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Buy tickets online for Gaelic Football & Hurling Semi-Finals

You can buy tickets at 10am on Tuesday for Armagh v Monaghan , Derry v Cork, Kerry v Tyrone,  Dublin v Mayo ETC

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Saturday July 1st 

Ireland Men’s Rugby Sevens set for Semi-finals on Tuesday

Ireland advanced to the semi-finals of the Men’s Rugby Sevens at the European Games after a 26-12 victory over Belgium in Krakow this evening.

After initially going behind, James Topping’s side stepped it up a gear in the second half to comfortably progress to the last four. Belgium got the opening scores of the game before patient build-up from the Irish saw Dylan O’Grady score a try under the posts to level the game. Terry Kennedy’s try which was converted by Mark Roche gave Ireland a seven point lead at the interval.

Liam McNamara scored an impressive second half double of tries to push Ireland further clear, with Roche converting one of his attempts. Belgium fought on bravely and managed to score one more try however it was too little too late at that stage.

Ireland’s Jordan Conroy gave his reaction after the encounter; “It’s always a little bit nerve wracking, every team is going to bring their A game, so we have to bring our best. I think we’re still building to day three so there’s more to come,” he said.

Ireland play Portugal in tomorrow’s semi-final at lunchtime (12:58pm Irish time). The Portuguese easily saw off Georgia in their last eight game.

Current World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year Ireland’s Terry Kennedy looked ahead to that game; “We’ve played them plenty of times before. I mean they’re a really tough team with different strengths so they’ll challenge us, so we’re going to have to be at our best to make sure we come through again.”

Having not been able to travel to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics a large Irish contingent were vocal in the stands. The prospect of those supporters getting to see the side play at the Olympics in Paris next year is serving as motivation for the team.

“We want to do it for them as much as ourselves,” Conroy said.

The final, should they progress, is pencilled in for 8:35pm Irish Time tomorrow evening. A place at the Olympics is the ultimate prize for the winners.

Euro 2024: Ireland Face Uphill Battle to Qualify

Euro 2024: Ireland Face Uphill Battle to Qualify

Several international teams improved their chances of featuring in the 2024 European Championship in Germany after the latest batch of qualifying games.

Four nations boast a perfect record in the qualifiers following last weekend’s matches – France, Portugal, England and Scotland.

The latter two teams look a good bet to progress to the finals – a point that does not apply to the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

With that in mind we take a closer look at the latest state-of-play in the Euro 2024 qualifiers for Ireland and the four United Kingdom teams.

Ireland’s Tournament Drought Set to Continue

Ireland’s last major tournament appearance was in the 2012 European Championship and it would be a brave move to back them to end their drought by qualifying for Euro 2024.

Stephen Kenny’s side have picked up just three points from their first three games in Group B and face an uphill battle to secure a top two spot.

Their chances of progressing to the tournament are reflected by the odds on new betting sites in Ireland, with several bookmakers rating them as 125/1 shots to win the group.

The bookies know the time of day when it comes to setting football odds and it would be a major surprise if Ireland can defy expectations in a tough group.

Dismal Run Ends Northern Ireland’s Hopes

Northern Ireland are in even worse shape in Group H having recorded just one victory from their opening four matches.

They started their campaign with a 2-0 success in San Marino, but things have gone rapidly downhill since then.

Single-goal defeats against Finland, Denmark and Kazakhstan have left Northern Ireland fifth in a supremely competitive six-team group.

With trips to Slovenia and Kazakhstan next on the agenda in September, Northern Ireland’s qualification hopes are remote.

England Cruising Towards Euro 2024

England last failed to qualify for a major tournament in 1994, when Graham Taylor famously failed to guide them to the World Cup in the United States.

They have never slipped up since then and are well on track to progress to Euro 2024 after winning their first four games in Group C.

As is often the case with the Three Lions, there has beenplenty of hyperbole on display from the English media about their recent performances.

While they are undoubtedly nailed on to play in Germany, backing them to lift their first trophy since 1966 is fraught with danger given their penchant for failure at major tournaments.

Scotland Shining in Group A

 

Scotland’s time as underachievers is slowly becoming a thing of the past, with manager Steve Clarke restoring some pride in the international team.

