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Cricket – Ireland moves through to semi-finals at the T20 World Cup Qualifier

Ireland Men have progressed through to the semi-finals after a comprehensive win over Germany in a must-win Group Stage match of the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier at the Al Almerat Stadium today.

 

Ireland started their run chase knowing that if they could complete the victory in less than 16 overs they would guarantee themselves progression to the semi-final stage after Bahrain – playing in a concurrent match – posted 172-5 against UAE, setting up an exciting finish to this Group stage of the tournament.

After an efficient bowling performance that restricted Germany to 107-7, the Irish batters completed the run chase in 13.1 overs with Harry Tector flashing a square cut to the boundary to bring up the winning runs.

Paul Stirling (34) and Andrew Balbirnie (32) posted a 67-run opening stand from just 47 balls to get the run chase off to the necessary start, but despite both openers falling within three balls of each other, Tector and Lorcan Tucker saw out the win.

During Balbirnie’s innings he brought up his 5,000th run for Ireland across all formats.

In the other match, Bahrain completed a remarkable 2-run win over heavy favourites UAE, but it wasn’t quite enough to progress to the semi-final on net run rate meaning Ireland finished first in the group.

Ireland’s opponents in tomorrow’s do-or-die semi-final will be determined in this afternoon’s matches – with the winner of tomorrow’s semi-final qualifying for the T20 World Cup in Australia in October.

Earlier in the day Irish skipper Balbirnie won the toss and decided to bowl first hoping to take advantage of what he noted was a tacky pitch.

The Irish bowlers were disciplined early, bowling tight lines and producing late swing in early morning conditions. It was Josh Little who broke through first, rapping Talha Khan on the front pad and adjudged adjacent by the umpire for 9. Little followed up in his next over with the wicket of Justin Broad, also for 9, this time beaten for pace and a top edge flew to Lorcan Tucker behind the stumps.

Immediately after the power play finished, Balbirnie threw the ball to his spinners and both Andy McBrine (2-15) and Simi Singh (1-21) responded with great spells through the middle overs. McBrine has bowled exceptionally tightly in this tournament to date, with an economy rate of just 4.42 to go with his three wickets.

Faisal Mubashir (45*) and Dylan Blignaut (22) – who plays club cricket with The Hills Cricket Club in Ireland – were the only German batters to reach double figures as wickets fell regularly. The batting side managed to strike 40 runs from the last five overs, but their total of 107-7 from 20 overs looked well below par.

All of Ireland’s five bowlers contributed with at least one wicket apiece, with Josh Little’s 2-13 the pick with a welcome return to form.

After the match captain Balbirnie said:

 

“We were really good today, we set ourselves the task at the toss, and our bowlers put it in good areas – there was a bit in it for the bowlers, and they bowled tightly. It was a really complete performance and we’re starting to get it together at the right end of the tournament.

“I think the win against Bahrain got us up and running – we tend to play better the longer a tournament goes. There was good buzz around this morning, the guys knew we had to win two games to reach a World Cup, and we’ve got rid of one of those and are now in a semi-final.

 

“All of our bowlers performed well today – we have guys like Campher and McCarthy on the bench who could do a job as well – we’re happy with where our bowling is at, but it means nothing unless we turn up and do the same thing tomorrow.”

Ireland meets their semi-final opponent tomorrow at 2pm (local time) / 10am (Irish time) at the same venue. Given the number of permutations in Group B, the opponent will not be known until later today.

MATCH SUMMARY

Ireland Men v Germany Men, T20 World Cup Qualifier, Muscat, 21 February 2022

Germany 107-7 (20 overs; F Mubashir 45*; J Little 2-13, A McBrine 2-15)

Ireland 111-3 (13.1 overs: P Stirling 34, A Balbirnie 32; M Yar 2-20)

Ireland Men won by 7 wickets

See full scorecard

Four horses set to replicate Dublin Racing Festival success at the Cheltenham Festival

With anticipation and excitement levels sky-high for the 2022 renewal of the Cheltenham Festival, as racegoers are set to flock through the gates of Prestbury Park at record heights after last year’s meeting was held behind closed doors, the recent Dublin Racing Festival has only added more fuel to the fire — with Ireland’s finest on show at Leopardstown in a bid to finalise their preparations ahead of next month’s Cheltenham Festival.

There were plenty of favourites at the fore of the racing results, with the bookmakers particularly bashed by the boisterous punters on day two of meeting, while there were also a few surprise horses in the winners’ enclosure as well. But most importantly, it has given us a great final insight of form and quality ahead of Cheltenham. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at four horses who will be out for more success at Prestbury Park after a fine time at Leopardstown. 

Conflated – Gold Cup

Perhaps the most surprising name when checking the fast horse racing results from Paddy Power, Conflated caused an almighty upset to win the Irish Gold Cup from 18/1 on day one of the Dublin Racing Festival. It was proving to be a day for Willie Mullins as he won three of the first four races, but it was Gordon Elliott who took the spoils in the feature race as Davy Russell guided his eight-year-old to a six-and-a-half length victory over Minella Indo. Conflated’s Cheltenham Gold Cup odds have since been slashed from 100/1 to around 10/1 and the Blue Ribband contest is looking as wide open as ever. 

Blue Lord – Arkle Challenge Trophy

Second favourite behind Riviere D’etel in the Irish Arkle Novice Chase ante-post market, Mullins’ Blue Lord put Elliott’s favourite to the sword in the two-mile, one furlong race — holding off the five-year-old to win by little more than half a length. The seven-year-old was arguably lucky to win with interference and a mistake at the last costing Riviere D’etel, but you can take nothing away from Blue Lord in victory and Mullins will be hoping that he’s back in the winners’ enclosure at Prestbury Park following the Arkle — where he could reignite that rivalry with Riviere D’etel.

Galopin Des Champs – Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase

Already fancied to win the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase on day two of the Cheltenham Festival, Galopin Des Champs really cemented himself as one you need to back at the meeting with a commanding victory in a Grade 1 Novice Chase at the Dublin Racing Festival. The six-year-old went clear on the run-in and stayed on well to win by a comfortable nine lengths clear of Master McShee. Paul Nicholls’ Bravemansgame will be worthy competition, but Mullins’ novice should have too much in the tank once again.

Honeysuckle – Champion Chase

We could spend all day talking about Mullins’ contingent, with Dublin Racing Festival winners Sir Gerhard, Chacun Pour Soi, Vauban and so on all Cheltenham hopefuls, but let’s turn our attention to the brilliant Honeysuckle for our final selection. We’ve ran out of superlatives to describe Henry de Bromhead’s prized mare at this stage, with the eight-year-old winning the Irish Champion Hurdle to extend her incredible unbeaten record to 14. Two wins by a combined 14 and a half lengths this season, it’s hard to see anyone getting anywhere near Honeysuckle as she defends her Champion Chase crown at Prestbury Park.  

