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AIG and Dublin GAA: A Decade of Successful Partnership Comes to a Close

The successful 10-year sponsorship of Dublin GAA by American insurance giant AIG will come to an end in November of this year.
The partnership, which was one of the most profitable commercial deals for the organisation, was worth around €1 million per year.

Throughout the partnership, AIG has been instrumental in raising the company’s profile during a period of tremendous success for the Dublin county teams.
Dublin has won ten senior All-Ireland titles in both men’s and women’s teams since the partnership began in 2014.

AIG made history in the county by combining sponsorship of women’s football and camogie, setting a new standard for other companies to follow.
The duration of the sponsorship 
Previous sponsors Vodafone were only involved for a five-year term, so the 10-year duration of the sponsorship is relatively long by industry standards.
As the partnership comes to an end, it presents an exciting opportunity for another company to step in and carry on the legacy of supporting the Dublin GAA.
AIG will be remembered as an important part of the association’s success story, and the association is grateful for their support and partnership over the years
Live Socres Available at IrishScores.com

 

Kilmacud Crokes are remaining tight-lipped

Kilmacud Crokes are keeping mum following the announcement that Glen will formally object to the outcome of last Sunday’s AIB All-Ireland Club Senior Football final.
The Dublin champions’ two-point victory over the Derry champions has been clouded in controversy since video of them having 16 active players on the field during the final moments of the game surfaced.
Watty Graham’s club had until today at 3:30 p.m. to formally lodge an objection with the Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC), and confirmation that they will do so has now been widely reported.
Kilmacud Crokes senior football manager Robbie Brennan, as well as the club’s chairman and secretary, were unavailable for comment.
A Crokes spokesperson confirmed that no comment will be made “in the near future.”

Allianz Football League Division 1 returns for 2023 season opening weekend

“Allianz Football League Division 1 returns for 2023 season opening weekend”

The Allianz Football Leagues kick off the new GAA season in earnest at the end of January.

With the new Championship structure in place for 2023, there will be a greater emphasis on the final League standings, with places in the Sam Maguire Cup on the line.

Division One will be as competitive as ever, with Kerry looking to build on their incredible 2022 campaign, but Dublin will play in Division Two after being relegated with Kildare last season.

After a year marred by teams withdrawing from warm-up tournaments due to fixture congestion, fans are looking forward to the start of the league season.
SportsNewsIreland announce the fixtures for the upcoming season, with results and Division 1 table updates available at the end of each weekend.

Allianz Football League

Division One

Round One

Saturday January 28

Monaghan v Armagh (Castleblayney, 6.30pm)

Mayo v Galway (Castlebar, 7.30pm)

Sunday January 29

Roscommon v Tyrone (Dr Hyde Park, 1.30pm)

Donegal v Kerry (Ballybofey, 3.45pm)

Round Two

Sunday, February 5

Kerry v Monaghan (Killarney, 1.30pm)

Galway v Roscommon (Salthill, 2pm)

Tyrone v Donegal (Omagh, 2pm)

Armagh v Mayo (3.30pm)

Round Three

Saturday, February 18

Mayo v Kerry (Castlebar, 7.30pm)

Sunday, February 19

Galway v Tyrone (Tuam, 1.45pm)

Monaghan v Donegal (Clones, 1.45pm)

Roscommon v Armagh (Dr Hyde Park, 1.45pm)

Round Four

Saturday, February 25

Kerry v Armagh (Tralee, 5pm)

Mayo v Tyrone (Castlebar, 7pm)

Sunday, February 26

Donegal v Galway (Letterkenny, 12.30pm)

Monaghan v Roscommon (Clones, 2.30pm)

Round Five

Saturday, March 4

Armagh v Donegal (Athletic Grounds, 7.30pm)

Sunday, March 5

Galway v Monaghan (Salthill, 12.45pm)

Tyrone v Kerry (Omagh, 12.45pm)

Roscommon (Dr Hyde Park, 2.45pm)

Round Six

Saturday, March 18

Armagh v Galway (Athletic Grounds, 5pm)

Kerry v Roscommon (Tralee, 7.30pm)

Sunday, March 19

Monaghan v Tyrone (Clones, 2pm)

Donegal v Mayo (Ballybofey, 3.45pm)

Round Seven

Sunday, March 26

(All 1.45pm throw-ins)

Galway v Kerry (Salthill)

Roscommon v Donegal (Dr Hyde Park)

Tyrone v Armagh (Omagh)

Mayo v Monaghan (Castlebar)

April 1/2

Division One Final

Division 3 is full of intrigue and excitement as the league season begins this weekend.

 

With Westmeath as the defending Tailteann Cup champion, the stakes for the teams vying for a spot in the elite competition are higher than ever.

