Home Blog Page 139

Connacht Football 2023 – Roscommon v Galway – Preview & Team News

Galway and Roscommon Set for Eighth Championship Meeting in Eight Seasons

The upcoming Connacht Championship semi-final between Galway and Roscommon is a highly anticipated matchup, as the two teams meet for the eighth time in just eight seasons. This marks the third consecutive year that the two teams will face off in the championship, and their previous five meetings have been incredibly competitive.

Recent Championship History Favours Galway

Galway has won four of the last five championship meetings against Roscommon, with their most recent victory coming in the 2022 Connacht final. However, Roscommon did emerge victorious in the 2019 Connacht final, breaking Galway’s streak of five consecutive titles in the province.

Galway’s First Championship Outing

This will be Galway’s first outing in the championship, having earlier reached the Division 1 final where they lost to Mayo. Despite this setback, they will be eager to start their championship campaign on a high note.

Roscommon’s Impressive Quarter-Final Win

Roscommon will be entering the game with confidence, following their impressive quarter-final win against Mayo. Diarmuid Murtagh was their top scorer in the game, contributing six points to their 2-8 to 0-10 victory.

Head-to-Head Record in Championship

Galway has the historical edge over Roscommon, winning 39 out of their 66 championship meetings. However, Roscommon will be looking to level the playing field and secure a victory against their rivals.

Galway’s Bid for Eighth Consecutive Connacht Final

Galway is bidding to reach their eighth consecutive Connacht final, a feat that speaks to their dominance in the province in recent years. However, Roscommon will be determined to spoil their plans and advance to the final themselves.

Allianz League Clash

The two teams also faced off earlier this year in the Allianz League, with Roscommon emerging victorious by a single point. However, the low-scoring affair was a far cry from their high-scoring shootout in last year’s Connacht final, which Galway won by three points.

The Road to the Connacht Final

The winner of this semi-final clash will advance to the Connacht final on May 7, where they will face either Sligo or New York. The stakes are high for both Galway and Roscommon, and fans can expect a closely contested matchup between these two provincial rivals.

Team News for Roscommon v Galway

Galway football team to play Roscommon in Connacht semi-final 2023
Galway football team to play Roscommon in Connacht semi-final 2023 
Roscommon team to play Galway in 2023 Connacht semifinal
Roscommon team to play Galway in 2023 Connacht semifinal

We will have the starting teams on Friday afternoon.

Video Highlights – Galway stage a comeback to claim convincing win over Wexford

Galway produced an impressive comeback after conceding two early goals to claim a convincing win over Wexford in Salthill.

Galway 0-24 Wexford 2-12

Wexford started strong, with Conor McDonald appearing to get a deft touch to score the first goal just two minutes into the game. Liam Óg McGovern added a second goal almost immediately to give Wexford a five-point lead.

However, Galway managed to claw their way back with five of the next six points, led by the impressive Evan Niland, who scored seven points from play throughout the game.

Wexford still held a narrow lead, 2-5 to 0-8, approaching the interval, but Galway struck three points on the spin before the break, courtesy of Niland (two frees) and Conor Cooney, to level the scores.

Galway dominate second half to seize control

The second half saw Galway take control of the game, with Niland continuing to lead the way. Galway scored 12 out of 13 points, with Wexford only managing a single point in response.

Wexford had a chance to close the gap when Conor McDonald was awarded a penalty in the 45th minute, but Galway goalkeeper Eanna Murphy saved the shot, turning the tide of the game decisively in Galway’s favour.

Galway’s conversion rate dipped in the latter stages of the game, with 24 of their 41 attempts failing to hit the target. However, it didn’t matter too much, as the victory was secured ahead of next weekend’s trip to UPMC Nowlan Park to play Kilkenny.

Overall, it was an impressive performance from Galway, who showed their resilience and determination to bounce back after a tough start to the game. With players like Niland and Pádraic Mannion leading the way, they will be confident heading into their next match away in Nowlan Park against Kilkenny.

Teams and scorers

Scorers for Galway: Evan Niland 0-13 (5fs, 165), Brian Concannon, Conor Whelan, and Conor Cooney 0-2 each, TJ Brennan, Cathal Mannion, Liam Collins, Ronan Glennon, and Kevin Cooney 0-1 each.

