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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.

UEFA Nations League 2022: Ireland and its group rivals

Nations League is a young tournament for European national teams under the auspices of UEFA. It is intended to replace boring friendlies while preparing for big international tournaments.

And the first draws of this tournament showed how good this idea was. The audience’s interest in the matches of the national teams has increased significantly, because it is much more interesting to watch the matches with the tournament intrigue, especially if you place a bet, for example, onBetWinner.

The next draw of the tournament will take place in 2022. Ireland will play in Division B in Group A1, where its rivals will be Scotland, Ukraine and Armenia. The matches of the group round of the tournament will be held mainly in June 2022 (4 rounds), and in September 2022 (2 rounds), Recall that the winner of the group will rise to Division A, and the team that will take 4th place will fly to Division C.

Next, we will talk in more detail about each team in the group about their chances.

Ireland

The Ireland squad is, in many respects, a typical British power team. Now it is in 47th place in the FIFA rating, only Armenia is lower in this group 

The players of the Irish national team play mainly in the English Premier League. None of the footballers who were called to the team’s camp during the last training camp represent the Irish club. Transfermarkt claims €93 million in total value for the Ireland squad.

The most valuable player on the team is Tottenham defender Matt Dougherty, who is worth 16 million euros.

Other notable players of the team:

  •  Seamus Coleman (Everton);
  • Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle);
  • Shane Duffy (Brighton);
  • John Egan (Sheffield).

However, the Irish are famous not for their personalities, but for the team. In the last UEFA Nations League, the Irish finished third in Group B, where Wales, Finland and Bulgaria also played.

Scotland

Scotland is 38th in the FIFA rankings, which is second in the group. The future rival of Ireland is more expensive in terms of the total cost of the squad – 206 million euros.

Scotland’s most expensive and best-known player is Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson.

But the Scots have more than just him. Among famous personalities, they also have:

  •  Arsenal lateral Kieran Tierney;
  •  Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay;
  •  Chelsea talent Bill Gilmore.

In general, Scotland does not shine, but is now one of the best versions of itself in the last 20 years. For example, Scotland played in the final of Euro 2020, although it did not make it out of the group. This was the first hit on a large forum in 23 years, since the 1998 World Cup.

In the last UEFA Nations League, Scotland finished 2nd in Group B of Division B, which also included the Czech Republic, Israel and Slovakia.

Armenia

The Armenian national team ranks 92nd in the FIFA rankings, that is why they got into the fourth pot in the group B draw. However, in the last League of Nations draw, the Armenians won their group in the C division, which also included North Macedonia, Georgia and Estonia

The total squad of Armenia is estimated at 41 million euros, and 1/3 of the cost of this squad is already aging, but perhaps the best football player of the national team in the 21st century – Henrikh Mkhitaryan (15 million euros). The 32-year-old Mkhitaryan has been playing for the national team since 2007, managed to play 88 matches for it and scored 30 goals in them.

The Armenian national team has never in its history played in the final stages of major tournaments (World Cup or Euro), usually occupying the last or penultimate places in the qualification groups.

The Armenian national team is the weakest team in the group, but not a hopeless outsider. For example, during the last qualifying round for the 2022 World Cup, the Armenian national team took 4th place in their group (with Germany, North Macedonia, Romania, Iceland and Liechtenstein). It is noteworthy that the Armenians were superior to the Icelanders.

Ukraine

Ukraine occupies the highest place in the FIFA ranking among the teams in the group – 25th. The squad of this team is estimated at 204 million euros. All this, as well as a very successful performance at the last Euro, allows us to call Ukraine a small favorite of this generally equal group.

The most expensive player in Ukraine is Oleksandr Zinchenko (25 million euros).

Other famous players include:

  • Ruslan Malinovsky (Atalanta);
  • Andriy Yarmolenko (West Ham);
  • Roman Yaremchuk (Benfica);
  • Vitaly Mikolenko (Everton).

On the whole, Ukraine is seen as the most serious adversary of Ireland in this group. The team has some great players from the European championships as well as many promising youngsters.

FAQ

What is UEFA Nations League?

This is a tournament for European national teams, which is intended to replace friendly matches in preparation for major tournaments.

When will the tournament matches take place?

The group stage matches will take place in the summer and autumn of 2022.

Who will Ireland play with?

Ireland’s rivals are Ukraine, Armenia and Scotland. All teams will play 2 matches with each other.

 

Can Ireland Win All Four Cheltenham Festival Championship Races?

The Cheltenham Festival is edging closer and while there are 28 races in total, the festival revolves around four Championship races that take place throughout.

These four races bring together the very best over a variety of different disciplines, and Ireland are looking to win all four this season, as they look to have another successful festival.

The Gold Cup is the centrepiece of the meeting, a race that Ireland have won for the last three years. This year, the race looks wide open, but the latest betting Cheltenham Gold Cup shows that six of the first seven in the betting all come from Ireland, which highlights how strong their challenge is.

One race they may not win, though, is the Champion Chase. This is a race that the UK will fancy their chances of winning, which is evidenced by the fact that Shishkin is currently at the head of the market as a strong favourite. Many of the Champion Chase tips made for the race will feature the 1/1 favourite heavily, such has been his dominance over two miles this year and last.

