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Squad Announced for Ireland’s Rugby World Cup Warm-Up Fixtures

Ireland Head Coach Andy Farrell has revealed the 42-player Summer Training Squad for the upcoming Bank of Ireland Nations Series and Rugby World Cup 2023.

The squad includes both experienced and uncapped players who will assemble at the IRFU High Performance Centre on 18th June for the initial phase of pre-season training.

Training and Preparation Schedule

The Ireland squad will undergo training in Dublin throughout June and July in preparation for the Bank of Ireland Nations Series. The series includes home matches against Italy and England at Aviva Stadium, as well as a fixture against Samoa at Stade Jean-Dauger in Bayonne. The training camp aims to fine-tune Ireland’s preparations for the upcoming Rugby World Cup.

Uncapped Players and Squad Selection

Andy Farrell has included four uncapped players in the Summer Training Squad. Ulster hooker Tom Stewart, who was part of the extended Ireland squad during the Guinness Six Nations, has been called up. Additionally, Leinster backs Ciaran Frawley and Jamie Osborne, along with Munster winger Calvin Nash, have been rewarded for their impressive performances for their respective provinces.

Andy Farrell’s Comments

Commenting on the squad announcement, Coach Andy Farrell expressed his excitement for the training squad and the upcoming preparations for the Rugby World Cup. He emphasized the tough selection process due to the high-quality players in contention for a spot in the squad. Farrell looks forward to a competitive training camp to improve their game from the previous season and build momentum for the Bank of Ireland Nations Series and beyond.

Warm-Weather Training Camp and Final Squad Selection

Apart from the Bank of Ireland Nations Series matches, the Ireland squad will travel to Portugal for a warm-weather training camp in August. This camp will provide an opportunity for further preparations before Andy Farrell’s final 33-player squad for the Rugby World Cup is announced in late August.

Rugby World Cup Warm Up Fixtures

Ireland’s Rugby World Cup campaign begins with a match against Romania in Bordeaux on 9th September. They will also face Tonga in Nantes on 16th September, followed by matches against South Africa and Scotland at the Stade de France in Paris on 23rd September and 7th October, respectively. These Pool B fixtures will be crucial for Ireland as they strive to advance in the tournament.

Clinical Cross Denies Humphries to Claim Maiden Euro Tour Crown

Rob Cross emerged victorious in a thrilling final at the Interwetten European Darts Grand Prix in Sindelfingen, securing his first-ever European Tour title. The match concluded with a dramatic 8-6 win over Luke Humphries in the showpiece event.

Cross’s Long-Awaited Triumph Rob Cross, a two-time European Champion, had faced defeat in each of his previous seven European Tour finals. However, he finally broke his streak and clinched the top prize of £30,000 at the Glaspalast. The victory was significant for Cross, as he had previously lost to Humphries in three European Tour finals in 2022, including last year’s European Darts Grand Prix.

World Cup of Darts Implications The final between Cross and Humphries also determined who would represent England alongside Michael Smith at the upcoming World Cup of Darts. Cross held a £17,500 lead over Humphries on the PDC Order of Merit, meaning Humphries needed to retain the title to secure a spot in the Pairs event. However, Cross delivered a clinical performance and emerged as the champion, securing his second title in just eight days.

Cross’s Comments Expressing his joy, Cross stated, “I’m just so glad that I’ve won a European Tour title. I’ve been striving to win one of these for six years.” He added that he had been playing well lately and was in a great place both in terms of his darts performance and personal happiness. Cross acknowledged Humphries’ talent and commiserated with him for missing out on the World Cup spot.

Cross’s Journey to Victory Cross started Finals Day with a 6-3 win over Ross Montgomery. He then proceeded to defeat Krzysztof Ratajski, showcasing his skill with two ton-plus finishes. In the semi-finals, Cross faced Ross Smith, another European Champion, and won with an average of 101, securing a 7-4 victory and setting up the thrilling showdown against Humphries.

The Final Showdown The first four legs of the final went with throw, but Cross broke the pattern with a remarkable ten-dart break in the fifth leg. Humphries responded with an instant two-dart 86 combination for a break in the sixth leg. However, Cross regained the lead in the ninth leg with a clinical 100 finish. In a crucial tenth leg, Humphries missed three darts at double to level the score at 5-5, allowing Cross to extend his lead to 6-4. Despite Humphries’ efforts to stay in the game with 11 and 13-dart holds, Cross sealed the victory with a composed 72 finish on double 18, securing an 8-6 triumph.

