FRS Recruitment Becomes Title Sponsor for 2023 GAA World Games

The 2023 GAA World Games has found a title sponsor in FRS Recruitment. The event was launched at Croke Park, where it was announced that the tournament would bring in over 1,300 players from ten regions around the world. The event, which will take place in Derry this summer, will feature 105 teams representing more than 500 GAA Clubs from across the globe. It will be the fourth staging of the event since its inception in 2015.

The Competition Format and Venue

The FRS Recruitment GAA World Games will have eight finals at Celtic Park, with four finals for Irish-born players in football, ladies football, hurling, and camogie, and another four for native-born players competing in the same four codes. The event’s initial stages will take place at Derry’s Owenbeg, Centre of Excellence from July 24 to July 27, with the finals taking place on July 28 at Celtic Park, Derry City. The visiting teams will be twinned with local clubs throughout Derry, in line with the tradition of other GAA festivals, to enhance the social and cultural elements of the Games.

Participants and Expected Number of Attendees

The competition will involve approximately 5,000 individuals, including players, team officials, administrators, families, and supporters. It will showcase the growing interest and participation in Gaelic games among people in many countries who are embracing the chance to play Gaelic football, hurling, and camogie. The World Games in Derry are expected to be a fantastic celebration of Gaelic games and a demonstration of how strong the sport is outside of Ireland.

Statements From the GAA and Sponsors

Uachtarán CLG Larry McCarthy expressed his excitement for the upcoming event, calling it one of the most significant events in the GAA calendar in 2023. Colin Donnery, the Group Chief Executive of FRS, expressed his company’s delight in being the title sponsor and its eagerness to work with the Association on the event. The President of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, Michéal Naughton, and the Uachtarán Cumann Camogíochta, Hilda Breslin, both expressed their anticipation for the forthcoming festival of Gaelic games in Derry in July. O’Neills will continue its support of the event as the official kit supplier.

The FRS Recruitment GAA World Games 2023 will showcase the extent to which the passion and participation for Gaelic Games has now spread far beyond our shores and will acknowledge the keepers of this flame. The event will provide a

Video Replay – Willie Mullins’ Facile Vega triumphs in KPMG Champion Novice Hurdle

Facile win for Vega. First Grade one of the week for Willie Mullins. Will he win 10 of the 12?? pic.twitter.com/Ta88JCC68l
— SportsNewsIRELAND (@SportsNewsIRE) April 25, 2023

Willie Mullins’ Facile Vega triumphs in KPMG Champion Novice Hurdle

On the first day of the 2023 Punchestown Festival, renowned Irish trainer Willie Mullins marked his return to the races following a hip operation. His 4/6 favourite, Facile Vega, cruised to victory in the first Grade 1 race of the festival, the KPMG Champion Novice Hurdle. The six-year-old is the son of the legendary mare Quevega, who won four Ladbrokes Champion Stayers’ Hurdles at Punchestown. Facile Vega runs in the same ownership as his dam, and the Hammer & Trowel Syndicate members and extended connections were out in force to cheer him on.

Facile Vega overcomes a mistake to seal victory

Facile Vega survived a bad mistake at the third-last hurdle but was quickly back on track, moving alongside pace-setting stablemate Diverge. Dublin Racing Festival Grade 1 winner Il Etait Temps, also from Mullins’ stable, briefly threatened under jockey Danny Mullins. However, Facile Vega’s relentless gallop quickly put him out of contention, and he crossed the finish line with a seven-and-a-half-length lead. No Looking Back, a 66/1 longshot trained by local trainer Oliver McKernan, came in third, a further ten lengths back.

Mullins plans to start Facile Vega’s fences career

Mullins expressed his excitement for Facile Vega’s potential, stating that he has always thought highly of the horse and believes he has huge ability. He added that he plans to start him over fences next year, as he thinks that the horse will have more respect for the bigger obstacles. Facile Vega’s pedigree suggests that he can stay three miles, and Mullins plans to let the horse tell them how far he wants to go as he gains experience in the sport.