Away from the Champion Chase, the other three races look to have strong Irish chances, and we all know that anything can happen in racing, especially at the Cheltenham Festival. Is there a way that the Irish can win all four Championship races this season?

Honeysuckle Leads Irish Challenge

The star on show when it comes to Irish horses is certainly Honeysuckle: she will head to the Champion Hurdle on the first day of the meeting and will carry the hopes of almost every punter at the meeting. She is seen as the banker by many, not just of the Irish runners, but of every runner heading to Cheltenham.

A winner of her 14th race in a row when she won the Irish Champion Hurdle, she is clearly in great form and looks to have the Champion Hurdle at her mercy, given the quality we have seen from her over the past 18 months.

Can Anyone Beat Shishkin?

The biggest task of all, if Ireland wants to win all four Championship races, is to beat Shishkin in the Champion Chase, which takes place on the second day of the festival. Energumene and Chacun Pour Soi lead the Irish challenge, while we could also see Envoi Allen take him on too, though that horse has certainly lost his spark over the past 12 months.

Given Chacun Pour Soi’s disappointment at Cheltenham in the past, the task may be down to Energumene. However, when he met Shishkin recently in the Ascot Chase, it was Shishkin that won well, and really stamped his authority on the staying division.

Cheltenham is a very different proposition, a different course, and certainly a change of atmosphere for the horses to cope with, but it is the Irish runner that has to turn the tables. Ireland have the quality to challenge in all four Championship races this season, but it may come down to beating Shishkin as to whether they can win them all or not.

Tadhg Beirne signs IRFU contract until July 2025

Credit: @IrishRugby/IRFU.
Ireland and Munster Rugby player Tadhg Beirne has signed an IRFU contract which will see him play his rugby in Ireland until at least July 2025.
Beirne made his Ireland debut against Australia on the 2018 Summer Tour and featured in every game of Ireland’s 2019 Rugby World Cup campaign. To date he has won 27 caps for Ireland and was selected for the 2021 British and Irish Lions squad featuring in the first two Tests of the series against the Springboks.
TA product of the Leinster Rugby system, Beirne joined Scarlets in 2016 winning a PRO12 title in 2017. In 2018 he joined Munster making his debut for the men in red against Glasgow Warriors in September of that year.
Commenting on his new contract, Beirne said:
“I have made some tough decisions in my career but this was an easy one.  I am grateful to everyone who has supported me on this journey – my family, my partner and the different coaches along the way who helped me become a better player.  Representing Munster, Ireland and the Lions over the past few seasons has been fantastic and I am looking forward to contributing in red and green in the years to come.”

10 Irish-trained entries for Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase at Cheltenham Festival

Ten Irish-trained horses are among the entries for the Grade 2 Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase (2m 4f 127y) at Cheltenham on Friday 18 March.

Put The Kettle On (IRE) 8 11 7 One For Luck Racing Syndicate Henry de Bromhead IRE

Concertista (FR) 8 11 5 Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede  Willie Mullins IRE

Scarlet And Dove (IRE) 8 11 5 Gigginstown House Stud Joseph O’Brien IRE

Riviere d’Etel (FR) 5 11 3 Bective Stud Gordon Elliott IRE

Agusta Gold (IRE) 9 11 2 Dr S. P. Fitzgerald  Willie Mullins IRE

Dolcita (FR) 7 11 2 Sullivan Bloodstock Limited  Willie Mullins IRE

Elimay (FR) 8 11 2 Mr John P. McManus  Willie Mullins IRE

Gin On Lime (FR) 6 11 2 Robcour Henry de Bromhead IRE

Global Equity (IRE) 7 11 2 Annus Mirabilis Syndicate Joseph O’Brien IRE

Maid O’Malley (GB) 9 11 2 Debbie Crawford & stuart coltherd Stuart Coltherd

Mount Ida (IRE) 8 11 2 KTDA Racing Gordon Elliott IRE

Pink Legend (GB) 8 11 2 Mr Francis Mahon Venetia Williams

The Glancing Queen (IRE) 8 11 2 Dingwall, Farrell, Hornsey & Murray Alan King

Vienna Court (IRE) 7 11 2 James & Jean Potter Ltd Nigel Twiston-Davies

Zambella (FR) 7 11 2 Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede Nigel Twiston-Davies

Large Irish entry for Grade 2 Parnell Properties Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle

Entries were announced today for the Parnell Properties Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m 179y, which will be run at the Cheltenham Festival on St Patrick’s Day.

