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Strong Irish challenge for Amgen Irish Open at The K Club

Ryder Cup 2025 teammates Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry lead the Irish challenge at this week’s Amgen Irish Open at The K Club from Thursday, 4th to Sunday, 7th September.

McIlroy, the career Grand Slam winner, claimed his first Irish professional title when winning the Irish Open by three strokes at the venue back in 2016.

Tee off times for round 1

McIlroy happy to be back

Remembering that victory, the County Down-native admitted:

“It’s lovely to be back. I’ve got some great memories of the K Club. I came here to watch the Ryder Cup in 2006 with my dad and to win my only Irish Open here nine years ago. It’s got a lot of great memories for me, and hopefully I can add to them this week.”

The five-time Major Champion will join fellow Irish golfers Shane Lowry, Pádraig Harrington and Séamus Power at the Palmer North Course as action gets underway on Thursday morning.

The former winner will start at 8am on the tenth hole as part of group 17.

Amgen Irish Open Ticket Information

Easy for Lowry to motivate himself

Lowry, like McIlroy, will attempt to win the Irish Open for a second time, having taken the title as an amateur at Baltray 16 years ago.

Speaking ahead of the start of this year’s Amgen Irish Open, the Offaly man, who tees off at the 10th hole at 7.50am Thursday morning with American Brooks Koepka and Frenchman Martin Couvra, said:

“I’m very excited. It’s good to be back here at a place I know pretty well. I get to stay in my own bed for a few days, which is nice. Things have been going pretty well and the week has been going very nice so far.

“I’ve got an exciting few weeks ahead, starting with this week. I think, as a golfer, as an Irish golfer, as a European golfer, if I can’t get myself motivated and ready and up for what’s to come over the next month, starting with Thursday at the Amgen Irish Open, I should pack it in.”

30 not out for Harrington

Three-time Major winner Pádraig Harrington will make his 30th consecutive appearance in the Irish Open.

Thinking ahead to the tournament, Harrington, who tees off at 7.40am on Thursday morning on the 10th hole, stated:

“I kind of now know that if I go out there tomorrow and I smile and don’t get too stressed, don’t get angry or anything like that, I pretty much can hit any shot, and they’ll still like me out there and still give me a few claps. I’m a little bit more relaxed about it. I’d love to play well and compete, but if that doesn’t happen, I will wave to the crowd, smile and wave at the crowds and enjoy it.”

To win would mean everything to Power

Waterford golfer, Séamus Power, spoke today of his delight at playing in front of a home crowd.

The US-based golfer said:

“I don’t get to play in front of Irish fans that often but when I do it’s always great. They’re cheering you on every step of the way. Seeing friendly faces and stuff in the crowd, it goes a long way. In the afternoon with a rough stretch or something like that, it will keep me going. I suppose it’s rare for me, so that makes it even more special.

“It would mean everything to win this week. We were talking last night and going through Shane Lowry’s win at this event in 2009, and winning that, it would mean everything for me. I feel like in Ireland we really, really appreciate our own sports people. Golf is actually a sport that’s so popular now, and just to be part of the heritage of the tournament would be amazing. It would be a dream come true.”

Ryder Cup Captain Donald competing

Europe’s Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald is also in this week’s field. The Englishman made his Captain’s Picks at the beginning of the week, and will be joined by three of the 12 players who will make up his team in New York later this month – McIlroy, Lowry and Englishman Tyrrell Hatton.

Birdies for Wishes Campaign

Title Sponsor Amgen have once again partnered with the DP World Tour for the Birdies for Wishes campaign, with Amgen and the DP World Tour donating €300 combined to Make a Wish Ireland for every birdie or better carded by the field on the first hole during the four tournament rounds.

The three Amgen ambassadors – Harrington, Lowry and Power – have committed to the fundraising effort, pledging to donate €500 for every birdie and €1,000 for every eagle they card during the week.

McIlroy backs Donald’s Ryder Cup picks: “The right 12 players”

Rory McIlroy reacts after making birdie on the 15th green during day four of the World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play at Austin Country Club on March 25, 2023 in Austin, Texas. Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images. Provided by European Tour Group Communications.