Basketball Ireland – Heaphy and Downey set for Ireland debuts

C&S Neptune pair Cian Heaphy and Roy Downey are set for their international debuts after being named in the final 12-man squad for the upcoming FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Pre-Qualifiers. Ireland will play Switzerland in Fribourg on Thursday, followed by a home game against Cyprus at the National Basketball Arena in Dublin next Sunday.

Speaking about his selection, Heaphy said: “I’m absolutely delighted with the call up. It’s a great honour to be selected and to represent my country at the highest level. I take great pride in having the opportunity to wear the Irish Jersey at senior level, as it’s been a dream of mine for many years. I made the extended squad in November for the FIBA EuroBasket, since then I’ve been working hard on my game to try and make my way into the final 12. I’m looking forward to working with Mark (Keenan) and his coaching staff and joining up with the rest of the squad, as we look to build on the positive start that Ireland have made to the FIBA EuroBasket campaign.”

Roy Downey played for an Irish representative side, Hibernia, in 2015, when they travelled to China for three games in 2015, however they were uncapped fixtures. Seven years on he’s relishing the chance to play in FIBA EuroBasket for Ireland.

“Look it’s a great honour anytime you get to represent your country, especially to get to do it in front of a home crowd. I’m excited to get to learn from the guys who have been there over the last 18 months or so and also to get the opportunity to work under Mark (Keenan), Adrian (Fulton) and Puff (Summers) will be great. It will be a great week of learning for me personally and hopefully I can add something positive to the team,” Downey said.

Head coach Mark Keenan added: “Both Cian and Roy have been playing some great basketball with their club C&S Neptune and both have played their way into the team. On their current form they have fully deserved their call up into the team. As coaches we are constantly watching what’s going on in our league here and also watching our players abroad, to see how all are currently performing. I’m delighted for Cian and Roy and I am very much looking forward to working with both of them.”

Ireland started their FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Pre-Qualifiers campaign last November with a 81-73 win over Cyprus in Nicosia, followed by a 97-70 home defeat against Austria.

Ireland senior men’s squad: 

Kyle Hosford (UCC Demons), Ciaran Roe (Killester), Sean Flood (Omonia Nicosia), Adrian O’Sullivan (Tradehouse Central Ballincollig), Cian Heaphy (C&S Neptune), Roy Downey (C&S Neptune), Lorcan Murphy (Griffith College Templeogue), Eoin Quigley (Garvey’s Tralee Warriors), Taiwo Badmus (U.M.F Tindastoll Sauoarkrokur), Jordan Blount (UMF Sindri Hofn), John Carroll (Albacete), James Gormley (Baloncestro Aguimes)

February Fixtures:

FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Pre-Qualifiers First Round

24th February 2022

Switzerland v Ireland 1830, Site Sportif Saint-Leonard, Fribourg (Streamed live on Ireland.basketball and YouTube)

27th February 2022

Ireland v Cyprus, 1700, National Basketball Arena, Dublin (Streamed live on Ireland.basketball and YouTube). Purchase tickets here. announced.

Matt Doherty facing make-or-break time at Tottenham Hotspur

When Matt Doherty made the move from Wolverhampton Wanderers to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2020, it was seen as just reward for the remarkable levels of performance he had demonstrated during his time in the Black Country. With José Mourinho about to embark on his first full season in charge, it was seen as a chance for Doherty to establish himself at a bigger club that was taking steps towards challenging for the game’s biggest honours.

We all know what happened next as far as Mourinho is concerned. After a strong start to the campaign, Spurs’ form dipped dramatically over the winter period, eventually leading to the Portuguese coach’s dismissal from the club, which was fully expected by those who bet online at Skybet.

Since then, three different men have taken the helm — Ryan Mason as interim boss towards the end of last season, Nuno Espírito Santo at the beginning of the current campaign, before he was sacked and replaced by the enigmatic Antonio Conte — and it’s fair to say that Doherty has struggled to establish himself under any of them. 

He would have hoped that the arrival of Nuno, whom he worked under at Wolves with great success, would trigger an upturn in his own personal form, but as Tottenham struggled as a collective unit, so too did Doherty fail to produce the goods. 

Now, he seems to be at a crossroads. Having been given the starting berth on a few occasions by Conte, it’s difficult to say that he has grasped the opportunity with both hands. A couple of appearances as a half-time substitute earned him a start against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, but Spurs’ 2-0 defeat won’t have helped his cause.

At the age of 30, Doherty probably only has two or three years left at his peak, and he’ll have to question whether he wants to spend the rest of his contract on the bench at Tottenham. His current deal still has two years to run after this season, so it will be interesting to see if he pushes for a move away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

Of course, the other option is to knuckle down and fight for his place. If Doherty can rediscover the form that made him such a rampaging threat at Wolves, he would fit snugly into any top Premier League club starting 11, and that’s the kind of form he’ll have to show if he’s to impress Conte.

He has had to share the right-back slot with Emerson Royal and Japhet Tanganga this season, but with the former failing to impress since joining from Barcelona this summer, and the latter still yet to entirely convince at this level, it’s certainly fair to say that the right-back slot is there to be claimed. 

Doherty can also put in a shift in a right-midfield position, but when you consider the attacking riches at Tottenham’s disposal, it seems as though that is an unrealistic option for the Irishman. 

The next few months will be crucial in terms of Doherty’s career. Having established himself as a regular for the Republic of Ireland, he won’t be content to warm the bench at a Premier League club. He is too good a player not to be utilised, but it’s up to him to demonstrate to Conte that he has the talent to be a permanent fixture in Tottenham’s starting line-up.

Clontarf top Energia All-Ireland League with win over Young Munster

ENERGIA MEN’S ALL-IRELAND LEAGUE ROUND-UP –

Clontarf conjured up another try of the season contender in their 22-14 Energia All-Ireland League win over Young Munster.

The Division 1A leaders did not have it all their own way at Castle Avenue, but back-to-back tries during the first half set them up for victory.

Maul expert Dylan Donnellan took a familiar route for his 12th try of the campaign, before the D’Arcy twins, Matt and Adrian, were at the heart of a sweeping 27th-minute attack straight from the restart.

Clontarf captain Matt broke out of the 22, combining with Tadhg Bird before some nice offloading in midfield allowed Conor Kelly to put Michael Courtney into space. He fed the other D’Arcy brother to dive over in the left corner.

Munster prop Josh Wycherley came off the bench to burrow over for the Cookies’ second try, but a late penalty from ‘Tarf replacement Conor Kearns sealed the result.

Winning at the 13th attempt, Ballynahinch broke their duck with a 19-9 triumph away to relegation rivals UCC.

Former Ulster prop Kyle McCall barged over for a brace of maul tries inside the opening 16 minutes. Daniel Squires kicked three penalties for an injury-hit UCC.

Having led 17-7 through tries from Dylan O’Grady and Leinster Academy back rower Sean O’Brien, UCD were reeled back in by Cork Constitution in a thrilling 31-all draw in Belfield.

The reigning champions matched the students’ four-try haul, with Niall Kenneally crossing in the 71st minute and captain Aidan Moynihan landing the levelling conversion.