The division promises to be a tough fight, with teams easily shifting from promotion contenders to relegation contenders over the course of seven games.

 

There are also five new managers in the division, including Westmeath’s Dessie Dolan, who is eager to lead the next generation of players to the same heights he did as a player.

Fermanagh has added former Tyrone All-Ireland winner Ronan O’Neill to their coaching staff, while Antrim has hired former All-Ireland winner Andy McEntee.

Cavan, who has been bouncing around the NFL for more than a decade, and Longford, who has spent eight of the last ten seasons in Division 3, are among the familiar faces in the division.

With a new manager in Paddy Christie, they’ll be aiming for the Tailteann Cup.

Fans can expect to see some of the big shocks that have become synonymous with the qualifiers, as well as a few surprises along the way, as the competition heats up.

Division 3 is sure to be an exciting and unpredictable ride, with a defending champion and new managers.

Only time will tell who will win and earn a spot in the Sam Maguire race.

Team Ireland’s Eábha McKenna gets PB in Girl’s Giant Slalom

Team Ireland’s Eábha McKenna returned to the slopes in Tarvisio, Italy to compete in the Girl’s Giant Slalom (GS) event today at the European Youth Olympic Festival.

The Wicklow teenager was competing in the Girl’s Giant Slalom where she finished 42ndwith a time of 3:02.79. The sixteen-year-old rose to the occasion for the second day running and scored her highest-ever FIS (Fédération Internationale de Ski) points.

Pleased with McKenna’s performance, Alpine Skiing Head Coach Giorgio Marchesini was surprised with the length of the course, which challenged the field of 87 athletes. The Irish skier scored 129.33 FIS points on a day where over twenty athletes were DNF.  FIS points are used to score athletes internationally, which helps with rankings and establishing start orders.

 

“I’m happy because Eábha held both courses pretty well, she did well in terms of the technical aspect. A pretty good number of girls in the middle went down. Some found it difficult because it is unusual to have a GS that is so long. The 1:27.00 we saw this morning is something I’ve never seen before in a competition. Usually, a GS is between 1:05.00 and 1:15.00.”

The light made it difficult for the athletes between some of the gates, which was one of the aspects that Marchesini was working on with McKenna,

 

“We saw two or three points where it was difficult to see after the pitches, I was signaling to her to the gate. Before the race I made a POV, I went down the course and did a video and sent it to her so that she could repeat the run.”

Delighted with her personal best FIS points, McKenna stepped up again today to compete in the Girl’s Giant Slalom, a race that was longer than the competitions in which she ordinarily competes. Embracing the challenge, and pushing her limits, the sixteen-year-old commented,

 

 

“Giorgio told me to ski more dynamicallybecause he knows I can ski a bit faster. I think I did better in the top section this time. The course was quite long, in previous competitions, we usually complete each run in under a minute but, today’s course was 30 seconds longer”

The Olympic Federation of Ireland has two athletes competing in the multi-sport event that plays a key role in the pathway of athletes, providing valuable learning experiences for athletes in a high-performance setting. The EYOF is hosted by the Friuli Venezia Giulia region of Italy and runs from 21 – 28 January 2023.

RESULTS DAY THREE:

ALPINE SKIING

Eábha McKenna – Girl’s Giant Slalom – 42ndOverall with 3:02.79 (+16.31) Run 1 (50th – 1:38.19 – +10.28)

Gold Ludovica Righi (ITA) 2:46.48

Silver Moa Landstroem (SWE) 2:46.75 (+0.27)

Bronze Nadine Hundegger (AUT) 2:46.84 (+0.36)

SCHEDULE FRIDAY 27th JANUARY 2023 (Irish time)

08:30 Ethan Bouchard – Boy’s Giant Slalom Run 1

11:30 Ethan Bouchard – Boy’s Giant Slalom Run 2

 

Leinster and Ulster to face off in highly-anticipated last-16 match at Aviva Stadium

Leinster and Ulster set to clash in Heineken Champions Cup last-16 showdown at Aviva Stadium.

The highly anticipated Interpro will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 1st, with the winner advancing to the quarter-finals against either Leicester Tigers or Edinburgh.

The game will be broadcast live and free on RTÉ.

With a potential sellout crowd of 50,000 expected, this match is sure to be one of the tournament’s highlights.

Munster will also be in action on April 1st, when they take on the Cell C Sharks in Durban, with the possibility of facing Toulouse or the Vodacom Bulls in the quarter-finals.