They qualified for the 2020 European Championship and were arguably unfortunate to miss out on the 2022 World Cup after being ousted by Ukraine in the qualifying play-offs.

They have put that disappointment firmly behind them to record four successive victories in Group A against Cyprus, Spain, Norway and Georgia.

Three of Scotland’s remaining four qualifiers are away from home, but they should have enough about them to secure a top two place in the group.

Woeful Wales Struggling in the Post-Bale Era

Wales collected four points from their opening two games in Group D with a draw in Croatia and a home victory over Latvia.

However, anyone hoping that Rob Page’s side would qualify easily were dashed when they suffered dismal defeats against Armenia and Turkey.

Gareth Bale’s retirement from football has left Wales bereft of attacking quality and they face a tough task to book their spot at Euro 2024.

A victory in their next outing in Latvia on September 11 is vital if Wales are to keep their qualification hopes alive.

What Impact Have Irish Athletes Had on American Sports?

Sports is undeniably one of the most popular industries in the United States, captivating millions of viewers each week. Major leagues like the NHL, NBA, and NFL draw massive audiences, while globally renowned UFC and boxing events attract viewers from all corners of the world. Sports are so popular that they have influenced many elements of American culture, including sport-themed slot games available at US online casinos. In the rich history of American sports, the Irish have played a significant role in their enduring success. As sports betting with top US online casinos gains popularity worldwide, it’s worth exploring the influential Irish athletes who have transcended their respective sports. Who are the most famous Irish sports stars that have left an indelible mark on American sports? Let’s find out.

Owen Nolan

Despite being raised in Canada and representing the nation at the Olympics and the World Cup, Owen Nolan is one of the most important Irish exports in American sporting history. Nolan was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, before being raised in Thorold, Ontario. The star would become one of the most successful NHL players of all time, having been an NHL All-Star on five separate occasions.

The power forward was drafted first overall in the 1990 draft by Quebec Nordiques, before later representing some of the biggest NHL teams throughout his career. That included spells with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames, and Minnesota Wild. While he never won the Stanley Cup, he was an important component in the Canadian teams that won the Winter Olympics in 2002, and the World Championships in 1997.

Conor McGregor

There are potentially few more important Irish exports in the history of American sport than Conor McGregor. The Notorious was born in Dublin in 1988 and would become one of the most important figures in UFC history, helping the sport reach a new audience that would never have been achieved without McGregor being a prominent star at the top of the card. It is fair to say that the levels of popularity that the UFC has reached in recent years would never have been achieved without the Dublin-born superstar.

McGregor became the first UFC star to hold two world championships simultaneously,  and he holds the record for five of the highest-selling UFC PPV events in history. That includes his bout with Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229, which drew 2.4 million in PPV buys, making it the most successful MMA event in history. McGregor’s popularity also followed over to boxing, with his bout against Floyd Mayweather drawing 4.3 million buys, making it the second-most successful combat event in sports history.

Derek Jeter

Despite being born in the New York region, Derek Jeter holds a place for Ireland in his heart as his mother was born in the nation before moving to the United States. Derek Jeter is one of the most instantly recognizable stars in the history of baseball, after enjoying a career that spun over 20 years in the MLB. He was drafted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first eligible year in 2020, receiving the second-highest vote percentage in MLB history.

Jeter is regarded as one of the finest baseball players in history and was partly responsible for the New York Yankees becoming one of the greatest sports dynasties in history. During his time with the Yankees, he won five World Series and was awarded the World Series MVP in 2000. During his career, he was also a 14-time MLB All-Star. Jeter also ranks as the leader in the franchise’s history for hits, doubles, and games played. He called time on his career in 2014 and later became a part-owner of the Miami Marlins.

George Best

For those that grew up watching soccer throughout the 1970s, there were few more exciting stars on the planet than George Best. The legendary soccer star was born in Belfast in May 1946, and later became one of the best players to ever play for Manchester United. The winger spent eleven years at the Theatre of Dreams, winning the League title on two occasions, and the Champions League.

