Shane Lowry’s Emotion-Filled Selection and Pledge to win Ryder Cup

Shane Lowry’s Ryder Cup Journey: A Grateful Golfer’s Quest for Victory

Shane Lowry’s Emotion-Filled Selection and Pledge to Bring the Trophy Home

Irish golfer Shane Lowry expresses his profound gratitude for being granted a Ryder Cup wild card spot by Captain Luke Donald. Lowry’s dedication to making the most of this opportunity shines through as he vows to create unforgettable memories and help secure victory for his team.

A Stellar Roster

Lowry joins an impressive roster of golfing talents, including seasoned players like Tommy Fleetwood, Sepp Straka, and Justin Rose, as well as newcomers Nicolai Hojgaard of Denmark and Ludvig Aberg of Sweden. Together, they will unite with automatic qualifiers Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Robert MacIntyre, Viktor Hovland, Tyrrell Hatton, and Matt Fitzpatrick on the journey to Rome.

Captain Donald’s Praise

Captain Luke Donald’s praise for Shane Lowry is nothing short of effusive. He describes Lowry as a player “made for the big occasions” and underscores this sentiment by awarding him his fourth pick, following Fleetwood, Straka, and Rose.

Lowry’s Second Chance

This marks Shane Lowry’s second consecutive Ryder Cup appearance, as he also received a wild card from Captain Pádraig Harrington in 2021. In a light-hearted moment, Lowry humorously clarifies, “I’m not in a pub; I’m actually in a golf club.”

Recalling Past Triumphs

Lowry’s previous Ryder Cup performance was marked by one memorable win from three matches. Notably, he partnered with Tyrrell Hatton to secure a nail-biting one-up victory over Tony Finau and Harris English. Lowry’s passionate fist-pumping celebrations as he sank the winning putt on the 18th hole left an indelible mark.

A Proven Champion

Captain Donald lauds Lowry’s remarkable track record in high-stakes matches, noting his victories in the Open Championship, WGCs, and Wentworth. He emphasizes Lowry’s ability to rise to the occasion against the best players in the world, making him a valuable asset to the Ryder Cup team.

Lowry’s Love for Team Sports

Lowry’s enthusiasm for team sports shines through as he reflects on his debut Ryder Cup experience, despite facing defeats. He shares, “The experience I had in Whistling Straits, even though we got beaten quite heavily, was incredible and something I’ll remember forever.”

The Road Ahead

With the Ryder Cup scheduled to commence on September 29, followed by the singles round on October 1, Shane Lowry is determined to contribute to a triumphant team. He underscores his commitment, stating, “A lot of my big, big goals this year were getting to Rome and trying to win the Ryder Cup back, and everything over these next few weeks is going to be put into doing that, and hopefully, we can come out on top.”

As Shane Lowry embarks on his Ryder Cup journey, his unwavering passion and determination promise to play a pivotal role in creating new, unforgettable memories in this eagerly awaited matchplay tournament.

A History of Heartbreak – Rugby World Cup 2003

Build up to the 2003 tournament

The 2003 edition of the tournament was originally planned as another joint venture between Antipodean neighbours Australia and New Zealand. However, political squabbling prior to the of the tournament saw hosting rights withdrawn from New Zealand. As a result 2003 became the first time the Rugby World Cup was hosted by a single country.

Ireland’s Six Nations campaign that year started well. Comfortable wins away to both Scotland (6-36) and Italy (13-37), as well as a hard fought 15-12 win over France at Lansdowne Road set up a final day Grand Slam decider at home to England.

That encounter was memorable for the pre-match ‘Carpet-gate’ incident. English Captain Martin Johnson breached etiquette and refused to move his team to the correct position for the pre-match presentation to then President Mary McAleese. This meant that a Brain O’Driscoll led Irish side took up their position off the carpet and on the grass. Unfortunately, the performance on the day from a nervous looking Irish side was poor as a dominant English side comprehensively beat Ireland 6-42.

In the build up to the tournament the loss through injury of Geordan Murphy and Rob Henderson came as a blow to Eddie O’Sullivan’s squad.

Pool A

Ireland were drawn in Pool A alongside familiar foes – hosts Australia, Argentina and Romania. Ireland had faced all of those nations in the 1999 World Cup, while Namibia were the fifth team in the pool.

11th October 2003: Ireland 45 Romania 17

Ireland enjoyed a comfortable opening round win over the Romanians in Gosford. Tries from Shane Horgan, Keith Wood, Victor Costello and a brace from Denis Hickie as well as four conversions (Humphreys 3, O’Gara 1) and four penalties from the boot of David Humphreys ensured Ireland picked up a bonus point win. The bonus point system was a new addition for the Pool stages in 2003.

19th October 2003: Ireland 64 Namibia 7

A comprehensive 57 point win for O’Sullivan’s side against tier 2 Namibia in a rain soaked Sydney set a new Irish record score at a World Cup. Alan Quinlan set the tone with the first of ten Irish tries after just 2 minutes, breaking off the back of a maul to score his first of two tries in the game. Eric Miller also grabbed a brace, while Girvan Dempsey, Denis Hickey, Marcus Horan, Guy Easterby, Shane Horgan and John Kelly all got in on the act. Ronan O’Gara added seven conversions. Indeed, but for the slipper conditions caused by the deluge the margin of Ireland’s victory would have been far greater.

The hapless Namibian’s would go on to create some unwanted World Cup history in their final pool game as they fell to Australia by a record margin of 142-0. Surpassing the previous record set in South Africa in 1995 when New Zealand beat Japan 145-17.

26th October 2003: Ireland 16 Argentina 15

Ireland gained a measure of revenge for their 1999 defeat to Los Pumas in Lens with a narrow win over the Argentines in Adelaide. Alan Quinlan’s try midway through the first-half, which came against the run of play, was to be the games decisive score. Keith Wood set up the try after stealing a lose line-out ball and bursting up the field, before off loading to Quinlan who raced over. For the unfortunate Tippearay man it also signalled the end of his tournament. He injured his shoulder in the act of scoring that try. Despite that score Ireland only held a single point lead at the break !0-9. Argentina had two Gonzalo Quesada penalties and a Ignacio Corleto drop goal to show for their first-half efforts. For Ireland David Humphreys had converted the try and also kicked a penalty.