Scorers for Wexford: Rory O’Connor 0-5 (5fs), Liam Óg McGovern 1-2, Conor McDonald 1-0, Cathal Dunbar 0-2, Matthew O’Hanlon, Conor Hearne, and Jack O’Connor 0-1 each.

Galway: Eanna Murphy; TJ Brennan, Gearóid McInerney, Jack Grealish; Padraic Mannion, Daithí Burke, Joseph Cooney; Ronan Glennon, Cathal Mannion; Tom Monaghan, Conor Cooney, Brian Concannon; Evan Niland, Conor Whelan, Kevin Cooney.

Subs: Cianan Fahy for Concannon (56-58, temporary), Fintan Burke for J Cooney (58), Cianan Fahy for Glennon (61), Jason Flynn for Concannon (63), Liam Collins for Mannion (68), Darren Morrissey for Brennan (69).

Wexford: James Lawlor; Matthew O’Hanlon, Liam Ryan, Conor Devitt; Simon Donohoe, Conor Foley, Shane Reck; Diarmuid O’Keeffe, Conor Hearne; Oisín Foley, Rory O’Connor, Charlie McGuckin; Liam Óg McGovern, Conor McDonald, Cathal Dunbar.

Subs: Jack O’Connor for O Foley (22-26, temporary), Jack O’Connor for McGuckin (44), Mikie Dwyer for O’Keeffe (47), Richie Lawlor for O Foley (56), Kevin Foley for Hearne (61), Joe O’Connor for C Foley (70).

Referee: Seán Stack (Dublin).

GAA Results – Kilkenny Cruises to Victory in One-Sided Leinster Championship Opener

Kilkenny bounced back from their recent league final defeat to Limerick with an emphatic win over Westmeath in a lopsided Leinster Championship opener at UPMC Nowlan Park. The Cats dominated the game from start to finish, showing no ill-effects from their previous loss.

Reid and Mullen Lead the Way for Kilkenny

TJ Reid, who played his first game since Ballyhale Shamrocks All-Ireland club success last January, looked sharp and scored a total of nine points. Adrian Mullen also made an impact in his second appearance of the season, scoring six points from centre forward. John Donnelly also starred, leading a Kilkenny team that had 11 different scorers on the night.

Westmeath’s Struggles

Westmeath struggled to keep up with Kilkenny, only managing to score four points from play. While their defensive gameplan denied Kilkenny of a goal, it also restricted their own attacking options. They needed a strong start, but from the moment Donnelly pointed in the opening minute, the game looked to be one-sided.

Kilkenny Takes an Early Lead

Kilkenny quickly took control of the game, with Eoin Cody, Adrian Mullen, and Timmy Clifford all taking early scores. By the end of the first quarter, Kilkenny led 0-11 to 0-1, with Joseph Boyle scoring Westmeath’s only point in that time. Westmeath managed to stem the flow with points from Ciaran Doyle and Darragh Clinton, but by halftime, Kilkenny was in control, leading 0-17 to 0-4.

A Slow Second Half

Kilkenny’s scoring slowed down in the second half, and TJ Reid missed a penalty. However, both teams seemed to go through the motions for much of the period, with Kilkenny continuing their domination. Niall Brennan and Mossy Keoghan both scored after coming off the bench for Kilkenny.

Looking Ahead

Westmeath will need to regroup after the humbling defeat, while Kilkenny looks ahead to a much-anticipated match against Galway in Nowlan Park next Sunday.

Teams and scorers

Scorers for Kilkenny: TJ Reid 0-9 (3fs, 2 65), Adrian Mullen 0-6, John Donnelly 0-4, Eoin Cody, Martin Keoghan 0-2 each, David Blanchfield, Padraig Walsh, Darragh Corcoran, Timmy Clifford, Billy Ryan, Niall Brennan 0-1 each

Scorers for Westmeath: Ciaran Doyle 0-4 (3fs), Joseph Boyle, Darragh Clinton, Derek McNicholas 0-1 each.

Kilkenny: Eoin Murphy; Mikey Butler, Huw Lawlor, Tommy Walsh; David Blanchfield, Richie Reid, Padraig Walsh; Darragh Corcoran, Paddy Mullen; Timmy Clifford, Adrian Mullen, John Donnelly; Billy Ryan, TJ Reid, Eoin Cody.

