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Pete Wilkins adds John Muldoon to the coaching team at Connacht

Pete Wilkins has added John Muldoon to the coaching team at Connacht Rugby, Muldoon signed a two year deal.

Muldoon will have responsibility for the lineout and maul, working in conjunction with Colm Tucker who will remain in charge of the scrum and breakdown.

John Muldoon made an unrivalled contribution to Connacht Rugby over a 15 year career, playing a record 327 times for the club and captaining the side to the historic PRO12 Championship in 2016.

Since his retirement in 2018 Muldoon has gained extensive coaching experience in a 5-year period with Bristol Bears. He was first appointed as defence coach before taking on responsibility for the forwards, helping the side win a Challenge Cup in 2020 and then a 1st place finish in the 2020/21 Gallagher Premiership league table.

Head Coach Pete Wilkins says:

“John Muldoon needs no introduction, but it’s worth stressing that first and foremost he’s an excellent coach, who has clearly made a huge contribution in his 5 years at Bristol. I worked with John during his last season at Connacht – and my first – and it was clear at that stage he had all the attributes to become a top-class coach. It’s been great to see that early potential realised over the last few seasons and I look forward to him bringing that experience back to Connacht Rugby

Secondly, very few people understand the culture and values of Connacht Rugby like John does. He’s experienced first-hand all the highs and lows, and has a connection with this place that cannot be overstated. That passion and knowledge will be a benefit to all of us, and I know everyone who has an interest in Connacht Rugby will be delighted to see him back in the West.”

John Muldoon says:

“I’m very excited to be coming back to Connacht Rugby. It’s hard to believe it’s been 5 years and I’m really looking forward to moving back to Galway and getting to work with the boys.

There’s some familiar faces but a lot of new ones too, since my time there. In that regard I am excited by the blend of young talent coming through within the squad, coupled with the quality and experience of some of the more experienced guys. Dewald’s done an exceptional job the last two years and I want to build on that over the coming seasons.

I’ve obviously been watching Connacht from afar and its clear the team have been building momentum throughout the season. From speaking to Pete these last couple of weeks I’m excited about his vision for where he hopes to take the team and I am delighted to be able to play my part on that journey and deliver on the level of ambition that everyone with an interest or involvement in Connacht Rugby is striving to achieve.”

Roscommon secure division one status after beating Donegal

The match between Roscommon GAA and Donegal GAA in the Allianz Football League Division 1 ended in a convincing victory for Roscommon with a final score of 0-21 (21) to 0-9 (9) for Donegal. The game was held at Dr. Hyde Park on March 26, 2023, and it was an impressive performance by the home team, Roscommon.

In the first half, both teams played well, and the game was evenly matched. Roscommon’s Niall Daly opened the scoring with the first point of the second half. Donie Smith replaced Ben O’Carroll at half-time. From then on, Roscommon took control of the game, and they dominated the second half, outscoring Donegal by 0-9 points to 0-2 points in the first 15 minutes of the second half.

Roscommon’s Keith Doyle was impressive, scoring twice in the first half and once in the second half. Conor Cox, Ciaráin Murtagh, and Diarmuid contributed with points from play. Cian Connolly, who replaced Cox, also scored a point. McKeon, who replaced Niall Kilroy, scored the first point of the second half. In total, Roscommon scored 21 points from 14 different players, highlighting their depth in attack.

Donegal’s Michael Langan was their top scorer with three points. However, it was a disappointing performance from Donegal, who failed to register a score for the first 15 minutes of the second half. They struggled to break down Roscommon’s defense and lacked penetration in the final third.

Overall, it was an excellent performance by Roscommon, who secured a comprehensive victory and maintained their unbeaten record in the league. They will be looking to carry this form into their next game, while Donegal will have to regroup and improve before their next fixture.

Galway beat Kerry to reach league final against Mayo

Galway earned a satisfying victory in their Allianz Football League Division One match against Kerry, securing a place in the upcoming final against Mayo.