Just before the hour mark a second drop-goal put the Argentines ahead, but two penalties from substitute out-half Ronan O’Gara, who was introduced in the 56th minute, put the Irish back in control. A third Quesada penalty with five minutes to go brought the margin back to a single point. Plenty of nail-biting ensued, but the Irish held out til the final whistle.

The win for O’Sullivan’s side ensured progress from Pool A, while the result also meant an early return home for an Argentine side who had already lost to Australia by 24-8 in their opening match.

1st November 2003: Australia 17 Ireland 16

The pool decider was played in front of a partisan home crowd in the Docklands stadium in Melbourne. Eddie O’Sullivan opted to start O’Gara ahead of Humphreys due to the formers impressive substitute cameo in the previous game. Ireland found themselves 8-0 behind after the opening 12 minutes. An early drop-goal from Australia’s diminutive scrum-half George Greegan was followed shortly after by the games first try from flanker George Smith. But Ireland responded positively and battled their way back into contention. Two O’Gara penalties narrowed the gap, a Elton Flatley penalty left the half-time score reading Australia 11 Ireland 6.

Another Flatley three pointer push out the lead again to eight, before a moment of magic from Brian O’Driscoll saw him somehow defy gravity and squeeze over in the corner despite the attention of two Wallaby defenders. O’Gara’s magnificent touchline conversion brought it back to a one point game. Australia responded quickly and added another Flatley penalty, but in the last thirty minutes it was all Ireland. An O’Driscoll drop-goal on 67 minutes reduced the gap to the minimum again (1:25.00 in the video). Shane Horgan almost scored from an O’Gara cross field kick (1:16.00), while O’Gara himself curled a long range drop goal effort just wide of the posts. Humphreys entered the fray for the final quarter of an hour and hit an even later effort just wide to the right of the Aussie posts. But the match winning score never came and a crucial George Smith turn-over at the death allowed Greegan to boot the ball to touch. Top spot in the pool gave the Aussies a quarter-final meeting with Scotland, while for Ireland it meant a meeting with old foes France.

9th November 2003: France 43 Ireland 21

Ireland returned to the Docklands in Melbourne fully of optimism after that strong second-half showing against the hosts. Eddie O’Sullivan’s side had a good track record against the French and had won three of their previous four meetings. However, the French had been impressive in the pool stages and romped to victory in all their Pool B games. Fiji were beaten 61-18 in their pool opener, Japan were dispatched 51-29 by a second string side, they then hammered Scotland 51-9 before their midweek side accounted for the USA by 41-14.

Ireland were aware of how costly their slow start had been in their last game against Australia. O’Sullivan wanted them to try and set the tempo early on. However, the previous clash had taken a heavy toll on the Irish team and their play lacked the aggression and tempo of a week previous. The French pack got on top and Frederic Michalak directed the play from an armchair seat.

Once Oliver Mange crossed for the games first try it was clear there was only going to be one winner in this mismatch. By half-time the game was as good as over, France lead 27-0 by the break and it was clear that the second half would merely be a damage limitation excercise.

Second Half

Shortly after the restart twenty one year-old Michalak, who was metronomic in his kicking all day, sent over a 42nd minute penalty to increase the French lead to 30 points. It was a sign of how bad Ireland were when 35 year old prop Jean-Jacques Crenca ran in the fourth French try and at 37-0 after just 48minutes it was in danger of becoming Ireland’s worst World Cup performance ever.

O’Sullivan replaced Ronan O’Gara with David Humphreys after this score. O’Gara later said it was the only game he was ever glad to be taken off in. The change of out-half help Ireland lift their tempo and a great break trough the midfield from Kevin Maggs off a lineout move saw Ireland get their first score of the game on 52 minutes. With renewed impetus after the try Ireland had a sustained period of pressure and this led to a Raphael Ibanez yellow card and another Irish try off the resulting 5 yard scrum. Victor Costello broke off the back and crashed the ball up, Peter Stringer then whipped a quick ball out to Humphreys, who then dinked a little kick behind the French line. Brain O’Driscoll reacted quickest and using all of his speed and dexterity touched the ball down inches before the dead-ball line (1:20:30 in full highlights). With the final play of the game O’Driscoll crashed over for his second and Ireland’s third try after a quick tap and go penalty from Guy Easterby was recycled just short of the line by Humphreys to the on-rushing O’Driscoll who barrelled over to score.

The Irish performance over the last half-hour of the game when they outscored the French by 21-6 only added to the sense of frustration after the game. It was to prove an inauspicious end to the decorated career of Irish Captain Keith Wood who retired after the game. France went on to lose their semi-final to England, who then beat Australia in the final thanks to a Jonny Wilkinson drop-goal in the last minute of extra-time.

Irish World Cup Squad 2003

Forwards (17)

Simon Best (Ulster/Belfast Harlequins), Shane Byrne (Leinster/Blackrock College), Reggie Corrigan(Leinster/ Greystones), Victor Costello (Leinster/St. Mary’s College), Simon Easterby (Llanelli), Anthony Foley(Munster/Shannon), Keith Gleeson(Leinster/St.Mary’s College), John Hayes (Munster/Shannon), Marcus Horan (Munster/Shannon), Gary Longwell(Ulster/Ballymena), Eric Miller (Leinster/Terenure College), Donncha O’Callaghan(Munster/Cork Constitution), Paul O’Connell (Munster/Young Munster), Malcolm O’Kelly (Leinster/St. Mary’s College), Frank Sheahan (Munster/Cork Constitution), Alan Quinlan (Munster/Shannon), Keith Wood (Munster/Garryowen).