A 61st-minute maul try from Luke Thompson steered Lansdowne to a 20-15 win at Dublin University, while Terenure College edged out Garryowen 18-17 thanks to Levi Vaughan’s powerful try finish from a blindside break.

In Division 1B, St. Mary’s College and Naas are both just three points behind second-placed Highfield, with a Will O’Brien brace helping Naas prevail 21-20 at City of Armagh.

Mary’s remain third despite losing 24-23 at Old Belvedere, whose out-half Justin Leonard coolly drop-kicked the match-winning conversion from out wide, after the ball had fallen off the tee.

A superb solo try from Alex Molloy put table toppers Old Wesley on course for a 30-3 victory over Highfield, while Ronan Coffey and Conor Glynn both touched down twice in Shannon’s 62-point hammering of Navan.

Banbridge won their latest Ulster derby, hooker Peter Cromie’s early second half try helping them see off Malone on a 22-15 scoreline.

ENERGIA MEN’S ALL-IRELAND LEAGUE RESULTS:

DIVISION 1A:

CLONTARF 22 YOUNG MUNSTER 14, Castle Avenue
Scorers: Clontarf: Tries: Tadhg Bird, Dylan Donnellan, Adrian D’Arcy; Cons: Conor Kelly 2; Pen: Conor Kearns
Young Munster: Tries: Jason Kiely, Josh Wycherley; Cons: Evan Cusack 2
HT: Clontarf 19 Young Munster 7

CLONTARF: Tadhg Bird; Michael Brown, Michael Courtney, Matt D’Arcy (capt), Cian O’Donoghue; Conor Kelly, Angus Lloyd; Ivan Soroka, Dylan Donnellan, JP Phelan, Cormac Daly, Mick Kearney, Alex Soroka, Adrian D’Arcy, Tony Ryan.

Replacements: Barry Gray, Darragh Bolger, Ed Brennan, Andrew Feeney, Conor Kearns, Ed Kelly.

YOUNG MUNSTER: Cian Casey; Conor Phillips, Harry Fleming, Evan O’Gorman, Jason Kiely; Evan Cusack, Jack Lyons; Conor Bartley, Mark O’Mara, Keynan Knox, Tom Goggin, Eoin O’Connor, Alan Kennedy (capt), John Foley, Conor Moloney.

Replacements: Aaron Hennessy, Sean Rigney, Josh Wycherley, Bailey Faloon, Adam Maher, Stephen Lyons.

DUBLIN UNIVERSITY 15 LANSDOWNE 20, College Park
Scorers: Dublin University: Tries: Mark Nicholson, Aran Egan; Con: Aran Egan; Pen: Aran Egan
Lansdowne: Tries: Clive Ross, Luke Thompson; Cons: Peter Hastie 2; Pens: Peter Hastie 2
HT: Dublin University 7 Lansdowne 13

DUBLIN UNIVERSITY: Max O’Reilly; Marcus Kiely, Luis Faria, Gavin Jones, Rob Russell; Aran Egan, Louis O’Reilly (capt); Bart Vermeulen, Mark Nicholson, Thomas Connolly, Harry Sheridan, Jamie Berrisford, Anthony Ryan, Alan Francis, Diarmuid McCormack.

Replacements: Lee Barron, Donnacha Mescal, Ronan Murphy, Aaron Coleman, Cormac King, Mick O’Kennedy.

LANSDOWNE: Stephen Madigan; Sean Galvin, Andy Marks, Paul Kiernan, Michael Silvester; Peter Hastie, Cormac Foley; Frank Kavanagh, Luke Thompson, Ben Popplewell, Dan Murphy, Ruairi Clarke, Clive Ross, Jack O’Sullivan (capt), Mark Boyle.

Replacements: Paddy Nixon, Conan Dunne, Joey Szpara, Michael O’Brien, James Kenny, Eamonn Mills.

GARRYOWEN 17 TERENURE COLLEGE 18, Dooradoyle
Scorers: Garryowen: Tries: Bryan Fitzgerald, Tommy O’Hora; Cons: Tony Butler 2; Pen: Tony Butler
Terenure College: Tries: Campbell Classon, Levi Vaughan; Con: Cathal Marsh; Pens: Cathal Marsh 2
HT: Garryowen 17 Terenure College 10

GARRYOWEN: Liam Coombes; Colm Quilligan, Bryan Fitzgerald, Jack Delaney, Tommy O’Hora; Tony Butler, Jack Oliver; Mark Donnelly, Dylan Murphy, James Kendrick, Tim Ferguson, Kevin Seymour (capt), Cian Hurley, Alan Fitzgerald, Sean Rennison.

Replacements: Niall Fitzgerald, Jack Mullany, Roy Whelan, Des Fitzgerald, Ed Barry, David McCarthy.

TERENURE COLLEGE: Adam La Grue; Stephen O’Neill (capt), Colm de Buitléar, Peter Sylvester, Craig Adams; Cathal Marsh, Alan Bennie; Campbell Classon, Levi Vaughan, Andy Keating, Matthew Caffrey, Michael Melia, Harrison Brewer, Luke Clohessy, Jordan Coghlan.

Replacements: Conor McEvoy, Adam Tuite, Mike Murphy, Conall Boomer, James Thornton, Sam Coghlan Murray.

UCC 9 BALLYNAHINCH 19, the Mardyke
Scorers: UCC: Pens: Daniel Squires 3
Ballynahinch: Tries: Kyle McCall 2, Greg Hutley; Cons: Greg Hutley 2
HT: UCC 3 Ballynahinch 12

UCC: George Coomber; Rob Hedderman (capt), Killian Coghlan, Daniel Squires, Joe O’Leary; Eoin Monahan, Andrew O’Mahony; Alessandro Heaney, Tadgh McCarthy, James French, Richard Thompson, Mark Bissessar, Sam O’Sullivan, Jack O’Sullivan, Jack Kelleher.

Replacements: Scott Buckley, Corey Hanlon, Conor Booth, Patrick McBarron, Timothy Duggan, Billy Kiernan.

BALLYNAHINCH: Conor Rankin; Aaron Cairns, Rory Butler, Ryan Wilson, Ronan Patterson; Greg Hutley, Conor McAuley; Nacho Cladera Crespo, Kyle McCall, Peter Cooper, Tom Martin, John Donnan, Thomas Donnan, Oli Loughead, Bradley Luney.

Replacements: David Cooper, Ben Cullen, Gareth Gill, Kyle Gill, Chris Gibson, Callum McLaughlin.

UCD 31 CORK CONSTITUTION 31, UCD Bowl
Scorers: UCD: Tries: Dylan O’Grady, Sean O’Brien, David Ryan, Diarmuid Mangan; Cons: Chris Cosgrave 4; Pen: Chris Cosgrave
Cork Constitution: Tries: Alex McHenry, Max Abbott, James Murphy, Niall Kenneally; Cons: Aidan Moynihan 4; Pen: Aidan Moynihan
HT: UCD 17 Cork Constitution 14

UCD: Chris Cosgrave; Dylan O’Grady, David Ryan, James Tarrant, Jack Ringrose (capt); Tim Corkery, Paddy Patterson; Chris Hennessy, Bobby Sheehan, Evin Coyle, Jonathan Fish, Gerry Hill, Simon Burke, Sean O’Brien, Jack Coolican.