Bialystok takes the Killashee Hotel Handicap Hurdle

Mullins made it a double victory on the first day of the festival, with 14/1 shot Bialystok leading a Closutton 1-2-3 in the Killashee Hotel Handicap Hurdle. Danny Mullins rode the five-year-old to a one and three-quarter-length win over Tax For Max, with Tekao finishing third.

Jordan Gainford wins on Shecouldbeanything in the Howden Insurance Brokers Mares’ Novice Hurdle

The 2023 Punchestown Festival started with the Listed Howden Insurance Brokers Mares’ Novice Hurdle, and jockey Jordan Gainford made a dream return to action after suffering a fall at Cheltenham. He rode the Gordon Elliott-trained Shecouldbeanything to victory at 7/2 odds, overtaking Still Ciel approaching the last hurdle and finishing four-and-a-quarter lengths ahead of The Model Kingdom

Auguste Rodin Looking to Prove His Class In 2,000 Guineas

Talented colt August Rodin ended 2022 as one of the leading two-year-olds in Europe. He is set to begin his new campaign in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket, the opening British Classic of the season.

The son of Deep Impact, who is trained in Ireland by Aidan O’Brien, won three of his four races last year. His third success came in the Group One Vertem Futurity Trophy Stakes at Doncaster, one of the leading two-year-old races of the season. Under the hands of Ryan Moore, he finished that race very strongly to score by just over three lengths.

Say hello to Auguste Rodin! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/jzAJM8Ykxw

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) March 27, 2023

O’Brien has won 2,000 Guineas more than any other trainer in history. The Irishman prevailed for the 10th time with Magna Grecia in 2019. He will be hoping to end his four-year wait for another victory when Auguste Rodin features on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket in the prestigious British Classic.

Ballydoyle Colt Expected to Step Up in Distance for Derby

The Derby at Epsom is another race O’Brien will be targeting with his colt. He believes the Group One winner has the stamina for the 1m4f distance in Surrey in June. That’s a race the Ballydoyle trainer has also dominated over the last couple of decades, with eight wins going his way.

Auguste Rodin tops the betting at 2/1 for the most prestigious British Classic on the calendar. He has held the position at the top of the ante-post market since his victory at Doncaster last October.

The Derby is a race that horse racing tipsters will be previewing ahead of the two-day meeting at Epsom. Those at Sports Betting Portfolio, for example, will be considering whether Auguste Rodin is a worthy favourite for the race or if he is worth taking in the betting. As of the 31st of January, they had an accumulated profit of £1541.09, and their expert tipsters will be hoping to improve on that number during the British Flat season. If you decide to follow their expert tips, they will direct you to one of the leading sportsbooks in order for you to get the best price possible on the Ballydoyle horse or one of the other runners in the British Classic.

The Strongest Challengers May Come from His Own Yard

The main challengers to Auguste Rodin in the British Classics this season could be from his own stable. In the 2,000 Guineas, Little Big Bear is also considered a strong challenger for the top prize. After defeat on his debut at the Curragh, he has gone on to win four consecutive races.

Monster! Little Big Bear hoses up in the Group One Phoenix Stakes… pic.twitter.com/KR7JFaF8O1

— Sky Sports Racing (@SkySportsRacing) August 6, 2022

The No Nay Never colt prevailed in the Grade One Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh on his final start in 2022. He scored by an emphatic seven lengths, with Persian Force and Shartash coming home second and third respectively. That performance showcased his Classic credentials.

In the Derby, August Rodin could be joined by Alexandroupolis. The son of Camelot prevailed on his sole start as a two-year-old at Galway. He has already appeared in the 2023 campaign, and he finished third in a Group Three contest at Leopardstown. Much more will be expected from the Ballydoyle runner on his next outing.

The 2,000 Guineas takes place on the 6th of May. The 1m contest is set to feature the best 1m colts from across Europe.

Irish-bred Corach Rambler claims the 2023 Grand National at Aintree

Nine-year-old thoroughbred Corach Rambler once again put Ireland on the National Hunt map after landing the 2023 Grand National.

The bay gelding, who was bred at Wellingtonbridge and is one of multiple National Hunt horses to be sired by Jeremy, also made history for Scottish horse racing. His win meant he would become just the third Scottish-trained winner of the Grand National, overseen by Lucinda Russell, who has form around Aintree.