McIlroy backs Donald’s Ryder Cup picks: “The right 12 players”

Rory McIlroy insists Europe head to New York with a stronger, more versatile Ryder Cup team than two years ago, while playing down Sergio Garcia’s disappointment at missing out on a wildcard.

No sympathy for Garcia

The Spaniard had been entered for the Amgen Irish Open at The K Club but withdrew before Luke Donald confirmed his captain’s picks. McIlroy was blunt when asked if he could understand Garcia’s frustration.

“No, I don’t. I mean, it would have been great for the tournament if Sergio played, but obviously, he was trying to keep himself sharp, I guess, if he did get a pick. Luke has assembled a very strong 12 players, and I think the right 12 players.”

McIlroy added that while Garcia may feel disappointed, “I’m sure he wishes Europe well and wants us to win.”

“A lot more flexibility than Rome”

Only one change has been made from the victorious side in Rome, with Rasmus Højgaard replacing his twin brother Nicolai. McIlroy believes every member has taken a step forward since 2023.

“The entire team has played some very good golf between Rome and now. You could argue that pretty much every player in the team is more accomplished than what they were two years ago.”

He also highlighted the strategic depth available to Donald: “When we went to Rome, you had some guys that were purely foursomes players, some guys that were purely fourball players. I think now we have a lot of flexibility within that 12 to change the dynamics around a little bit.”

Facing the Bethpage cauldron

Bethpage Black promises to provide one of the most partisan atmospheres in Ryder Cup history. McIlroy, however, relishes the prospect of an away win.

“I’ve said this repeatedly, but I think winning an away Ryder Cup is up there with one of the biggest achievements in the game. There’s a reason that every Ryder Cup for the last 10 years has went to the home team.”

With US President Donald Trump expected to attend, McIlroy drew inspiration from tennis. “I watched a little bit of Novak Djokovic… He’s been the best at handling that sort

O’Shea urges Ireland to seize their moment: “Some players will be heroes forever”

O’Shea urges Ireland to seize their moment: “Some players will be heroes forever”

As Ireland prepare for the first of their World Cup qualifying double-header against Hungary, assistant manager John O’Shea has told the squad they stand on the brink of greatness. For O’Shea, who was a young player when Ireland last reached the finals in 2002, this campaign could define careers.

“The best bit of advice I would be giving is these are hugely, if not the most, significant moments in your career. And not only for yourself, but for your family… it could be the pinnacle of players’ careers as well.”

Unlike the 14-month marathon that led to Mick McCarthy’s side reaching the 2002 World Cup, the qualifiers for 2026 will be decided in just three months. O’Shea believes the opportunity is huge:

“If you can be a part of that, some players will be heroes forever.”

The assistant boss stressed that the current squad have gained valuable experience and now must deliver when it matters most. “They have to now take that on board… If they can do that, we know we can have a very, very fruitful campaign,” he added.

Competition for places remains fierce, with Callum O’Dowda and Jayson Molumby missing out this time. “It’s nice to have that kind of positive freshness in the squad… There’s a nucleus there that are battle-hardened now as well. They’ve got to step up and really show they can be the main men in the team.”

O’Shea also backed Evan Ferguson, who has returned from compassionate leave following the death of his grandfather. With a bright start to his loan move at Roma, the striker’s mentality has impressed.

“From the bravery he’s shown in making that move out to Italy and the start he’s had, it tells you a lot about the man… We just want any striker to lead the line, be a nuisance for the defence, and be a threat.”

Hungary’s inconsistent recent form doesn’t fool the Irish camp. “You appreciate the quality they have… We know it’ll be a good test, but we also know we’ll be able to cause them lots of issues and problems too,” O’Shea said.

For him, this week is about more than football. It’s about legacy. “Your family, your friends, your old coaches, but also what the public and the fans are craving — that’s what’s on the line. These are the moments that could live with you forever.”