Replacements: Killian McQuaid, Rory Mulvihill, Diarmuid Mangan, Richie Fahy, Luke Maloney, Niall Comerford.

CORK CONSTITUTION: Billy Crowley; JJ O’Neill, Alex McHenry, Niall Kenneally, Sean French; Aidan Moynihan (capt), Duncan Williams; Brendan Quinlan, Max Abbott, Paddy Casey, John O’Callaghan, Cian Barry, John Forde, James Murphy, Luke Cahill.

Replacements: Jack Dinneen, Rory Burke, Conor Kindregan, Malisse Lamarque d’Arrouzat, Gerry Hurley, Greg Higgins.

DIVISION 1B:

BANBRIDGE 22 MALONE 15, Rifle Park
Scorers: Banbridge: Tries: Andrew Morrison, Joe Finnegan, Peter Cromie; Cons: Andrew Morrison, Adam Doherty; Pen: Adam Doherty
Malone: Tries: Claytan Milligan, Dave Cave; Con: Rory Campbell; Pen: Callum Smith
HT: Banbridge 15 Malone 3

BANBRIDGE: Adam Doherty; Conor Field, Joe Finnegan, Ben Carson, Josh Cromie; Andrew Morrison, Neil Kilpatrick; Callum Reid, Peter Cromie (capt), Stuart Cromie, Alex Thompson, Chris Allen, Max Lyttle, Matthew Laird, Robin Sinton.

Replacements: Josh Chambers, Michael Cromie, Ryan Hughes, Alex Weir, Aaron Kennedy, Ross Cartmill.

MALONE: Rory Campbell; Gareth Millar, David McMaster, Nathan Brown, Ben McCaughey; Callum Smith, Shane Kelly; Ben Halliday, Claytan Milligan, Ricky Greenwood, James McAlister, Stewart McKendrick, Daryl Maxwell, Dave Cave (capt), Harry Andrews.

Replacements: Dan Kerr, Aidan McSwiggan, Zach Devine, Jonny Betts, Matthew Neill, Lawson Porter.

CITY OF ARMAGH 20 NAAS 21, Palace Grounds
Scorers: City of Armagh: Tries: Ryan O’Neill, Matthew Hooks 2; Con: Harry Boyd; Pen: Harry Boyd
Naas: Tries: Will O’Brien 2, Bryan Croke; Cons: Peter Osborne 3
HT: City of Armagh 13 Naas 14

CITY OF ARMAGH: Shea O’Brien; Andrew Willis, Tim McNiece (capt), Ross Taylor, Matthew Hooks; Harry Boyd, Gerard Treanor; Paul Mullen, Jack Treanor, Philip Fletcher, Josh McKinley, John Glasgow, Nigel Simpson, Ryan O’Neill, Neil Faloon.

Replacements: Peter Lamb, Dylan Poyntz, James Crummie, James Morton, Chris Colvin, Evin Crummie.

NAAS: Peter Osborne (capt); Donal Conroy, Gary Kavanagh, Matt Stapleton, Sam Cahill; Craig Ronaldson, Connor Halpenny; Jack Barry, Connor Johnson, Adam Coyle, Patrick O’Flaherty, David Benn, Paul Monahan, Will O’Brien, Ryan Casey.

Replacements: John Sutton, Peter King, Paulie Tolofua, Tim Murphy, Bryan Croke, Fionn Higgins.

OLD BELVEDERE 24 ST. MARY’S COLLEGE 23, Ollie Campbell Park
Scorers: Old Belvedere: Tries: Joe Horan 2, Calum Dowling; Cons: Justin Leonard 3; Pen: Justin Leonard
St. Mary’s College: Tries: Richie Halpin 2, Myles Carey; Con: Mick O’Gara; Pens: Mick O’Gara 2
HT: Old Belvedere 3 St. Mary’s College 15

OLD BELVEDERE: Colm Hogan; Jack Keating, David Butler, Justin Leonard, Ariel Robles; David Wilkinson, Conall Bird; James Bollard, Joe Horan, Ryan McMahon, Will McDonald, Connor Owende (capt), Fionn Mcwey, Calum Dowling, Paddy Dowling.

Replacements: Shane O’Hehir, Hugh Flood, Tom Mulcair, Jack Breen, Tommy Whittle, Jack Gilheany.

ST. MARY’S COLLEGE: Dave Fanagan; Matt Timmons, Ryan O’Loughlin, Myles Carey, Craig Kennedy; Mick O’Gara, Colm Reilly; Niall McEniff, Richie Halpin (capt), Mick McCormack, Daniel Leane, Liam Corcoran, David Aspil, Niall Hurley, Ronan Watters.

Replacements: Steven O’Brien, Daniel Lyons, Peter Starrett, Conor Corcoran, Aaron O’Neill, Mark Fogarty.

OLD WESLEY 30 HIGHFIELD 3, Energia Park
Scorers: Old Wesley: Tries: Alex Molloy, Josh Pim, Tommy O’Callaghan, Charlie O’Regan; Cons: Ian Cassidy, Paddy McKenzie; Pens: Ian Cassidy 2
Highfield: Pen: James Taylor
HT: Old Wesley 13 Highfield 0

OLD WESLEY: Alex Molloy; Tommy O’Callaghan, Eoin Deegan, James O’Donovan, David Poff; Ian Cassidy, Ben Murphy; Harry Noonan, Ben Burns, Jacob Barrett, JJ O’Dea, Iain McGann (capt), Will Fay, Josh Pim, Reuben Pim.

Replacements: Robert Byrne, Sam Kenny, Alastair Hoban, Brendan Monahan, Paddy McKenzie, Charlie O’Regan.

HIGHFIELD: Sam Burns; Luke Kingston, Paddy O’Toole, Mark Dorgan, Paul Stack; James Taylor, Chris Banon (capt); James Rochford, Kevin O’Byrne, Daragh Fitzgerald, Dave O’Connell, Fintan O’Sullivan, Ronán O’Sullivan, Cathal Gallagher, Miah Cronin.

Replacements: Travis Coomey, Mick Dillane, Eoin Keating, Eddie Earle, David O’Sullivan, Shane O’Riordan.

SHANNON 62 NAVAN 0, Thomond Park back pitch
Scorers: Shannon: Tries: Alex Long, Ronan Coffey 2, Kelvin Brown, Killian Dineen, Jordan Prenderville, Conor Glynn 2, Penalty try; Cons: John O’Sullivan 5, John Bateman, Pen try con; Pen: John O’Sullivan
Navan: –
HT: Shannon 29 Navan 0

SHANNON: Darren Gavin; Josh Costello, Killian Dineen, Alan Flannery, Jack O’Donnell; John O’Sullivan, Ian Leonard; Kieran Ryan, Alex Long, Roman Salanoa, Ronan Coffey, Jade Kriel, Odhran Ring, Kelvin Brown, Lee Nicholas (capt).