However, after the 1973-74 campaign, Best began to travel around the world, and he was among the first stars to compete in the newly formed American soccer league. He played for a season with the Los Angeles Aztecs in 1976, before rejoining the team once again in 1977. Best also played for Fort Lauderdale Strikers in 1978, and the San Jose Earthquakes in 1980.

Conclusion

Irish stars have enjoyed massive success in North America, and have played a key role in the long-term success enjoyed by some of the biggest sports. It’s fair to say that the popularity of some of the biggest sports in the United States would never have reached soaring levels of popularity had it not been for Irish superstars that were able to transcend the sport

Understanding Value Betting in Ireland: A Winning Strategy in Sports Betting

Ireland has a vibrant sports betting market where enthusiasts engage in thrilling wagering activities. While luck plays a role, successful bettors employ strategic approaches to maximize their profits. One such strategy is value betting, which involves identifying and capitalizing on favourable odds.

The concept of value betting

Value betting revolves around the principle of identifying bets with positive expected value (EV). In other words, it involves finding instances where the odds offered by bookmakers underestimate the actual probability of an outcome occurring. For example, a value bet emerges if the bookmaker sets the odds for a team winning at 2.50, but your analysis suggests the actual probability is closer to 3.00. You can use a tool like www.rebelbetting.com to aid you in finding these bets. By consistently placing this kind of bet over the long run, bettors can potentially secure profits, even if individual bets don’t always succeed.

Importance of value betting

Value betting holds significant importance in Ireland’s sports gambling market as it gives bettors an edge over bookmakers. Irish bookmakers, like their counterparts elsewhere, set odds based on their assessments of the probabilities and public betting patterns. However, these odds may not always accurately reflect the actual likelihood of an outcome. This discrepancy creates opportunities for astute bettors who can identify value bets and take advantage of them.

By consistently seeking out these bets, bettors can profitably exploit discrepancies between perceived and actual probability. While individual bets may not always be successful, the positive EV associated with value betting ensures long-term profitability. It is important to understand that it requires discipline and patience. It also requires a comprehensive analysis of relevant factors such as:

  • team form
  • injuries
  • weather conditions
  • historical data

Strategies for identifying value bets

Identifying these bets requires a systematic approach and a deep understanding of the sport you are betting on. Here are three strategies to help you identify value bets:

  1. In-depth knowledge: Develop a deep understanding of popular Irish sports such as Gaelic football, hurling, rugby, and horse racing. Stay updated with team news, player performance, form, and historical data. This knowledge will help you identify instances where bookmakers’ odds deviate from the actual probabilities.
  2. Track line movements: Monitor the fluctuations in odds across different bookmakers and platforms. Significant line movements, especially against popular sentiment, can indicate value opportunities.
  3. Specialize in local events: Focus on niche markets within Ireland’s sports scene, such as regional leagues or lower-tier competitions. Bookmakers may allocate less time and resources to these events, potentially leading to discrepancies between odds and actual probabilities.

 

Antrim v Meath & Down v Laois – Preview and Starting teams

TAILTEANN CUP SEMI-FINALS PREVIEW: ANTRIM vs MEATH

Antrim’s Strong Performance Leads to Semi-Finals Clash

Antrim’s journey in the Tailteann Cup has been marked by strong performances and notable victories. Topping their group, they showcased their prowess with wins over Leitrim, Wexford, and Fermanagh. In the quarterfinal, they continued their winning streak by defeating Carlow. Now, Antrim faces a formidable challenge in the form of Meath, a team that has been dominant throughout the competition.

Meath’s Unbeaten Run Sets the Stage for an Exciting Encounter

Meath has been in exceptional form, finishing at the top of their group with wins over Tipperary, Waterford, and Down. Their comprehensive victory against Wexford in the quarterfinal further solidified their status as strong contenders in the Tailteann Cup. With a history of success in championship encounters against Antrim, Meath enters the semi-finals with confidence, aiming to continue their unbeaten run and secure a spot in the final.

Clash: Antrim vs Meath

Antrim and Meath have a limited championship history, with their last meeting taking place in 2005 when Meath emerged victorious in an All-Ireland qualifier at Casement Park. Their only other championship encounter occurred in the 1951 All-Ireland semi-final, which Meath won. As these two teams meet again in the semi-finals, the stage is set for an intriguing clash, with Antrim seeking to overturn past results and make their mark against the formidable Meath side.