Ireland team for World Athletics Championships in Tokyo

Athletics Ireland has named its team for the upcoming 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

The Ireland team will include a number of World and European medallists and Olympians for the championships which take place at the Japan National Stadium from September 13th to September 21st.

Among those named on the Irish team are Sarah Healy (Women’s 1500m), Kate O’Connor (Women’s Heptathlon), Mark English (Men’s 800m), Sarah Lavin (100mH), Nicola Tuthill (Hammer), Andrew Coscoran (1500m), Cathal Doyle (1500m), Sophie Becker (Women’s 400m, Mixed 4x400m Relay and Women’s 4x400m Relay), and Sharlene Mawdsley (Women’s 400m, Mixed 4x400m Relay and Women’s 4x400m Relay).

Third World Athletics Championships for Sarah Healy

For Sarah Healy (UCD AC), Tokyo will be the 24-year-old’s third appearance at the World Athletics Championships. The Dubliner, who is based in Manchester training with M11 Track Club, will compete in the Women’s 1500m having won the European indoor 3000m title in March.

Healy will be joined in the 1500m by fellow Olympian Sophie O’Sullivan (Ballymore Cobh AC), and Laura Nicholson of Bandon AC. 

Finn Valley’s Mark English, a bronze medal winner in the Men’s 800m at the European Indoor Championships, clocked the six fastest ever times of his career in the last three months, lowering his Irish record down to 1:43.37 in Budapest. English will be joined in the 800m by UCD’s Cian McPhillips , who ran 1:44.34 last month in Oordegem.

Sarah Lavin will take to the World outdoors on the back of semi-final appearances at the two previous editions in Eugene (2022) and Budapest (2023). The Emerald AC sprinter will be hoping to progress through the rounds in one of the most high-class events in Tokyo.

Kate O’Connor among field events’ competitors

Irish field events will also be well represented in Tokyo. European and World Indoor medallist and World University Games champion Kate O’Connor (Dundalk St. Gerard’s AC) will aim to continue her outstanding season in the Women’s Heptathlon. O’Connor improved her Irish record in the seven-discipline event to 6487 points back in July.

Olympian Eric Favors (Raheny Shamrock AC) will represent Ireland in the shot where he’ll look to continue the form that saw him throw a 20.75m late last month.

Irish Relays’ members

2024 European Mixed 4x400m relay champion Sharlene Mawdsley (Newport AC) starred at the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China, in May helping both the Mixed and Women’s 4x400m relay teams qualify for these championships. She has been selected for both relays, as well as the Women’s 400m alongside teammate Sophie Becker (Raheny Shamrock AC).

The Irish relay teams offer a blend of youth and experience across both the mixed and women’s 4x400m events with Rachel McCann (North Down AC), Jack Raftery (Donore Harriers), Conor Kelly (Finn Valley AC), Cillín Greene (Galway City Harriers), Clíodhna Manning (Kilkenny City Harriers), Michelle Duggan (UCD AC), and Jenna Breen (City of Lisburn AC) completing the line-ups.

European U23 and World University Games silver medallist Nicola Tuthill (UCD AC) is also selected. The Cork native will compete in the Women’s Hammer Throw, an event where she has improved her personal best and Irish U23 record to 71.75m this summer. 

Cathal Doyle (Clonliffe Harriers) and Andrew Coscoran (Star of the Sea AC) will contest the men’s 1500m, while Coscoran will also join Brian Fay (Raheny Shamrock AC) and Bantry’s Darragh McElhinney on the starting line in the men’s 5000m.

Europe’s fasters 10,000m runner

Clonliffe Harriers’ Efrem Gidey, Europe’s fastest athlete over 10,000m this season, will be Ireland’s only representative in the men’s 10,000m. Marathon runners Hiko Tonosa (Dundrum South Dublin AC), Peter Lynch (Kilkenny City Harriers) and Fionnuala McCormack (Kilcoole AC) will also compete in Tokyo.

Walkers David Kenny (Farranfore Maine Valley AC) will compete in the 20km Race Walk, while Oisín Lane (Mullingar Harriers) will start in the 35km Race Walk.