Backs (13)

Jonathon Bell(Ulster/Dungannon), Girvan Dempsey (Leinster/Terenure College), Neil Doak (Ulster/Belfast Harlequins), Guy Easterby (Rotherham), Denis Hickie (Leinster/St. Mary’s College), Anthony Horgan (Munster/Cork Constitution), Shane Horgan (Leinster/Lansdowne), David Humphreys (Ulster/Dungannon), John Kelly (Munster/Cork Constitution), Kevin Maggs (Bath), Brian O’Driscoll (Leinster/Blackrock College), Ronan O’Gara (Munster/Cork Constitution), Peter Stringer (Munster/Shannon).

Geordan Murphy and Rob Henderson were original part of the squad, but were injured in the build-up to the tournament.

Origins of the Rugby World Cup

1995 Rugby World Cup

A History of heartbreak – 1999 Rugby World Cup

England 1999

After the historic and dramatic 1995 tournament in South Africa, the World Cup in ’99 would always find it difficult to reach the heights of four years previous. Officially the 1999 World Cup was to be hosted by Wales, with the showpiece event taking place in the newly built Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. However, like the 1991 tournament, there were games spread over 18 different venues in England, France, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Ireland had undergone a turbulent time since the 1995 World Cup. Gerry Murphy had stepped down after that tournament and was replaced by the IRFU’s first professional head-coach, former Garryowen and Sunday’s Well manager Murray Kidd. His reign lasted under a year and a half and he stepped down after a 29-37 home defeat to Italy in January 1997. Bath’s Brian Ashton was next to take up the Irish hot seat, but a Five Nations defeat by Scotland at Lansdowne Road the following March saw his make a quick exit. Connacht young Kiwi coach Warren Gatland was promoted to the role and almost got Ireland off to a winning start in Paris, only for a late Raphael Ibanez try to win it 18-16 for the home side.

The 1999 Five Nations saw Ireland lose at home to France by a single point (9-10), before winning 23-29 away to Wales (The match was played in Wembley stadium, London as the Arms Park had been demolished to make way for the building of the new Millennium Stadium). But that was to be the highpoint for Gatland’s side as they went on to lose 15-27 at home to England and lost 30-13 in their final game away to Scotland.

New Format

The increase from sixteen teams at pervious World Cup tournaments to a twenty team competition this time around meant a change in format. An over elaborate system was devised with five pool of 4 teams each and a play-off round prior to the quarter-finals between the five pool runners-up and the best third placed team. The winners of the three play-off games would then face three pool winners, while in the fourth quarter-final two pool winners would be drawn against each other.

Ireland played host to the Pool E matches, spread between Lansdowne Road, Ravenhill and Thomond Park. Our group contained previous tournament winners Australia, the United States and Romania.

2nd October 1999: Ireland 53 USA 8

First up for a Warren Gatland coached Irish side were the United States. Ireland were already three points to the good when Justin Bishop went over for the first of seven Irish tries after only 6 minutes. The Eagles scrum-half Kevin Dalzell gathered an Irish knock-on and raced home for a try for the visitors before a twenty year-old Brian O’Driscoll then scored his first World Cup try. Irish hooker Keith Wood scored four more tries for the Gatland’s side. While a penalty try, 6 conversions (2 Elwood, 4 Humphreys) and 2 David Humphreys penalties accounted for Ireland’s final tally of 53 points.

10th October 1999: Ireland 3 Australia 23

After an easy pool opener for the Irish there was a much tougher prospect in store against Rod McQueen’s Wallabies. Penalties from Matthew Burke and John Eales gave the visitors a 6 point lead at the break. Humphrey’s got Ireland off the mark with a 52nd minute penalty. However, second-half tries from Tim Horan and Ben Tune decided an encounter which was more memorable for the physicality of play rather than the quality of rugby. Aussie hooker Phil Kearns and Ireland’s Malcom O’Kelly and Trevor Brennan all needed medical attention due to blood injuries in a tough first half. Brennan would go on to trade blows with the Wallabies back row Toutai Kefu in the second half. Despite a stern dressing down from match official Clayton Thomas both men escaped without a card.

After the game Warren Gatland expressed his frustration at the Irish performance: “I was very disappointed with our performance, although we were beaten by a very good Australian team,” said Gatland. “We didn’t really fire a shot. We let ourselves down out there.”

15th October 1999: Ireland 44 Romania 14

Gatland’s side returned to winning ways with an emphatic thirty point win over tier two side Romania. Tries from Dion O’Cuinneagain, Tony Ward, Tom Tierney and a brace from Conor O’Shea along with 16 points from the boot of Eric Elwood and an injury time drop-goal from Brian O’Driscoll saw Ireland coast to victory.

This sequence of results saw us finish second in group E and thereby qualify for a playoff game against Argentina who had finished second in Pool D behind Wales, after wins over Samoa and Japan for Los Pumas.

October 1999: Argentina 28 Ireland 24

The pre-quarter final playoff game took place in the French city of Lens and to this day for Irish rugby fans that venue is synonymous with this match. Ireland went into this match highly confident of victory. They had beaten the Argentines in a warm-up game at Lansdowne rd that August by 32-24 without a host of front-line players and there were expected to win this comfortably.

Indeed Warren Gatland was somewhat over-confident before the game “We have one of the better scrums in the World Cup and we will be looking to dominate them. I don’t believe the Argentina scrum is as strong as it was ten to 12 years ago,” he said. Gatland didn’t start either Paddy Johns or Peter Clohessy as he had one eye on the next round. In an interesting sub-plot Los Pumas were coached by former Canterbury and New Zealand coach, Alex “Grizz” Wyllie. During Wyllie’s time as All-Black head coach (1988-91) he failed to pick Waikato based Gatland in a full International for the All-Blacks. Gatland would end his playing career having started 17 times in non-international matches (mostly mid-week touring games) for the All-Blacks without picking up that illusive All-Black cap.

As it transpired that confidence was misplaced. In a dour game Ireland never found any space and struggled to get the ball out wide as both packs dominated the play. A whistle happy Stuart Dickinson didn’t help matters and the game became a kicking contest. David Humphreys and Gonzalo Quesada struck seven penalties apiece. Ireland held a 6 point advantage at the break, leading by 15-9. However, their discipline let them down in the second half as the started conceding penalties with worrying regularity. The Argentines also had a similar issue giving Ireland’s Humphreys plenty of kicking practice, after 65mins Ireland were 24-18 ahead.