Meanwhile, Connacht’s last-16 Challenge Cup match against Benneton has been scheduled for 3 p.m. on April 1st at Stadio di Monigo. in Treviso. The stage is set for an unforgettable weekend of European Rugby action

Heineken cup path to final 2023

Cricket World Cup – Ireland’s fixtures, squad and preview

On the eve of the Ireland Women cricket team’s departure to South Africa for the 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, captain Laura Delany opened up about what is driving her ambitions for this tournament and what the squad are expecting at their first involvement at a global tournament since 2018.

 

Ireland, who qualified for the tournament after coming through a tough qualifying tournament in Dubai last September, has been drawn in Group B where they will face England, India, Pakistan, and West Indies.

This will be the second T20 World Cup that Delany will captain the Irish side, having previously done so in 2018, and will be playing in her fourth T20 World Cup.

Speaking after training at North County Cricket Club,Delany said:

 

“We’re all eagerly awaiting that flight and looking forward to getting over there. By the time we face England in our first Group game we will have played four warm-up games in local conditions. This opportunity to acclimatise will be crucial as we are coming from the middle of our winter back at home. We have been preparing well in our indoor facilities and at the Sports Institute in Dublin and Belfast, but it will be a welcome opportunity to get out on grass in South African conditions.”

 

According  to Delany, narrowly missing out on the last T20 World Cup was a motivating factor:

 

“It hurt us the last time, not qualifying for the T20 World Cup in Australia. It was hard for us as a squad to watch those games, but the way that we’ve come back has shown what this team is all about – our character and we’re now relishing the opportunity of going over and playing against some of the best sides in the world.

“The World Cup is where every team wants to be in any sport, so we’re really looking forward to it. There should be a strong Irish support there all right, as I know there are some families going out to South Africa to support us, which is brilliant. It’s nice to have support when you’re away from home, particularly at a World Cup.”

 

How has the team progressed in the lead-up to the tournament:

 

“We have quite a young squad [average age 24], but a squad that has certainly grown in confidence and character over the last few years. Nothing exemplifies this more than our tour to Pakistan late last year when we lost the ODI series, but bounced back to claim the T20I series at the end of a tough tour.

 

“I thought we had a really good summer. We had series wins against Holland and Scotland and then we had a really good performance against South Africa, winning one of the T20s at the start of June. So from a team point of view, everything’s heading in the right direction. From an individual point of view, some of the girls have put in really good performances over the last 12 months and I’m excited for them to go and show the world what they can do at the next level.

 

“We have a number of players with a great deal of experience and a cohort of younger players who have come into the senior set-up in the last 18 months.

“In terms of our strengths, we have quite an adaptable squad that has the ability to change based on the opponent, the conditions, or the state of the match. In years gone by, we perhaps lacked depth but that’s changing – we have a good pool of players now to call upon. Compared to the bigger nations we may have a small pool overall, but entering tournament conditions, we believe we have a good squad, and we’re keen to perform on the world stage.”

 

 

What is expected from conditions in South Africa:

“We haven’t played in South Africa for a few years but spent some time in Zimbabwe last year. While not exactly the same conditions, the southern African pitches are very different to what we are used to back home. Bowling coach Nathan (Hauritz) and Ed (Joyce) have spoken to us a good bit about what we’re likely to expect, a quick outfield and good wickets.

 

“We expect more bounce and pitches that reward variation with the ball. That is why I welcome the preparation camp we are going to prior to the start of the tournament. To have two games to acclimatise against good opponents in Bangladesh will be very welcome.”

 

 

Delany may be more than six years into her captaincy, but the role still makes her proud:

 

“I’m very honoured to be in the position that I’m in. To be able to impact and contribute to Irish cricket is something that I think every player in the team is very privileged to be in the spot to do. There’s a lot of players who missed out that would love to be heading off to South Africa with us – from a captaining point of view, it’s a challenge, but I love captaining this group. There’s so much potential, they’re super enthusiastic and keep me on my toes – and they keep pushing our senior players as well, which is brilliant. It’s a really competitive side at the moment.”

 

 

How does Delany compare the 2018 T20 World Cup squad with the 2023 squad?

 

“The makeup of this squad is very different. We had quite an experienced side back in 2018, who had played together for a number of years. Looking at the squad now, there’s definitely a mix of experienced players, but also a lot of players who have never played in a World Cup before. They’re incredibly enthusiastic, they’re eager to learn. It will be slightly different captaining in this World Cup, but I suppose every time you step out into the pitch it’s a new challenge. We’re just relishing the opportunity of going over there and playing in some very good stadiums, against some of the best sides in the world.”

 

 

First up is the world’s second-ranked side, England. How will the squad approach that challenge:

 

“It’s challenging playing against teams that you haven’t played against in years gone by. For a lot of the girls this will be the first time that they have ever play against England or India. In comparison, Pakistan and West Indies are two teams that we’ve played against recently enough, we know a lot about them. The way that we prepare for the likes of England and India is just watching as much video footage as possible, and then trying to put good plans in place and ultimately trying to execute them on the pitch.”