The 20th edition of the World Athletics Championships will be broadcast live on RTÉ television.  

 Tokyo 2025 Ireland Team:

Sarah Healy

Event: Women’s 1500m

Club: UCD AC

Coach: Trevor Painter & Jenny Meadows

Sophie O’Sullivan

Event: Women’s 1500m

Club: Ballymore Cobh AC

Coach: Collis Birmingham

Laura Nicholson

Event: Women’s 1500m

Club: Bandon AC

Coach: Andrea McDonough

Mark English

Event: Men’s 800m

Club: Finn Valley AC

Coach: Justin Rinaldi

Cian McPhillips

Event: Men’s 800m

Club: UCD AC

Coach: Joe Ryan

Sarah Lavin

Event: Women’s 100m Hurdles

Club: Emerald AC

Coach: Noelle Morrissey

Sharlene Mawdsley

Event: Women’s 400m, Mixed 4x400m Relay & Women’s 4x400m Relay

Club: Newport AC

Coach: Tony Lester

Sophie Becker

Event: Women’s 400m, Mixed 4x400m Relay & Women’s 4x400m Relay

Club: Raheny Shamrock AC

Coach: Gerard O’Donnell & Aideen Sinnott

Cathal Doyle

Event: Men’s 1500m

Club: Clonliffe Harriers

Coach: Jon Bigg

Andrew Coscoran

Event: Men’s 1500m & Men’s 5000m

Club: Star of the Sea AC

Coach: Helen Clitheroe

Kate O’Connor

Event: Women’s Heptathlon

Club: Dundalk St. Gerard’s AC

Coach: Michael O’Connor & Tom Reynolds

Nicola Tuthill

Event: Women’s Hammer Throw

Club: UCD AC

Coach: Killian Barry

Brian Fay

Event: Men’s 5000m

Club: Raheny Shamrock AC

Coach: Nic Bideau

Darragh McElhinney

Event: Men’s 5000m

Club: Bantry AC

Coach: Emmett Dunleavy

Efrem Gidey

Event: Men’s 10,000m

Club: Clonliffe Harriers

Coach: Andy Hobdell

David Kenny

Event: Men’s 20km Race Walk

Club: Farranfore Maine Valley AC

Coach: Jamie Costin

Oisín Lane

Event: Men’s 35km Race Walk

Club: Mullingar Harriers

Coach: Michael Lane

Eric Favors

Event: Men’s Shot Put

Club: Raheny Shamrock AC

Coach: Dane Miller

Fionnuala McCormack

Event: Women’s Marathon

Club: Kilcoole AC

Coach: Alan McCormack

Hiko Tonosa

Event: Men’s Marathon

Club: Dundrum South Dublin AC

Coach: Gemedu Dedefo

Peter Lynch

Event: Men’s Marathon

Club: Kilkenny City Harriers

Coach: Alistair Cragg

Rachel McCann

Event: Mixed 4x400m Relay & Women’s 4x400m Relay

Club: North Down AC

Coach: Ian Neely

Jack Raftery

Event: Mixed 4x400m Relay

Club: Donore Harriers

Coach: Gerard O’Donnell

Conor Kelly

Event: Mixed 4x400m Relay

Club: Finn Valley AC

Coach: Paul Miller

Cillín Greene

Event: Mixed 4x400m Relay

Club: Galway City Harriers

Coach: Gerard O’Donnell & Aideen Sinnott

Clíodhna Manning

Event: Women’s 4x400m Relay

Club: Kilkenny City Harriers

Coach: Peter Lyons

Michelle Duggan

Event: Women’s 4x400m Relay

Club: UCD AC

Coach: Adam McMullen

Jenna Breen

Event: Women’s 4x400m Relay

Club: City of Lisburn AC

Coach: Grant Barker

Érin Friel

Event: Women’s 4x400m Relay – Non travelling reserve

Club: Letterkenny AC

Coach: Kathryn McDevitt

Ciaran Carthy

Event: Mixed 4x400m Relay – Non travelling reserve

Club: Dundrum South Dublin AC

Coach: Kenneth Kiernan & Ed Carthy

More NFL Games on Sky Sports this season

Sky Sports has announced a new three-year deal with the NFL which will be good news for Irish fans of the sport.