Russell won the 2017 Grand National when One For Arthur stormed to victory with jockey Derek Fox on board. Fox would be the mount for Corach Rambler this time around, too, cementing Russell and Fox as a fruitful double act at Aintree.

It’s not often that pre-race favourites go on to justify their favouritism in the Grand National, with so many variables in play. The two laps of Aintree Racecourse offer one of the stiffest tests in jump racing anywhere on the planet. Nevertheless, Fox showed tremendous composure and patience to steer Corach Rambler free of any danger throughout.

Corach Rambler negotiates the uncertainty with impressive ease

Both Fox and Corach Rambler also coped admirably with the unforeseen 15-minute delay to the race. It was touch-and-go whether Fox would be fit enough to ride Corach Rambler in the National. The jockey needed last-minute approval to race after a recent shoulder injury, which was a big boost to Corach Rambler’s chances.

Having kept Corach Rambler out of trouble at all the fences and water jumps, Fox then steered him into the lead over the final fence of the race. Vanillier appeared to be the only horse capable of keeping within touching distance of him at this point. Nevertheless, Corach Rambler dug deep to keep Vanillier at arm’s length and claim the biggest prize in jump racing.

Fox described Corach Rambler as “so intelligent” and an “electric jumper” in his post-race discussions with the media.

It’s a stunning achievement for Corach Rambler’s connections, who acquired him in November 2020 for a cut-price £17,000. Prior to this, he had raced in a few meetings at Lisronagh, Mainstown and Ballycrystal but never at any of Ireland’s headline racecourses like The Curragh.

Since then, he has become a two-time champion of the Ultima Chase at the Cheltenham Festival and an Aintree Grand National winner, with total earnings of £678,471 at the time of writing.

What’s next on the agenda for Corach Rambler?

With very little left to prove to the racing world, Corach Rambler’s name will be etched in British horseracing history for eternity. However, his trainer, Russell, has intimated there is one more big showpiece race that could ideally suit him in 2024. With handicap races now seemingly out of the question, elite-level conditions races are likely to be the route taken. This means the Cheltenham Gold Cup is likely to be in the sights of his connections.

Corach Rambler is currently priced at 25/1 in the ante-post 2024 Cheltenham Gold Cup betting odds with bet365. This seems like a very fair price, given that he was on the bridle heading to the final jump in the National. The Stoke-on-Trent-based operator currently has one of the top three free horse racing bets for first-time users, which may offer a value opportunity for Irish punters considering a wager on Corach Rambler to compete alongside his stable mate Ahoy Senor in next year’s Gold Cup.

There is very little to separate Corach Rambler and Ahoy Senor in terms of race pace, but the way in which the former made everything look easy at Aintree is an indicator of his potential to improve further still. His run-in was a little laboured, which may leave some Gold Cup enthusiasts a little uneasy backing him to finish strongly up the Cheltenham hill, but with almost 12 months to get him in the right shape, he could be a dangerous foe for the likes of Galopin Des Champs.

Irish Sailor Finn Lynch Battles Challenging Conditions on Day One

Irish Sailor Finn Lynch Battles Challenging Conditions on Day One of French Olympic Sailing Week

On the opening day of the French Olympic Sailing Week in Hyerés, Cote d’Azur, Finn Lynch, the sole Irish sailor in action, braved the challenging offshore wind that was gusting to near gale force. The weather conditions proved difficult for Lynch as he competed in the ILCA 7 event.

Shifty Wind Proves Difficult for Competitors

The race course was close to Cap de L’Esteral, where the offshore wind proved very shifty and challenging for the competitors. Racing for the 49er skiff fleet was canceled entirely, without venturing afloat, due to the strong winds.

Lynch Struggles with Upwind Speed and Starting-Line Strategy

Lynch, who hails from the National Yacht Club, struggled to get his upwind speed right for the conditions and to pick the correct end of the starting-line, which was essential. Despite the challenging conditions, he finished around 12th, which was still inside qualifying and acceptable for the day.

