biggest winning margin ever at a Rugby World Cup when they beat Romania 82-8
Ireland scored twelve tries, including a pair from Jonathan Sexton to bring his points tally on the day to a personal record of 24 in one game, to beat Romania by 82-8.
Peter O’Mahony, Bundee Aki and Tadhg Beirne also scored twice each to add to tries from Rob Herring, Hugo Keenan, Jamision Gibson Park and Joe McCarthy.
Take a look at the Rugby World Cup highlights from the Pool B clash in Bordeaux.
Auguste Rodin and Ryan Moore win the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.
Auguste Rodin got back to winning ways at Leopardstown on Saturday as he took out the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes.
The winner of the Epsom Derby and the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh earlier this year, Auguste Rodin has disappointed hugely on two occasions, namely the QIPCO 2000 Guineas at Newmarket and the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.
This afternoon, however, the son of Deep Impact showed his battling qualities as he held off the challenge of his stable companion, and last year’s winner of the race, Luxembourg (Séamie Heffernan), by a half-length. Hollie Doyle aboard Nashwa was a short-head further back in third for John and Thady Gosden.
The three Ballydoyle runners, Luxembourg, Point Lonsdale (eventual 6th), and Auguste Rodin cut out the running in that order.
Ryan Moore and Auguste Rodin made their challenge on the outside of Luxembourg and Heffernan and fought off his stable companion’s challenge to claim a fourth career Group 1 success.
🗣 “It’s very satisfying to come back and prove how good he is.”
The winning trainer, Aidan O’Brien, for whom it was a 12th Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes win, said of the winner:
“A couple of times this year it all went totally wrong. All the ducks went against him. Usually you want them all to go with you but they all went against him. Ryan (Moore, the winning rider), before it went completely wrong in Ascot, he took him out of the race so he did no mental or physical damage to him. That’s why he came out of the race so well.”
Tahiyra and winning connections after taking the Group 1 Coolmore America 'Justify' Matron Stakes. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.
Tahiyra (5/6f) won the Coolmore America ‘Justify’ Matron Stakes at Leopardstown this afternoon.
The Dermot Weld-trained filly claimed the first Group 1 of the Irish Champions Festival which takes places today at Leopardstown and on Sunday at The Curragh.
Ridden by Chris Hayes, the Aga Khan-bred and owned three-year-old was a length and a quarter winner over surprise England-trained runner-up Rogue Millennium, ridden by Danny Tudhope for trainer Tom Clover, as she notched up her fourth Group 1 victory.
The Paddy Twomey-handled, Billy Lee-ridden Just Beautiful came home in third place, a further half-length back.
Tahiyra was runner-up in the QIPCO 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, before winning Group 1s at The Curragh (Tattersalls Irish 1000 Guineas) and Ascot (Coronation Stakes).
“I didn’t want to get caught down the fence,” winning rider Chris Hayes after the win. “I just angled out behind Colin (Keane on Zarinsk). We were only out and I thought, ‘Oh God, I’m gonna get here an hour too soon.’”
France played host to the 2007 tournament but as usual there was some politics involved and the Millennium stadium in Cardiff was awarded three pool games and a quarter-final. While Scotland would host two of their pool games at Murrayfield. Ireland were also given the option of hosting pool matches in advance of the tournament, but declined the offer as Lansdowne rd was under redevelopment at the time.
The tournament ran for 44 days between 7th September and 20th October, Eddie O’Sullivan’s Irish side however, crashed out before September was over. It was a massively anti-climatic end to a tournament that promised so much for Ireland’s golden generation of players.
In the 2007 Six Nations campaign prior to the World Cup the low point and the highlight for Ireland both came in home games at Croke Park. In the former, Vincent Clerc’s last minute try consigned them to a sickening 17-20 defeat to France. While in the latter, 83,000 witnessed a sensational 43-13 win over England. Away wins over Wales, Scotland and Italy saw Ireland secure their third triple crown in four years and just miss out on the championship on points difference to France.
Ireland prepared for the tournament with a training camp in Spala, Poland. It’s Cryotherapy centre and ice baths according to coach Eddie O’Sullivan “allows the players to train harder and, more importantly, recover more quickly from their physical exertion.” The benefits, it would transpire later, would catch up with the team in the long run.