Sky Sports will continue to have the first-choice game on Sunday at 6pm and the first pick for the Sunday 9pm slot.

Irish NFL fans will have a greater choice this season, as Sky will have a second 6pm game and two other 9pm games shown live concurrently on Sky Sports.

The first NFL regular season game to take place in Ireland, Minnesota Vikings v Pittsburgh Steelers at Croke Park this month, will be live on Sky, as will all the London regular season NFL games, and the Commanders v Dolphins game in Madrid.

As a result, the 2025-26 season will see an almost 50% increase in the number of live NFL games available on Sky Sports, as the broadcaster extends its longstanding partnership with the NFL to over 30 years.

Shane Lowry among Luke Donald’s 6 Ryder Cup picks

Luke Donald's Ryder Cup 2025 team. Credit: Getty Images. Image provided by European Tour Group Communications.

Offaly’s Shane Lowry was today named as one of European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald’s picks for the competition against the USA in New York later this month.

Along with the Irish golfer, for whom it will be a third appearance in the competition, Donald named Ludvig Åberg, Matt Fitzpatrick, Viktor Hovland, Jon Rahm and Sepp Straka as his six Captain’s Picks.

They join the six automatic qualifiers – Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, Rasmus Højgaard, Robert MacIntyre, Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose – to compete the 12-man European team for the 2025 Ryder Cup in New York.

McIlroy will be the most experienced player on the team with seven previous appearance in the biennial competition.

The contest against the United States, will take place at Bethpage Black, Farmington, New York, from September 26-28.

First away Ryder Cup

Sweden’s Åberg and Straka of Austria will each be playing in their first away Ryder Cup, having made their debuts in the 16 ½ – 11 ½ victory in Rome two years ago.

Norwegian Hovland, who paired up with fellow Scandinavian Åberg in a record-breaking foursomes win in Rome, will be making his third consecutive appearance.

Fourth Ryder Cup for Fitzpatrick and Rahm

Englishman Fitzpatrick and Spain’s Rahm are the most experienced of the Captain’s Picks, with three previous appearances apiece. Fitzpatrick teed it up in 2016, 2021 and 2023, with Rahm now making it four in a row, following his debut in Paris in 2018.

11 of the 12 players from Rome return

European Ryder Cup captain, Luke Donald, said of his side:

“We are a settled and united team with a strong culture, with 11 of the 12 players from the victory in Rome returning, and an exciting, talented rookie in Rasmus Højgaard, who was around our team environment in Rome.

“We also have a lot of experience and that is going to be important going to Bethpage because we know the challenge that awaits us.

“Although the team itself is similar to Rome, I have approached this captaincy from a very different angle. A different challenge requires different thinking and strategies.

“I’m excited that we now have our 12 players in place, and together we are all fully focused on trying to retain the Ryder Cup in New York and trying to create history.”

EUROPEAN TEAM FOR THE 2025 RYDER CUP

Ludvig Åberg (Sweden). Age 25. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 1 (2023)

Matt Fitzpatrick (England). Age 31. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 3 (2016, 2021, 2023)

Tommy Fleetwood (England) Age 34. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 3 (2018, 2021, 2023)

Tyrrell Hatton (England). Age 33. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 3 (2018, 2021, 2023)

Rasmus Højgaard (Denmark) Age 24. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 0 (Rookie)

Viktor Hovland (Norway). Age 27. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 2 (2021, 2023)

Shane Lowry. Age 38. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 2 (2021, 2023)

Robert MacIntyre (Scotland). Age 29. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 1 (2023)

Rory McIlroy. Age 36. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 7 (2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2021, 2023)

Jon Rahm (Spain). Age 30. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 3 (2018, 2021, 2023)

Justin Rose (England) Age 45. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 6 (2008, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2023)

Sepp Straka (Austria). Age 32. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 1 (2023)

Joey O’Brien urges Shelbourne to embrace moment as League of Ireland chases historic European night

Joey O’Brien urges Shelbourne to embrace the moment as LOI chases historic European night

Shelbourne boss Joey O’Brien has called on his players to recapture the fearless mentality that won them the league last season as they aim to finish the job against Linfield in Belfast — on a night that could be historic for the League of Ireland.