The Galway team displayed resilience and resourcefulness throughout the game, with their full back line of Johnny McGrath, Seán Fitzgerald, and captain Seán Kelly contributing handsomely to their success. Galway’s efficiency in the second half was critical, as they converted six points from eight attempts when the game was delicately poised.

Galway departed at halftime with a 1-7 to 0-7 lead, primarily due to Paul Conroy’s fortuitous goal in the 33rd minute. Although Kerry posed stern questions, Galway continued to be an industrious and influential team throughout the game, with Kelly playing a particularly important role. Kerry was wasteful in attack, only registering 0-14 from 28 shots, while Galway nailed 1-7 from 13.

In the second half, Seán O’Shea brought Kerry within one point of Galway, but Galway responded with goals from Cathal Sweeney and substitute Damien Comer. Kerry’s late attempts to score were thwarted by Galway’s defense, with Bernard Power making a crucial save to deny O’Shea. With this victory, Galway advances to the league final against Mayo, which promises to be a passionate and closely watched fixture.

Rory McIlroy qualifies for WGC semi-finals

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.

Rory McIlroy holed a crucial birdie putt at the 18th to edge a thrilling quarter-final clash against Xander Schauffele and book his place in the last four of the 2023 WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play.McIlroy had come through two very close matches on Saturday, holding off Lucas Herbert in the last 16 before facing a very different challenge against Schauffele.The 33-year-old Irish golfer never trailed against Herbert but was unable to relax, with the Australian staying in touch with his opponent throughout the contest. The Co Down native overcame a late scare to close out a two-hole victory.It was all very different against Schauffele, however, as McIlroy did not lead until his clutch putt from around 12 feet on the 18th green earned him a memorable one-hole win.World Number Three McIlroy, who made 17 birdies across his two matches on day four, will meet Cameron Young in the semis at Austin Country Club. Young held off a stunning fightback attempt to beat debutant Kurt Kitayama by one hole.

Commenting on his performance, Rory McIlroy said:

“I putted well all day. I felt yesterday against Keegan (Bradley) I found something or I got a feel, and then putted really well this morning against Lucas, and then continued that this afternoon.“I think winning the Match Play is always a massive accomplishment because of what you have to go through. It’s seven rounds and – especially this week, I feel like a lot of my matches have been really, really close, so to be able to pull them out when I’ve needed to has been very gratifying.”Defending champion Scottie Scheffler came from behind to beat Jason Day 2&1, while Sam Burns saw off Mackenzie Hughes 3&2 in their quarter-final.The World Number One found himself three down in the early stages before winning three holes without reply to level things up after 12 holes.He then won the 13th and 14th to go 2UP before almost making an ace at the 17th, with a birdie there clinching his tenth consecutive match win at this event.

VIDEO: Ushba Tesoto wins Dubai World Cup

Ushba Tesoro wins the Dubai World Cup. Credit: Dubai Racing Club.

Ushba Tesoro capped a  memorable night for Japan by finishing strongest in the 27th Dubai World Cup (2000m) at Meydan on Saturday.

The six-year-old son of Orfevre scored by a widening two-and-three-quarter lengths from local hope Algiers and Saudi Arabian-trained Emblem Road in third.

Ushba Tesoro is trained by Noboru Takagi for Ryotokuji Kenji Holdings and was ridden by Yuga Kawada.

It was a race where the picture changed markedly in the final two furlongs. As the field turned into the home stretch, Algiers was travelling with ease and as he assumed the lead with a furlong and a half to race.

However, about five lengths further back, jockey Yuga Kawada was unfurling a lethal burst from Ushba Tesoro who he had settled at the rear of the field before making his move out wide with 3 furlongs to race. The winner had actually trailed the field in rear by 15 lengths in the very early stages of the race.

Winning trainer Takagi said the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, still the one race Japan has yet to conquer and the one it covets most, will come under consideration later in the year, all going well.