Replacements: Jordan Prenderville, Luke Rigney, Conor Glynn, Jamie Ryan, John Bateman, Colm Heffernan.

NAVAN: Ben Daly; Rory Gordon, Sean McEntagart, Evan Dixon, Ben McEntagart; Colm O’Reilly, Keith Kavanagh; Leigh Jackson, Niall Farrelly, Liam Carroll, Eoghan Noonan, Conor Hand, Conor Ryan, Conor Farrell (capt), Hardus van Eeden.

Replacements: Eoin O’Reilly, Alex McGoey, Andrew Doyle, Ronan Meegan, Paddy Fox, Mark Farrell.

DIVISION  2A:

Ballymena 7 Cashel 17, Eaton Park
Buccaneers 60 Dolphin 7, Creggs RFC
Old Crescent 34 MU Barnhall 27, Takumi Park
Queen’s University 48 Nenagh Ormond 21, Dub Lane
Rainey Old Boys 16 UL Bohemians 21, Hatrick Park

DIVISION 2B:

Dungannon 29 Galway Corinthians 29, Stevenson Park
Galwegians 16 Malahide 17, Crowley Park
Greystones 14 Belfast Harlequins 24, Dr Hickey Park
Sligo v Blackrock College, Hamilton Park (match postponed due to unplayable pitch)
Wanderers 36 Ballina 20, Merrion Road

DIVISION 2C:

Bangor 16 Tullamore 5, Upritchard Park
Bruff 17 Omagh Academicals 15, Kilballyowen Park
Clonmel 27 City of Derry 12, Fethard Town Park
Skerries 41 Midleton 16, Holmpatrick
Sunday’s Well 13 Enniscorthy 12, Musgrave Park

Hockey: Old Alex land key EY victory as Garvey advance in men’s ISC

Women’s EY Hockey League

Old Alex 1 (A Russell) Pegasus 0

Old Alex won an enthralling, if not high scoring game, with Abbie Russell’s single goal just before the end of the third quarter lifting the Milltown side up to a share of third spot with each club now having played 12 games.

Pegasus had the better of the first half with Alex Speers getting a lot of joy on the right sided attack but she came up against Holly Micklem – following her recent call-up to the Irish senior squad for their trip to France – who was in super form.

The ball seemed magnetised to the goalkeeper’s boot as she kicked away four corner shots and brilliantly slid out to deny Speers when through one-on-one. Lena Tice was also impressive with timely tackles and interceptions as the Dubliners hung tough.

In the second, half Old Alex took the upper hand and created some good chances from open play, causing panic stations when Millie O’Donnell, Jessica McGirr and Tice all testing Megan Todd in one melee.

McGirr had a goal initially awarded when her rising slap went up off Shirley McCay’s back and over Todd; after consultation, it was ruled out for the danger created.

Alex did get their goal when Niamh Sweeney slid a backhand pass to Mikayla Power whose one-time deflection across goal was out of reach of the goalkeeper to the back post where Abbie Russell was waiting to apply a diving tip-in.

The hosts ran up a couple more corners and Emma Russell went close with a powerful shot but without the insurance goal, the game remained lively right through to the final whistle.

EY Hockey League Division 2, Group A: Corinthian 3 (L Motyer 2, C Seggie) Galway 0

Laura Motyer’s double helped Corinthian move into a share of top spot in Group A of the women’s EYHL DIvision 2 Group A, seeing off a tough challenge from Galway.

In the early phases, the Connacht side put it up to the Leinster team at Whitechurch Park, winning a couple of corners which caused plenty of danger as Alyssa Manley, Elaine Carey and Rachel Kelly caused plenty of danger.

It was scoreless after the first quarter but Corinthian began to take greater control over the game in Q2 with Camila Arbulo getting things motoring. They took the lead when Christine Seggie scored on the half hour via a corner.

The second half saw that second quarter pattern continue and the reds moved further clear with Jessica Meeke the creator and Motyer the scorer on two occasions. Their first interaction saw Meeke slide a backhand pass into the dangerzone for 2-0 on 45 minutes and they reprised that link-up in the last 10 minutes for the third.

At the mid-point in this group, Corinthian join Ards on 17 points, 10 clear of third placed UCC.

“After a tough first half, we finally got a bit of momentum which are key for us to progress in this league,” said Motyer after the win. 

“They were hard to break down, very strong defensively and fair play, too, to our defence who are always strong. We take it one game at a time and hopefully we will be there for the playoffs at the end of the season.

For Galway’s part, player-coach Manley – an Olympian from 2016 – said her side’s performance was a big step-up for them in their maiden season in EYHL2.

“It was good. We have struggled in matches coming out hard from the start and this was probably our best start,” she said.

“Over the course of the season, we have shown a lot of growth and that showed in this match. We have a lot of young players who are getting more and more confident to play at this level and it is really exciting to see them grow. 

“I really like it over here. If I was back home in the US, now that I am not in the US team, I wouldn’t be able to play hockey. Coming over to do a masters at NUIG, getting to continue playing hockey is really great. Galway is like a little family and the support system is really great.”

Irish cups round-up

Lisnagarvey produced a defensive masterclass to outdo Three Rock Rovers and advance to the final four of the men’s Irish Senior Cup, winning 2-0 at Grange Road.

 

With Jonny Bell marsahlling things, they gave precious few chances to the current EY Hockey League leaders and eventually took their chances in the second half to win a big battle.

 

Indeed, they might have been in the clear earlier in the contest but for some outstanding Conor Quinn goalkeeping – not for the first time this season – as he denied Troy Chambers and James Lorimer early on.

 

Rovers were shy a number of their front line with Ben Johnson, Luke Adams and Evan Jennings out of action and they struggled to get much traction, the pick of their chances flashing just wide from Ross Canning before half-time.

 

Garvey went in front with half an hour to go when Ben Nelson charged down a couple of attempted clearances and followed up to give his older brother Matthew the chance to swipe home. They looked the more likely to strike again and they were two to the good in the last 10 minutes when Andy Edgar flicked home from the penalty spot after a swift counter-attack.

 

Peter Blakeney whizzed a corner shot just wide in the dying moments but Lisnagarvey were well worth their win, setting up a semi-final date with Glenanne. 

 

In the men’s Irish Hockey Trophy, the all-Ulster semi-finals yielded a final showdown between North Down and Queen’s after they overcame South Antrim (6-2) and Portadown (3-2), respectively.

In the women’s Irish Senior Cup, Banbridge and Catholic Institute’s quarter-final was postponed for a second time.

Avoca reached the final of the Irish Hockey Trophy with a shoot-out win over YMCA. Orla O’Brien had Avoca 1-0 up until the closing minutes before YMCA withdrew their goalkeeper in favour of an extra outfielder and it paid dividends when Naoise Carraher netted for 1-1.

But they could not carry that momentum into the shoot-out where Avoce won out 3-1 with efforts from Aoife Grogan, Anna Richardson and Sarah Dillon, Joanne O’Grady getting YMCA’s reply.