Humphries’ Determination Humphries expressed his disappointment after the match, stating, “It hurts. I’m devastated, but I will bounce back.” He regarded the defeat as one of the toughest in his career, emphasizing his strong desire to represent England. Humphries acknowledged Cross’s excellent performance and congratulated him on his victory.

Other Noteworthy Performances Humphries began the day with a 6-2 victory over Raymond van Barneveld and continued his strong form with a 109 average to defeat Gian van Veen in a thrilling quarter-final match. He secured a hard-fought 7-5 win over Damon Heta in the semi-finals to reach yet another important final. Heta, the World Cup winner from Australia, had his own impressive run, winning deciding-leg matches against Joe Cullen and Martin Schindler to reach the semi-finals.

Harold Varner III Claims First American Victory at LIV Golf DC

Harold Varner III, a professional golfer with an 11-year career, had previously won individual trophies in Australia and Saudi Arabia.

However, he had never won on American soil until his recent victory at the LIV Golf DC tournament. This article highlights Varner’s triumph, the team competition, and notable performances during the event.

Harold Varner III’s American Breakthrough: Harold Varner III, a resident of North Carolina, secured his first win in the United States at the LIV Golf DC tournament. With a final-round score of 4-under 68, Varner clinched a one-stroke victory over Branden Grace. The win marked a significant milestone for Varner, who expressed his joy at finally winning in his favorite country.

Team Competition: While Varner celebrated his individual victory, his team, RangeGoats GC, took third place in the team competition. The Spanish-speaking Torque GC emerged victorious for the second time this season, shooting a final-round counting score of 9-under to finish at 27-under. Torque GC’s win prevented them from sweeping both trophies, as Varner’s performance helped RangeGoats GC secure a podium finish.

Key Moments and Performances: Varner showcased his skill with several clutch moments during the tournament. His hole-out from the bunker for birdie at the par-4 11th hole allowed him to take the lead, while his tee shot at the par-3 15th set up another birdie, giving him a two-stroke advantage. However, Grace, who had lost in a playoff two weeks prior, made a late surge with two birdies in his final three holes to tie Varner at 11-under.

The Final Putt for Victory: As Grace tied the lead, Varner faced a crucial moment on the par-5 18th hole. With a 6-iron from 197 yards, Varner landed his shot on the front edge of the green, settling 40 feet from the pin. His subsequent two-putt birdie secured the victory, marking his first win on American soil.

Team Standings and Impact: Torque GC’s win propelled them to third place in the season-long team standings. They now trail last year’s champions, 4Aces GC, and Stinger GC. Torque Captain Joaquin Niemann expressed confidence in his team’s performance heading into the second half of the season, emphasizing their aspiration to win the Team Championship.

Varner’s Celebration and Future Plans: Following his victory, Varner planned to celebrate by playing a round of golf on the Monday holiday with his friends at a municipal course. The victory not only brought joy to Varner but also elevated his position in the season-long Individual race, moving him from 19th to sixth place.

Conclusion: Harold Varner III’s triumph at the LIV Golf DC tournament marked his first victory on American soil. While Varner celebrated his individual achievement, Torque GC emerged as the winning team. The event showcased memorable moments, including Varner’s clutch shots and Grace’s late surge. With the season progressing, the competition among the teams and individuals promises to remain fierce as they strive for further success in the LIV Golf League.

Video – Mona McSharry’s Impressive Performance at the Glasgow International Swim Meet

Mona McSharry’s Impressive Performance at the Glasgow International Swim Meet

Mona McSharry, a talented swimmer from Ireland, showcased her skills at the Glasgow International Swim Meet and achieved remarkable results. On the final day of the competition, she accomplished a new Irish Senior Record in the 200m Breaststroke. This achievement serves as part of her preparation for the upcoming World Aquatics Championships in July.

With a time of 2:24.50, McSharry set a new Irish Senior Record in the 200m Breaststroke. It was the first time she went under 2:25, surpassing her previous record of 2:25.08 established during the heats at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021. This impressive performance demonstrates her progress and determination in the pool.

Additional Success in the 100m Breaststroke

During the same weekend, McSharry excelled in the 100m Breaststroke event, securing first place with a time of 1:06.15. She came very close to breaking her own Irish record of 1:06.04, achieved at the Irish Open Championships in April. McSharry’s consistent strong performances indicate her readiness for future challenges.