Starting teams for Meath v Antrim

Meath team to play Antrim in Tailteann Cup semi-final
Meath team to play Antrim in Tailteann Cup semi-final
Antrim team to play meath in Tailteann Cup semi-final
Antrim team to play meath in Tailteann Cup semi-final

 

TAILTEANN CUP SEMI-FINALS PREVIEW: DOWN vs LAOIS

Down’s Resilience Brings Them to the Semi-Finals

Down’s journey in the Tailteann Cup has been characterized by resilience and determination. While their group stage results included wins against Waterford and Tipperary, they faced a setback against Meath. However, they quickly regrouped, securing a victory over Longford in the preliminary quarterfinal and triumphing over Cavan in the quarterfinal. Down’s ability to bounce back and deliver strong performances positions them as formidable contenders in the semi-finals.

Laois’ Challenging Path Leads to the Semi-Finals

Laois encountered a challenging path to the semi-finals, with mixed results in the group stage. Draws against Offaly and London, along with a defeat by Cavan, tested their resolve. Nevertheless, Laois showcased their tenacity by prevailing over Fermanagh in the preliminary quarterfinal and emerging victorious against Limerick in the quarterfinal. Despite their ups and downs, Laois has proven their ability to compete at a high level, setting the stage for an intriguing clash against Down.

Renewed Rivalry: Down vs Laois

Down and Laois have a history of competitive encounters, with their most recent championship meeting occurring in the 2009 All-Ireland qualifiers, where Down secured a victory. Their previous clash in the 2008 qualifiers also resulted in a close contest, with Down emerging as the winners. As these teams meet again in the semi-finals, anticipation builds for a renewed rivalry and an exciting battle between two determined sides vying for a spot in the Tailteann Cup final.

Starting Teams for Down v Laois

Laois team to play Down
Laois team to play Down
Down team to play Laois
Down team to play Laois

Minor Football – Derry v Dublin – Preview, Live Scores and Starting Teams

Derry minor footballers are set to face Dublin in the All-Ireland final at the BOX-IT Armagh Athletic Grounds on Sunday evening (5.30pm).

Click for live scores on Derry v Dublin

Derry are looking for a third final appearance in seven years, Manager Damian McErlain expects a closely contested match reminiscent of their previous encounter six years ago.

“Our boys have been training very well. The two-week break allowed us to recover and prepare for the next round. It’s been good in that sense, as we managed to get some work done,” said McErlain, reflecting on their recent preparations.

Dublin, the Leinster champions, have showcased formidable form this season, triumphing over Louth, Meath, Westmeath, Offaly, and Kildare. In their quarter-final clash against Cork, Damien Fennelly’s side staged an impressive comeback, securing a 1-18 to 2-21 victory.

“Dublin is a physically strong side with a formidable midfield and athletic players throughout the team. They bring a real intensity to their game and possess a high work rate. Their manager even mentioned that they thrive on bigger pitches,” McErlain added, acknowledging the strengths of their opponents.

Noah Byrne and Luke O’Boyle have been the stand out players for Dublin all season and both will need to bring their A game if they hope to reach the final against Monaghan.

Throw in 5:30pm Armagh, Live on TG4

 

Team news

Derry minor team to play Dublin in minor semifinal 2023
Derry minor team to play Dublin in minor semifinal 2023

 

Dunlin minor team to play Derry in minor semifinal 2023
Dunlin minor team to play Derry in minor semifinal 2023

DUBLIN PANEL: 