Men

Irish Senior Cup, quarter-final: Three Rock Rovers 0 Lisnagarvey 2 (M Nelson, A Edgar)

Irish Hockey Trophy, semi-finals: North Down 6 (P Templeton 2, J Orr, G McKeown, A Welsh, J Gilmore) South Antrim 2 (M Taylor, J Brown); Queens University 3 (H Scott 2, C Irwin) Portadown 2

Women

EYHL Division 1: Old Alex 1 (A Russell) Pegasus 0

EYHL Division 2, Group A: Corinthian 3 (L Motyer 2, C Seggie) Galway 0

Irish Senior Cup, quarter-final: Banbridge v Catholic Institute – postponed 

Irish Hockey Trophy, semi-finals: Avoca 1 (O O’Brien) YMCA 1 (N Carraher), Avoca win shoot-out 3-1; Raphoe v Ashton – postponed

Galwegians qualify for the Energia Women’s All-Ireland League Conference final

Galwegians are bound for Energia Park after qualifying for the Energia Women’s All-Ireland League Conference final courtesy of a comprehensive 50-5 victory over Ballincollig.

With the teams sitting second and third in the table respectively, it was Galwegians who won through to face unbeaten table toppers Suttonians for silverware next Saturday.

The game is part of a triple header in Donnybrook, with the Conference decider and the overall league final between Blackrock College and Railway Union both televised live on TG4.

The changed venue of Creggs RFC’s 4G pitch was very much to ‘Wegians’ liking, with strong-running backs Megan Walsh and Mairéad Coyne chipping in with a hat-trick of tries each.

Blackrock and a much-changed Railway completed the Top Four series at Blackrock school’s all-weather surface, a Natasja Behan brace helping ‘Rock to go five-for-five with a 39-7 bonus point success.

Old Belvedere celebrated their first league win of 2022, Sene Naoupu raiding over from the right wing in the seventh minute as they defeated UL Bohemians 22-12 at Energia Park.

Results have been hard to come by for Belvedere, but Deirbhile Nic a Bhaird’s quick tap sparked the best out of their attack, Fiona Tuite and Brittany Hogan both making breaks before Aine Donnelly released Naoupu to score.

Johnny Garth’s charges doubled their lead in the 13th minute, returning Ireland Sevens internationals Hogan, who strode through midfield, and Erin King again to the fore.

18-year-old flanker King flicked a terrific offload out of a double tackle for Elise O’Byrne-White to collect and burst past Sarah Quin for a well-taken unconverted try.

The excellent King was denied a try by a forward pass, but the Dubliners duly pushed into a 17-0 lead for half-time, pressing again on the back of a turnover penalty won by Nic a Bhaird.

Kathryn Dane’s slick service from ruck to ruck paved the way for her half-back partner Donnelly to nip in beside the posts on an arcing run. Captain Jenny Murphy converted.

Niamh Briggs’ half-time words got Bohs back on track. They unfortunately lost Enya Breen, who shipped a heavy knock in contact, before some nice passing off a scrum played in Eimear Considine for an unconverted score.

Play became scrappier amid a prolonged rain shower, the UL pack growing in influence and a strong spell of carrying ended with replacement Lily Brady squeezing over from close range.

Rachel Allen’s conversion made it a five-point game, but it was Allen whose pass was intercepted by Donnelly for a 40-metre run-in as Belvedere clinched a last-minute bonus point.

‘Belvo and Bohs meet again at the same venue in the 3rd-4th place play-off, while Ballincollig and Cooke will have home advantage in the other play-off games.

Cooke were much improved in seeing off Malone 31-3, number 8 Helen McGhee crossing twice ahead of the sides’ rematch at Shaw’s Bridge.

Wicklow, who travel to ‘Collig in the battle for seventh place, lost 20-15 at home to Suttonians. Sisters Lauren and Kate Farrell McCabe had a try apiece for Sutts, the latter showing her Sevens speed for a brilliant breakaway effort.

The north Dubliners’ efficiency in the red zone was the difference at Ashtown Lane, a simple overlap resulting in the opening try for left winger Lena Kibler in the corner.

Sutts were clinical again from their next visit to the 22, this time captain Lauren Farrell McCabe scoring from a quickly-taken penalty which took them 10 points clear.

Back came Wicklow, a big Lucy Mulhall carry almost getting them over before prop Kathy Byrne grounded the ball successfully. Beth Roberts converted and then, early in the second half, fired oved a levelling penalty.

However, two quick-fire tries from Kate Farrell McCabe, who managed to stay clear of the chasing Ella Roberts, and replacement Emily McKeown regained Suttonians’ 10-point advantage.

A smart Erin McConnell snipe gave the home crowd some hope heading into the closing stages. Centre Vicky Elmes Kinlan almost snatched an equalising try, but she was stopped short of the line and Sutts held out for their fifth straight win.

ENERGIA ALL-IRELAND LEAGUE – WOMEN’S DIVISION RESULTS:

TOP FOUR – ROUND 5: Saturday, February 19

BLACKROCK COLLEGE 39 RAILWAY UNION 7, Blackrock College 4G pitch
Scorers: Blackrock College: Tries: Dorothy Wall, Michelle Claffey, Natasja Behan 2, Ali Coleman, Jackie Shiels; Cons: Meabh Deely 3; Pen: Meabh Deely
Railway Union: Try: Katie Heffernan; Con: Nikki Caughey
HT: Blackrock College 12 Railway Union 7

BLACKROCK COLLEGE: Maggie Boylan; Meabh Deely, Michelle Claffey (capt), Ciara Scanlan, Maeve Liston; Lisa Mullen, Emily Lane; Aoife Moore, Niamh Tester, Christy Haney, Eimear Corri, Mairead Holohan, Dorothy Wall, Ali Coleman, Hannah O’Connor.

Replacements: Ann-Marie Rooney, Casey O’Brien, Meadbh Scally, Maeve Óg O’Leary, Jackie Shiels, Natasja Behan, Katie Fitzhenry.

RAILWAY UNION: Aoife O’Shaughnessy; Ava Ryder, Erin Coll, Katie Heffernan, Tess Feury; Nikki Caughey, Molly Scuffil-McCabe; Grainne O’Loughlin, Chloe Blackmore, Katie O’Dwyer, Sonia McDermott, Keelin Brady, Shannah Tiffoney, Emma Fabby, Grace Moore.

Replacements: Aimee Clarke, Megan Collis, Amanda McQuade, Kate McCarthy, Molly Boyne, Emer O’Mahony, Hazel Simmons.

OLD BELVEDERE 22 UL BOHEMIANS 12, Energia Park
Scorers: Old Belvedere: Tries: Sene Naoupu, Elise O’Byrne-White, Aine Donnelly 2; Con: Jenny Murphy
UL Bohemians: Tries: Eimear Considine, Lily Brady; Con: Rachel Allen
HT: Old Belvedere 17 UL Bohemians 0

OLD BELVEDERE: Fiona Tuite; Clare Gorman, Sene Naoupu, Jenny Murphy (capt), Elise O’Byrne-White; Aine Donnelly, Kathryn Dane; Alice O’Dowd, Vic Dabanovich O’Mahony, Melissa Hayden, Clodagh Dunne, Brittany Hogan, Erin King, Lesley Ring, Deirbhile Nic a Bhaird.

