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Leinster Rugby name eight players joining Academy

Leinster Rugby Academy Welcomes Eight New Players for 2023/24 Season

Leinster Rugby has announced the arrival of eight new players to its Academy squad for the upcoming 2023/24 season. The new recruits include Andrew Osborne, Conor O’Tighearnaigh, Fintan Gunne, Gus McCarthy, Henry McErlean, Hugh Cooney, Liam Molony, and Patrick McCarthy. All eight players were part of the Grand Slam-winning Ireland U-20 team at the recent Six Nations tournament.

Familiar Faces

Andrew Osborne and Patrick McCarthy have older brothers, Jamie and Joe, respectively, in the Leinster Rugby senior squad. Liam Molony’s first cousin, Ross, is also a well-established player within the Leinster ranks. Meanwhile, Fintan Gunne, Conor O’Tighearnaigh, and Liam Molony have toured with some of their new teammates during the recent BKT United Rugby Championship in South Africa.

Leinster Rugby Academy Manager’s Message

Simon Broughton, Leinster Rugby Academy Manager, expressed his delight at the new signings. He said, “This is a terrific opportunity for the club to continue to help these young men grow into excellent members of our community, while at the same time supporting them to achieve their rugby and academic potential.” Broughton also acknowledged the contribution of the players’ clubs, schools, and pathway coaches to their development, as well as their families for their continued support.

Andrew Osborne

Andrew Osborne, born on August 16, 2003, is studying Economics, Maths, and Statistics at UCD and plays in the back three. He scored a try in his debut game for the Ireland U-20 team during the Grand Slam-winning campaign in 2022. Andrew started playing rugby with the Naas RFC minis, attended Naas CBS, and represented the North Midlands Area in the Bank of Ireland Shane Horgan Cup.

Conclusion

The new signings for the Leinster Rugby Academy bring a wealth of talent and potential to the club. With players like Andrew Osborne, who have already demonstrated their skills at the international level, the future looks bright for Leinster Rugby. The club’s commitment to nurturing talent and supporting the players’ academic development is a testament to its long-term vision and dedication to producing top-class rugby players.

Andrew Osborne (Naas RFC)
DOB – 16 August 2003

Andrew is currently studying Economics, Maths and Statistics in UCD and plays in the back three.

He was a member of the Ireland U-20 2022 Grand Slam winning team, scoring a try in the win over Scotland in Scotstoun Stadium, which was also his debut at that level.

Like older brother Jamie, Andrew started his rugby with the Naas RFC minis, attended Naas CBS and lined out for the North Midlands Area in the Bank of Ireland Shane Horgan Cup.

Conor O’Tighearnaigh (UCD RFC)
DOB – 2 April 2003

Second row Conor made his Leinster Rugby senior debut in the BKT United Rugby Championship game against the Vodacom Bulls in Loftus Versfeld Stadium in April 2023. It capped a remarkable few weeks for the young man, having also starred for Richie Murphy’s Ireland U-20s on their way to the Grand Slam.

It was his second U-20s Grand Slam having also played in 2022.

Conor is studying Medicine in UCD and started his rugby journey with Bective Rangers FC minis before moving to Old Belvedere RFC and then attending St. Michael’s College where he went to school.

Fintan Gunne (Terenure RFC)
DOB – 28 July 2003

Fintan was a mainstay of Richie Murphy’s Ireland U-20s with the all-action number nine a constant thorn in the sides of those he met. He scored a try against England in the Grand Slam decider in Cork.

In April 2023, he was invited on the two-game tour of South Africa by Leo Cullen where he picked up valuable experience and will now enter the Leinster Rugby Academy in time for the 2023/24 season.

Fintan is studying Commerce in UCD and started his rugby in Old Belvedere RFC, before attending St. Michael’s College. He now lines out for Terenure RFC in the Energia All-Ireland League.

Gus McCarthy (UCD RFC)
DOB – 23 July 2003

Gus was the captain of the Grand Slam winning Ireland U-20s side as the UCD RFC hooker led the team to a remarkable second title in as many years.

He started out his rugby journey with Old Belvedere RFC, before playing in Blackrock College, where he captained the Senior Cup team to the 2022 Bank of Ireland Leinster Rugby Schools Senior title after a win over Gonzaga College in the RDS Arena.

He is now studying Commerce in UCD, where he is also lining out in the Energia All-Ireland League.