The draw for the Dubai World Cup had placed three of the main fancies – Country Grammer, Algiers and Panthalassa – out wide and the latter could never dominate the way he did when landing the Saudi Cup a month ago. He tired to finish well beaten in 10th. Last year’s hero Country Grammer was always a bit laboured and ran seventh.

Despite the dominance by Japan in the world’s biggest races in recent years, it was their only success in the $12 million feature since Victoire Pisa broke through in 2011. It was also their first on dirt, with Victoire Pisa’s success coming on the synthetic Tapeta surface.

VIDEO: Irish trainer Jerry O’Dwyer’s Sibelius wins Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen

Irishman Jerry O'Dwyer accepting his prize for winning the Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen with Sibelius. Credit: Dubai Racing Club.

Sibelius gave US-based Irishman Jerry O’Dwyer the biggest win of his career when winning the Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen at Meydan on Saturday.

The US born, bred and trained Sibelius, under jockey Ryan Moore, got the better of last year’s winner Switzerland at the line by a nose.

Deep into the straight it looked as if the finish would be an all-American one, fought out between Frankie Dettori on Hopkins and Tyler Gaffalione on Gunite.

But the race changed at the 200 metre pole, with Switzerland launched down the outside by Irish jockey Tadhg O’Shea and Ryan Moore moving up on the rail.

Jerry O’Dwyer said of his biggest training success to date:

“The race worked out quite the way I had predicted. You know you can read these races a hundred times but it will never go the same way. To be honest, he just sat back in the gates and was a bit slow but when you have a master rider like Ryan Moore, he gets you out of trouble.

“It really is a proud moment for us. I am grateful to the owners. They let me do what is best with the horse every step of the way and never interfere.

“He trains like a good horse, he acts like a good horse, he rides like a good horse.

Winning jockey Ryan Moore, who had earlier won the Dubai Gold Cup aboard Broome for Aidan O’Brien, spoke of his Group 1 delight with Sibelius:

“I was very lucky to pick up the ride. He actually stepped a little slowly, I was a half-length further behind than I wanted to be. We had a charmed run, they just drifted off which meant we didn’t have to change lanes and the horse dug in really deep. He showed a lot of courage and heart to get there.

“He has form over a little bit further which I think really helped too.”

 

VIDEO: Broome wins Dubai Gold Cup

Broome and Ryan Moore win Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan. Credit: Dubai Racing Club.

Broome (9/1) has won the Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup for Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore.

The son of Australia travelled well throughout the race before making his move in the home straight.

Finding a nice break between horses, the seven-year-old came under a great wide drive from Ryan Moore to claim the 2 mile contest.

MV Magnier, representing owners Coolmore, said:

“Aidan (O’Brien) was very confident he would handle the trip. He’s danced every dance and travelled around the world. We are lucky to have him.”

 

Broome, who has previously run in Qatar, Hong Kong, Japan, USA, France, England, as well as Ireland, was winning for the first time since his Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes victory at Royal Ascot last June.

The 2/1f Siskany was runner-up for Charlie Appleby and William Buick, a neck behind the Ballydoyle winner, while Irish jockey Joe Fanning was third aboard the the Charlie Johnstone-trained Subjectivist (10/1).

Winning rider Ryan Moore said of his Dubai Gold Cup winner:

“He’s a very brave horse. He’s a Group 1 winner, he’s got high class form. The pace was strong and we just had to wait for a bit of room at the top of the straight. He’s so brave, though, he puts his head down and he gave me everything. It’s a pleasure to ride a horse like him.

“He’s done a lot of racing and he always runs his race, but you’re never quite sure how they will handle a step up in distance until they come out and do it. It’s one of the biggest nights of the year, I’m always delighted to come out here. It’s always tough to get a winner so I’m delighted to get one tonight.”

Connacht Rugby v Edinburgh – Preview, Stats and Starting team news

CONNACHT RUGBY v EDINBURGH RUGBY

At The Sportsground, Galway, 3pm. ​ ​ ​ ​

Referee: Ben Whitehouse (WRU, 89th competition game)

Assistant: Chris Busby, Paul Haycock (both IRFU)

TMO: Sean Brickell (WRU)

Team News

Andy Friend’s side are aiming for their fifth straight win in the Championship, which would be their longest unbeaten run in the competition since the 2015/16 season.