Replacements: Christina Furlong, Amber Redmond, Ciara O’Dwyer, Niamh O’Dowd, Rachel Winters, Aoife Dalton, Laura Carty.

UL BOHEMIANS: Eimear Considine; Alana McInerney, Rachel Allen, Stephanie Nunan, Aoife Corey; Enya Breen, Louise Costello; Chloe Pearse (capt), Kate Sheehan, Fiona Reidy, Claire Bennett, Ciara O’Halloran, Sarah Garrett, Clodagh O’Halloran, Sarah Quin.

Replacements: Eilis Cahill, Caoimhe O’Neill, Lily Brady, Muirne Wall, Niamh Kavanagh, Aoibhinn O’Loughlin.

CONFERENCE – ROUND 5: Saturday, February 19

GALWEGIANS 50 BALLINCOLLIG 5, Creggs RFC
Scorers: Galwegians: Tries: Megan Walsh 3, Mairéad Coyne 3, Sarah O’Connell, Grace Browne Moran; Cons: Nicole Fowley 5
Ballincollig: Try: Denise Redmond
HT: Galwegians 28 Ballincollig 0

GALWEGIANS: Mairéad Coyne (capt); Saskia Morrissey, Megan Walsh, Orla Dixon, Ursula Sammon; Nicole Fowley, Darwyn O’Halloran; Ellen Connolly, Nolwenn Dubois, Jessica Loftus, Niamh O’Grady, Grace Browne Moran, Elizabeth McNicholas, Lisa-Marie Murphy, Dearbhla Canty.

Replacements: Tracey Lawlor, Celia Killilea, Ann Marie Herward, Sarah O’Connell, Emma Keane, Laoise McGonagle, Olivia Haverty.

BALLINCOLLIG: Lauren Fahey; Heather Kennedy, Jayne Pennefather, Mona Fehily, Alison Kelly; Kelly Griffin, Gemma Lane; Alix Cunneen, Clodagh Walsh (capt), Roisin Ormond, Gillian Coombes, Eimear Perryman, Katelyn Fleming, Niamh O’Regan, Kira Fitzgerald.

Replacements: Aoife Flynn, Clare Coombes, Annie Laffan, Sarah O’Donovan, Denise Redmond, Christine Arthurs, Sinead O’Reilly.

MALONE 3 COOKE 31, Gibson Park
Scorers: Malone: Pen: Ella Durkan
Cooke: Tries: Helen McGhee 2, Lucy Thompson, Ilse van Staden, Beth Cregan; Cons: Dolores Hughes 2, Amanda Morton
HT: Malone 3 Cooke 19

MALONE: Holly Brannigan; Jill Stephens, Emma Jordan, Ella Durkan, Anna Stanfield; Peita McAlister (capt), Rachael McIlroy; Sarah Murphy, Cara O’Neill, Anna Smith, Hannah  Beattie, Rebecca Greenaway, Emma Taylor, Shirelle Wilson, Chloe McIlwaine.

Replacements: Ashleigh Currie, Katie Anne McCallion, Nicole Rafferty, Jana McQuillan.

COOKE: Dolores Hughes; Teah Maguire, Lucy Thompson, Kelly McCormill, Tamzin Boyce; Ashleigh Orchard, Georgia Boyce; Fiona McCaughan, Beth Cregan, Aishling O’Connell (capt), Caolinn McCormack, Sorcha Mac Laimhin, India Daley, Katie Hetherington, Helen McGhee.

Replacements: Ilse van Staden, Naomi McCord, Megan Simpson, Cara O’Kane, Amanda Morton, Eimear McQuillan, Chloe McMorran.

WICKLOW 15 SUTTONIANS 20, Ashtown Lane
Scorers: Wicklow: Tries: Kathy Byrne, Erin McConnell; Con: Beth Roberts; Pen: Beth Roberts
Suttonians: Tries: Lena Kibler, Lauren Farrell McCabe, Kate Farrell McCabe, Emily McKeown
HT: Wicklow 7 Suttonians 10

WICKLOW: Ella Roberts; Meagan Parkinson, Vicky Elmes Kinlan, Lucy Mulhall, Sarah Gleeson; Beth Roberts, Erin McConnell (capt); Kathy Byrne, Noelle Ward, Lauren Barry, Jessica Schmidt, Caitlin Griffey, Emma Curran, Emily Ryan, Niamh Ni Dhroma.

Replacements: Amy O’Neill, Niamh O’Leary, Laura Newsome, Becky Condren, Megan McConnell, Saoirse O’Reilly.

SUTTONIANS: Nicole Carroll; Molly Fitzgerald, Kate Farrell McCabe, Catherine Martin, Lena Kibler; Jessica Kelleher, Lauren Farrell McCabe (capt); Julia Bauer, Julia O’Connor, Katie Reel, Brenda Barr, Grainne Tummon, Aislinn Layde, Louise Catinot, Ciara Farrell.

Replacements: Aoife Brennan, Katie Grant Duggan, Nicola Bolger, Ali Howick, Emily McKeown.

Camogie Weekend Review – Ex-Down star McCartan goals on debut

Cork got the Matthew Twomey era off to a winning start but Clare, who themselves were competing under a new eight-person management team, made sure it wasn’t a comfortable day at the office as the Rebels had to work very hard in a wet, wild and windy Cusack Park before eking out a 2-6 to 0-4 triumph in Division 1 of the Littlewoods Ireland Camogie League.

Twomey, who is stepping up to the hotseat having served his apprenticeship under Paudie Murray and can boast hurling legend Davy Fitzgerald among his coaching set-up, will be pleased with the resourcefulness shown by his charges but there was much to be positive from a Clare perspective too.

Another notable aspect of this game was the debut in red of former Down star Sorcha McCartan, who has been based in Cork since last year and plays her club camogie with St Finbarr’s. And the daughter of ex-Mourne football All-Ireland winner Greg made a significant impact, scoring a goal and a point to help the Rebels overturn a one-point interval deficit.

Áine O’Loughlin struck two points, and Chloe Morey and Eimear Kelly were also on the mark to give the hosts that half-time advantage, Izzy O’Regan, Laura Hayes and Amy O’Connor splitting the posts for the Leesiders.

O’Connor equalised soon after the restart before McCartan gave Cork the lead but it was only when McCartan blasted to the net from a penalty after 53 minutes that proceedings finally edged towards Twomey’s outfit. O’Connor raised a second green flag in the fourth minute of injury time to put a slightly flattering look on the final scoreline.