McCarthy played in Old Belvedere growing up, and interestingly, in that team, there were four of the Academy players announced today, namely, McCarthy, Gunne, Patrick McCarthy and O’Tighearnaigh.

Henry McErlean (Terenure RFC)
DOB – 13 February 2003

Henry plays in the back three and was the starting full back in the Grand Slam decider against England in the U-20s Six Nations.

He grew up in Cushendall, in Antrim, and played rugby with Ballymena RFC and hurling with Ruairí Óg GAA Club before his family moved to Dublin, where he played Gaelic Football with Clanna Gael and rugby in St. Michael’s College. He won a Bank of Ireland Leinster Rugby Schools Junior Cup title in 2019 after beating Blackrock College in the final in Energia Park.

He is currently studying Economics in UCD, and plays his club rugby with Terenure RFC in the Energia All-Ireland League.

Hugh Cooney (Clontarf FC)
DOB – 26 June 2003

Hugh is a centre and is currently studying Sports and Exercise Management in UCD.

He won a Senior Cup medal with Blackrock College in 2022, scoring a try in the final against Gonzaga College. Later that same year he would line out with Leinster ‘A’ in a number of interprovincial games before making his Ireland U-20s debut in the 2023 Six Nations. He played in every game of the campaign.

Growing up he was also a talented soccer player with St. James AFC and Beechwood FC and he represented South Dublin in the renowned Kennedy Cup.

Liam Molony (Dublin University FC)
DOB – 9 November 2003

Like Conor O’Tighearnaigh, Liam also made his Leinster Rugby senior debut while still a member of the Sub-Academy. The back row was invited on to the two-game tour of South Africa by Leo Cullen and came on in the second half against the Vodacom Bulls in Pretoria.

Having attended Blackrock College – where he won a Senior Cup title in 2022 – Liam is now in Technological University, Dublin studying Business and Management, and wears the Dublin University FC colours in the Energia All-Ireland League.

He is a first cousin of Leinster lock Ross Molony, and his grandfather, Jack was capped by Ireland against Scotland in Lansdowne Road in 1950.

Patrick McCarthy (Dublin University FC)
DOB – 28 May 2003

The final member of the Year One intake, is prop Patrick McCarthy, the younger brother of Leinster and Ireland lock, Joe.

As mentioned earlier, Patrick started out his rugby in Old Belvedere RFC minis with a number of the other Academy players before moving to Blackrock College school where he won a Senior Cup title in 2022.

He played in all five of the games for Ireland on their way to the Grand Slam, wearing the number three or 18 jersey, in all of the games and scored a memorable try in the win over France in Musgrave Park.

He is now studying Global Business in Trinity College and playing for Dublin University FC in the Energia AIl-Ireland League.

GAA Football Championship 2023: Top 4 Contenders

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

Sports fans in Ireland are in for a treat this summer, with the prestigious GAA Football Championship taking centre stagefrom May to July.

The Provisional Championships are close to reaching their conclusion, and have provided some handy form pointers ahead of the big tournament.

Read on as we assess the chances of four of the main contenders to win the 2023 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship on July 30.

Kerry

Kerry are the bookmakers’ favourites to lift the trophy and it would be a brave move to back against them winning the title for the 39th time.

They are priced at 7/4 in the latest GAA betting and those odds will probably shorten if they beat Clare in the Munster Senior Football Championship final.

Kerry defeated Tipperary with contemptuous ease on their way to the Provisional Championship decider, scoring a whopping 25 points.

With key players returning from injury and a track record of previous success, it would be no surprise to see Kerry emerge victorious at the end of July.

Dublin

Dublin comfortably defeated Laois to reach the last four of the Leinster Senior Football Championship and look a good bet to progress to the final.

They have not lost against semi-final opponents Kildare in 23 years and it is difficult to see that run ending on this occasions.

Dublin would meet either Offaly or Louth in the final and a victory there would be the perfect preparation for the All-Ireland Championship.

Having won the title six years in a row from 2015 to 2020, the 30-time winners will be desperate to add another success to their tally.

Galway

Galway booked their place in the Connacht Senior Football Championship final against Sligo with a gritty victory over Roscommon.

Their opponents had surprisingly defeated Mayo in the previous round and caused plenty of problems in their semi-final encounter.

Roscommon edged into the lead in the second half, but Galway kept their composure to secure a hard fought victory.