There are three changes in the pack with Peter Dooley, Oisín Dowling and Jarrad Butler coming in, while there are starts for Diarmuid Kilgallen and Oran McNulty in the backs.

Dylan Tierney-Martin and Jack Aungier are alongside Dooley in the front row, while Dowling has Niall Murray for company in the second row. The pack is completed by flankers Cian Prendergast and Conor Oliver.

Caolin Blade again captains the side from scrum-half with David Hawkshaw alongside him, while for the fourth straight game the centre pairing is Cathal Forde and Tom Farrell. John Porch completes the side on the left wing.

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

“Tomorrow is the start of a massive block of games for us. We’re where we want at this stage of the season, with our destiny in our own hands knowing if we keep winning games then we reach playoff rugby. We’ve won 4 in a row in the URC so there’s a real sense of momentum within the group, and with a massive crowd behind us at The Sportsground we’ll do everything to keep that run going.”

CONNACHT RUGBY MATCHDAY 23 VS EDINBURGH RUGBY
Saturday 25th March, 15:00 @ The Sportsground

Number/Name/Caps

15. Oran McNulty (13)
14. Diarmuid Kilgallen (14)
13. Tom Farrell (93)
12. Cathal Forde (10)
11. John Porch (75)
10. David Hawkshaw (12)
9. Caolin Blade (164)
1. Peter Dooley (14)
2. Dylan Tierney-Martin (18)
3. Jack Aungier (46)
4. Oisín Dowling (38)
5. Niall Murray (50)
6. Cian Prendergast (41)
7. Conor Oliver (57)
8. Jarrad Butler (110)

16. Dave Heffernan (178)
17. Jordan Duggan (36)
18. Dominic Robertson-McCoy (77)
19. Darragh Murray (7)
20. Shamus Hurley-Langton (14)
21. Kieran Marmion (224)
22. Tom Daly (73)
23. Shane Jennings (1)

HEAD-TO-HEAD – RECENT URC MEETINGS

Date

Venue

C

E

Connacht scorers

Edinburgh scorers

Fri 23 Mar 18

Sportsground

22

29

Tiernan O’Halloran(T) Tom Farrell(T) Jack Carty(2C/P) Finlay Bealham(T)

Duncan Weir(T/C/3P) Duhan van der Merwe(T) Jaco van der Walt(P) Dougie Fife(T)

Fri 14 Sep 18

BT Murrayfield

10

17

Jack Carty(C/P) Niyi Adeolokun(T)

Pierre Schoeman(T) Duhan van der Merwe(T) Jaco van der Walt(2C/P)

Fri 21 Feb 20

BT Murrayfield

14

41

Tiernan O’Halloran(2T) Jack Carty(2C)

Pierre Schoeman(T) Duhan van der Merwe(T) Simon Berghan(T) Simon Hickey(3C/2P) Penalty Try(2T)

Sun 25 Oct 20

BT Murrayfield

37

26

Tom Daly(3C/P) Caolin Blade(T) Sammy Arnold(T) Shane Delahunt(T) Conor Fitzgerald(P) Alex Wootton(2T)

Mike Willemse(2T) Jaco van der Walt(3C) Nic Groom(T) Andrew Davidson(T)

Sat 13 Mar 21

Sportsground

14

15

Jack Carty(2C) Shane Delahunt(T) Sean O’Brien(T)

Nathan Chamberlain(T/C/P) Magnus Bradbury(T)

Fri 4 Mar 22

DAM Health Stadium

8

56

Peter Sullivan(T) Jack Carty(P)

Glen Young(T) Ramiro Moyano Joya(T) Dave Cherry(T) Ben Vellacott(T) Emiliano Boffelli(T/8C) Blair Kinghorn(T) Henry Immelman(2T)

 

Overall URC head-to-head record:

Played 35, Connacht won 14, Edinburgh won 19 with 2 matches drawn.