Clare Cryan’s Record-Breaking Dive

Clare Cryan, an Irish diver, also made her mark at the British Diving Championships. Competing in the 3M Springboard event, Cryan achieved a score of 303.15 points, earning her the silver medal. More importantly, she surpassed her previous best score and set a new Irish Record, breaking the 300.75 points record she established in 2018. Cryan’s achievement demonstrates her skill and progress in the world of diving.

Paris Olympic Games Qualification Opportunities

Both Mona McSharry and Clare Cryan will have their first chances to qualify for the Paris Olympic Games at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, scheduled for July. Their outstanding performances in recent competitions highlight their potential and indicate that wethey are on the right track to secure a place in the prestigious Olympic event.

Notable Performances by Other Athletes

Several other Irish athletes showcased their talents and achieved notable performances at the Glasgow International Meet and the AP Race London International:

  1. John Shortt: The 16-year-old swimmer from the National Centre Limerick demonstrated his potential by winning the 100m Backstroke (55.89) and 200m Backstroke (2:01.35). He has been selected to represent Ireland at the European Junior Championships in July, as well as the World Championships and European U23 Championships in August.
  2. Grace Davison: Competing for Ards, Davison achieved commendable results, securing third place in the 200m Individual Medley (2:17.32), 400m Individual Medley (4:55.86), and 100m Freestyle (57.09). She has been chosen to participate in the European Junior and European U23 Championships.
  3. Maria Godden: Representing the National Centre Limerick, Godden exhibited her skills in the Backstroke events, achieving third place in the 50m (29.42), 100m (1:01.55), and 200m (2:14.08). She will be competing at the European U23 Championships.
  4. Jack Cassin: Another swimmer from the National Centre Limerick, Jack Cassin secured third place in the 400m Individual Medley, finishing with a time of 4:29.93. He has been selected to compete in the European U23 Championships.

Get free tickets for Munster Rugby homecoming after URC victory

Following their historic win, the Munster squad, along with their dedicated coaching staff, are making their way home, eager to celebrate their remarkable achievement with their loyal supporters.

The stage is set for a grand homecoming celebration at Thomond Park on Monday evening, providing fans with an opportunity to show their appreciation and share in the joy of their team’s success.

Supporters are encouraged to join the festivities, with the homecoming event scheduled to commence at 6pm. The atmosphere is expected to be electric, as fans eagerly await the arrival of their victorious heroes. The Munster squad is set to make a grand entrance at approximately 7pm, greeted by thunderous applause and a sea of red.

To ensure smooth entry into the event, fans are required to have a ticket, which can be downloaded from the official Munster Rugby website, munsterrugby.ie.

The tickets are available free of charge, a gesture that demonstrates the club’s appreciation for the unwavering support of its loyal fanbase.

The homecoming at Thomond Park promises to be a memorable occasion, where players and fans will come together to celebrate a victorious season.

 

Video highlights – Limerick beat Cork to reach Munster Hurling Final

Limerick’s relentless pursuit of a fifth consecutive Munster Senior Hurling Championship title remains alive after a heart-stopping victory over Cork at the TUS Gaelic Grounds.

The battle not only kept their quest for provincial glory intact but also kept their sights firmly set on a historic four All-Ireland titles in a row. On the other hand, Cork’s championship journey came to an end, despite valiant efforts, having suffered two heartbreaking defeats by a mere solitary point in the span of a week.

In the aftermath of their heavy loss to Waterford, Tipperary now face Offaly, the Joe McDonagh Cup runners-up, in the preliminary quarter-final. Meanwhile, Limerick marches forward, determined to capture a fifth consecutive provincial crown, as they set up a much-anticipated rematch with Clare, replicating last season’s final clash.

This encounter had all the hallmarks of the Munster Championship thus far – exquisite scoring, gripping goalmouth drama, and an abundance of heart-stopping moments that had supporters from both sides on the edge of their seats.

With a staggering crowd of over 40,000 jam-packed into the Ennis Road venue, the players matched the scorching May sun with an elevated pace of play.

Cork seized an early 0-3 to 0-1 lead, courtesy of successful frees from Patrick Horgan and Declan Dalton, while Tim O’Mahony also found the target.