The warm-up games saw a 31-21 defeat to Scotland at Murrayfield, a dubious Ronan O’Gara try in the 9th minute of injury time saw them avoid defeat against Italy in Belfast (23-20) and a the infamous battle of Bayonne saw them almost lose captain Brian O’Driscoll after being blindsided by second row Mikaera Tewhata. (https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2007/0816/221635-ireland1/)
Ireland, it was acknowledged, were in a tricky pool. Pool D was give the group of death tag, as it contained 3 of the top 6 IRB ranked teams going into the tournament. France (3rd), Ireland (5th) and Argentina (6th) ensured there would be one high profile casualty at the group stage. While Georgia (17th) and Namibia(24th) were expected to make up the numbers.
9th September 2007: Ireland 32 Namibia 17
There was no hint of what was to come in the opening half as Ireland started well in Stade Chaban-Delmas, Bordeaux. O’Driscoll chipped over the Namibian defence to score the games opening try after just 5 minutes. A second try followed on 18 minutes after a Ronan O’Gara cross-field kick was by Andrew Trimble and after powerful break from Denis Leamy the ball was recycled to Simon Easterby who added a third Irish try before the break. Eight minutes after the restart Ireland were awarded a penalty try and O’Gara’s easy conversion gave Ireland a 27-3 lead.
Shortly before the hour mark the Namibian’s got a foothold with a try from Jacques Nieuwenhuis and within two minutes they went over again, this time centre Piet van Zyl hacked on a kick over the top from flyhalf Henini Bock and gathered to score. The conversion closed the gap to 10 points. Ireland had went from being dominant to looking like a boxer on the ropes within the space of a few minutes. The Namibians kept coming and the Irish had to put their bodies on the line to repel them. A contentious Jerry Flannery try against the run on play with four minutes to go put a gloss on the scoreline that Ireland scarcely deserved.
15th September 2007: Ireland 14 Georgia 10
Ireland were back in action in Stade Chaban-Delmas six days later. If the last twenty minutes of the Namibian game was a warning on tiredness within the squad, then it certainly went unheeded by the management. Ireland were to get an almighty scare against the Georgians. Eddie O’Sullivan made only one change from the side that started against Namibia. Fit again Shane Horgan replaced Andrew Trimble on the wing.
After 17minutes Rory Best found a way through the resolute Georgian defence for the games first score and O’Gara converted to give Ireland a seven point lead. However, they never built on the score and the floodgates failed to open after that as Ireland were dragged into a war of attrition. Referee Wayne Barnes sent David Wallace to the bin and Kvirikashvilli kicked the resulting penalty to leave the scoreboard reading 7-3 at the break.
Ireland came out with renewed purpose in the second half and started to push the tempo. But a shock was on the card when against the run of play Georgian winger Giorgi Shinkin intercepted a Peter Stringer pass to race in from 70 yards out. After the conversion Georgia were 10-7 ahead. Normal service seemed to be resumed on 53 minute when slick wing play from O’Driscoll and replacement hooker Jerry Flannery sent fullback Girvan Dempsey over in the corner.
Ronan O’Gara’s tricky conversion was to later prove crucial as it pushed the opposition out of penalty or drop goal range. The Georgians went on to dominate both territory and possession for the final twenty minutes of the game as they went in search of a try that would give them their first ever World Cup win. Irish player later spoke of feeling as if they were playing with lead in their legs during that final quarter.
Ireland were in full crisis mode as the repelled wave after wave of Georgia attack, on 78 minutes Denis Leamy prevented a certain try by getting his body under the ball as Georgia looked to have forced their way over. There was relief for all in green when the Argentina TMO returned the verdict of ‘held up’.
21st September 2007: France 25 Ireland 3
Once again there was a six day turnaround for the Irish. The venue this time was Stade de France to face the hosts. A 12-17 defeat to Argentina for the French in their opening gamemade it a must win game for Bernard Laporte’s side. Another defeat would see them become the first hosts to fail to qualify from their pool, so in Irish minds all the pressure was on France.