 

Did you know?

  • 1) Connacht Rugby have won their last four BKT United Rugby Championship fixtures since their defeat to Leinster in Dublin on New Year’s Day.
  • 2) The Irishmen have not won five in succession in the Championship since they were Champions in 2015/16.
  • 3) Connacht have lost their last three matches against Scottish opponents.  
  • 4) Edinburgh Rugby’s only victory in their last eight BKT United Rugby Championship encounters was 24-17 at home to Zebre Parma in Round 12.
  • 5) The Scotsmen have won just twice away from home in the Championship this campaign, both in October,beating Zebre in Parma and Cardiff at the Arms Park.
  • 6) Edinburgh have beaten an Irish province just three times since November 2019 and all were against today’s opponents, Connacht.
  • 7) Connacht have won only one of their last seven clashes with Edinburgh: 37-26 at BT Murrayfield in October 2020.
  • 8) Edinburgh have won on their last two visits to Galway

Huge signing for Pete Wilkins as Santiago Cordero joins Connacht Rugby

The news that Santiago Cordero has joined Connacht Rugby is a game changing signing for Pete Wilkins.

Wilkins was recently confirmed as head coach for next three seasons, with the departure of Andy Friend he will have sole control of the team.

It’s fantastic for any new head coach to be able to sign top class International players. Cordero, came to Galway a few weeks ago to get a feel of the place and meet Pete, Tim Allnutt and Jack Carty.

Santiago Cordero joins Connacht Rugby

 

One of the most exciting full-back/wingers in world rugby, Cordero joins from Bordeaux Begles where he has scored 29 tries in 67 appearances for the club across four seasons.

Prior to his move to France, Cordero spent two seasons with the Exeter Chiefs. He scored 10 tries in 33 appearances, was a winner of the Gallagher Premiership Player of the Month award, and was nominated for the prestigious RPA Player of the Year award in 2019.

On the international scene, the 29-year old has made 45 appearances for Argentina. His performances at the 2015 Rugby World Cup earned him significant plaudits across the world, helping his native country to a 4th place finish in the tournament. He beat 31 defenders, more than any other player in the tournament, and also came 2nd in clean breaks and 3rd in metres run.

Connacht Rugby Head Coach Pete Wilkins says:

“Santiago’s arrival is a real statement of intent by the club and I’m absolutely thrilled he has chosen to progress his career with us. He is a genuine world class talent with a wealth of experience at the highest level, and being in the prime of his career he will no doubt make an immediate impact.

Having got to know Santiago during the recruitment process, it’s also clear he is also a brilliant bloke who will bring energy and character to the club, both on and off the field. I know our supporters will be very excited by this news, and like them I look forward to seeing Santiago wearing the green of Connacht for the next two years.”

Santiago Cordero says:

“I’m very excited to be part of Connacht Rugby from next season. I can’t wait to move there and meet all the boys and people, and live the life of a Connacht player.

I visited Connacht recently for a few days, and I thought Galway was a beautiful place and I can’t wait to play my rugby there. I had a lot of good chats with Pete Wilkins, Tim Allnutt and Jack Carty, and they are sure I can play my best rugby in Connacht. It’s a great team and when picking my next club I was sure Connacht was the right one.

Connacht love to play rugby the right way from everywhere on the pitch and they’re always in attack mode, and that’s what I like.”

 

 

Not since Mils Moina signed for Connacht have their fans been able to celebrate such a huge name joining the club,

Joe Canning selector as Galway minor hurling panel announced

Galway minor hurling panel for 2023
Galway minor hurling panel for 2023

The panel for the 2023 Galway Hurling minor team has been announced and Joe Canning is one of the selectors.

Minor Hurling Manager, Fergal Healy & his Management Team have named their Minor Panel ahead of the upcoming Leinster Minor Hurling Championship which kicks off on Saturday v Antrim in Darver, Louth

Galway minor hurling panel for 2023
Galway minor hurling panel for 2023

 

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