 

 

What’s has been Ed Joyce’s message to the squad ahead of the trip?

 

“Ed’s message has been quite consistent since he’s taken over. It’s to go out and play with freedom, to back yourself and to just enjoy being in the Irish jersey.”

 

 

What has been Delany’s favourite memory of playing in a World Cup?

 

“Probably leading Ireland out in our first game in the last T20 World Cup. Captaining that side was obviously a huge honour. A lot of experienced players that I’ve learned from and looked up to. So for me that was something that I was really proud of.

 

“My most memorable moment playing cricket for Ireland wasn’t actually at a World Cup, but at a qualifier. The final of the T20 World Cup Qualifier in 2015 against Bangladesh when it went down to the last ball, and we won by two wickets. I was fortunate to be out there with the bat when Lucy O’Reilly hit the winning runs. It was an incredible moment for the team!” 

 

 

THE ICC WOMEN’S T20 WORLD CUP

 

The tournament website is: https://www.t20worldcup.com/

 

Ireland Women’s fixtures

 

The competition begins on Friday 10 February.

 

  • 13 February: Ireland Women v England Women – (Boland Park, Paarl; start 1pm Irish time)
  • 15 February: Ireland Women v Pakistan Women – (Newlands, Cape Town; start 5pm Irish time)
  • 17 February: Ireland Women v West Indies Women – (Newlands, Cape Town; start 5pm Irish time)
  • 20 February: Ireland Women v India Women – (St George’s Park, Gqeberha; start 1pm Irish time)

 

Should Ireland qualify for the semi-finals, they will play on either Thursday 23 or Friday 24 February, with the winner of those games facing each other in the final at the Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town on Sunday 26 February.

Head-to-head:

  • Ireland v England: the sides have played only one T20I in 2012 (England 1 win)
  • Ireland v Pakistan: the sides have played 18 T20Is (Pakistan 14 wins, Ireland 4 wins)
  • Ireland v West Indies: the sides have played 4 T20Is (West Indies 4 wins)
  • Ireland v India: the sides have played only one T20I in 2018 (India 1 win)

The Squad

 

  • Laura Delany (captain), Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Shauna Kavanagh, Arlene Kelly, Gaby Lewis, Louise Little, Sophie MacMahon, Jane Maguire, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Eimear Richardson, Rebecca Stokell, Mary Waldron.

For all other team squads see: https://www.t20worldcup.com/news/3011913

 

Ireland Women’s recent T20I form

 

  • Ireland were 2-1 winners in their thrilling T20I series against Pakistan in Lahore in November 2022. Gaby Lewis top-scored with the bat with 140 runs for the series, while Arlene Kelly took 5 wickets. Orla Prendergast has also contributed handsomely with both bat and ball.
  • Eimear Richardson has been competing for Northern Districts in the Women’s Super-Smash in New Zealand over the winter, scoring 70 runs and taking two wickets so far in the competition.

Where to watch

 

Fans can watch the Ireland Women’s matches in Ireland / UK on Sky Sports.

How to follow the games

 

All Ireland Women’s games at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup will be livescored on www.t20worldcup.com , with regular updates available via Cricket Ireland’s Twitter,Instagram and Facebook accounts.

Free Admission for Racegoers to RED MILLS Day At Gowran Park

This year, RED MILLS DAY at Gowran Park Racecourse will be extra special as it marks the 115th anniversary of Connolly’s RED MILLS. As one of the most respected and well-known animal nutrition brands in the world it is fitting that this milestone will be celebrated at their local racecourse, where Joe Connolly has been Chairman for over 26 years.
Ticket registration will be open to the public from tomorrow, Friday 27th January at 9am, racegoers can visit www.gowranpark.ie and register for a maximum of two complimentary tickets per person, to the RED MILLS Raceday.
Tickets will be limited based on the racecourse capacity and issued on a first come, first served basis. Tickets must be pre-registered and e-tickets either downloaded or printed for access on the day. This will be a ticket only event, no tickets will be available on the gate.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Gowran Park and offer free admission to racegoers for the second year in a row,” said Gareth Connolly, CEO, Connolly’s RED MILLS. “RED MILLS Day is synonymous with great racing and great atmosphere, and we are proud to play a role in making it accessible to all.”
“At RED MILLS, we believe in giving back to the community and supporting the horse racing industry that has been such an important part of our success. Sponsoring free admission at Gowran Park Racecourse is a way for us to show our appreciation to our customers and racegoers. We are proud to continue this partnership and look forward to seeing even more people enjoying the thrill of live horse racing.”
“115 years in business is a significant milestone for RED MILLS, and it’s a testament to the values that have guided us throughout our history. From the very beginning, we have been committed to providing the highest quality performance nutrition products for horses, and we have always placed a strong emphasis on innovation and research. As we celebrate 115 years of business, we look forward to continuing to serve our customers for many years to come.”
There will also be complementary tea or coffee for the first 500 racegoers as well as live entertainment throughout the day, including live music from After Dark in the RED MILLS Champions Quarter. In addition, RED MILLS will also sponsor the stable staff canteen and the owners and trainers’ hospitality for those with runners on the day.
Eddie Scally, Manager Gowran Park; “RED MILLS DAY at Gowran Park Racecourse is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year, and for good reason. With top-quality racing and a fantastic atmosphere, it’s a day that truly showcases the best of the sport. We’re excited to host such a premier event and can’t wait for racegoers to experience the thrilling action on and off the track.”
The RED MILLS Store Country Style Event will take centre stage in the RED MILLS Style quarter showcasing the latest fashions from the RED MILLS Store including brands such as Welligogs, Fairfax & Favor and Fox London. There will be prizes worth over €2,500 for the most Stylish racegoer on the day.