They look a good bet to beat Sligo before turning their attentions to what promises to be a competitive tilt at winning the All-Ireland title.

Mayo

Mayo have suffered plenty of heartbreak in the big summer tournament, finishing runners-up eight times since the turn of the century.

Their last success came back in 1951, but many respected GAA pundits have backed them to end their drought this time around.

However, their quarter-final defeat against Roscommon in the Provisional tournament highlighted they would be well-advised to take nothing for granted.

Mayo had plenty of chances to win that game and will need to be far more clinical if they are to be crowned All-Ireland champions this year.

Next Season’s Premier League Will Be The Best Ever: Here’s Why

Has there ever been a boring Premier League season?

Some are better than others, it’s true, but in general, the quality of the football, storylines, and subplots are extremely high. It seems that there’s always a battle for the Premier League title and the top four positions, as well as a fight for survival at the bottom of the table. This year, with Manchester City and Arsenal both gunning for the title and the final Champions League positions still up for grabs, is no exception. And if you thought this season was good, just wait until next year. Arsenal will be better than they have been this year. Manchester United will continue their development. And Liverpool will roar back so convincingly that it could well be worth using a betting offer from oddschecker to back them to pull off an unlikely title victory. Yes, it’s shaping up to be a good one. Below, we’ll run through each club and analyse why they’ll be flirting with the top of the table next season.

Arsenal Will Be Better

Arsenal have done exceptionally well to go head-to-head with Manchester City this year. And it’s still not over — while Manchester City have the title in their hands, there’s still a chance that Arsenal walk away as winners. This is the Premier League, after all.

But it’ll be no great shame if they don’t. In truth, Arsenal are probably punching a little above their weight at the moment. No one expected them to be challenging for the title at this stage of their development under Mikel Arteta. But next year? If they can bring in one or two signings and find an extra inch of self-belief, then they’ll hit the ground running.

Liverpool Will Be Better

Klopp’s team have been so bad this year that everyone has more or less forgotten that, for many years, they were very, very good. Could they return to that level next year? It would be foolish to think that they can’t. External factors — injuries, players taking time to settle in — have largely been responsible for the team’s collapse this year. But there are signs that they’re beginning to find their own rhythm. They’re not only winning games again, but they’re winning convincingly. Klopp has also moved Trent Alexander Arnold into midfield, which is like a new signing. If they can have a good summer transfer window, there’s no reason why they can’t return to their former glory and compete for the title.

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Manchester United Will Be Better

It’s been a long time since Manchester United competed for the title, let alone won it. Anyone who’s paid attention to the club over the past few years will be aware of the problems they’ve had. Yet finally, it seems that those problems are beginning to go away. The big one is the ownership situation. The Glazers have finally put the club up for sale, which means United could have some money to spend — and there’ll be a noticeable improvement in the atmosphere around Old Trafford, too.

There’s also the matter of Erik ten Hag, who very much looks like a Manchester United manager. The positive changes he’s brought to the team in his one year of being in charge have been extremely impressive. They’re still shaky, of course, but given where they were last year, they’re basically a different team. Where will they be one year into the future? Somewhere near the top of the table, we bet.

Manchester City…Will Be The Same

Of course, though Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United will be better next year, they’ll still have to come up against a formidable Manchester City side. Guardiola’s team will ensure that any side that beats them will be well deserving of the title. But it’s happened before, and it may even happen this year. For the 2023/24 Premier League season, we shouldn’t be surprised if City have to deal with a few more rivals for glory than they usually do.

Balding hopes Chaldean can give Dettori the QIPCO 2000 Guineas “send-off he deserves”

Andrew Balding admits it would be a “big deal” if Chaldean could follow in the hoof prints of his mighty sire Frankel to give legendary jockey Frankie Dettori “the send-off he deserves” on his last ever QIPCO 2000 Guineas ride at Newmarket on Saturday (6th May).

The Juddmonte-owned colt will bid to double his tally of Group One wins when contesting the opening Classic of the season and give Dettori a fourth 2000 Guineas success in his final year in the saddle.

Dettori, who announced in December that he would be retiring from riding in 2023, steered Chaldean to victory last year in both the Group Two Coral Champagne Stakes at Doncaster and the Group One Darley Dewhurst Stakes on the Rowley Mile.