Subs: Cian Kenny for P.Mullen (46), Martin Keoghan for Ryan (47), Cillian Buckley for P.Walsh (56), Niall Brennan for A.Mullen (61), Conor Delaney for Lawlor (64).

Westmeath: Noel Conaty; Darragh Egerton, Conor Shaw, Johnny Bermingham; Robbie Greville, Tommy Doyle, Aaron Craig; Davy Glennon, Shane McGovern; Shane Clavin, Joseph Boyle, Eoin Keyes; Kevin Regan, Ciaran Doyle, Darragh Clinton.

Subs: Cormac Boyle for McGovern (h-t), Charlie McCormack for Clavin (h-t), Derek McNicholas for Clinton (48), Jack Gillen for Keyes (56), Gary Greville for Egerton (67).

Louth v Westmeath : Leinster Football Preview, Stats & Team News

Louth and Westmeath will face off in the Leinster championship, marking their first meeting in eight years.

Click here for live score updates from Louth v Westmeath

The last time they clashed, Westmeath won by seven points in the Leinster first round in 2015.

Head-to-Head: Recent Championship Meetings

In their last five championship meetings, Westmeath has won three times while Louth has won twice. The most recent encounter was in 2015, where Westmeath beat Louth 3-14 to 0-16 in the Leinster first round.

Team Performance and Standing

Both teams will be playing their first game in the 2023 championship. Louth finished third in Division 2 with four wins and three defeats, while Westmeath finished fourth in Division 3 with four wins and three defeats. Westmeath is looking to reach the Leinster semi-finals for the third year in a row, while Louth’s last appearance in the semi-final was in 2010.

Next Round

The winner of this game will proceed to the Leinster semi-final on April 30 and face either Meath or Offaly.

Team News for Louth v Westmeath

 

Westmeath football team to play louth in 2023

Louth team vs Westmeath: James Califf; Daniel Corcoran, Peter Lynch, Donal McKenny; Leonard Grey, Niall Sharkey, Ciarán Murphy; Tommy Durnin, Conor Early; Liam Jackson, Sam Mulroy, Conor Grimes; Dáire McConnon, Ciarán Downey, Ryan Burns.

Subs: Peter McStravick, Alan Connor, Jay Hughes, Ciarán Keenan, Craig Lennon, Conal McCaul, Oisín McGuinness, Conall McKeever, Dylan McKeown, Paul Mathews, Anthony Williams.


Conclusion

The upcoming Louth vs Westmeath match is expected to be a closely contested game, with both teams having similar records in their respective divisions. The winner will face a tough test against either Meath or Offaly in the semi-final.

Meath v Offaly : Leinster Football Preview, Stats & Team News

Meath and Offaly will face off in the Leinster championship on Sunday at 4pm, in what promises to be an exciting encounter.

Click here for live score updates from Meath v Offaly

Head-to-Head

The last time these two teams met in the Leinster championship was in 2019 when Meath emerged victorious with a 1-13 to 0-14 win in Pairc Tailteann. Meath has won four of the last five meetings between the two sides, with Offaly’s last victory coming in the Leinster quarter-final in 2000.

Meath’s Form

Meath is yet to play a championship game this season, having finished sixth in Division 2 with two wins, one draw, and four defeats. Colm O’Rourke, the legendary Meath player, and new manager will be looking to start his managerial career on a positive note.

Offaly’s Form

Offaly secured a hard-fought victory over Longford in the Leinster first round last Sunday week, winning 1-12 to 1-11. Peter Cunningham was Offaly’s top scorer with 1-1. Offaly finished fifth in Division 3 this season and will be hoping to cause an upset against their more fancied opponents.

Managerial Debut

Colm O’Rourke is set to make his managerial debut in the championship, 47 years after his senior championship debut as a player. O’Rourke scored three points in Meath’s 2-13 to 1-10 win over Wicklow in the Leinster first round, played in Croke Park in May 1976.

Offaly’s Aspirations

Offaly is bidding to reach the Leinster semi-final for the first time since 2007. A win against Meath will set up a clash with either Louth or Westmeath in the Leinster semi-finals.