Fáilte Ireland’s Thoroughbred Country Experience Plan

NO REPRO FEE 16/02/2022 The Curragh Racecourse was the setting for a special thoroughbred industry workshop hosted by Fáilte Ireland to kick-start Fáilte Ireland’s Thoroughbred Country Destination Experience Development Plan (DEDP). Members of the tourism and thoroughbred industries in Kildare and Tipperary including trainers' yards, stud farms and jockey schools gathered to commence the implementation of the Plan. This is the first in a series of workshops and events to drive the plan throughout 2022. Pictured at The Curragh were Aine O’Connor RACE, Shauna Harrington Godolphin Ireland, Jim Kavanagh, Laura Magee Thoroughbred Country, Tom Gallagher Godolphin, Derek Dolan Fáilte Ireland Photograph: Sasko Lazarov / Photocall Ireland

The Curragh Racecourse was the setting for a special thoroughbred industry workshop hosted by Fáilte Ireland to kick-start Fáilte Ireland’s Thoroughbred Country Destination Experience Development Plan (DEDP).

 

Members of the tourism and thoroughbred industries in Kildare and Tipperary including trainers’ yards, stud farms and jockey schools gathered to commence the implementation of the Plan. Today marks the first in a series of workshops and events to drive the plan throughout 2022.

 

The Thoroughbred Country DEDP, launched in partnership with Kildare and Tipperary County Councils, is a new 5-year development experience plan for the region that will bring to life the extraordinary thoroughbred horse tradition, the world-renowned horse people, their crafts and the breeding heritage that is synonymous with Ireland.  The aim is to develop new tourism experiences within existing thoroughbred businesses in the region.

 

The visitor experiences, which will include attractions such as behind-the-scenes tours, will be developed by Fáilte Ireland in partnership with industry stakeholders over 8 months. Industry members will be offered mentorship to develop saleable tourism experiences for their businesses, driving visitor numbers and enhancing the unique thoroughbred tourism offering in the area.

 

Brian O’Flynn, Head of Ireland’s Ancient East at Fáilte Ireland said “It is great to kick-off the implementation of the Thoroughbred Country DEDP with this workshop, attended by many key stakeholders from the tourism and thoroughbred industries in Tipperary and Kildare. The heritage and legacy of the thoroughbred is a hugely significant part of the tourism offering for Kildare and Tipperary and the country as a whole. We look forward to working with industry in the region to develop a suite of unique and exciting tourism products that will increase visitor numbers, dwell time and visitor revenue to  Kildare and Tipperary.”

NO REPRO FEE 16/02/2022 The Curragh Racecourse was the setting for a special thoroughbred industry workshop hosted by Fáilte Ireland to kick-start Fáilte Ireland’s Thoroughbred Country Destination Experience Development Plan (DEDP). Members of the tourism and thoroughbred industries in Kildare and Tipperary including trainers’ yards, stud farms and jockey schools gathered to commence the implementation of the Plan. This is the first in a series of workshops and events to drive the plan throughout 2022. Pictured at The Curragh were Aine O’Connor RACE, Shauna Harrington Godolphin Ireland, Jim Kavanagh, Laura Magee Thoroughbred Country, Tom Gallagher Godolphin, Derek Dolan Fáilte Ireland Photograph: Sasko Lazarov / Photocall Ireland

Speaking at the event, Laura Magee, Thoroughbred Country Coordinator said “This workshop is a great opportunity for the thoroughbred industry to collaborate with tourism colleagues and create experiences that will share the unique thoroughbred stories and culture with a wider audience. This is the beginning of an exciting journey the industry is looking forward to undertaking and we look forward to working with Fáilte Ireland and industry members across Kildare and Tipperary as we develop these experiences.” 

 

The Plan includes a number of innovative and ambitious initiatives to be developed in the region over the course of the plan including:

 

  • The new International Thoroughbred Trail
  • The Irish National Stud Experience
  • Coolmore Experience
  • Mingle with the Stars Stallion Trail
  • The Curragh Behind the Scenes Tour
  • Trainers’ Yards Visits

 

The diversity and range of attractions and unique experiences across the counties will be highlighted and the plan will also develop a range of behind-the-scenes exclusive activities for tourists and visitors to the region.

 

Irish Sports Stars Looking to Break America in 2022

Irish sport is in mean health, with Olympians performing heroics in Tokyo and professional athletes also excelling, be it in sports that are watched worldwide, or those such as Hurling and Gaelic Football.

One of the holy grails for any Irish sports star is to break the American market, with the huge Irish diaspora that exists in the states often coming out in force once they are aware of an Irish sports star whose story they can follow.

Here are just some of the Irish sports stars who have a chance of breaking America in 2022, as well as one or two whose are attempting to break America all over again.

Women’s boxing is on the rise right around the globe, thanks in large part to superstars like Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano

Katie Taylor

The “Fighting Irish” is a label that has stuck with Irish combat sports stars and one that all of them are only too happy to uphold. When it comes to female fighters, Katie Taylor stands alone as one of the best of her generation and perhaps of all-time, with her being a heavy odds-on favourite to overcome her opponents. However, all that is due to change when Taylor comes up against fellow boxing legend Amanda Serrano, on the 30th of April in New York’s Maddison Square Garden. That is because Serrano is every bit as decorated as Taylor in the pro game, with the FanDuel sportsbook barely able to split them when it comes to pre-fight odds. Taylor is well known in the US, but a victory in this career defining fight really would announce her as one of the biggest sports stars on the planet.

If Taylor does manage to come away the victory online betting companies will be counting there losses, it would be hard to price up retirement, but may well choose to call time on a career that would hold no more challenges to conquer, other than perhaps an ill-advised move up the weights to face someone like Claressa Shields. A homecoming fight against the likes of Natasha Jonas would also be a fitting farewell for this Irish sporting heroine.

Rhasidat Adeleke

This young Irish sprinter already has one foot in the door when it comes to breaking America, because she lives, trains, and studies in Texas, where she is a student at the University of Texas. It is their state-of-art training and methods which are helping Adeleke become one of the best junior athletes in the world. If she can string some strong performances together in 2022 then all the big sports apparel manufacturers will come calling with sponsorship deals.

Ireland is abuzz with track and field athletes, with Adeleke joining the likes of Andrew Coscoran in turning heads at major international championships

Savannah McCarthy

Women’s soccer is huge in the US and so any female footballer who manages to make waves in the game always pops up on the radars of sports fans across the Atlantic. Savannah McCarthy has established herself as one of the world’s best defenders, having tussled with some of the most feared strikers on the planet, only to come out on top.

With vital World Cup qualification games coming up before the summer, McCarthy could well cement herself as a prime transfer target for one of the big women’s clubs in the US.

Michael Conlan

Conlan enjoyed a stellar amateur career but is perhaps most famous for bemoaning being undone by some dodgy judging at the 2016 Olympics.

He gets to show the whole world, and especially US audiences, just what he can do when he faces Leigh Wood on March 12th. A resounding victory would see him line up potential fights against American-based stars like Emanuel Navarrete.

Connor McGregor

McGregor broke into the US market in a big way with his crossover fight against Floyd Mayweather as well as his outings in the UFC. He is now plotting a return to combat sports in 2022, looking to break America all over again. Few would bet against him doing it.

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