Diego Albanese crossed for the games only try on 72mins, when Quesada added the conversion it put the Argentines ahead for the first time in the match. Another penalty for Quesada five minutes later meant a four point gap and that only a late try would be enough to see Ireland snatch victory. They pummelled the Argentine line in desperation, Paul Wallace came within inches of scoring, but the Argentines held out and Dickinson’s full-time whistle brought scenes of unbridled joy for Los Pumas, while the Irish players and fans lay slummed in shock and despair.

Aftermath

The fallout from Ireland’s exit wouldn’t be immediate, but it would be bitter. Warren Gatland’s tenure as Irish coach survived a post World Cup vote of confidence from the IRFU committee. But it was only a temporary reprieve as the axe fell in November 2001. The timing of the sacking was bizarre given the improvement Ireland had made since the disappointing World Cup exit. Gatland had undoubtedly improved Ireland’s fortunes and while his 18 wins from 38 games doesn’t initially look impressive it was a more successful ratio than either of his predecessors. The fact that his assistant Eddie O’Sullivan was appointed to take over from him only added to the sense that the motivations were political rather than base purely on performance.

Irish World Cup Squad 1999

Conor O’Shea, Gordon D’Arcy, Justin Bishop, James Topping, Matt Mostyn, Kevin Maggs, Brian O’Driscoll, Jonathan Bell, Mike Mullins, David Humphreys, Eric Elwood, Tom Tierney, Brian O’Meara, Paul Wallace, Peter Clohessy, Reggie Corrigan, Justin Fitzpatrick, Angus McKeen, Keith Wood, Ross Nesdale, Paddy Johns, Jeremy Davidson, Malcolm O’Kelly, Bob Casey, Dion O’Cuinneagain, Eric Miller, David Corkery, Trevor Brennan, Andy Ward, Kieron Dawson. Gordon D’Arcy was added as a late replacement for the injured Girvan Dempsey.

Luke Donald names his Ryder Cup picks

Team Europe — Europe's Ryder Cup Team 2023. Credit: Getty Images.

Luke Donald has this afternoon named his wildcard picks for Europe’s Ryder Cup team, with Offaly’s Shane Lowry among the captain’s choices.

It will be a second time in the Ryder Cup for Lowry, and a first of European soil, having played at Whistling Straits in the USA two years ago.

Donald has also chosen Ludvig Åberg, Tommy Fleetwood, Nicolai Højgaard, Justin Rose and Sepp Straka for the European Ryder Cup side. This year’s competition place at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, Rome, from September 29 – October 1.

The six captain’s picks join Matt Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton, Viktor Hovland, Robert MacIntyre, Rory McIlroy, and Jon Rahm, all of whom qualified automatically for the contest against the United States.

Sweden’s Åberg, Denmark’s Højgaard and Austria’s Straka will all make their Ryder Cup debuts at the end of the month.

For England’s Tommy Fleetwood it will be a third consecutive Ryder Cup, following his debut in 2018 when he won four points out of five in Paris. Justin Rose, another English player, will be making his sixth appearance at the Ryder Cup, and his first since Paris five years ago.

Luke Donald

European Captain Donald said: “I am delighted to announce Ludvig, Tommy, Nicolai, Shane, Justin and Sepp as part of Team Europe for the Ryder Cup, joining the six players who qualified automatically. “We have great depth of talent in Europe, and that is perfectly illustrated with the team we now have confirmed for Rome, which is a strong blend of players with previous Ryder Cup experience combined with exciting and talented rookies. “I’m really pleased to have this team now in place, and we are all looking forward to going to Rome later this month and trying to win back the Ryder Cup.”

EUROPEAN TEAM FOR THE 2023 RYDER CUP

Ludvig Åberg (Sweden). Age 23. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 0 (Rookie)Matt Fitzpatrick (England). Age 29. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 2 (2016, 2021)Tommy Fleetwood (England) Age 32. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 2 (2018, 2021)Tyrrell Hatton (England). Age 31. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 2 (2018, 2021)Nicolai Højgaard (Denmark). Age 22. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 0 (Rookie)Viktor Hovland (Norway). Age 25. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 1 (2021)Shane Lowry (Ireland). Age 36. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 1 (2021)Robert MacIntyre (Scotland). Age 27. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 0 (Rookie)Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland). Age 34. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 6 (2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2021)Jon Rahm (Spain). Age 28. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 2 (2018, 2021)Justin Rose (England) Age 43. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 5 (2008, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018)Sepp Straka (Austria). Age 30. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 0 (Rookie)

Darragh Kenny and Eddy Blue win in USA

Offaly’s Darragh Kenny won at the five-star show in Bridgetown, USA, over the weekend.

On Saturday evening Darragh Kenny and the 11-year-old bay gelding Eddy Blue claimed victory in the 1.50m $78,000 Hampton Classic Speed Cup, jumping clear in 69.27 seconds. USA’s McLain Ward took second place in a time of 69.68 seconds, while Ireland’s Conor Swail was third with Vital Chance de la Roque.

The combination had taken the runner-up spot in the 1.45m Speed Stakes on Thursday. They jumped a foot-perfect clear round to stop the clock in 31.95 seconds, just behind Rene Dittmer in 31.18 seconds.

In Sunday’s 1.60m CSI5* Grand Prix Kenny was seventh with Chic Chic, while in the 1.45m CSI2* Grand Prix four Irish riders finished inside the top six. Conor Swail took the runner-up spot behind Nayel Nasser for Egypt. Riding the 16-year-old gelding Count Me In, Swail and Count Me In were double clear to finish less than a second behind Nasser.

Irish rider Philip McGuane completed the podium, riding the nine-year-old mare Orphea HQ; Jonathan Corrigan was fifth with the nine-year-old mare Oaky Flandria, while Conor O’Regan and Mendini DR came home in sixth place.