1 Cillian Murray Ballyboden St Endas
2 Seán Keogh St Vincents
3 Cillian Emmett (C) Skerries Harps
4 Jack O’Sullivan Clanna Gael Fontenoy
5 Joshua Young Castleknock
6 Eoghan Costello St Judes
7 Ryan Mitchell Erin’s Isle
8 Senan Ryan Clontarf
9 Alex Carolan Parnells
10 Patrick Coleman Ballinteer St Johns
11 Luke O’Boyle Clontarf
12 Noah Byrne Kilmacud Crokes
13 Paddy Curry Ballyboden St Enda’s
14 Harry Curley St Vincent’s
15 Lenny Cahill Castleknock
16 Calvin Fennelly Na Fianna
17 Ciaran O’Connor St Vincent’s
18 Charlie Harty Kilmacud Crokes
19 Adam Rock Lucan Sarsfields
20 Andrew O Reilly Ballinteer St Johns
21 Ben Kennedy Beann Eadair
22 Colin McAweeney Raheny
23 Niall O’Brien St Peter’s
24 Shane Mullarkey Thomas Davis
25 Denis Ogbonna Thomas Davis
26 Callum Johnston O Dwyers

Galway v Mayo – Preview, Live Scores, Starting Teams & Tickets

Galway v Mayo GAA Preview:

In the upcoming Galway versus Mayo GAA match, both teams will be looking to secure a victory. Galway has had a strong championship campaign so far, winning four out of their five games. Their only defeat came against Armagh in their previous match. Mayo, on the other hand, has won two and lost two of their four games.

Click for livescores on Galway v Mayo

This matchup marks the 11th consecutive year these Western rivals meet in the championship. Nine of the previous ten encounters were in the Connacht championship, with one in the All-Ireland qualifiers back in 2019. The rivalry between Galway and Mayo has been fiercely competitive, with most games since 2016 being decided by narrow margins of 1-3 points. This makes it one of the most intense rivalries in football.

Looking at their recent performances, Galway displayed their strength by defeating Roscommon and Sligo in the Connacht semi-final and final, respectively. They also had commendable wins against Tyrone and Westmeath in the All-Ireland Group 2. However, they faced a setback with a loss to Armagh.

Galway Gigs is the home of live music listings

galway gigs

Key scorers for Galway include Matthew Tierney with 2-13, Shane Walsh with 0-19 (including 0-14 from frees), Damien Comer with 1-8, and Peter Cooke with 0-9.

Mayo’s journey has seen mixed results, with a loss to Roscommon in the Connacht quarter-final but an impressive victory against Kerry in the All-Ireland Group 1. They also had a narrow defeat to Cork but managed a close win against Louth.

Ryan O’Donoghue has been the leading scorer for Mayo with 0-15 (including 0-10 from frees), followed by Aidan O’Shea with 0-8 (including 0-4 from frees), Jordan Flynn with 0-6, and Matthew Ruane with 0-4.

In their previous ten championship meetings, Mayo emerged victorious in the last three encounters, including the 2021 Connacht final. However, Galway won the Connacht quarter-final in 2022 and the All-Ireland qualifier back in 2019. These teams have a long history, with Mayo securing 44 wins, Galway with 42 wins, and six matches ending in draws.

This year, Galway and Mayo have already clashed three times, with Mayo winning two games and drawing one. They triumphed in the FBD Connacht League game and the Division 1 final, while the Allianz League encounter ended in a draw.

Interestingly, home advantage hasn’t played a significant role in recent matches between these teams. Galway won championship games against Mayo in Castlebar, while Mayo emerged victorious in Pearse Stadium. Galway’s last championship win over Mayo in Pearse Stadium was in 2017.

In terms of managerial experience, Galway’s manager, Padraic Joyce, has played 11 championship games against Mayo, winning six and losing five. Mayo’s manager, Kevin McStay, has played five championship games against Galway, winning one and losing five.

 

Overall, the Galway v Mayo match promises to be an intense and closely contested battle, given their history and recent performances. Both teams will be eager to secure a crucial victory in this highly competitive rivalry.

Starting Teams

Galway team to play Mayo in all ireland football prelim quarter final 2023
Galway team to play Mayo in all ireland football prelim quarter final 2023
Mayo team to play Galway in all ireland football prelim quarter final 2023
Mayo team to play Galway in all ireland football prelim quarter final 2023


Fixtures and links to buy tickets 

Saturday June 24

All-Ireland Hurling Quarter-Finals
Clare v Dublin, TUS Gaelic Grounds, 4pm, RTE Click to buy tickets
Tipperary v Galway, TUS Gaelic Grounds, 6.15pm, RTE Click to buy tickets 