With a 3–1 first-leg advantage, Shelbourne travel to Windsor Park tonight for the decisive leg of their UEFA Conference League playoff against Linfield. Victory would not only secure progress but also deliver a €3.8m windfall. Alongside Shamrock Rovers, who lead Portuguese side Santa Clara, the League of Ireland could celebrate dual representation in European competition for the first time.

“You perform and you have a cut” — O’Brien

Joey O’Brien has challenged his squad to meet the occasion head-on, insisting that the key is to embrace the spotlight rather than shrink under pressure.

“You perform and you have a cut-off whoever you are coming up against, that’s how I see football,” he said. “Rovers have that in the dressing room. That’s why you’re able to make big results and make history, because you’ve that in the players and the management and the football club — and that’s something we’ve created over the last little while in this club.”

Reflecting on their league title triumph last year, O’Brien added: “We won the league last year. Nobody gave us a chance. We backed our players, we wanted our players to perform when it mattered. Nobody fancied us to get over the line but we went out, had a cut at it and we did it.”

“Motivation cannot be a tension”

O’Brien warned that the pressure of the occasion cannot be allowed to turn into fear: “In this game we have a big moment and a motivation, but that motivation cannot be a tension. That’s a big thing. Sometimes when the level goes up, and the pressure goes up from outside, players get a little bit tense and that’s when you freeze.”

Linfield still fighting

Linfield manager David Healy insists his side remain alive in the tie thanks to their attacking threat, despite being without Matthew Fitzpatrick after his controversial first-leg red card.

“Hopefully the league is celebrating two teams” — Bradley

O’Brien admitted it would be “brilliant for the League of Ireland” if both Shels and Rovers progressed, but was keen to stress that “there’s still a long way to go.”

His Shamrock Rovers counterpart Stephen Bradley echoed the sentiment as his team prepare to face Santa Clara in Tallaght. “On the pitch the league is getting better and stronger and we’ve been at the forefront of that for a long time,” Bradley said. “We want to keep pushing the boundaries and expectations. Hopefully tonight the league as a whole is celebrating two teams.”

Michael Murphy tipped for Donegal return in 2026 as McEniff praises “wonderful footballer”

Michael Murphy tipped for Donegal return in 2026 as McEniff hails “wonderful footballer”

Donegal legend Michael Murphy looks set to commit for another season in 2026, with Brian McEniff declaring his return a huge boost following last month’s All-Ireland final defeat to Kerry.

Donegal’s hopes of going one better in 2026 have been given a major lift amid strong indications that talisman Michael Murphy will line out for another campaign. The 36-year-old, who came out of retirement this past season, is now tipped to extend his inter-county career for at least another year.

“He’s a wonderful footballer” — McEniff

Brian McEniff, who guided Donegal to their historic 1992 All-Ireland title, has been buoyed by the talk around Murphy’s decision.

“He’s a wonderful footballer. He’s a hell of a good guy as well,” McEniff said, describing Murphy’s influence both on and off the pitch. “I hear that Michael Murphy is going to give us another year. They can say what they want, but Murphy came back after two years and he was player of the match for Donegal in every match he played.

“And had Donegal won the All-Ireland, he probably would be Footballer of the Year. He’s very good to bring players into a game. He always takes a look at the opportunity to lay off the ball, more so than take his own score. He’s a great man to have in among the players, because he’s a great players’ man.”

Donegal’s bounce-back potential

McEniff is confident that Jim McGuinness and his squad can regroup after the disappointment of losing to Kerry in the 2025 final.

“We’ll probably take up another couple of young players, because we had a pretty good U-20 side this year. I’m very confident that Donegal will be there or thereabouts next year again,” he said.