However, the 52 year old saw their unbeaten partnership come to an end when he was unseated as they left the stalls during last month’s Group Three Watership Down Stud Too Darn Hot Greenham Stakes at Newbury.

Despite the minor on track setback Balding remains confident that Dettori, who has since partnered Chaldean in a piece of work back at the Classic-winning handler’s base in Kingsclere, can atone for that mishap in the prestigious mile prize.

Balding said of his star three-year-old, whose father Frankel demolished the field in this race 12 years ago: “We will only know on Saturday what we missed out on at Newbury and the benefits of having a run as obviously it would have been far more a benefit for him to have had a jockey on board and have a proper race.

“At the same time, it wasn’t totally lost as he had to go through the preliminary tests of saddling, walking around the paddock and cantering down to the start, which are the extras that go with a run and not just a gallop at home.

“Thankfully he didn’t go and do another circuit loose. He was fairly sensible.

“I couldn’t be happier with him at the moment and Frankie rode him on Saturday and he worked extremely well. It was a very solid piece and his fitness levels are as good as we could hope for in the circumstances.

“Frankie has been, throughout my career in racing, the standout jockey. It would be wonderful if we can contribute in giving him the send-off he deserves.

“I think if you were giving him a ride in the St Leger that would be a bit more pressure as it would be his last Classic ride. We just hope we have found him something worthy enough for this occasion.

“I’m just delighted we have got him and even at his age he is still an extraordinary jockey and I’m sure we won’t be lacking in assistance in the saddle.

“You don’t get many chances to win a Classic and it would be a big deal to win the race. He is a Dewhurst winner going into the 2000 Guineas that is fit and healthy and that might only happen twice in my training career so you want to take these opportunities if you can.”

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Chaldean today

Although initially disappointed to see Chaldean beaten on his debut at Newbury in June, Balding admits that the result might have turned out to be a blessing in disguise in many ways.

Balding said: “He was among the first crop of Juddmonte yearlings that we were allocated which was a big deal for the yard and being by Frankel he was an obvious highlight from the minute he came in from that point of view.

“It didn’t work first time out but it was a sharp learning process for him. He got in a pocket then lost ground at a vital stage, but he hit the line very well.

“We were expecting him to win, I wouldn’t lie, but at the same time he learned plenty from the experience and showed plenty of promise.

“As it turned out it probably helped his season as it meant he went and won his maiden slightly later in the summer which meant he was eligible for the Acomb which was the perfect next step to give him a springboard into those better races and the rest worked out perfectly.

“From day one he has been a total professional and a real pleasure to train. He showed plenty of ability early in his work but as we got racing funnily enough his work has become a bit more workmanlike.

“I remember talking to Barry Mahon, who is the racing manager for Juddmonte, around the time of the Acomb saying that his work is not as spectacular as it was earlier on in the year and we were slightly concerned.

“But then his racecourse performances improved to win an Acomb, a Champagne Stakes and a Dewhurst.”

While both the ground and the track raise no question marks, one box Chaldean still has to tick is his ability to be able to stay a mile.

However, from what he has seen so far Balding is confident that he will have no problem getting the additional furlong in his bid to give Frankel his first domestic 2000 Guineas winner as a sire.

He added: “He always felt like seven was never going to be a problem and I would be very surprised if the mile was an issue.

“Frankel stayed a mile and a quarter himself and he has been an influence, weirdly, for horses to stay further than you think they are going to stay.

“There is a lot of speed on the dam’s side at the same time so it is not a given but he relaxes well and I would very much hope the mile wouldn’t be a problem.

“We do put a red hood on him in the paddock as Ryan (Moore) felt after York (Acomb) that he just got a little bit keen going to the start and I’d rather not take any chances so that is why we have it, but as you see out in exercise he is the most laid back creature.

“He is a horse that can be ridden one of three ways and he is a horse that goes on any ground so that takes two of the concerns out of the equation, it is just a case of him running faster than the others on the day and staying the trip.”

Balding already has one QIPCO 2000 Guineas success to his name, having saddled the now-retired Kameko to glory in the 2020 renewal, which was run behind closed doors due to the Covid-19 restrictions put in place.

And although Kameko and Chaldean have distinct similarities going into the race, Balding admits the experience would be a complete contrast to the one he witnessed three years ago.

He added: “Kameko and Chaldean are very similar in that they are both Group One winners at two and they both have great attitudes with tonnes of ability.