Lynch Confident of Improvement in the Coming Races

“I didn’t feel super-good to be honest, I was struggling a lot, the conditions were very, very hard, but hopefully better performance by me in the next few days,” Lynch said afterward. He added, “I need to prioritize starting as I found myself in bad lanes on the upwind (stage).”

Lynch’s Coach Remains Optimistic Despite Initial Struggle

According to Vasilij Zbogar, Irish Sailing’s Laser coach, Lynch struggled with upwind speed and was around 25th in the first upwind leg, but he recovered in the downwind leg, which is his strong point for the day. Zbogar is confident that Lynch will make gains in the next races, saying, “Considering he didn’t have the pace and still finished around 12th, that’s okay and it’s still inside qualifying, so okay for the day.”

Expectation of Two More Races on Tuesday

Assuming conditions permit, two further races will be sailed on Tuesday to complete the qualification round for Gold fleet in the ILCA7 men’s single-handed event.

49er Skiff Racing Depends on Favorable Conditions

Racing for the 49er skiff event that includes Ireland’s Robert Dickson (Howth Yacht Club) with Seán Waddilove (Skerries Sailing Club) and Séafra Guilfoyle with Johnny Durcan (Royal Cork Yacht Club) will depend on conditions easing considerably from the opening day to avoid gear breakage.

Ireland dominates Sri Lanka on day one of second Test

Ireland dominates Sri Lanka on day one of second Test match in Galle

In a superb day for Ireland, they reached 319-4 on day one of the second and final Test match of the series against Sri Lanka in Galle. Ireland captain, Andrew Balbirnie, hit a masterful 95 before Lorcan Tucker surpassed him as Ireland’s leading Test run-scorer. Here is a summary of day one.

Early Wickets and Rebuilding

Ireland won the toss and elected to bat. They lost opener, PJ Moor, early in the innings, followed soon after by James McCollum. Sri Lanka took early wickets, reducing the visitors to 43-2. However, Balbirnie and Paul Stirling rebuilt after the early wickets, registering a century stand. Stirling hit a career-best total of 74 before retiring hurt due to cramps.

Balbirnie’s Expertly Paced Innings

Balbirnie registered his career-best Test score, reaching his third Test match half-century off just 44 balls. He slowed down into the anchor role as Stirling pushed on at the other end. Balbirnie looked set for a maiden Test hundred, but disaster struck when he tried to paddle-sweep Ramesh Mendis, resulting in his dismissal just five runs short of the milestone.

Tucker and Campher Record Partnership

Lorcan Tucker wasted no time in continuing Stirling’s pace of attack. He notched his half-century with a boundary, finishing unbeaten on 78, while Curtis Campher finished the day on 27*. The duo finished off the day with a record partnership for Ireland’s fifth wicket.

Match Summary

Ireland dominated Sri Lanka on day one of the second Test match in Galle. They reached 319-4 with Balbirnie hitting a masterful 95 before being dismissed five runs short of a maiden hundred. Lorcan Tucker surpassed Balbirnie as Ireland’s leading Test run-scorer and finished unbeaten on 78. Ireland will resume their innings on day two with Tucker and Campher at the crease.

URC Quarter-Final – Ulster v Connacht – Preview, Team News & Start Time

URC Quarter-Final – Ulster v Connacht – Preview, Team News & Start Time.

It’s the United rugby championship quarter-final match. Ulster v Connacht kick off at 7:35pm on Friday 5th May.

Ulster finished 2nd in the league and Connacht finished 7th. The winners of the game will play the winners of Stormers v Bulls

Preview of Ulster v Connacht

We will have a full match preview with all the stats you need to know on the week of the game.

Team News Ulster v Connacht

We will have the starting teams at 12pm on the Thursday.

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The 2023 BKT URC Play-Offs will kick off in Belfast where Ulster (2) will host an Irish derby against Connacht (7) at Kingspan Stadium on Friday, May 5 at 19:35 UK / 20:35 SA.

The Saturday slate will begin in Cape Town where defending champions, DHL Stormers (3), will take on their South African rivals, Vodacom Bulls (6), in a rematch of last season’s URC Grand Final. The game at DHL Stadium is scheduled to get underway at 14:30UK / 15:30 SA.