Conclusion

This promises to be a closely contested game between two teams with a rich history in the Leinster championship. Meath will be the favorites, but Offaly will be looking to cause an upset and secure a semi-final spot. Bookies expect Meath to win by 3pts

Starting Teams for Meath v Offaly

There are seven survivors on the starting XV that took to the field for last Summer’s Championship game in Cusack Park, Ennis for Meath with Adam O’Neill, Donal Lenihan, Jack Flynn, Jordan Morris, Michael Flood, Ronan Jones, Ronan Ryan and Sean Coffey all coming into the team from that encounter.

Meath team to play Offaly in the 2023 championship
Meath team to play Offaly in the 2023 championship

 

Offaly team to play Meath footballers 2023

Kildare vs Wicklow: Leinster Football Preview, Stats & Team News

Kildare and Wicklow Set to Renew Rivalry in Leinster Championship

Brief History

Kildare and Wicklow are set to face off in the Leinster championship for the first time since 2019, with Kildare having won their previous encounter by a narrow two-point margin. Looking back at their last five championship meetings, Kildare have been the dominant force, winning four out of five matches.

KILDARE’s 2023 Championship Debut

Kildare will be having their first outing in this year’s championship, having finished fifth in Division 2 with three wins and four defeats. With a long gap since their last competitive match, it remains to be seen how the team will perform in their first championship game.

WICKLOW’s Winning Momentum

Wicklow, on the other hand, will be coming into the match with some winning momentum, having beaten Carlow in the Leinster first round with a comfortable 2-12 to 0-10 scoreline. Eoin Darcy was their standout performer, scoring 1-2 in the match. However, they will need to raise their game if they are to upset the odds and beat Kildare.

WICKLOW’s Long Wait for Victory Over KILDARE

Wicklow’s last victory over Kildare in the Leinster championship dates back to 2008 when they beat Kildare in the first round. Wicklow will be hoping to end their long wait for a win against Kildare and cause an upset in the Leinster championship.

Team News Kildare v Wicklow

We will have team news on Friday afternoon

What’s at Stake?

The winner of the Kildare and Wicklow match will face off against Dublin or Laois in the Leinster semi-final on April 30th. Both Kildare and Wicklow will be looking to book their place in the next round and make a statement of intent for the rest of the championship.

 

Glasgow Warriors v Connacht Rugby – Preview, Stats, Team News and Prediction

Glasgow Warriors to face Connacht in the final league game of BKT United Rugby Championship. Game kicks off at 7:35pm on Saturday.

Glasgow Warriors are set to host Connacht in the upcoming BKT United Rugby Championship match. The two teams have a long-standing history, having faced each other 37 times in the past. Glasgow has come out on top in 24 matches, while Connacht has won 10 matches, with three ending in a draw.

Where do Connacht stand?

Connacht get a bonus point victory and they will 99% secure Champions Cup next season and probably 6th place in the league. Click here for full breakdown of different scenarios for Connacht finishing position. 

Impressive Home Record for Glasgow Warriors

Glasgow Warriors have an impressive record at home, having not suffered a defeat in the BKT United Rugby Championship since October 2021 when they faced Leinster. The team will be hoping to continue this run and secure another victory at Scotstoun.

Recent Form of Glasgow Warriors

Glasgow Warriors have been in good form in recent months, having lost only one match in any competition since the end of November. Their only defeat came at the hands of Emirates Lions in Johannesburg on 25 February. Additionally, the team has won their last two fixtures against Irish provinces, following a loss to Leinster at the RDS Arena in November of last year.

Connacht’s Winning Streak

Connacht are currently on a six-match winning streak in the BKT United Rugby Championship, and they will be hoping to extend this run in their upcoming match against Glasgow. Another victory would see them set a new record for the competition.

Connacht’s Recent Win Over Edinburgh and Cardiff 

Connacht’s victory over Edinburgh in Round 16 was an impressive one, with the team scoring 41 points in the process. However, they have not managed to beat both Scottish opponents in the same campaign since 2020/21. The team will be hoping to rectify this and secure a win against Glasgow.

Head-to-Head Record between Glasgow Warriors and Connacht

Connacht has only managed to beat Glasgow once in their last eight encounters, with that win coming in Galway in the opening round of the 2020/21 season. Additionally, the team has not been successful on Glasgow soil since their victory at the Firhill Arena in September 2010.