Investigation Underway: Alleged Assault on Sky Sports Pundit Roy Keane

An alleged assault on Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane has triggered a police investigation in England.

The incident occurred in the aftermath of Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium. Sky Sports has confirmed that fellow pundit Micah Richards attempted to intervene and “defuse” the situation. Here’s a closer look at the unfolding situation and the ongoing investigation by the Metropolitan Police.

The Incident and Immediate Fallout:

Following Arsenal’s triumph over Manchester United, an incident unfolded that took the sports community by surprise. The alleged assault on Roy Keane occurred just moments before footage of the incident began circulating on social media. This swift dissemination of the incident sparked public outcry and prompted law enforcement to take action.

Micah Richards’ Intervention:

In a commendable display of sportsmanship, Micah Richards, a fellow Sky Sports pundit, stepped in to try and deescalate the situation. His quick response to intervene and prevent further harm highlighted the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful environment within the sports industry.

The Metropolitan Police Investigation:

While no arrests have been made at this time, the Metropolitan Police have launched a thorough investigation into the alleged assault that took place after the match on Sunday. This development underscores the seriousness of the incident and the commitment of the authorities to ensure justice is served.

Impact on the Sports Community:

The alleged assault on Roy Keane has left a lasting impact on the sports community, raising questions about the safety and security of pundits and personnel within the industry. As the investigation progresses, it serves as a reminder of the need to address such incidents and maintain a zero-tolerance policy for violence in sports.

Confirming the incident, a Sky Sports spokeswoman said: “We understand the police are investigating an alleged assault by a member of the public immediately preceding the footage circulating on social media.

Conclusion

As the investigation into the alleged assault on Roy Keane continues, the sports world watches closely, hoping for a swift resolution and a renewed commitment to fostering a safe and respectful environment within the industry. This incident serves as a stark reminder that violence has no place in sports, and it is essential to ensure the well-being of all individuals associated with the game.

A history of heartbreak – 1991 Rugby World Cup

Some background

The 1991 tournament was originally supposed to be hosted solely by France. This soon changed due to political wrangling and horse-trading between the Five Nations sides. Political and financial wheeling and dealing led to Marcel Martin of the FFR (Fédération Française de Rugby) declaring that the French were incapable of hosting the tournament on their own. As a result, the games were shared out between the five home countries. Each of the unions got a share of the pie.

From an Irish perspective, this was positive news, both financially for the IRFU, and also for the national team. They would now play two of their pool games at their home venue. Landsdowne Road was also nominated to host a quarter-final and semi-final for the tournament, while Ravenhill would host the pool match.

Pool Two

Ciarán Fitzgerald’s side were drawn in Pool 2 alongside Scotland, Japan and Zimbabwe. Ireland easily dispatched Zimbabwe in their pool opener by 55-11. In a one sided match they were 33-0 ahead at the break before taking their foot off the gas somewhat in the second half. They ran in eight tries to Zimbabwe’s two. Tries from David Curtis, Simon Geoghegan, a brace from Nick Popplewell and four tries from no.8 Brian Robinson as well as four conversions and five penalties from Ralph Keyes gave Ireland a 44 point win. (A Try was still worth 4 points at the 1991 World Cup, the change to five points didn’t happen until an IRFU board meeting in April 1992).

Three days later Ireland were back in action against Japan. Two tries from Connacht back row Noel Mannion and one apiece from fellow back rower Pat O’Hara and full back Jim Staples along with two conversions and four penalties from Keyes saw Ireland win by 32-16.

The Scots had home advantage at Murrayfield for the pool decider between the two sides. Scotland had also enjoyed one sided wins in their other matches, running in a combined fifteen tries in their 47-9 win over Japan and 51-12 victory against Zimbabwe.

It was Ireland’s third game in nine days, but there was no shortage of motivation, as the winners of this game would clinch pool 2 and secure an easier route to the semi-final. Thanks to Western Samoa’s shock 16-13 win over Wales at the Cardiff Arms park earlier in the tournament the little Pacific nation had already sealed the second qualifying spot form Pool 3 and would face the winner of the Pool 2 clash between Scotland and Ireland, while Australia who topped Pool 3 awaited the second place side from our pool.

The first half went well for Fitzgerald’s men and three penalties and a sweetly struck drop goal from Ralph Keyes off his left foot saw Ireland lead 12-9 at the break. Scotland’s first half points came from two Gavin Hastings penalties and a Craig Chalmers drop goal. Keyes extended that advantage to six points with another penalty after the resumption. However, that was to be the last score for Ireland as the Scots dominated the remainder of the game. Tries from Gary Armstrong and Graham Shiel saw the home-side win by 24-15.

Another crack at the Aussies in a quarter

Thanks to the way the schedule fell Ireland had eight days to recover from that Murrayfield defeat before hosting the hotly fancied Aussies at Lansdowne Road. The southern hemisphere nation were considered to be fitter, faster, stronger and better drilled and were expected to advance easily to the semi-finals. They had a team full of household names such as Tim Horan, Phil Kerins, John Eales, Nick Farr-Jones, Michael Lynagh & David Campese. Incidentally on the Australian bench that day was Ireland’s current high performance director David Nucifora.

The match started along expected lines as David Campese waltzed in for an early Aussie try after 16minutes which duly converted by Michael Lynagh and Ireland were 0-6 behind. However, Australia failed to build on their early lead and in a repeat of their 1987 meeting scrum-half and captain Nick Farr-Jones had to be replaced inside the first twenty minutes after picking up a recurrence of a knee ligament injury.

A Ralph Keyes penalty halved the deficit for the Irish on 24 minutes and then another strike from Keyes levelled up the game at 6 apiece before the break.

A penalty from Lynagh edged Australia back in front early in the second half, but the Aussie’s couldn’t pull away from a tenacious Irish side, who’s ferocious tackling and superb work rate constantly disrupted the flow of the Australian side. A Ralph Keyes drop goal, this time off his right foot, levelled up the game at 9-9 after 50 minutes.