Although Seamus Flanagan’s exploits propelled Limerick to a narrow 0-7 to 0-5 advantage by the 14th minute, Cork fought back fiercely and notched the subsequent six points. Patrick Horgan, Declan Dalton, Luke Meade, and a delightful point from Darragh Fitzgibbon bolstered Pat Ryan’s side, propelling them four points clear.

However, the momentum shifted on the 22nd minute when a Kyle Hayes delivery found Aaron Gillane, who swiftly passed to Flanagan. From close range, Flanagan buried the ball into the back of the net, registering the first goal of the match.

Limerick’s second goal arrived just before the half-hour mark, as Aaron Gillane’s attempt ricocheted off the post. Despite possessing the ball, Cork failed to clear, and a combination of Flanagan and Will O’Donoghue caused a turnover. O’Donoghue’s clever handpass found the charging Cathal O’Neill, who clinically finished the ball beyond the reach of Patrick Collins.


Two more Gillane points, both from frees, followed, but as the first half concluded, the sides were level at 2-12 to 0-18. Seamus Harnedy and Horgan, with two successful frees, notched the final three points, ensuring a thrillingly balanced contest.

The second half turned on a pivotal moment when Limerick was awarded a penalty for a foul on Gillane under a dropping ball. Diarmaid Byrnes, Gillane’s clubmate, stepped up and rifled the ball into the net, seemingly propelling the home side into an unassailable lead. However, a string of wides coupled with points from Shane Kingston, Harnedy, and Horgan brought the Rebels to within a single point.

The tides shifted once again as Limerick mounted a remarkable comeback, scoring six unanswered points. Geraoid Hegarty, Kyle Hayes, and Darragh O’Donovan showcased their accuracy from distance, with Byrnes landing a trademark long-range effort.

Yet, in the 62nd minute, Horgan’s goal injected new life into Pat Ryan’s men,
setting the stage for a nail-biting finale. Cork relentlessly chased victory until the very last second. However, it was Limerick who had the final roar, as the full-time whistle sounded, securing their place in the upcoming Munster decider next month.

 

Leinster Hurling 2023 : Dublin v Galway – Preview, Live Scores and Starting Teams

Dublin and Galway will clash in a highly anticipated Leinster Hurling Championship match.

Both teams have secured their places in the All-Ireland championship, but Dublin needs a victory to have a chance of reaching the Leinster final. Galway, on the other hand, sits atop the table with seven points. The outcome of this match will have significant implications for the teams’ progression in the championship.

Click here for livescores from Dublin v Galway

Head-to-Head Battles:

This encounter marks the 13th championship match between Dublin and Galway, with Dublin holding a 7-4 advantage, including one draw. In recent years, Galway has proven to be a formidable opponent, with Dublin winning only one of their last five championship meetings.

Managerial Rivalry:

Galway’s manager, Henry Shefflin, formerly played eight times for Kilkenny against Dublin in the championship and was victorious on each occasion. However, Dublin drew and defeated Kilkenny in the 2013 Leinster semi-final, with Shefflin absent from both matches. On the other side, Dublin’s manager, Micheál Donoghue, had a mixed record when leading Galway against Dublin. Galway emerged victorious in 2017 and 2018 but suffered a defeat in 2019.

Goal-Scoring Trends:

In their previous four championship clashes, Galway managed to score only one goal against Dublin, while Dublin found the back of the net on six occasions. This statistic highlights Dublin’s proficiency in scoring goals against their opponents, which could play a crucial role in the outcome of this match.

Round Robin Encounters:

The ’round robin’ format has seen Galway and Dublin face off three times, with Galway holding a 2-1 advantage. Galway emerged victorious in 2018 and 2022, while Dublin secured a win in 2019. These encounters indicate a closely contested rivalry between the two teams, setting the stage for an exciting clash in the Leinster Hurling Championship.

Starting Teams 

Galway hurling team to play Dublin 2023

Conclusion:

As Dublin seeks a victory to keep their hopes of reaching the Leinster final alive, they face a tough challenge against table-toppers Galway. With an intense history between the two teams, including recent successes for Galway, this match promises to be a gripping battle.

Both teams will be eager to claim the victory and showcase their prowess in pursuit of championship glory. Bookies expect Galway to win by 7pts.

Paddington wins Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas

Paddington and Ryan Moore gave Aidan O'Brien a 12th success in the Irish 2000 Guineas at The Curragh. Credit: David Betts.