Once again O’Sullivan sent the same forward pack into battle for their third game in 12 days. Two changes in back division saw Peter Stringer dropped for Eoin Reddan and Andrew Trimble replace Denis Hickie on the left wing.
Ireland started well and threatened the French line on a couple of occasions within the opening twenty minutes. However, they were soon outclassed as France aggressively tore into O’Sullivan’s side. Four penalties from Jean-Baptise Elissalde to a solitary O’Gara drop goal saw the French go in at the break 12-3. Ireland were even flatter in the second half as Elissalde added another penalty and his Toulouse teammate Vincent Clerc scored a brace of tries. The defeat left Ireland on the bring of their first pool stage exit.
30th September 2007: Ireland 15 Argentina 30
The fact that Ireland failed to get a bonus point in their match against Georgia meant that even a win against Argentina wouldn’t ensure a quarter-final spot. Indeed it was a very tall order for O’Sullivan’s side as they needed a bonus point win while denying the Argentines a losing bonus and a thirty point margin of victory in order to progress.
Ireland started the opening half full of ambition and intent. They turned down a couple of kickable penalties and opted to go to the corner instead, but the try they were searching for never came. Instead it was the Argentines who were first to breach the whitewash. Scrum-half and captain Agustin Pichot sent winger Lucas Borges in for the games opening score. Argentina stretched their lead thanks to a Juan Martín Hernández drop goal before Brian O’Driscoll gave Ireland hope with a 32nd minute try. Ronan O’Gara’s conversion put Ireland 10-8 ahead. That hope however was quickly extinguished when another Hernández drop-goal and a try from Horacio Agulla sent Argentina in at the break 18-10 ahead.
A Filipe Contepomi penalty after the restart increased the lead, before the gap was narrowed to 6 points by a Geordan Murphy try on 47 minutes. That was as close as Ireland would get as two more Contepomi penalties and a third drop-goal of the game for Hernández sent Ireland crashing out.
What happened after that?
Ireland’s golden generation went crashing out, Argentina topped the pool and went on to beat Scotland in the quarters 19-13, before being crushed 37-13 by winners South Africa in the semi-finals. For runners-up France second place in the pool meant that the hosts had to travel to Cardiff to face the All-Blacks. In a phenomenal second-half performance the French edged it 20-18 despite trailing by thirteen points at one stage in the first half. They returned as heroes to Paris for the semi-final, which in typically mercurial French fashion they promptly lost to England.
Eddie O’Sullivan and his coaching team came in for much criticism on their return home and a 4th place finish after defeats to England, France and Wales in the 2008 Six Nations sealed his fate. He was replaced as Ireland coach by fellow Corkonian Declan Kidney.
Irish World Cup Squad 2007
Forwards: Neil Best, Rory Best, Simon Best, Simon Easterby, Stephen Ferris, Jerry Flannery, John Hayes, Marcus Horan, Denis Leamy, Donncha O’Callaghan, Paul O’Connell, Malcolm O’Kelly, Alan Quinlan, Frankie Sheahan, David Wallace, Bryan Young.
Backs: Isaac Boss, Brian Carney, Gordon D’Arcy, Girvan Dempsey, Gavin Duffy, Denis Hickie, Shane Horgan, Geordan Murphy, Brian O’Driscoll (captain), Ronan O’Gara, Eoin Reddan, Peter Stringer, Andrew Trimble, Paddy Wallace.
1995 was when Rugby went global. The tournament was always going to be played out with the spotlight of the International media on it due to President Nelson Mandela bringing the apartheid era to an end and along with it South Africa’s sporting isolation. The Springboks had been banned from the 1987 and 1991 tournaments. Now that the apartheid era was over they would participate for the first time.
The tournament surpassed all expectations, Jonah Lomu burst onto the stage and became Rugby’s first superstar. Spoiler Alert – The home side went on to beat the All-Blacks in the final. Nelson Mandela presenting Francois Pienaar with the Webb Ellis trophy became the defining image of the tournament. So what was Ireland’s part in all of this?