A second David Campese try after a nice loop move by Jason Little off the back of a scrum gave the Australian’s the lead once again and after Lynagh converted they were ahead by 6 points, Ireland then had their best spell of the game as Jim Clarke was twice denied in the corner by last ditch Campese tackles. Another Keyes penalty ate into the Australian lead and Lansdowne erupted on 74 minutes, when Ireland took the lead for the first time in the match after Ballymena flanker Gordon Hamilton burst onto a pop pass from Jim Clarke to race home from 40 meters out.

After Keyes converted Ireland had a scarcely believable 18-15 lead against their highly rated opponents as the clock ticked into the last five minutes. But just as the Lansdowne Road faithful started to believe that their side were on the brink of history, a last minute Michael Lynagh try broke Irish hearts.

After Ireland’s exit…..

So for the second tournament in succession, albeit in very different circumstances to their previous hammering in Ballymore in ‘87, Ireland had lost out to the mighty Australians at the quarter-final stage. The Australian team were relieved to survive such a close shave and they would subsequently go on to lift the trophy after a 12-6 win over England in the final at Twickenham.

A History of heartbreak – 1987 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand

16 Participants

As one of the founder members of the International Rugby Football Board (IRFB), Ireland automatically qualified for the first Rugby World Cup. The hosts Australia and New Zealand along with other four board members were England, Scotland, Wales, and France were also guaranteed a place. South Africa also had a seat on the IRFB board but were not invited due to a sporting embargo caused by the pro-apartheid policies of their government.

The IRFB also issued invitations to nice associate members to bring the tournament total up to 16 teams. Argentina, Canada, Fiji, Italy, Japan, Romania, Tonga, United States and Zimbabwe all made the trip to Australia and New Zealand for the inaugural competition.

Pool Two

Ireland were drawn in Pool 2 alongside Wales, Canada and Tonga. However, disaster struck before their opening game. Ireland’s coach and former international player, Mick Doyle, suffered a heart attack at the opening dinner in New Zealand. He was admitted to hospital in Auckland to recover, but the Kerryman made a good recovery and was back in charge before the end of the Pool stages.

Ireland lost their opener to the Welsh on the 25th May in Wellington by 6-13, Mark Ring got the only try of the game for the Welsh and two Jonathan Davies drop goals made sure of the result. Ireland’s scores coming from two Michael Kiernan penalties.

Five days later they were in action again, this time in Dunedin against Canada. It was to prove a comfortable 46-19 win for the Irish. Keith Crossan (2), Michael Bradley, Brian Spillane, Trevor Ringland and Hugo MacNeill accounting for the tally of seven Irish tries. Michael Kiernan converted five of the tries and also added two penalties. The Canadian hooker, Mark Cardinal, crossed for their only try, while Wasps player Gareth Rees kicked three penalties and a drop-goal.

Before their final pool game against Tonga on the 3rd of June, the Irish squad had to move camp from the South Island of New Zealand to Brisbane in Australia. The Irish enjoyed another convincing win in front of only 4,000 at a rather empty-looking Ballymore. Irish Centre, Brendan Mullin, ran in a hat-trick of tries and Hugo McNeill added another two, as the Irish outscored their Tongan opponents 5 tries to nil. Three conversions and two penalties from Tony Ward also added gloss to Ireland’s 32-9 win.

Our first Quater-Final exit

Second spot in Pool 2 gave Ireland a tough quarter-final assignment against the winners of Pool 1. In the key match in that pool the co-hosts Australia had beaten England 19-6 to seal top spot, so it was off to Sydney to take on the formidable challenge of a quick and skillful Aussie side.

Ireland were up against and needed a good start against their more illustrious opponents. Unfortunately, it was the home side who struck first after there minutes. A fired up Philip Matthews launched himself into the air in an attempt to block down Nick Farr-Jones’ garryowen and as he turned his body away from Farr-Jones he caught him square in the face with his hip. Match referee Scotland’s Brain Anderson awarded a penalty to the home side, which Michael Lynagh duly converted. An illustration of how refereeing has changed since 1987 is illustrated by the fact that a carbon copy of this incident saw CJ Stander receive a straight red card after catching Patrick Lambie under almost identical circumstances during Ireland’s 2016 tour to South Africa.

The injured Nick Farr-Jones was replaced at scrum-half soon after by Brian Smith, who would later go on to represent Ireland. Andy McIntyre got the games first try after both Michael Bradley and Hugo McNeill spurned chances to clear the ball. The substitute Smith added a second try off the back of a five-meter scrum a few minutes later. Shortly after the scoreline got worse from an Irish perspective, when their defence was torn open by Matthew Burke for a third Aussie try. At half-time, Ireland were 24-0 behind and a rout was on the cards.

Another Lynagh penalty after the break increased Australia’s lead to 27 points. Ireland finally broke their duck when Michael Kiernan converted a penalty to take the bare look off the scoreboard. Quick hands from the Australian backline saw Matthew Burke cross for his second try before a late mini-revival from the Irish side. Hugo MacNeill gave the travelling fans something to cheer about with cheeky dummy creating space after a cleverly worked move off the back of a tap and go penalty from 5 meters out. Ireland added a second try late in the game from Michael Kiernan, which came after a great bursting drive from prop Phillip Orr and a strong carry from Phillip Matthews. The final score read Australia 33 Ireland 15

Little did we know at the time, but a quarter-final exit was to become a familiar theme for Irish rugby.

After Ireland’s exit….

The Australians fell at the next hurdle, as the hosts went down by 24-30 against the French in the semi-finals. While in the other semi-final, our pool opponents Wales suffered a heavy 49-6 defeat to the All-Blacks.

New Zealand became the first side to lift the Webb-Ellis Cup after defeating France 29-9 in front of their home crowd at Eden Park, Aukland. Grant Fox was the star of the show with a conversion, a drop-goal and four penalties.

Ireland’s Rugby World Cup adventures – A history of Heartbreak

A brief history of the Rugby World Cup

Despite the origins of the game dating back over 164 years and the governing body the IRB being formed in Dublin in 1886, we had to wait until 1987 for the first formally organised Rugby World Cup to take place.