“We have run horses in Classic races before and you don’t know if they are quite up to it, whereas both Kameko and Chaldean have deserved to be there.

“When we won it with Kameko it was a month later and virtually every horse in the race was having its first run of the year so no one really knew where we were at as we hadn’t been back racing long.

“It was all a bit of a guessing game but I think it was a very good Guineas and they run it at a strong pace. It was a proper test and Kameko came through with flying colours.

“Covid was difficult for a lot of people and it was a weird experience on a racecourse during that time, but whoever wins it on Saturday will have a different experience.”

While excited about the chances of Chaldean, Balding believes that the Aidan O’Brien-trained pair of ante-post favourite Auguste Rodin and stablemate Little Big Bear will be the two horses to beat in what he believes is an “above average” 2000 Guineas.

He added: “I think the two of Aidan’s at the top of the market looked exceptional last year. We’ve not really got any form with them as we never raced Chaldean against either of them.

“I think there are some strong English entries, like Royal Scotsman who ran us close in the Dewhurst so he has to be respected. It looks an above average Guineas to me.

“We have done everything we can and on the day it will be over the horse and Frankie and receiving a bit of luck.”

The QIPCO 2000 Guineas is the first race in the 2023 QIPCO British Champions Series.

What Was the Impact of Caesars and William Hill App Crashes on the Nevada Super Bowl Handle?

Caesars Nevada’s sportsbook app is still not working more than 40 hours after it crashed during the largest betting event of the year, and there is no estimated time for a fix.

On February 14, officials from Caesars Entertainment stated that they are still trying to fix the problems with their real-time data system that caused the William Hill and Caesars Sportsbook applications for Nevada sports betting to crash on Super Bowl Sunday.

According to Vice President of Corporate Communications and Production at Caesars Entertainment, Kate Whiteley, the business has identified the reason for the system failure and is now addressing the issue with all of its resources.

Caesars Nevada Owns a Big Slice of the Pie

According to CEO Thomas Reeg in 2021, Caesars accepted around 50% of all legal wagers in NV, where outdated in-person registration requirements prevent applications like FanDuel and DraftKings from entering the market. In other news, the rebranding of Caesars into Tropicana in New Jersey is now complete, thankfully, it won’t change much for the players.

The Nevada Gaming Control Board is aware of the problem, and staff members from the divisions of enforcement and technology are looking into it right now.

Super Bowl Night in Las Vegas

The app crashes in Nevada did not affect its applications in other states, but it did affect physical sportsbooks in Nevada that Caesars controls or uses William Hill technology on a lease basis. According to Whiteley, all of those are now working again. This comes in the midst of the ongoing acquisition of William Hill by 888, which might affect how the online platform ends up working in the future.

According to its website, Caesars owns 16 facilities in NV that have sportsbooks. Several independently owned Las Vegas casinos, including Hard Rock and The Venetian, partner with William Hill to power their sports betting applications.

Revisions to previous data from the NGCB show that bookmakers in NV received bets totaling $153.2 million on the Super Bowl, a 14% decrease from 2022 Given that the first Super Bowl was held in Arizona, a bordering state with legalized sports betting, the decline was not entirely unexpected. The amount wagered on the Super Bowl varies from year to year as well, with NV bookmakers reporting lesser amounts wagered in 2021 and 2019.

Caesars Crashes Only Happened in Nevada

Officials at Caesars declined to comment on why it was only NV that was affected, but the problem could be caused by depending on antiquated technology.

By the end of 2022, the business intended to migrate all of its US sportsbook operations to Liberty, its own fully integrated IT stack. William Hill and The Caesars Nevada applications continue to use the sportsbook’s traditional tech platform, according to Whitley.

This has unfortunately taken longer than the company wanted or anticipated, as may happen when working with a complicated real-time data system, Whitley added. She continued by saying that the business deeply regrets the annoyance and aggravation it has caused its devoted clients. While moving as quickly as possible, it also exercises extreme caution to prevent aggravating or reinitiating the problem and to make sure that when they raise the platform again, it stays up.

 

Four Irish trained fillies still in QIPCO 1000 Guineas at Newmarket

Three Irish-based trainers still have fillies in the QIPCO 1000 Guineas at today’s confirmation stage.

Aidan O’Brien is responsible for both Meditate and Never Ending Story, with both fillies owned by the Coolmore partnership.