McGuinness under scrutiny

McGuinness, who masterminded Donegal’s second Sam Maguire triumph in 2012, has been widely credited for revitalising the county during his second stint. But McEniff admitted the All-Ireland final defeat exposed key flaws.

“Jim had a bad All-Ireland final,” he admitted. “He didn’t pick up No 14, he was given the freedom of the park. Paudie Clifford … he wrecked us. He’ll realise what he has to do, and he’ll come back and he’ll do it because he’s that sort of a man.”

Reflecting on the loss, McEniff added: “We didn’t give an account of ourselves in the All-Ireland final. We didn’t battle, which was the worst part of it.”

Murphy still the talisman

If confirmed, Murphy’s decision to go again in 2026 will be celebrated across the county. His leadership, ability to lift teammates, and enduring class on the pitch could yet prove decisive as Donegal aim to finally dethrone Kerry next season.

Grimsby Town 2–2 Man United (12–11 pens): Irish duo shine as Mariners dump United — Carabao Cup shock

Carabao Cup shock: Grimsby Town dump Manchester United after 12–11 shootout as Irish duo star

League Two Grimsby Town stunned Manchester United at Blundell Park — winning 12–11 on penalties after a 2–2 draw — as former League of Ireland pair Jaze Kabia and Darragh Burns held their nerve from the spot.

Manchester United crashed out of the Carabao Cup in a result that will sting for years, beaten by League Two Grimsby Town after a marathon shootout. Bryan Mbeumo, who had sparked the comeback in normal time, struck the decisive kick against the crossbar as the Mariners completed a famous 12–11 win in Cleethorpes.

Key points

  • Score: Grimsby Town 2–2 Manchester United (Grimsby win 12–11 on pens).
  • Irish impact: Ex-LOI players Jaze Kabia and Darragh Burns converted twice each in the shootout; Cameron McJannet and others also scored.
  • United’s fightback: Trailed 2–0 (Vernam 22′, Warren 30′); levelled via Mbeumo (75′) and Maguire (89′).
  • Decider: Mbeumo’s sudden-death penalty hit the bar to end a 26-kick shootout. [How it happened

Grimsby set the tone with ferocious energy and direct running, unsettling United’s back line and goalkeeper André Onana. Charles Vernam pounced first on 22 minutes, before ex-United youth defender Tyrell Warren doubled the lead on the half-hour after a set-piece scramble.

 

Rúben Amorim sent on heavy artillery at the break, and United eventually clawed back: Mbeumo curled home on 75 minutes and Harry Maguire headed in an 89th-minute equaliser to force penalties.

The shootout

The sequence had everything: Onana saved from Clarke Oduor; Christy Pym denied Matheus Cunha; and a string of immaculate conversions from Grimsby — including calm finishes by Kabia and Burns — kept the hosts alive. After 12 successful rounds apiece, Mbeumo thumped the bar and Blundell Park erupted.

“Something has to change” — Amorim

An apologetic Amorim admitted his side were second-best and hinted at changes ahead, saying “something has to change” after a winless start to the season. The defeat piles pressure on the United head coach amid intensifying scrutiny of recruitment, structure and performances.

Irish angle

Kabia (Cobh Ramblers, Shelbourne, Cork City) and Burns (St Patrick’s Athletic, Shamrock Rovers) showcased the League of Ireland pathway on one of the English game’s biggest stages — ice-cool when it mattered most.

Historic low for United

It is United’s first defeat to a fourth-tier side in the League Cup and their earliest exit since 2014, underlining the scale of the upset and the turbulence around the club.

Match facts

  • Competition: Carabao Cup, Second Round
  • Venue: Blundell Park (c.9,000)
  • Full-time: Grimsby Town 2–2 Manchester United
  • Scorers: Grimsby — Vernam 22′, Warren 30′; Man United — Mbeumo 75′, Maguire 89′.
  • Pens: Grimsby win 12–11; decisive miss — Mbeumo.

Cyclones beat Wildcats 24-21 in Aer Lingus Classic

Credit: @CyclonesFB.