Team news for Glasgow Warriors v Connacht Rugby 

Glasgow Warriors

An all-international front-row sees Argentinian prop Lucio Sordoni start at tight-head, joining Scotland pair Allan Dell and Fraser Brown at the coal face.

Scott Cummings and Richie Gray start in the second-row, the pair having made an impact off the bench in last Friday’s win over the Scarlets.

Sione Vailanu shifts to the openside to accommodate the returning Jack Dempsey at number eight, Rory Darge completing the back-row by slotting in on the blindside flank.

The half-backs are unchanged from last Friday’s win, meaning Ali Price and Tom Jordan once again combine in the nine and 10 jerseys.

Sam Johnson starts alongside skipper McDowall in the midfield, the pair having shut down the Scarlets attack to good effect in the driving rain at Scotstoun.

Jamie Dobie is the only alteration to the backline in the week in which he put pen to paper on a contract extension with the club, replacing club captain Kyle Steyn on the wing in a back-three completed by Cole Forbes and Huw Jones.

After his Player of the Match-winning display last time out, Zander Fagerson rotates to the bench to join Jamie Bhatti and Johnny Matthews as the front-row cover.

JP du Preez and Lewis Bean do likewise after starting against the Scarlets, with Matt Fagerson covering the back-row in a six-two split of forwards and backs on the bench.

George Horne comes into the matchday squad after being rested last time out, whilst Domingo Miotti wears the number 23 jersey to complete the cohort of replacements.

Connacht Rugby

John Porch returns from injury to take his place on the right wing, replacing Diarmuid Kilgallen who has picked up a hamstring strain. The absence of Jarrad Butler from injury means Oisín Dowling starts in the second row, with Josh Murphy moving to blindside flanker and and Cian Prendergast to number 8.

Mack Hansen and Bundee Aki unfortunately miss out due to illness, which means there are starts for Byron Ralston – his first since an ankle injury in January – and Cathal Forde.

Connacht head into the game knowing a win would guarantee at least a 6th place finish regardless of results elsewhere, which effectively ensures Heineken Champions Cup rugby next season.

A win would also be Connacht’s 7th straight in the United Rugby Championship, which would be an all-time record for the club in the 20+ year history of the competition.

Speaking following the team announcement, Director of Rugby Andy Friend said:

“Enormous credit must go to the players, coaches and all of the backroom staff that we currently find ourselves in this position. Our backs were against the wall after the start we had, so to produce six straight wins – with each game more important than the last – speaks volumes of the character of the group. We can’t wait for the playoffs but for now it’s all about finishing as high as we can and bringing Champions Cup rugby back to The Sportsground next season.

There’ll be plenty of external noise as the results come in tomorrow, but for us the objective won’t change regardless of what happens elsewhere. We know a win gives us at least 6th which would be enough for qualification, so that’s what we’re aiming for.”

Conclusion and Prediction

The upcoming match between Glasgow Warriors and Connacht promises to be an intriguing encounter. Glasgow will be looking to maintain their impressive home record, but may rest their usual starters.

Connacht will be hoping to continue their winning streak and secure a victory over their Scottish opponents and secure Champions Cup rugby for 2023.

Glasgow still have very little to play for against Connacht. The loss of Bundee Aki and Mack Hansen is big, but Id hope Connacht can still secure a win.

Premier League Darts Rotterdam – Night 12 Round-Up & Results

Nathan Aspinall secured his first win of the 2023 Cazoo Premier League campaign, beating Gerwyn Price 6-4 in a thrilling final on Night 12 at Rotterdam Ahoy. Aspinall recovered brilliantly from his quarter-final defeat to Peter Wright in Brighton last week, producing an impressive performance to move up to third in the table. In this article, we break down the key moments of the night and take a closer look at the other matches.

Aspinall Bounces Back

Aspinall’s win was a demonstration of his fighting spirit and resilience, bouncing back after a disappointing performance in Brighton. He started the night by ending Michael van Gerwen’s hopes of a dream homecoming in front of a sell-out 11,000 crowd, converting a 118 checkout to dump out the Dutch superstar in a last-leg decider. Aspinall then moved through to his first final since Night Two in Cardiff, averaging over 99 to overcome Dimitri Van Bergh and set up a showdown against an in-form Price.