Aidan O’Brien won the Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas for the first time since Churchill’s win in 2017 when Paddington took the colts classic at The Curragh this afternoon.

The winner, ridden by Ryan Moore, and the runner-up Cairo, under Wayne Lordan, led home a 1-2 for the Coolmore partners despite a strong British challenge in the race.

At the end of the one-mile classic Paddington has two length to spare over his stablemate, who was three-quarters of a length ahead of English challenger Hi Royal passing the winning post.

 

Art Power saw the Group 2 Weatherbys Greenlands Stakes over six furlongs go for export, as the Tim Easterby-trained son of Dark Angel gave Kerry jockey Oisín Murphy his first win at The Curragh.

 

A tight three-way battle at the finish of the six furlong Gain Marble Hill Stakes saw the Jessica Harrington-handled Givemethebeatboys, under Shane Foley, get the better of Paddy Twomey’s Noche Magica (Billy Lee) and His Majesty (Wayne Lordan) by a head and a head respectively.

Shamrock Rovers Manager to Report Disgusting Fan Behavior

Stephen Bradley plans to involve the police after Cork City fans targeted his sick son with offensive chants

In a distressing turn of events at Turner’s Cross, Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley found himself at the receiving end of abusive chants from a section of Cork City fans following his team’s 1-0 defeat.

The offensive songs specifically targeted Bradley’s nine-year-old son, who has been bravely battling leukemia. Outraged by the despicable behavior, Bradley vowed to file a report with the police and demanded lifetime bans for those responsible.

Disgusting Chants Aimed at Bradley’s Son

As Bradley conducted his post-match duties, a group of home supporters outside the stadium directed vile chants towards him, focusing on his son’s illness.

The manager, no stranger to criticism, expressed his disgust at the targeted attack, emphasizing that such behavior had no place in football or society.

Speaking passionately about the incident, Bradley affirmed his intention to report the matter to the police, ensuring that those responsible face appropriate consequences for their actions.

Club Apologizes and Pledges Cooperation

Recognizing the severity of the situation, Cork City swiftly condemned the actions of the individuals involved, offering an unreserved apology to Stephen Bradley.

The club expressed its strong condemnation of the abuse and confirmed its commitment to working alongside relevant authorities to identify and take necessary action against those responsible.

The swift response from Cork City highlights the importance of eradicating such behavior from the game and the collective effort required to achieve this goal.

Preview of the Joe McDonagh Hurling Final: Carlow vs. Offaly

Preview of the Joe McDonagh Hurling Final: Carlow vs. Offaly

Livescores for Carlow v Offaly 

The Joe McDonagh Hurling Final is set to be an exciting clash between Carlow and Offaly. Throw in 4:45pm on Saturday

Carlow is making their second appearance in the final, having previously won the title in 2018 against Westmeath. On the other hand, Offaly is making their maiden appearance in the final, adding an extra element of anticipation to the match.

Paths to the Final:

Carlow’s Journey:

Carlow showcased their prowess on their path to the final, putting up impressive performances throughout the competition. They began their campaign with a dominant victory over Kildare, winning by a comprehensive scoreline of 5-23 to 0-19.

They followed it up with hard-fought wins against Kerry (0-21 to 0-21) and Laois (1-22 to 1-22). Carlow continued their winning streak with an emphatic triumph over Down, securing a remarkable 6-23 to 0-28 victory. In their final round-robin match, they faced Offaly and emerged victorious by a convincing margin of 1-29 to 0-14.

Offaly’s Journey:

Offaly’s journey to the final has been equally impressive, as they showed their mettle and determination to reach this stage. They started their campaign with a victory over Laois, triumphing by a scoreline of 3-19 to 1-22.

Offaly then went on to defeat Kildare (2-22 to 3-11) and Down (1-26 to 1-15) in competitive encounters. In their penultimate match, they overcame Kerry comfortably, winning 1-24 to 0-16. Despite their loss to Carlow in the final round-robin match, Offaly had already secured their place in the final.

Starting Teams

Conclusion:

The Joe McDonagh Hurling Final between Carlow and Offaly promises to be a thrilling encounter. Carlow’s previous victory over Offaly in the competition and Offaly’s triumph in their Division 2A clash adds an element of unpredictability to the final.

Both teams have demonstrated their skills and determination throughout their respective journeys, making this showdown an exciting spectacle for hurling enthusiasts. Bookmakers expect Offaly to win by 4pts.

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