Kansas State Wildcats 21 Iowa State Cyclones 24

Iowa State Cyclones gained a narrow 24-21 win over the Kansas State Wildcats in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday evening.

The game produced six touchdowns – three per team – with a field goal from Cyclones’ kicker Konrardy the decisive score of the game.

The meeting of the Kansas State Wildcats and the Iowa State Cyclones was the opening game of Week 0 of the US College Football season.

Cyclones take lead

The designated away side, Iowa State, took the lead 3 minutes 26 seconds from the end of what was an error-prone opening quarter.

A 23-yard pass from quarterback Rocco Becht found wide receiver Dominic Overby in the corner for the game’s opening touchdown – the end result of four plays for 49 yards.

Kicker Kyle Konrardy was successful adding the extra score for a 7-0 lead for the Cyclones.

Wildcats level the score

The Wildcats struck back in the opening seconds of the second quarter. Avery Johnson raced in for a 10 yard touchdown at the end of eight plays and 65 yards. With Luis Rodriguez kicking the extra point, the sides were level at 7-7.

Kyle Konrardy had an opportunity to put Kansas back into the lead with a field goal attempt with 4:13 to play to half-time. After 12 plays, and on fourth and nine, the 49-yard effort was right and wide of the posts.

Half-time: Kansas State Wildcats 7  Iowa State Cyclones 7

Eskildsen’s composure in end zone

Brett Eskildsen showed excellent composure and great strength in the end zone when on the receiving end of a 24 yard pass from Rocco Becht.

The wide receiver caught the ball despite the Wildcats’ defensive presence. The touchdown from the sophomore was added to by Kyle Konrardy’s second successful kick of the game, coming after 11 plays and 67 yards.

As a result Iowa State had a double-score advantage, 14-7, in this Big 12 clash, at the end of the third quarter.

Back on level terms

Similar to earlier in the game, the Wildcats immediately responded on going behind to Iowa State.

On third down and three, quarterback Avery Johnson delivered an accurately judged 37 yard pass to Jayce Brown who raced into the end zone for his side’s second touchdown of the evening.

Luis Rodriguez maintained his 100% success record when kicking a second conversion to level the score at 14-14 with slightly over 14 minutes remaining in the 2025 Aer Lingus College Football Classic.

Field Goal for Konrardy

With Cyclones’ next drive coming to an end, when fourth and five, Iowa State was forced to take a field goal attempt.

Konrardy’s effort was good from 34 yards, as he edged his team into a three-point lead, with 10:04 remaining on the game clock.

With the Wildcats only making 9 yards from four plays on their next drive, Iowa State was soon back in possession of the football.

The Cyclones had two first downs in their four-play drive before Becht ran in from seven yards for his side’s third touchdown of the game.

Konrardy again kicked successfully for a 24-14 advantage.

65-yard score

Just as many in the crowd thought the best action of the game was over, Kansas State again immediately replied with a converted touchdown.

With a first down on their own 35 yard line, Avery Johnson passed to his wide receiver Gerand Bradley who raced for a successful 65 yard touchdown.

Rodriguez was yet again perfect with his kicking, leaving just three points between the sides, a difference that would be maintained until the end.

Final score: Kansas State Wildcats 21  Iowa State Cyclones 24

First Big 12 game in Ireland

The long-running rivalry between the sides, known as “Farmageddon” was the first Big 12 clash in Ireland and the 13th time Dublin has hosted a US College Football game.

With more than 24,000 US visitors descending on the capital this weekend, the event is a major economic boost for the country, estimated at €130 million.

With the game live on ESPN in the USA, the US College Football audience’s attention was very much on the Emerald Isle on Saturday.

The Keough-Naughton College Football Ireland trophy was presented to the winners.

2026 and 2027 Dublin games

Games for 2026 and 2027 have already been confirmed for the Aviva Stadium.

Texas Christian University and the University of North Carolina will travel to Dublin next season.

In 2027, Pittsburgh and Wisconsin will open the season when they clash at Aviva Stadium.

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