There are many political and sporting reasons why the event took one hundred and one years to organise.

The Origins

Allegedly, the origins of the sport began in the town of Rugby in the English Midlands in 1823, when a certain young gentleman by the name of William Webb Ellis decided to pick up the ball and run with it. The rest, as they say, is history. The trophy that the twenty best teams in the world will compete for in France over the next two months bears his moniker as a testament to his legacy.

Before 1885 the laws of the game were still somewhat up for dispute. After a contentious try in a game between England and Scotland, the English claimed that as they founded the game they should be the final arbitrator of any disputes. Unsurprisingly this was not acceptable to the home unions of Scotland, Ireland and Wales. The trio met in Dublin in 1886 to formalise the rules and set up the International Rugby Football Board (IRFB), the English RFU eventually relented and joined in 1890.

The Split

During the next decade, the game underwent a form of civil war as the ruling bodies of the game wished to remain amateur, while a large portion of the players in working-class regions wished to be compensated for loss of earnings due to matches clashing with their normal working hours. This led to a split within the game which became known as ‘the great schism and led to the creation of two separate codes, Rugby League and Rugby Union.

Global Spread

The spread of the game internationally was due largely to the British Army and British Navy. Teams were established in British colonial outposts. The spread to other countries by ex-pats was somewhat slower. In the commonwealth countries of Australia, South Africa and particularly New Zealand the game spread quickly, while in tropical areas such as India and the West Indies, the slower tempo of Cricket was more suited to the climate.

Rugby at the Olympics

In 1900 Rugby was introduced at the second running of the modern Olympics. This was thanks in no small part to the lobbying by the father of the modern Olympics, Baron Pierre de Coubertin. It helped that the Baron was a huge rugby fan. De Coubertain himself refereed the first-ever game in the domestic French Club Championships in 1892. Only three countries sent teams to the games held in Paris.

France, Germany and Great Britain contested the games and the French went home with the Gold medal.

Rugby wasn’t part of the 1904 games in St.Louis, but returned for the 1908 games in London. There were also only two teams this time around Australia and Great Britain. The Wallabies lifted the title. It was 1920 before Rugby was included again and an American side made up of players from Stanford, Berkeley and Santa Clara Universities lifted the crown in Antwerp, Belguim. The 1924 Olympics games was, to date, the last time rugby was included as a 15 a-side game. The US defeated the hosts France in the final in front of 21,00 in Colombes and the disgruntled locals invaded the pitch on the final whistle.

In 1925 Baron Pierre de Coubertin stepped down as head of the Olympic movement, the IRB had never encouraged their members to participate in the games and the lack of support led to the end of the sports involvement with the Olympics until the sevens version of the game was reintroduced in Brazil in 2016.

The ‘Originals’

Around the same time as the Olympic Games was being revived, rugby-playing countries began to send representative sides on ‘tours’ to other rugby nations. The most famous of these sides was the 1905 ‘Original All-Blacks’ led by Donegal man Dave Gallaher. Born in Ramelton, as David Gallagher he moved to New Zealand with his parents while still a child. In 1895 he joined Ponsonby Rugby club and went on to play in New Zealand’s first-ever test match, against Australia in Sydney in 1903.

The ‘Originals’ played 35 games in the British Isles, France and the USA during a span of six months from September 1905 to January 1906. They lost only one of these (0-3 against Wales at Cardiff Arms Park) and scored 976 points while conceding only 59. Their 15-0 win over England at Crystal Palace drew a then record crowd estimated to be 100,000. It was during this tour that they picked up the All-Blacks tag.

Disputed governance globally

The logistics of long-distance travel in the early part of the century were slow and costly. Touring teams went from one hemisphere to another for long spells. They needed to play multiple games to justify the travel. The success of both the Olympics and FIFA’s football World Cups had shown that the public interest was there for major sporting events. However, the politics of the governing bodies and the fact that Rugby was played at different times of the year in the two different hemispheres delayed the development of a Rugby equivalent.

The ‘Home Unions’ of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales had been slow to include other countries in the governance of the game. They felt that they were the guardians of the amateur principles upon which the game was founded.

Despite the success of various southern hemisphere touring sides, it wasn’t until 1948 that the Australian Rugby Union, New Zealand Rugby Football Union and South Africa Rugby Board joined the IRFB. The French Federation joined in 1978 and it wasn’t until after they had already held the first World Cup in 1987 that Italy, Argentina, Canada and Japan were invited to join in 1991.

Plans for a World Cup

Harold Tolhurst, a former Australian winger and a test match referee, was among the first to formally propose a Rugby World Cup. In the early 1960’s he suggested that Australia host a month long tournament to find a world champion between the four sides from Great Britain, France, South Africa, New Zealand and the hosts. But in 1968 the IRFB stated that they forbade their member countries from participating in any such tournament. As recently as 1983 the IRB (International Rugby Board) stated that ‘the concept found no support’. Among the principal objections was the fact that the IRB did not want such a tournament to be run by commercial operators as they feared this would encroach on their ‘amateur ethos’.

But as Bob Dylan might have said, the times they were a-changin’. The 1981 Springboks tour to New Zealand saw riots outside the grounds as the Apartheid regime came under the spotlight. Isolation from the rest of the rugby world led the South African board (SARB) to propose a professional game. Meanwhile, there was a dispute in Australia as nine members of their squad to play New Zealand refused to travel. They argued that the daily allowance offered was too small. In 1983 David Lord, an Australian entrepreneur, proposed a professional league along the same lines as Kerry Packer’s successful Cricket league.

The increasing commercialisation and popularity of other sports in traditional rugby areas as well as the advent of sports television and the associated earning potential led the power brokers of the game into a rethink. At a meeting in 1984 it was agreed to conduct a feasibility study into holding a Rugby World Cup. The feedback this time was positive and at a meeting held in Paris in 1985 a vote was taken. The ‘Home Nations’ were still initially opposed, with the southern hemisphere powers and France in favour of a global tournament. After an initial tied vote, John Kendall-Carpenter of England was won over and changed his vote as did his Welsh counterpart on hearing of the change, so it was now a 10-6 vote in favour of a World Cup. The tournament was to be held jointly by Australia and New Zealand from 22 May – 20 June 1987.