Kieran Cotter had confirmed Matilde Picotte, while Dermot Weld has Tahiyra among the 22 fillies that currently stand their ground.

Thirteen of the 22 three-year-old for the second classic of the season were bred in Ireland.

The QIPCO 1000 Guineas, the first fillies’ classic of the season, goes to post on Sunday next, 7 May 2023, at 3.40pm.

QIPCO 1000 Guineas 3.40pm, Sunday 7th May 2023 at Newmarket.

Caernarfon 3 9 2 Hunscote Stud, P Humphreys & J Sweeney Jack Channon Connor Beasley

Dance In The Grass 3 9 2 Mr Jaber Abdullah Charlie Johnston

Dream of Love (IRE) 3 9 2 Godolphin Charlie Appleby William Buick

Embrace (IRE) 3 9 2 Mr Ahmad Alkhallafi Owen Burrows Daniel Muscutt

Fairy Cross (IRE) 3 9 2 Godolphin Charlie Appleby James Doyle

Juliet Sierra 3 9 2 Juddmonte Ralph Beckett Rossa Ryan

Karsavina 3 9 2 Cheveley Park Stud Clive Cox

Lezoo 3 9 2 Marc Chan & Andrew Rosen Ralph Beckett Frankie Dettori

Mammas Girl 3 9 2 Amo Racing Limited Richard Hannon

Matilda Picotte (IRE) 3 9 2 Matilda & Kilmichael Racing Partnership Kieran Patrick Cotter Ireland

Mawj (IRE) 3 9 2 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor Oisin Murphy

Meditate (IRE) 3 9 2 M Tabor/D Smith/Mrs J Magnier/Westerberg Aidan O’Brien Ireland

Naomi Lapaglia 3 9 2 Edward Babington & Phil Cunningham Richard Spencer

Never Ending Story (IRE) 3 9 2 Mrs J Magnier/M Tabor/D Smith/Westerberg Aidan O’Brien Ireland

Olivia Maralda (IRE) 3 9 2 Amo Coutinho Syndicate Roger Varian

Polly Pott 3 9 2 The Megsons Ben Pauling

Powerdress (IRE) 3 9 2 Mr Martin Hughes Richard Hannon

Queen Me (IRE) 3 9 2 Mr Jaber Abdullah Kevin Ryan

Remarquee 3 9 2 Mr J. H. Richmond-Watson Ralph Beckett Rob Hornby

Stenton Glider (IRE) 3 9 2 Mrs J Mairs and Mr T S Mairs Hugo Palmer Tom Marquand

Sweet Harmony (IRE) 3 9 2 Phil Cunningham Richard Spencer Billy Loughnane

Tahiyra (IRE) 3 9 2 H.H. Aga Khan D. K. Weld Ireland

Three Irish trained colts among 15 confirmed for QIPCO 2000 Guineas

There are just three Irish trained colts among the the 15 confirmed for the opening classic of the season, the QIPCO 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on Saturday.

The three, Auguste Rodin, Cairo and Little Big Bear are all trained by Aidan O’Brien at Balldoyle for Coolmore partnerships.

Ten of the 15 three-year-old colts are Irish-bred.

QIPCO 2000 Guineas 4.40pm, Saturday 6th May 2023, at Newmarket.

Auguste Rodin (IRE) 3 9 2 M Tabor/D Smith/Mrs J Magnier/Westerberg Aidan O’Brien Ireland

Cairo (IRE) 3 9 2 D. Smith, Mrs J. Magnier, M.Tabor, Westerberg Aidan O’Brien Ireland

Chaldean 3 9 2 Juddmonte Andrew Balding Frankie Dettori

Charyn (IRE) 3 9 2 Mr Nurlan Bizakov Roger Varian Tom Marquand

Dubai Mile (IRE) 3 9 2 Ahmad Al Shaikh Charlie Johnston Daniel Muscutt

Flight Plan 3 9 2 Clipper Logistics K. R. Burke Daniel Tudhope

Galeron (IRE) 3 9 2 Teme Valley & Aura (Gas) Holdings Ltd Charles Hills Kieran Shoemark

Hi Royal (IRE) 3 9 2 Mr Jaber Abdullah Kevin Ryan

Holloway Boy 3 9 2 Mr Nick White & Mrs E Burke K. R. Burke

Indestructible (IRE) 3 9 2 Amo Racing Limited K. R. Burke

Little Big Bear (IRE) 3 9 2 D. Smith, Mrs J. Magnier, M. Tabor, Westerberg Aidan O’Brien Ireland

Noble Style 3 9 2 Godolphin Charlie Appleby James Doyle

Royal Scotsman (IRE) 3 9 2 Mrs Fitri Hay Paul & Oliver Cole Jim Crowley

Sakheer (IRE) 3 9 2 KHK Racing Roger Varian David Egan

Silver Knott 3 9 2 Godolphin Charlie Appleby William Buick

2023 STAYCATION IRELAND

2023 could be the year of the ‘Staycation’ or ‘Holistay’ if you want to holiday close to home! 