No 1 ranked Leinster will host the Cell C Sharks (8) in Dublin at 17:00 UK / 18:00 SA with that game taking place in Aviva Stadium. It will be the Sharks’ second trip to the Irish capital this season having taken part in a thrilling 88-point encounter back in October.

The Quarter-Finals close out in Scotland where Glasgow Warriors (4) make their return to the Play-Offs for the first time since 2019. Their opponents at Scotstoun Stadium will be Munster (5) who are searching for their first league title since 2011.

All games will be broadcast live in home markets on SuperSport (South Africa), ViaPlay (UK), Premier Sports, URC.tv (both Rep of Ireland) while RTÉ and TG4 will split coverage in Rep of Ireland.

URC PLAY-OFFS: Quarter-Final Line-up

FRIDAY, MAY 5

Quarter-Final 2: Ulster (2) v Connacht (7)

Kingspan Stadium, Belfast

KO: 19:35 UK & IRE / 20:35 SA

Live on: TG4, SuperSport, ViaPlay, Premier Sports, URC.tv, FloRugby

SATURDAY, MAY 6

Quarter-Final 3: DHL Stormers (3) v Vodacom Bulls (6)

DHL Stadium, Cape Town

KO: 14:30 UK & IRE / 15:30 SA

Live on: SuperSport, TG4, ViaPlay, Premier Sports, URC.tv, FloRugby

Quarter-Final 1: Leinster (1) v Cell C Sharks (8)

Aviva Stadium, Dublin

KO: 17:00 UK & IRE / 18:00 SA

Live on: RTÉ, SuperSport, ViaPlay, Premier Sports, URC.tv, FloRugby

Quarter-Final 4: Glasgow Warriors (4) v Munster (5)

Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow

KO: 19:35 UK & IRE / 20:35 SA

Live on: RTÉ, SuperSport, ViaPlay, Premier Sports, URC.tv, FloRugby

Semi-Final Path

In the Semi-Finals, to be played the weekend of May 12/13, the winner of QF1 will play the winner of QF4 and the winner of QF2 will play the winner of QF3.

In a change to last season’s rules, the teams with the highest seeding in each Semi-Final will have home venue rights. Previously, the winners of QF1 and QF2 were guaranteed home draws no matter their ranking.

SF1: Leinster (1) / Cell C Sharks (8) v Glasgow Warriors (4) / Munster (5)

SF2: Ulster (2) / Connacht (7) v DHL Stormers (3) / Vodacom Bulls (6)

The Semi-Final winners will meet on Saturday, May 27at the venue of the highest-ranked team to have qualified for the BKT United Rugby Championship Grand Final.

The United Rugby Championship would also like to thank all broadcasters involved in the scheduling process for their speedy approach.

Irish racing driver James Roe partners with The Ireland Funds

Irish racing driver James Roe partners with The Ireland Funds as brand ambassador

The Ireland Funds has announced its partnership with Irish racing driver James Roe as their brand ambassador. Roe is currently competing in the United States this year in the INDY NXT™ by Firestone championship, which presents an opportunity to showcase the philanthropic work of The Ireland Funds on a global stage.

Roe’s motorsport journey and achievements

James Roe is a native of Naas, Co. Kildare and left home at the age of 18 with the goal of becoming the first Irishman in decades to run the prestigious Indianapolis 500. He has recorded numerous wins, pole positions, and podium finishes in every series he has competed in to date.

Roe’s participation in INDY NXT™ by Firestone

In January, Andretti Autosport announced that James Roe would join the team for the 2023 INDY NXT™ by Firestone season. He will be racing at the helm of the No. 29 Topcon Andretti Autosport Dallara, which is the final developmental step before the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

Roe’s pride in the partnership

James Roe expressed his pride in the partnership with The Ireland Funds and his eagerness to use his platform to promote the organization’s philanthropic work. He believes that this partnership provides a unique opportunity to showcase the incredible difference The Ireland Funds is making across Ireland and Irish communities worldwide.