In part two of the story I’ll take a look at Ireland’s record in the first World Cup in Australia in 1987.

For further reading on the history of the Rugby World Cup and the origins of the game take look at the following links:

https://web.archive.org/web/20060414193531/http://www.worldcupweb.com/WCrugby/history.asp

https://nzhistory.govt.nz/culture/1987-rugby-world-cup/the-world-cup-is-born

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gallaher-s-great-legacy-brought-home-at-last-1.547030

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup

Three NFL Teams You Should Consider Supporting as A European NFL Fan

The Irish aren’t short of sports to cheer on. Gaelic football, Rugby, Soccer, and Hurling have been popular for generations, and they will continue to be exactly that.

However, in recent years, a newer obsession has made its way to the Emerald Isle.

No, Conor McGregor, we’re not talking to you. Although you have made MMA more popular than ever despite your recent decline. No, we are of course referring to American Football.

If you weren’t aware, the NFL returns to our screens on September 10th as the reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs raise the curtain against an underdog Detroit Lions side that isn’t afraid of upsetting the apple cart. Patrick Mahomes’ side secured a second Lombardi in five seasons last term when they came from behind to pip the Philadelphia Eagles to the trophy at Super Bowl LVII inside Phoenix’s State Farm Stadium. They are the favourites for glory once again next term however, they will have plenty of competitors vying for their crown.

Their main threat also plies its trade in the AFC conference. Ever since making quarterback Joe Burrow the first overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft, the Cincinnati Bengals have been gunning for a maiden Lombardi, and the 2023 season will be no different. They have reached the AFC Championship game in each of the last two seasons, trading wins with the aforementioned Chiefs, with the Ohio-based side winning the first and the reigning champions winning the second earlier this year.

As a European NFL fan, you could do much worse than selecting the Bengals as your team for the upcoming campaign. However, if you are still undecided, here are three teams whose colours you should consider wearing every weekend between September and February.

Kansas City Chiefs

Let’s face it, the Irish love supporting the favourites. Just take a look at soccer for example. You’re much more likely to find a supporter of Liverpool or Manchester United on the streets of Dublin than you are Shamrock Rovers. If that sounds like you, then the Kansas City Chiefs are the team for you.

Andy Reid’s men have reached at least the AFC Championship game in each of the last five seasons. They have converted three of those appearances into trips to the Super Bowl and twice converted said trip into a Lombardi Trophy triumph. If you are into fast-paced high-scoring games, the Missouri-based outfit might be your team of choice.

Led by superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs play an offensive style of football that’s hard to beat. Since The former Texas Tech standout took over, the team has gone from strength to strength and is approaching dynasty-like status. As we have mentioned, they are the favourites for glory once more this season, and it will take a herculean effort to stop them from becoming the first team in almost two decades to win back-to-back Super Bowls.

Green Bay Packers

If you are looking for a team with a storied history and a passionate fanbase, you might want to cheer for the Green Bay Packers. The Wisconsin side is one of the NFL’s oldest and most iconic franchises, and their devoted fanbase stretches across generations. Their playing style favors cold-weather games, where they use their running game and defense to their advantage.

This year, they will need all the help they can get. They missed out on the playoffs on the final day of last season following a humbling defeat on home turf at the hands of the rival Detroit Lions. And if that wasn’t bad enough, this season will be their first in 15 years without iconic quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has been traded to the New York Jets.

Buffalo Bills

Lastly, if you’re looking for a team with a comeback story, consider becoming a Buffalo Bills fan. The Highmark Stadium outfit has a large, enthusiastic fanbase, and while they haven’t been to the Super Bowl since the early 90s, they’ve shown signs of improvement in recent years thanks to the drafting of talented quarterback Josh Allen.

The Bills play a hard-nosed style of football, which has led them to become a perennial playoff team. They remain the only team in NFL history to reach four consecutive Super Bowls however, they inexplicably lost all four and remain without a Lombardi Trophy in their baren looking trophy cabinet. If you love to root for the underdog, the Bills are the perfect fit.

Conclusion

As a European NFL fan, there are many great teams to support in the NFL. The New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New Orleans Saints, are just a few other suggestions should the ones we have highlighted not take your fancy. Each team we have mentioned however has its unique history, traditions, and fan culture, which make them exciting to support.

Shane Lowry’s Ryder Cup Journey: A Grateful Golfer’s Quest for Victory

A Stellar Roster

Captain Donald’s Praise

Lowry’s Second Chance

Recalling Past Triumphs

A Proven Champion

Lowry’s Love for Team Sports

The Road Ahead

Build up to the 2003 tournament

Pool A

11th October 2003: Ireland 45 Romania 17

19th October 2003: Ireland 64 Namibia 7

26th October 2003: Ireland 16 Argentina 15

1st November 2003: Australia 17 Ireland 16

9th November 2003: France 43 Ireland 21

Second Half

Irish World Cup Squad 2003

England 1999

New Format

2nd October 1999: Ireland 53 USA 8

10th October 1999: Ireland 3 Australia 23

15th October 1999: Ireland 44 Romania 14

October 1999: Argentina 28 Ireland 24

Aftermath

Irish World Cup Squad 1999

Luke Donald

EUROPEAN TEAM FOR THE 2023 RYDER CUP

An alleged assault on Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane has triggered a police investigation in England.

The Incident and Immediate Fallout:

Micah Richards’ Intervention:

The Metropolitan Police Investigation:

Impact on the Sports Community:

Conclusion

Some background

Pool Two

Another crack at the Aussies in a quarter

After Ireland’s exit…..

16 Participants

Pool Two

Our first Quater-Final exit

After Ireland’s exit….

A brief history of the Rugby World Cup

The Origins

The Split

Global Spread

Rugby at the Olympics

The ‘Originals’

Disputed governance globally

Plans for a World Cup

Kansas City Chiefs

Green Bay Packers

Buffalo Bills

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