This Blog has been written and provided by An Post Insurance – #ad

COUPLES GLAMPING

Killarney Glamping at the Grove

With some of the most stunning scenery in Ireland, Kerry is a very popular destination.  Maybe you don’t want to be spending your time away in a hotel room but you’re not quite ready for roughing it in a tent.  Why not Glamp it up with your other half for a fancy couple’sglamping experience in Killarney Glamping at the Grove. This stunning staycation puts emphasis on peace and relaxation with a Private Luxury Lodge or a romantic Glamping Suite.

Cottages for Couples – Cork

Located in the heart of beautiful West Cork, ‘Cottages for Couples’ have a selection of impressive romantic cottages for that idyllic break away with your loved one.  They have restored stone barns, stables, and cottages to a very high standard, including bedroom Jacuzzis, four poster beds, flat screen TV’s, DVD and even a private hot tub. Perfect secluded luxury!

 

THE TREEHOUSE CHALLENGE

 

Didn’t get that treehouse you dreamed of when you were a wee one?  Well now’s your chance to experience it in true style. Ireland has quite a few destinations that offers this unique experience, here are just some of those destinations.

River Valley Holiday Park – Wicklow

Located in the beautiful surroundings of County Wicklow, River Valley Caravan & Camping Holiday Park offer lots of different types of funky accommodation including their Glamping Treehouses which can accommodate up to 2 adults and 4 children or 4 adults and 2 children.  Lots of activities are available onsite and offsite for kids and adults alike.

For adult couples looking for a more peaceful break, they will be accommodated in a totally separate part of the park called the Secret Garden.

Other types of accommodation available are Maxilodges, Microlodges and the funky KukooHut.

Teapot Lane Leitrim

Nestled in the woods of Leitrim, Teapot Lane, offers a stunning tree house with King Size Bed and comfy window seats to take in the views.  Complete with a pot belly stove that will be lit for your arrival along with romantic candles. It even has a beautiful tree coming up through the deck where you can chill on the swing chair enjoying nature.

HIKING HOLIDAYS

Maybe you’ve had enough relaxing and are craving more of an adventurous kind of break.Alltrails.com can help you find the hike, bike ride or trail run to suit you in whatever location and level suits you best.  It can also recommend child and dog friendly trails.  If you find a trail you like you can save it for future adventures

GEOCACHING

Another outdoor adventure that can be done with Social Distancing in mind is Geocaching. Geocaching is like a treasure hunt only the clues are online. Users go out and find small capsules, called “Geocaches” or “Caches” for short. These Geocaches are hidden by other users. Irish Tech.ie have an excellent beginners guide that takes you through the rules and shows the apps you can download to your phone to get you started searching for your treasure.  The idea is you download the app and search for Geocaches in your area.  Take a pen with you and once you have found the Geocache you sign and date the page inside and replace it for the next Geocacher to find.  Some Caches are larger, containing some surprises inside, you are welcome to take one, but you should replace it with something else.  Don’t spoil the fun!

Whatever your choice, the beautiful Emerald Isle has it all. Need insurance for your drive to your staycation? Get a car insurance quote from An Post Insurance now.

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All the information on this blog is published in good faith and for general information purpose only. While An Post Insurance makes every effort to ensure that the information appearing on this blog is accurate and complete, it does not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability or accuracy of this information, whether express or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose or non-infringement. Any action you take upon the information you find on this blog is strictly at your own risk. An Post Insurance will not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses and/or damages in connection with the use of, or action taken in reliance on information contained in our blog.

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How do I get the most out of my casino experience?

Playing casino games can be exciting and entertaining, but with the wrong platform, it can be overwhelming and costly. Getting the most out of your casino experience doesn’t just stop with having fun. It also means being strategic with your money, time, and behavior.