The Ireland Funds’ excitement in partnering with Roe

The Ireland Funds’ President and CEO, Caitriona Fottrell, expressed her excitement about partnering with James Roe at this exciting time in his career. She believes that this collaboration will enable the diaspora to connect and make a significant impact in Ireland, and they are grateful for the opportunity to promote their work across the United States and beyond.

Roe’s next race

James Roe will be back in action with The Ireland Funds displayed on his car livery on 30th April at the Indy NXT™ by Firestone Grand Prix of Alabama. The 2023 INDY NXT™ by Firestone calendar has a total of fourteen fixtures, including races in St. Petersburg, Detroit, Nashville, Indianapolis, Monterey, and Portland.

AIL Rugby – Division Finalists and Promotion/Relegation updates

Aviva Stadium set for Clontarf and Terenure College rematch in the Energia All-Ireland League Men’s Division 1A Final

Dublin rivals Clontarf and Terenure College are set to face each other in the final of the Energia All-Ireland League Men’s Division 1A at the Aviva Stadium on May 7. Reigning champions Clontarf defeated Young Munster 13-12 in a tense game at Castle Avenue. Meanwhile, Terenure College secured their place in the final after winning 30-12 against Cork Constitution. Terenure’s Caolan Dooley kicked 20 points, while Adam La Grue and Jordan Coghlan each scored a try.

Clontarf narrowly beats Young Munster

In a tightly contested game, Clontarf relied on hooker Dylan Donnellan’s try to defeat Young Munster and reach their third successive league final. The game was tied at six points apiece at half-time, and it was Donnellan’s 22nd try of the season that sealed the win for the champions. Munster Academy centre Fionn Gibbons was sin-binned in the game, along with Steve Crosbie of Clontarf.

Promotion/Relegation Play-off Semi-Finals

Shannon secured their position in the top flight after beating Old Wesley 24-6 in the promotion/relegation play-off semi-final. Shannon replied with two tries, including a Jordan Prenderville maul effort. Former captain Chris Banon scored a decisive 50th-minute try for Highfield, who ended Old Belvedere’s hopes by winning 19-17 at Ollie Campbell Park.

Division 2A Rugby

MU Barnhall beat Banbridge 20-18 in their play-off clash, securing their place in Division 2A rugby next season. Blackrock College beat Nenagh Ormond 10-8, while Sligo lost 16-14 to UL Bohemians. Dungannon will face UL Bohs in the deciding game, having won 16-12 against Galway Corinthians. Galwegians were relegated at the hands of Bruff.

Skerries, the second place finishers in Division 2C, will have home advantage in the promotion decider. They advanced to face Bruff after a quartet of penalties from full-back Ronan Mulcahy saw them overcome Tullamore 12-3 at Holmpatrick.

ENERGIA ALL-IRELAND LEAGUE MEN’S DIVISION 1A SEMI-FINALS:

CLONTARF 13 YOUNG MUNSTER 12, Castle Avenue
Scorers: Clontarf: Try: Dylan Donnellan; Con: Tadhg Bird; Pens: Tadhg Bird 2
Young Munster: Pens: Conor Hayes 4
HT: Clontarf 6 Young Munster 6

CLONTARF: Tadhg Bird; Michael Brown, Michael Courtney, Matt D’Arcy, Cian O’Donoghue; Steve Crosbie, Angus Lloyd; Ivan Soroka, Dylan Donnellan, Ben Griffin, Fionn Gilbert, Ed Kelly, Mick Kearney, JJ O’Dea, Tony Ryan.

Replacements: Cathal O’Flynn, Darragh Bolger, Ed Brennan, Sam Owens, Conor Kelly, JP Phelan, Paul Deeny.

YOUNG MUNSTER: Conor Hayes; Shay McCarthy, Fionn Gibbons, Harry Fleming, Conor Phillips; Jack Lyons, Donnchadh O’Callaghan; David Begley, Mark O’Mara, Conor Bartley, Sean Rigney, Alan Kennedy (capt), Bailey Faloon, Ronan O’Sullivan, John Foley.

Replacements: Conor Nesbitt, George Jacobs, Paul Allen, Tom Goggin, James Horrigan, Evan Cusack, Luke Fitzgerald, Stephen Lyons.