CHELTENHAM NEWS: Declared runners for Festival Trials Day – Saturday 28th January

CHELTENHAM NEWS: DECLARED RUNNERS FOR FESTIVAL TRIALS DAY – SATURDAY 28TH JANUARY 

 

11:40am JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m 179y  

1 Comfort Zone (IRE) 4 11 5 Mr John P. McManus Joseph Patrick O’Brien Ireland Jonjo O’Neill Jr.

2 Mombasa (FR) ts 4 11 5 Mr David Maxwell Philip Hobbs Mr David Maxwell

3 Scriptwriter (IRE) ts 4 11 5 Mark & Maria Adams Milton Harris Paddy Brennan

4 Active Duty (FR) 4 11 0 Mr T. P. Radford Ben Pauling Luca Morgan

5 Fils de Roi (FR) 4 11 0 The Yes No Wait Sorries Fergal O’Brien Jack Hogan

6 Jupiter du Gite (FR) h 4 11 0 Alan Jamieson Site Services Ltd Gary Moore Jamie Moore

7 Dixon Cove (GER) ts 4 10 12 John White & Anne Underhill Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden

8 Naeva (FR) h,ts 4 10 7 The Profile Partnership 2 Alexandra Dunn Adam Wedge

12:10pm Timeform Novices’ Handicap Chase 2m 4f 127y 

1 Stage Star (IRE) 7 12 0 Owners Group 044 Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden

2 Fern Hill (IRE) 8 11 12 Cross Foran Harrison Ben Case Jack Quinlan

3 Unexpected Party (FR) ts 8 11 12 O’Reilly MacLennan Tynan Carthy Shanahan Dan Skelton Harry Skelton

4 Datsalrightgino (GER) 7 11 10 The GD Partnership Jamie Snowden Gavin Sheehan

5 Llandinabo Lad 8 11 3 Celia & Michael Baker Tom Symonds David Noonan

6 Any News (IRE) 8 11 3 Jane Nuala Cartwright Neil Mulholland Richie McLernon

7 Malinello ts 8 11 3 Martin & Lynn Jones Ben Pauling Luca Morgan

8 Panic Attack (IRE) bl,ts 7 11 2 Bryan Drew David Pipe Tom Scudamore

9 Iamastar (FR) ts, p 5 11 1 Mr David Maxwell Philip Hobbs Mr David Maxwell (3)

10 Dalamoi (IRE) 6 11 1 Mrs Nikki Ead Tim Vaughan Alan Johns

11 Fire Dancer (FR) 7 10 6 Mrs S. Ricci Venetia Williams Charlie Deutsch

12:40pm Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase 3m 6f 37y

1 Delta Work (FR) ts 10 12 0 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott Ireland Mr Robert James (7)

2 Minella Times (IRE) ts 10 12 0 Mr John P. McManus Henry de Bromhead Ireland Jonjo O’Neill Jr.

3 Roi Mage (FR) ts 11 11 3 Pryde/Van Der Hoeven/McGladery/Beaumont Patrick Griffin Ireland Mr P. W. Mullins

4 Francky du Berlais (FR) ts 10 10 10 Mr Roddy Owen Peter Bowen James Bowen

5 Snow Leopardess 11 10 8 Andrew Fox-Pitt Charlie Longsdon Aidan Coleman

6 Foxy Jacks (IRE) p 9 10 8 Mr D. F. Desmond M. F. Morris Ireland Shane Fenelon (7)

7 Diesel d’Allier (FR) ts 10 10 8 The French Link Richard Bandey

8 Plan of Attack (IRE) bl 10 10 6 Mr A. Halsall Henry de Bromhead Ireland Darragh O’Keeffe

9 Back On The Lash 9 10 5 Maughan, Redknapp, Ryan, Salters Martin Keighley Sean Bowen

10 Mortal (IRE) ts, p 11 10 4 Mr A. Dunlop Gordon Elliott Ireland Sam Ewing

11 Singing Banjo (IRE) p 13 10 3 Mr J. P. Walsh Barry John Walsh Ireland Mr B. J. Walsh (7)

12 Deise Aba (IRE) p 10 10 3 Exors of the late Mr Trevor Hemmings Philip Hobbs Tom O’Brien