All-Ireland football Prelim Quarter-Finals

Cork v Roscommon, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 2pm, GAAGO – Click to buy tickets

Kildare v Monaghan, Glenisk O’Connor Park, 4.45pm, GAAGO Click to buy tickets

Donegal v Tyrone, MacCumhaill Park, 7pm, GAAGO Click to buy tickets

Electric Ireland minor football Semi-Final
Kerry v Monaghan, Glenisk O’Connor Park, 2.30pm, TG4

Sunday June 25

All-Ireland SFC Preliminary Quarter-Final
Galway v Mayo, Pearse Stadium, 3pm, RTE 1 Click to buy tickets

Tailteann Cup Semi-Finals
Antrim v Meath, Croke Park, 2pm, RTE 2 – Click here to buy tickets

Down v Laois, Croke Park, 4pm, RTE 2
Click here to buy tickets

Electric Ireland MFC Semi-Final
Dublin v Derry, BOX-IT Athletic Grounds, 5.30pm, TG4

Video Highlights – Galway face Limerick on Saturday after beating Tipp

Galway’s Tenacity Secures Semifinal Clash with Limerick

Galway exhibited their unwavering determination as they carved out a piece of history with a third consecutive Championship victory over Tipperary, setting up an enthralling rematch with Limerick in the semifinals.

Despite blazing 18 wides and having three goal attempts saved by Rhys Shelly, Galway held their ground against Tipperary from the early stages. Conor Whelan shone brightly, contributing 1-4 and posing a constant threat to the opposition.

Liam Cahill’s team mirrored their lackluster first-half performance from their previous match against Waterford, as their starting full-forward line failed to register a single score. Although John McGrath’s goal brought them within a point, their Championship hopes seemed dim, failing to ignite in front of the 34,180 fans at the Gaelic Grounds.

Tipperary were fortunate to be only three points behind at halftime. Galway’s execution also suffered from inconsistencies.

Initially, Tipp assigned Dan McCormack to mark Whelan, while Cathal Barrett took on Brian Concannon. However, they swapped roles as Whelan managed to evade both defenders, creating back-to-back goal opportunities.

Meanwhile, Galway deployed Seán Linnane to shadow Noel McGrath throughout the match. Although Tipp’s captain attempted three early shots, their failure to adjust to the wind resulted in each attempt drifting wide.

Both teams shared the first 12 scores, but Galway began sensing that Tipperary was vulnerable.

Séamus Callanan seized on a giveaway puck-out, but his goal attempt was thwarted by a superb block from Gearóid McInerney. From that point on, all the goal chances belonged to Galway.

Whelan slipped past the defense twice, once forcing a remarkable save from Shelly. However, Galway settled for an Evan Niland pointed free on the subsequent play.

Galway then embarked on a four-point spree, with two points apiece from Niland and Whelan. Shelly once again came to Tipp’s rescue, deflecting Whelan’s effort over the bar with his trailing leg.

Barrett’s crucial sliding tackle denied Whelan a clear shot at goal, preserving Tipp’s hopes.

A Jason Forde free kick reduced the deficit to just three points, with the scoreline reading 0-10 to 0-7.

However, Cahill’s halftime team talk was rendered futile when Tipp conceded a goal immediately after the throw-in. Barrett slipped, allowing Whelan to take advantage and dispatch his seventh goal of the Championship campaign, leaving Tipp trailing.

Tipp introduced Michael Breen as their third defender assigned to contain Whelan. Gearóid O’Connor and Conor Bowe were also brought on, replacing Mark Kehoe and Callanan, as Tipp sought to close the gap against Galway.

O’Connor and Alan Tynan notched points, with the latter producing a testing shot across Galway’s goal from a tight angle.

Yet, when Cianan Fahy, Daithí Burke, and Whelan combined to score four consecutive points, Galway’s lead extended to eight.

Tipp responded valiantly with four points of their own, courtesy of Forde (0-2), Ronan Maher, and Johnny Ryan, demonstrating their determination to mount a comeback.

Remarkably, Tipp reduced the deficit to just one point on the 62nd minute. Bowe delivered the ball behind Galway’s defense, and although Forde failed to connect, John McGrath emphatically struck a groundstroke to the roof of the net.