TERENURE COLLEGE 30 CORK CONSTITUTION 12, Lakelands Park
Scorers: Terenure College: Tries: Adam La Grue, Jordan Coghlan; Con: Caolan Dooley; Pens: Caolan Dooley 6
Cork Constitution: Tries: James Murphy, Cathal O’Flaherty; Con: Aidan Moynihan
HT: Terenure College 18 Cork Constitution 0

TERENURE COLLEGE: Adam La Grue; Caolan Dooley, Colm de Buitléar, Peter Sylvester, Craig Adams; Callum Smith, Alan Bennie; Marcus Hanan, Levi Vaughan, Adam Tuite, Matthew Caffrey, Mick Melia (capt), Adam Melia, Luke Clohessy, Jordan Coghlan.

Replacements: Robbie Smyth, Campbell Classon, Andy Keating, Harrison Brewer, Niall Lalor, Conor McKeon, Cathal Marsh, Stephen O’Neill.

CORK CONSTITUTION: George Coomber; Billy Crowley, Harry O’Riordan, Niall Kenneally, Michael Hand; Aidan Moynihan (capt), Gerry Hurley; Brendan Quinlan, Billy Scannell, Luke Masters, Sean Duffy, Eoin Quilter, Jack Kelleher, Ross O’Neill, David Hyland.

Replacements: Max Abbott, Alessandro Heaney, Ashley Deane, James Murphy, Cathal O’Flaherty, Louis Kahn, Daniel Hurley, Greg Higgins.

DIVISION 1A PROMOTION/RELEGATION PLAY-OFF SEMI-FINALS:

SHANNON 24 OLD WESLEY 6, Thomond Park back pitch
Scorers: Shannon: Tries: Jordan Prenderville, Colm Heffernan, Josh Costello, Aran Hehir; Cons: Mike Cooke 2
Old Wesley: Pens: Ian Cassidy 2
HT: Shannon 12 Old Wesley 6

SHANNON: John O’Sullivan; Aran Hehir, Cian O’Halloran, Harry Long, Josh Costello; Mike Cooke, Ethan Coughlan; Conor Glynn, Jordan Prenderville, Darragh McSweeney, Ronan Coffey (capt), Jade Kriel, Daniel Okeke, Colm Heffernan, Lee Nicholas.

Replacements: Shane Carew, David Maher, Kelvin Brown, Odhran Ring, Jack O’Donnell, James O’Brien, Cathal Hynes, Luke Rigney.

OLD WESLEY: Alex Molloy; Nathan Randles, James O’Donovan, Eoin Deegan, Tommy O’Callaghan; Ian Cassidy, Gary Bradley; Harry Noonan, Howard Noonan, Cronan Gleeson, David Motyer, Iain McGann (capt), Will Fay, Dom Maclean, Sam Pim.

Replacements: Finn Tierney, Sam Kenny, Rob Loftus, Josh O’Hare, Adrien Charbonnier, David Poff, Keith Kavanagh, Eoin Monahan.

OLD BELVEDERE 17 HIGHFIELD 19, Ollie Campbell Park
Scorers: Old Belvedere: Tries: Calum Dowling, Connor Owende; Cons: Mick O’Kennedy 2; Pen: Michael O’Kennedy
Highfield: Tries: Luke Kingston, Daragh Fitzgerald, Chris Banon; Cons: James Taylor 2
HT: Old Belvedere 7 Highfield 12

OLD BELVEDERE: Joe White; Ariel Robles, Jayden Beckett, Mick O’Kennedy, Luke McDermott; David Wilkinson, Peter O’Beirne; James Bollard (capt), Calum Dowling, Ronan Foxe, Fionn McWey, Connor Owende, Óran O’Brien, Tom Mulcair, Kale Thatcher.

Replacements: Joe Horan, Jamie Mulhern, Hugh Flood, James Ruddy, Jack Breen, Briain Leonard, Jed Tormey, Jack Keating.