13 Easysland (FR) p 9 10 2 Mr John P. McManus Jonjo O’Neill Richie McLernon

14 Legends Ryde v,ts 8 10 2 AWTP Racing Partnership Jamie Snowden Gavin Sheehan

15 Crealion (FR) ts, p 7 10 2 S Nelson, T Keelan, H Polito, C Compton Tom George Charlie Deutsch

1:20pm Albert Bartlett Clarence House Chase (Grade 1) 2m 62y  

1 Amarillo Sky (IRE) ts 7 11 10 Mr J. P. Romans Joe Tizzard Brendan Powell

2 Editeur du Gite (FR) 9 11 10 The Preston Family, Friends & T Jacobs Gary Moore Niall Houlihan

3 Edwardstone 9 11 10 Robert Abrey & Ian Thurtle Alan King Tom Cannon

4 Energumene (FR) 9 11 10 Tony Bloom W. P. Mullins Ireland P. Townend

5 Funambule Sivola (FR) 8 11 10 My Racing Manager Friends Venetia Williams Charlie Deutsch

6 Sizing Pottsie (FR) ts 9 11 10 Tracey, Alexander, Apiafi, Kuyt, Harman David Pipe Tom Scudamore

1:50pm Paddy Power Cheltenham Countdown Podcast Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) 2m 4f 127y  

1 Brave Seasca (FR) 8 12 0 Brooks & Taylor Families Venetia Williams Charlie Deutsch

2 Allmankind 7 11 9 The Gredley Family Dan Skelton Sean Quinlan

3 Coole Cody (IRE) 12 11 7 Mr W. Clifford Evan Williams Adam Wedge

4 Caribean Boy (FR) p 9 11 7 Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede Nicky Henderson James Bowen

5 Simply The Betts (IRE) p 10 11 5 Mr David Maxwell Paul Nicholls Mr David Maxwell (3)

6 Karl Philippe (FR) 8 11 3 C Coley, D Porter, H Redknapp, P Smith Fergal O’Brien Jack Hogan (5)

7 Fugitif (FR) ts 8 11 3 Mr Carl Hinchy & Dr Emad Hussain Richard Hobson Gavin Sheehan

8 Phoenix Way (IRE) ts 10 11 2 Mr John P. McManus Harry Fry Kevin Brogan

9 Silver Hallmark 9 11 0 Mr & Mrs William Rucker Fergal O’Brien Jonjo O’Neill Jr.

10 Il Ridoto (FR) ts, p 6 10 12 Giles, Hogarth, Mason & McGoff Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden

11 Spiritofthegames (IRE) bl 11 10 10 Mr N. W. Lake Dan Skelton Harry Skelton

12 Nocte Volatus ts 8 10 8 Lady Cobham and Dauntsey Park Tom Lacey Stan Sheppard

13 Your Darling (IRE) 8 10 6 Lord Vestey Ben Pauling Tom Cannon

14 One True King (IRE) p 8 10 4 RacehorseClub.com Nigel Twiston-Davies Mr James Turner (7)

15 Now Where Or When (IRE) ts, p 8 10 4 Mrs Margaret McCrudden S. R. B. Crawford Northern Ireland

16 Precious Eleanor (FR) 8 10 2 Mrs Christine Graves Henry Daly

17 Guy (IRE) p 8 10 2 W.G. & A.G. Vestey Nigel Twiston-Davies Jordan Nailor (3)

2:25pm Paddy Power Cotswold Chase (Grade 2) 3m 1f 56y  

1 Frodon (FR) ts 11 11 10 Mr P. J. Vogt Paul Nicholls Bryony Frost

2 Noble Yeats (IRE) 8 11 10 Mr Robert Waley-Cohen Emmet Mullins Ireland Sean Bowen

3 Protektorat (FR) ts 8 11 10 Sir A Ferguson G Mason J Hales & L Hales Dan Skelton Harry Skelton

4 Ahoy Senor (IRE) 8 11 7 Wymer & Russell Lucinda Russell Derek Fox

5 Dusart (IRE) 8 11 4 Mr R. A. Bartlett Nicky Henderson James Bowen

6 Sounds Russian (IRE) 8 11 4 Claxby & Co Ruth Jefferson Sean Quinlan

3:00pm Dahlbury Stallions At Chapel Stud Cleeve Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m 7f 213y  