Tom Monaghan emerged from the bench to register two vital points. Séamus Kennedy retaliated with two points of his own.

Galway could have sealed the victory when Tipp’s defensive play led to a risky situation, but Shelly came to the rescue once again with a sprawling save from Fahy’s shot.

In the closing stages of the game, it seemed as if Niland went unnoticed by the Tipp defense. He capitalized on a well-placed ball down the right wing, securing a point and narrowly missing another. He won a free kick, which he confidently converted himself, and even set up Monaghan for his third point of the match, ultimately sealing Galway’s triumph.

Now, with Limerick eagerly awaiting their arrival, Galway’s tenacity and resilience will be put to the test once again in the upcoming semifinal clash. The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as these two formidable teams lock horns to secure a spot in the All-Ireland Hurling Championship final.

Throw in for Galway v Limerick is 6pm next Saturday

Cork beat Roscommon to reach quarterfinals

Antrim team to play in Tailteann Cup semi-final

 Cork Secures Thrilling Victory over Roscommon in All-Ireland SFC Preliminary Quarter-Final

In a gripping encounter, Cork emerged triumphant with a one-point victory over Roscommon in the All-Ireland SFC Preliminary Quarter-Final. The match witnessed an intense battle, with both teams displaying determination and resilience until the final whistle. Kevin O’Donovan became the hero for Cork, delivering a crucial point in the 73rd minute to secure their place in the upcoming All-Ireland SFC quarter-finals. Let’s delve into the thrilling details of this closely contested match.

Late Drama and Cork’s Winning Moment:

As the game entered injury time, Cork faced the prospect of surrendering their lead to a resurgent Roscommon side. With the scores level after Roscommon mounted a comeback, Cork’s chances seemed uncertain. However, seizing an opportunity created by a free awarded for Roscommon’s foul, Cork crafted a chance. Seán Powter’s pass found Ian Maguire, who in turn set up substitute Kevin O’Donovan to expertly fist the ball over the bar, securing the decisive point that ultimately secured the victory for Cork.

Roscommon’s Missed Opportunity:

Despite the late possession and momentum, Roscommon failed to capitalize on their chances. Time was running out for them, and a late red card for Enda Smith further hindered their hopes of a comeback. This setback, combined with Cork’s composed defense, prevented Roscommon from finding another equalizing score and forcing the game into extra time.

Cork’s Impressive Form:

Cork’s victory against Roscommon marks a significant achievement for the team. Notably, this is the first time since 2009 that Cork has defeated two Division 1 counties in the same championship. Building on their earlier win against Mayo, the Rebels will approach the upcoming quarter-final draw with renewed confidence. Throughout the match, Cork demonstrated versatility and resilience, particularly when they were trailing 0-7 to 0-3. However, their persistent efforts paid off, as they managed to reduce the deficit to just one point by halftime. Their ability to remain calm under pressure was a key theme in their overall performance.

Game-Changing Moments:

Cork’s fortunes shifted during the second half when Rory Maguire leveled the scores soon after the restart. Additionally, goalkeeper Micheál Aodh Martin’s exceptional save to deny Diarmuid Murtagh played a crucial role in maintaining Cork’s momentum. The team’s solid defense, spearheaded by Matty Taylor and supported by the relentless efforts of the entire squad, created opportunities for Cork to establish a five-point lead. Steven Sherlock’s fifth point further extended their advantage to 0-12 to 0-10.

Cork’s Winning Goal and Roscommon’s Fightback:

In a pivotal moment, substitute Conor Corbett combined with Seán Powter to orchestrate a well-executed goal, with Corbett’s shot finding the back of the net. This electrifying play, coupled with Chris Óg Jones’ impressive point, propelled Cork to a 1-13 to 0-11 lead. However, Roscommon fought back, with Diarmuid Murtagh contributing two vital points. The deficit was reduced to a single goal, and Roscommon had an opportunity to level the scores completely. Despite Cork’s contention that Jones was fouled during a chance for a goal, the shot was ultimately waved wide. Nonetheless, Roscommon managed to score three consecutive points through Daire Cregg, Diarmuid Murtagh, and Ciaráin Murtagh, ultimately leveling the game.