 

It doesn’t matter whether you are an experienced gambler or a newbie. There are different ways for you to maximize your experience while increasing your chances of winning.

In this article, we will take a look at ways for you to get the most out of your casino experience.

 

What Does A Good Casino Experience Entail?

This is the experience a player gets after spending time on a particular casino platform. For instance, if you try out a  $2 deposit casino nz you will have the experience of playing with little funds. A gambler’s experience is measured by some factors including:

 

● Atmosphere: An enjoyable casino experience often includes playing in a lively and exciting atmosphere that makes customers feel like they are part of a community.
● Customer service: Customer service is key to enjoying a great experience. If players easily have access to a team of customer service representatives that listen to their queries and proffer solutions, they are definitely going to enjoy playing on the platform.
● Game selection: Players are certainly going to enjoy platforms where there are numerous games to choose from, including popular games like blackjack and poker, as well as slot machines and other electronic games.
● Payouts: Nothing gives a gambler greater joy than when they win big. Big payouts contribute to the overall casino experience. However, players should look at gambling as a source of entertainment rather than income.

Importance of maximizing one’s casino experience

Maximizing your casino experience is essential because it will help you get the most out of your time and money. Here are some of the benefits of maximizing your casino experience:

 

● Better entertainment value: By planning ahead of time, you will be able to pick the perfect games and promotions that fit your interest and budget. This will lead to a more exciting and satisfying experience.
● Increased chances of winning: When you step back to learn the rules and strategies of the game before you play it, manage your fund efficiently, and take advantage of promotions, you will enjoy playing every time.
● Building loyalty: If you join a loyalty program and build a relationship beyond being a visitor, you will be able to enjoy more benefits. This can also lead to special invitations to exclusive events or promotions.
● Positive social interaction: A casino platform creates a fun and social atmosphere, this increases your fun and leads to positive social interactions with other players and staff.

Steps to take if you want to enjoy a great casino experience

If you want to get the best out of your casino experience, you need to make a conscious effort, here are some important steps to take:

 

● Choose a reputable casino: Make sure that the casino platform that you want to use has a great reputation and organic reviews. Also, make sure they are licensed and regulated by a reputable authority.
● Set a budget: Make up your mind on the amount of money that you intend to spend throughout the entire time that you will be playing and stick to it. Don’t gamble on money that you cannot lose.
● Select your games wisely: If you still need to get a favorite game, look for the type of game that interests you most and understand the rules and strategies before you even start playing. If you are a newbie, start with straightforward games while you work your way up.
● Take advantage of bonuses: Many platforms have bonuses and promotions in place to woo new users and keep exciting players. Take advantage of this and enjoy the amazing bonuses. While you are at it, make sure you go through the terms and conditions.
● Practice responsible gambling:  Gambling should be nothing short of fun and entertainment and not an avenue to make money. So make sure you gamble money that you can lose, take breaks, and step away from the game if you feel like you’re losing control so you won’t regret it later.
● Use good money management: Come up with a betting strategy and follow it through. Don’t stay too long in one game, if you keep losing, go on a break and map out how to manage loss and winnings.
● Enjoy the experience: Finally, always have it at the back of your mind that gambling is for fun and entertainment, don’t be too competitive, just enjoy yourself.

 

Conclusion

Getting the most out of your casino experience requires a combination of smart planning, responsible gambling, and a willingness to try new things. It’s important to set a budget and stick to it, as well as take advantage of rewards programs and promotions. Additionally, trying new games and socializing with other players can add to the excitement of the experience.

Remember to gamble responsibly and prioritize having fun over winning big. By following these tips, you can maximize your enjoyment and potentially increase your chances of having a successful casino visit.

Lossiemouth is another Grade 1 winner for Townend and Mullins

Lossiemouth and Paul Townend win the final Grade 1 of the 2023 Punchestown Festival.

Lossiemouth landed the final Grade 1 of the 2023 Punchestown Festival when claiming the Ballymore Champion Four Year Old Hurdle this afternoon.

It was another victory at the highest level for jockey Paul Townend and trainer Willie Mullins, who continued their domination of this year’s Festival on the final day.

Lossiemouth led home a 1-2-3 for the Closutton trainer as Zarak The Brave (Daryl Jacob) and Gala Marceau (Danny Mullins) second and third places in the almost two and a half mile race.

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