Pool stage
For the first time, Ireland were in a group that they were not guaranteed to progress from. They were drawn in Pool C alongside New Zealand, Ireland, Wales and Japan. First up were the mighty All-Blacks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
Ireland New Zealand
It was a World Cup debut for 20-year-old Jonah Lomu, who at 6ft 5in and weighing in at 18 stone was unheard of for a winger at the time. But Ireland were about to get an up-close glimpse of his pace and power.
The game started well for the Irish. Former hammer thrower, Gary Halpin, crashed over for the game’s first try as Ireland took an early lead. But that would be as good as it got for Gerry Murphy’s side as New Zealand clicked into gear. TwoAndrew Mehrtens’ penalties got them back to within a point of the Irish, before a brief reprieve when New Zealand had a try disallowed due to Andrew Little having a foot in touch. Then Lomu showed his immense power bursting through three Irish tacklers to score his first of seven tries at the tournament.
The second All-Black try arrived shortly after when Brendan Mullen saw an attempted kick on the edge of his own 22 charged down by Frank Bunce who gathered to score. Denis McBride gave Ireland a glimmer of hope with a try just before half-time after a great break from Simon Geoghegan. At the break, Ireland trailed by 20-12.
A second Lomu try after he was put into space by Kronfeld spelled the end of the Irish challenge. Lomu was denied his hat-trick after making a dazzling break from his own 22 and bursting past four would-be Irish tacklers. Simon Geoghegan made a try-saving tackle 5 yards out only for Lomu to pop the ball up to the onrushing Kronfeld who scored.
David Corkery grabbed, what was by that stage, a consolation try for Ireland before a late try from Glen Osborne added a gloss to the scoreline that highly flattered the All-Blacks after a brave Irish performance.
Ireland 50 Japan 28
Next up for the Irish, four days later in Bloemfontein, was a 50-28 win over pool minnows Japan. Tries from David Corkery, Neil Francis, Simon Geoghegan, Eddie Halvey and Niall Hogan as well as two penalty tries saw the Irish outscore the Japanese by seven tries to four. Paul Burke took over from Eric Elwood at out-half for this game and nailed 6 out of 7 conversions as well as a penalty.
Ireland 24 Wales 23
Ireland were back in action in at Ellis Park, Johannesburg just four days later for a Pool C decider against Wales. The Irish were quietly confident having won the corresponding Five Nations clash in Cardiff the previous March 12-16 with Brendan Mullin scoring the only try of the game.
Wales had also enjoyed an easy win over Japan, before being beaten by New Zealand 34-9 in their second pool encounter. A 6th minute Nick Popplewell try off a lineout maul, converted by Eric Elwood, gave the Irish a great start. They stretched their lead when Denis McBride race under the posts after some dubious Welsh defending. Elwoods conversion saw Ireland lead 14-0 before the half hour mark. A Neil Jenkins penalty got Wales off the mark and an Adrian Davies dropgoal just before the break left the scoreline Ireland 14 Wales 6.
After the interval a Jenkinspenalty brought the arrears to just 5 points. But just as Irish fans started to sweat, Eddie Halvey crashed over after good work from Paddy Johns to make it a two score game once again. A Jonathan Humphries try for Wales on 73 minutes, which Jenkins converted, meant a nervous last few minutes for Irish fans. Elwood’s penalty on 78 made the game safe, before a Welsh try with the last play of the game made the final score of Ireland 24 Wales 23 look tighter than it really was.
Quarter Final
Ireland’s reward for escaping their pool was a quarter-final meeting with a French side that hadtopped Pool D with three wins from three. Tonga (38-10), Ivory Coast (54-18) and Scotland (22-19) were all beaten to set up a second meeting of that year against an Irish side they had convincingly beaten in Dublin by 7-25 the Five Nations back in March.
The quarter-final took place in Kings Park, Durban and had a lunchtime kick-off at 1:10pm local time. An Elwood penalty after 2 minutes of the game gave Ireland an early lead. France answered with a kick of their own from the boot of Thierry Lacroix after 6 minutes. This patter was to berepeated again three in the next thirty five minutes of play with three more penalties apiece for the kickers. So the scoreboard read 12-12 at the interval, but Elwood’s fourth penalty on 38 minuteswas to be the last time as Gerry Murphy’s side trouble the scoreboard as they never really got going after the break.