HIGHFIELD: Cian Bohane; Ben Murphy, Liam McCarthy, Mark Dorgan, Luke Kingston; James Taylor, Chris Banon; Cillian Buckley, Travis Coomey, Daragh Fitzgerald, Sean Garrett, Eoin Keating, Dave O’Connell (capt), Amhlaoibh Porter, Miah Cronin.

Replacements: Robert Murphy, Ian McCarthy, Niall Downing, Mark Fitzgibbon, John O’Callaghan, Richard Cassidy, Seán Quaid, Gavin O’Leary.

DIVISION 1B PROMOTION/RELEGATION PLAY-OFF SEMI-FINALS:

Banbridge 18 MU Barnhall 20, Rifle Park
Blackrock College 10 Nenagh Ormond 8, Stradbrook

DIVISION 2A PROMOTION/RELEGATION PLAY-OFF SEMI-FINALS:

UL Bohemians 16 Sligo 14, Annacotty
Galway Corinthians 8 Dungannon 12, Corinthian Park

DIVISION 2B PROMOTION/RELEGATION PLAY-OFF SEMI-FINALS:

Galwegians 12 Bruff 24, Crowley Park
Skerries 12 Tullamore 3, Holmpatrick

Ireland Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier schedule

The schedule for the Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier has been released, with the event set to take place in Edinburgh from 20-28 July 2023. Seven teams will compete for a chance to qualify for the 2024 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in the USA and the West Indies.

Teams competing and favorites to qualify

Joining the hosts Scotland (15th) are Ireland (world ranked 12th), Jersey (22nd), Italy (32nd), Germany (35th), Denmark (37th), and Austria (42nd). Ireland and Scotland are the favorites to qualify for the World Cup.

Do-or-die match for Ireland and Scotland

The top two teams from the seven sides competing will qualify for the World Cup. Ireland and Scotland are likely to be the top two teams, but they will meet each other in their respective final games on Friday 28 July at Grange Cricket Club. This match could become a do-or-die affair for either team.

Ireland’s recent T20 World Cup performance

Ireland competed at the most recent T20 World Cup, held in Australia in October 2022. They reached the Super 12 stage of the competition, beating Scotland and the West Indies in the Group stage. They also beat the eventual winners England by five runs (DLS) in a remarkable game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Ireland have qualified for seven out of eight T20 World Cups to date:

2007: did not qualify
2009: qualified for Super 8s stage
2010: group stage
2012: group stage
2014: group stage
2016: group stage
2021: group stage
2022: qualified for Super 12s stage

ICC MEN’S T20 WORLD CUP EUROPE QUALIFIER FIXTURE SCHEDULE

Thursday 20 July

Jersey v Austria: Grange Cricket Club (10.30amstart)
Ireland v Italy: Goldenacre Sports Ground (10.30am start)
Scotland v Germany: Goldenacre Sports Ground (3.30pm start)

Friday 21 July

Ireland v Denmark: Grange Cricket Club (10.30am start)
Germany v Austria: Goldenacre Sports Ground (10.30am start)
Scotland v Jersey: Grange Cricket Club (3.30pmstart)

Sunday 23 July

Ireland v Austria: Grange Cricket Club (10.30amstart)
Italy v Jersey: Goldenacre Sports Ground (10.30amstart)
Denmark v Germany: Grange Cricket Club (3.30pmstart)

Monday 24 July

Scotland v Italy: Grange Cricket Club (10.30amstart)
Denmark v Austria: Goldenacre Cricket Club (10.30am start)
Ireland v Jersey: Goldenacre Sports Ground (3.30pm start)

Tuesday 25 July

Italy v Denmark: Grange Cricket Club (10.30amstart)
Scotland v Austria: Goldenacre Sports Ground (10.30am start)
Germany v Jersey: Grange Cricket Club (3.30pmstart)

Thursday 27 July

Scotland v Denmark: Grange Cricket Club (10.30amstart)
Ireland v Germany: Goldenacre Sports Ground (10.30am start)
Italy v Austria: Goldenacre Sports Ground (3.3pm start)

Friday 28 July

Germany v Italy: Grange Cricket Club (10.30amstart)
Denmark v Jersey: Goldenacre Sports Ground (10.30am start)
Ireland v Scotland: Grange Cricket Club (3.30pmstart)