1 Botox Has (FR) 7 11 8 John and Yvonne Stone Gary Moore Jamie Moore

2 Paisley Park (IRE) ts 11 11 8 Mr Andrew Gemmell Emma Lavelle Aidan Coleman

3 Gelino Bello (FR) 7 11 5 Mr and Mrs J. D. Cotton Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden

4 Dashel Drasher 10 11 2 Mrs B Tully and Mr R Lock Jeremy Scott Rex Dingle

5 Gold Tweet (FR) ts 6 11 2 AGV Karwin Stud Gabriel Leenders France Johnny Charron

6 Lord Accord (IRE) ts, p 8 11 2 Lynne & Angus Maclennan Neil Mulholland Richie McLernon

7 Molly Ollys Wishes ts 9 11 1 Mr Dean Pugh Dan Skelton Harry Skelton

3:35pm Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m 4f 56y  

1 Henri The Second (FR) ts 6 11 10 Martin Broughton & Friends 7 Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden

2 Mofasa 7 11 8 Mrs Lynne Maclennan Michael Scudamore Luca Morgan

3 Blenkinsop 6 11 5 Mrs L Nixon Henry Daly

4 Can You Call ts 8 11 5 Mr & Mrs William Rucker Evan Williams Adam Wedge

5 Cruz Control (FR) 6 11 5 Mr F Green and Mr J Chinn Tom Lacey Stan Sheppard

6 Doctor Brown Bear (IRE) ts 5 11 5 Sean & Bernardine Mulryan Martin Brassil Ireland J. J. Slevin

7 Moka de Vassy (FR) 5 11 5 Tom Chadney and Friends Mrs Jane Williams David Noonan

8 Pembroke 6 11 5 Jon and Julia Aisbitt Dan Skelton Harry Skelton

9 Rock My Way (IRE) 5 11 5 Syd Hosie Syd Hosie Tom Scudamore

10 War Soldier (IRE) 6 11 5 J.Townson, M.Roche, P.Thompson Sandy Thomson Ryan Mania

11 Way Out (IRE) 6 11 5 Syd Hosie Syd Hosie Tom Cannon

12 Bonttay (IRE) 6 10 12 Mr C. B Brookes & Fergal O’Brien Fergal O’Brien Paddy Brennan

4:10pm SSS Super Alloys Handicap Hurdle 2m 179y  

1 Jason The Militant (IRE) ts 9 12 0 Mr G. Nicholson Philip Kirby Joe Williamson (5)

2 Camprond (FR) 7 11 7 Mr John P. McManus Philip Hobbs Aidan Coleman

3 Might I (IRE) 7 11 2 Brian & Sandy Lambert Harry Fry Lorcan Murtagh (3)

4 Martator (FR) 6 10 12 Camilla Norton Venetia Williams Charlie Deutsch

5 Nells Son p 8 10 11 Langdale Bloodstock Nicky Richards Sean Quinlan

6 Hacker des Places (FR) 6 10 11 Owners Group 068 Paul Nicholls Angus Cheleda (5)

7 Barrichello 7 10 6 Owners Group 066 Donald McCain Peter Kavanagh (5)

8 Front View (FR) 8 10 6 Mr John P. McManus Jonjo O’Neill Richie McLernon

9 Takeit Easy 8 10 4 Pam’s People Pam Sly Alan Johns

10 Pikar (FR) 6 10 3 Yorton Racing Dan Skelton Harry Skelton

11 Punctuation ts 6 10 3 Mr Grant Leon Fergal O’Brien Paddy Brennan

12 Hystery Bere (FR) 6 10 2 Lady Gibbings Tom Symonds Jordan Nailor (3)

13 Fautinette (FR) h 5 10 2 DFA Racing (Anderson & Edwards) Venetia Williams Miss Lucy Turner (5)

14 Malakahna (FR) ts, p 5 10 2 Macable Partnership Ian Williams Charlie Todd

15 Long Stay ts 8 10 2 Mr Raymond Treacy Fergal O’Brien Jack Hogan (5)

16 Castel Gandolfo (IRE) bl,ts 6 10 2 Mr Nic Brereton Fergal O’Brien Mr Tom Broughton (7)

Heineken Champions Cup – R16 fixture dates and kick off times

Heineken cup path to final 2023

Heineken Champions Cup – R16 fixture dates, kick off times and path to final.

Following a tension-packed, number-crunching conclusion to the pool stage, and as the road to the 2023 Dublin finals weekend becomes clearer, EPCR is pleased to announce the dates, venues, kick-off times and TV coverage of the Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16 matches.