Four more penalties from Lacroix as well as two tries in the last ten minutes of the game from Phillipe Sanit-Andreand a last minute intercept try from Emile Ntamack gave the French a comfortable win in the end. Once again there was an anti-climatic feel to an Irish World Cup campaign, this time they didn’t even have the comfort of a heroic defeat to cling to.
After Ireland’s exit….
It was to be Ireland’s final game of the amateur era as within two months the game went professional. After the tournament the IRFU replaced Gerry Murphy with their first Head coach, New Zealander Murray Kidd.
On the field South Africa completed the fairytale for the new rainbow nation. Nelson Mandella presenting the William Webb Ellis trophy to Springboks captain Francois Peinnar became an iconic image. It represented the hope of a new era for the recently unified nation
The excitement is building as Ireland prepares to kick off their RWC campaign.
Their 2023 Rugby World Cup starts this Saturday at 2pm against Romania.
However, there are some crucial injury updates that are causing fans to hold their breath.
Injury Woes for Ireland
Ireland’s forwards coach, Paul O’Connell, announced some concerning news regarding key players ahead of the Tonga clash.
Jack Conan, Dave Kilcoyne, and Dan Sheehan, who are expected to play a significant role in the World Cup, will have to wait until at least the Tonga game to start their campaign.
Injuries have sidelined these talented players, and their absence will be felt.
Jack Conan’s dynamic ball-carrying ability and work rate in the back row have been a significant asset for Ireland.
Dave Kilcoyne, an experienced prop, adds stability to the scrum and provides valuable experience in the front row.
Dan Sheehan, the rising star in the hooker position, will hopefully a vital part of the squad. Let’s hope he plays against Tonga.
Sexton’s Return
Amidst these injury concerns, there is a ray of hope for Irish rugby fans. Johnny Sexton, the veteran fly-half, is set to make his return to the starting lineup against Romania. Sexton served a suspension for indiscipline during the Champions Cup final in May but is now back and raring to go.
Sexton’s experience, composure under pressure, and precise kicking have been invaluable to Ireland over the years. His return couldn’t have come at a better time, as Ireland seeks to navigate a challenging World Cup campaign. His presence on the field will undoubtedly boost the team’s confidence and provide the leadership needed to overcome the obstacles that lie ahead.
Séamas Power on the 10th tee at Mount Juliet today. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.
A Troubling Year for Séamus Power, Forced to Withdraw from The K Club’s Home Tournament
Séamus Power’s tumultuous 2023 takes another unfortunate turn as he is compelled to withdraw from this week’s prestigious Horizon Irish Open, hosted at The K Club. This setback further compounds what has been a challenging year for the Irish golfer.
Injury Strikes Again
The touring professional representing The K Club, Séamus Power, endured an injury-riddled season. In July, a hip injury compelled him to withdraw from the Genesis Scottish Open. Despite his resilience, Power teed off at The Open at Royal Liverpool the following week but fell short of the cut line.
Mystery Surrounds the Injury
Details regarding Séamus Power’s current injury remain undisclosed by the DP World Tour, leaving fans and pundits speculating about the nature and severity of his setback.
A Disheartening Playoff Finish
Power’s woes continued as he found himself tied for last place in the first FedExCup playoff event, the FedEx St Jude Championship in Memphis, just three weeks later. His struggles persisted in the BMW Championship, where he finished 48th out of 50 participants, dashing any hopes of earning a Ryder Cup wildcard spot for the upcoming Rome event.
A Brief Glimpse of Success
Notably, Séamus Power had appeared poised to contend for a coveted spot on the Ryder Cup team after a triumphant victory at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship in October of the previous year. This victory propelled him to a career-high world ranking of 28th, igniting hopes of international glory.
Despite these setbacks, Séamus Power’s journey in the world of professional golf remains one marked by resilience and determination. As he navigates the challenges of his career, golf enthusiasts worldwide will undoubtedly be eager to witness his triumphant return to the fairways in the near future.
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