In the final, Aspinall took an early lead with a superb 124 combination, but Price responded with a 140 checkout to seize the initiative. Aspinall then produced a brilliant three-leg burst to establish a 4-2 cushion, reeling off consecutive legs in 13, 13, and 12 darts to move two legs away from the £10,000 winner’s bonus. Although Price reduced the arrears with a comfortable hold in leg seven, Aspinall was undeterred, moving to the brink of victory with another 13-dart hold, before sealing the deal with a 71 checkout in leg ten.

“Last week really hurt me, so to bounce back like I have tonight, I’m really proud,” claimed Aspinall, the sixth different nightly winner in this year’s Premier League. “I have worked so hard. I’ve changed something to try and find what I needed to find to keep me calm in situations, and it’s all come together tonight. I’m just really happy to finally get a nightly win and put myself back in the top four.”

Price Claims Three Points to Top Table

Although Price was denied his fifth nightly victory of 2023 in Thursday’s decider, the Welshman claimed a precious three points to move top of the table at Van Gerwen’s expense. Price kicked off his Rotterdam campaign with a comeback win against World Champion Michael Smith, reeling off five consecutive legs from 3-1 down to triumph with a 102 average. He then produced another ton-topping average to dispatch his World Cup partner Jonny Clayton in the semi-finals, firing in six 180s en route to an emphatic 6-1 success.

Van den Bergh and Clayton Secure Two Points Each

Semi-finalists Van den Bergh and Clayton departed Rotterdam with two points apiece, courtesy of quarter-final wins against Peter Wright and Chris Dobey respectively. Van den Bergh ended a run of four consecutive quarter-final defeats with a 6-3 success against Wright, which saw him leapfrog Dobey and move into sixth spot. Masters champion Dobey succumbed 6-4 to a clinical Clayton in the evening’s opener, with the Welshman landing three ton-plus finishes and averaging almost 101 to cap off a quality display.

What’s Next?

The Cazoo Premier League roadshow heads to Leeds’ First Direct Arena next Thursday, as league leader Price takes on Clayton in an all-Welsh affair on Night 13. Van Gerwen will begin his bid for a fourth nightly win of 2023 against Wright, Aspinall takes on Van den Bergh, while Smith and Dobey lock horns in the evening’s opener

Finn Lynch cleared for French Olympic Week

Irish sailor Finn Lynch has been given the green light to compete in the French Olympic Week sailing event, taking place from April 24-29 in Hyerés.

Lynch, who is currently ranked world number three in the ILCA 7 category, has been undergoing treatment for a wrist injury sustained during his last event in Palma, Mallorca.

Targeting World Sailing Championships

With just over three months until the World Sailing Championships in The Hague, where the first nation places will be decided for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Lynch will be keen to regain his consistent form. The Carlow native has previously achieved Silver at World Championship level, the highest ever result by an Irish sailor at this level.

Medal ambitions

Lynch has admitted that he has not yet hit his full potential this season, with a 10th place at the European championships not meeting his stated medal ambitions. Nevertheless, he will be looking to build on his strong performances and challenge for a medal at the French Olympic Week.

Other Irish sailors in action

Alongside Lynch, two senior squad 49er skiff teams will also be competing at the French Olympic Week. Robert Dickson, who has been suffering from a viral infection over the past week, will be hoping to make a full recovery and compete alongside his crew-mate Seán Waddilove. Meanwhile, Séafra Guilfoyle and Johnny Durcan will be aiming for consistency and a strong Gold fleet finish.

Clearance to race

Irish Sailing’s Performance Director, James O’Callaghan, said that both Lynch and Dickson’s medical issues had curtailed their preparation period, but the main thing was that they had been cleared to race. Eve McMahon, another Senior Squad sailor, will miss the series in Hyerés due to exam commitments, while her brother Ewan has opted not to compete in this regatta.

Video – Carnage as 1/6 favourite is beaten after Jockey mistake

It definitely wasn’t the finest ride Pat Cosgrave has given a horse after unnecessarily being beat on 1/6 shot Concorde at Chelmsford on Thursday.

According to the betting the horse who was an absolute certainty and looked it all the way up the straight until Cosgrave missed Ben Robinson coming up his inside on My Roxanne. Who beat the fav at 1/6.

Cosgrave received a 28 day for his mistake.