The elite clubs which have qualified for this season’s knockout stage have 26 EPCR titles between them, and eight former Heineken Champions Cup winners are in contention to lift the trophy again. Included are all three South African representatives with the Cell C Sharks, the DHL Stormers and the Vodacom Bulls booking their places in the business end of the tournament in impressive style.

A compelling series of Round 4 matches wasn’t the only good news as there was also a 42% increase in Heineken Champions Cup pool stage attendances compared to last season with the average attendance per club returning to pre-Covid figures.

In addition, after an understandably modest start, the Round 3 and 4 attendances in South Africa improved dramatically, rising by 62% to an average of 16,100 per match.

TV audiences are also tuning in in greater numbers than ever. After Round 3, official data recorded a 65% uplift in broadcast audiences across the core markets of France, Ireland, South Africa and the UK. There was also a record TV audience for a pool stage match on France Télévisions when viewers peaked at 2.2 million for the Round 4 contest between Stade Toulousain and Munster Rugby.

Every minute of the eight winner-takes-all matches will be broadcast live by BT Sport, SuperSport and beIN SPORTS with the additional bonus of free-to-air coverage by RTE in Ireland for the showdown between Leinster Rugby and Ulster Rugby on Saturday 1 April, by ITV in the UK and Ireland when the Exeter Chiefs and Montpellier Hérault Rugby clash on Sunday 2 April, and by S4C in Wales for the Ospreys’ visit to Saracens later the same day.

France Télévisions will also be providing free-to-air coverage of the contests between holders, Stade Rochelais, and Gloucester Rugby, and between Stade Toulousain and the Vodacom Bulls on Saturday 1 April and Sunday 2 April respectively.

With big attendances expected at all venues, Leinster are taking their match against Ulster to Dublin’s Aviva Stadium with an anticipated crowd of approaching 50,000, while five-time winners, Stade Toulousain, will host the Vodacom Bulls at the 33,000-capacity Le Stadium.

What promises to be another thrilling set of Heineken Champions Cup knockout fixtures gets underway on Friday 31 March when Leicester Tigers go head-to-head with Edinburgh Rugby at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.

The highest-ranked clubs from the pool stage have secured home advantage for the Round of 16 and this rule will remain in place for the quarter-finals. The semi-finals will be played in Europe at EPCR-designated venues with the showpiece final staged at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday 20 May, and over 66,000 tickets have already been sold for the Dublin Finals weekend.

HEINEKEN CHAMPIONS CUP – Round of 16
(Pool stage rankings in brackets / All kick-offs local times)

Friday 31 March
Match 5: Leicester Tigers (B4) v Edinburgh Rugby (A5), Mattioli Woods Welford Road (20.00)
BT Sport / beIN SPORTS / SuperSport

Saturday 1 April
Match 3: Cell C Sharks (A3) v Munster Rugby (B6), Hollywoodbets Kings Park (13.30)
SuperSport / BT Sport / beIN SPORTS

Match 6: DHL Stormers (B3) v Harlequins (A6), DHL Stadium (16.00)
SuperSport / BT Sport / beIN SPORTS

Match 1: Leinster Rugby (A1) v Ulster Rugby (B8), Aviva Stadium (17.30)
RTE / BT Sport / beIN SPORTS / SuperSport

Match 8: Stade Rochelais (B1) v Gloucester Rugby (A8), Stade Marcel Deflandre (18.30)
beIN SPORTS / France TV / BT Sport / SuperSport

Sunday 2 April
Match 2: Exeter Chiefs (A2) v Montpellier Hérault Rugby (B7), Sandy Park (12.30)
ITV / BT Sport / beIN SPORTS / SuperSport

Match 4: Saracens (A4) v Ospreys (B5), StoneX Stadium (15.00)
BT Sport / S4C / beIN SPORTS / SuperSport

Match 7: Stade Toulousain (B2) v Vodacom Bulls (A7), Le Stadium (16.00)
France TV / beIN SPORTS / SuperSport / BT Sport

Quarter-finals – 7/8/9 April
QF 1: Winner Match 1 v Winner Match 5
QF 2: Winner Match 7 v Winner Match 3
QF 3: Winner Match 2 v Winner Match 6
QF 4: Winner Match 8 v Winner Match 4
NB The highest-ranked clubs from the pool stage will have home advantage

Semi-finals – 28/29/30 April
SF 1: Winner QF 1 v Winner QF 2
SF 2: Winner QF 3 v Winner QF 4
NB The matches will be played in Europe and the highest-ranked clubs from the pool stage will have home country advantage

2023 Heineken Champions Cup final: Saturday 20 May; Aviva Stadium, Dublin

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