Allegorie de Vassy (FR) 5 11 7 Mrs S. Ricci Willie Mullins IRE

Elle Est Belle (GB) 6 11 7 Mrs Suzanne Lawrence Dan Skelton

Impervious (IRE) 6 11 7 Mr Paul McKeon Colm Murphy IRE

Lunar Display (IRE) 6 11 7 Annus Mirabilis Syndicate Joseph O’Brien IRE

Party Central (IRE) 6 11 7 Bective Stud Gordon Elliott IRE

Statuaire (FR) 7 11 7 M. L. Bloodstock Limited Willie Mullins IRE

Choice of Words (GB) 7 11 5 Mrs Bernardine Mulryan/Mrs Paul Shanahan Martin Brassil IRE

Love Envoi (IRE) 6 11 5 Noel Fehily Racing Syndicates Love Envoi Harry Fry

Nina The Terrier (IRE) 6 11 5 Mr Charles Dingwall Alan King

Tweed Skirt (GB) 5 11 5 Just Four Men with Rose Tinted Glasses Nicky Henderson

Ahorsewithnoname (GB) 7 11 2 Mr D J Burke & Mr P Alderson Nicky Henderson

Belle Metal (IRE) 5 11 2 Mr K. Alexander Willie Mullins IRE

Braganza (GB) 7 11 2 Mrs Sharon Noonan Willie Mullins IRE

Brandy Love (IRE) 6 11 2 Mr Claudio Michael Grech Willie Mullins IRE

Burn The Evidence (GB) 5 11 2 Mr Frank Morris Gordon Elliott IRE

Dinoblue (FR) 5 11 2 Mr John P. McManus Willie Mullins IRE

Get A Tonic (IRE) 6 11 2 Cherry Knoll Farm, M&T Ward & D Skelton Dan Skelton

Glan (IRE) 7 11 2 Mr John P. McManus Gordon Elliott IRE

Grangee (FR) 6 11 2 Syndicates.Racing Willie Mullins IRE

Hauturiere (FR) 5 11 2 Dr S. P. Fitzgerald Willie Mullins IRE

Heia (FR) 5 11 2 Mr K. Alexander Willie Mullins IRE

Hidden Land (USA) 5 11 2 Mr P. J. Byrne Andrew Kinirons IRE

Holly Hartingo (IRE) 6 11 2 The HHH Partnership Alastair Ralph

Hors Piste (FR) 5 11 2 Mrs J. Donnelly Willie Mullins IRE

Lady Adare (IRE) 6 11 2 Dare and Dolan-Abrahams Families Harry Fry

La Prima Donna (FR) 5 11 2 Mr K. Alexander Willie Mullins IRE

Mayhem Mya (GB) 5 11 2 Mr G. Thompson Chris Honour

Mighty Blue (FR) 6 11 2 Capel Street Syndicate Joseph ‘Brien

Mi Lighthouse (IRE) 8 11 2 Four Mile House Partnership Willie Mullins IRE

Monishter Are Mwee (IRE) 6 11 2 John Bermingham/D. Hearne Mrs Jayne Hearne IRE

Music of Tara (GB) 5 11 2 Robcour/Mrs Paul Shanahan Henry de Bromhead IRE

Night And Day (GB) 5 11 2 Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede Willie Mullins IRE

Nurse Susan (FR) 5 11 2 Mr Colm Donlon Dan Skelton

Say Goodbye (IRE) 6 11 2 Robcour Gordon Elliott IRE

See A Stride (IRE) 5 11 2 Pioneer Racing Gordon Elliott IRE

Speech Bubble (IRE) 7 11 2 Tim Syder Noel Williams

Take Tea (IRE) 7 11 2 Mr John P. McManus Willie Mullins IRE

The Player Queen (IRE) 6 11 2 Mr & Mrs Duncan Davidson Rose Dobbin

Walk In Clover (IRE) 5 11 2 The Blind Squirrels Dan Skelton

Sea Sessions (GB) 4 10 11 Mr John Robinson Ross O’Sullivan IRE

Six Feet Apart (IRE) 4 10 11 Mr P. D. Savill Joseph O’Brien IRE

Innatendue (FR) 4 10 6 Alymer Stud Ltd John McConnell IRE

The Benefits of Sports that You Ought to Know

There are different forms in which taking part in sports can help you. In addition to feeling physically fit, sports help you stay healthier and mentally strong. Sport can be fun, especially when playing as a team, family, or friends. Sports give people a great opportunity to shine and become great leaders. If you’re considering registering yourself or your loved one for sports, but you’re not convinced yet, keep reading to know the many benefits that sports have to offer:

  • Better sleep

Studies have shown that exercise and sport trigger chemicals in your brain that make you feel relaxed and happier. Sports give you a chance to unwind and participate in an activity that improves your fitness levels. When playing your sports outside, you get to breathe fresh air, which promotes good health, and you sleep better at night.

  • A strong heart 

Your heart needs regularly to stay healthy and fit. When the heart is strong and healthy, it can pump blood more efficiently around the body. Your heart will become stronger with continued exercise, enhancing your body’s full health.

  • Improved Lung function

Regular sports enable more oxygen to be drawn into your body, then carbon monoxide and other waste gases are expelled from the body. Sporting increases your lung capacity, improving your lung function and efficiency.

  • Reduced Stress

When your body is active, your mind takes a break from your everyday life’s normal stresses and strains. Life is stressful enough; however, regular exercise suppresses the stress hormones in the body and instead stimulates the release of endorphins. The endorphins give you more energy and help you to focus more.

  • Enjoy Improved Mental Health

Studies have shown that frequent participation in sports, playing card games like bitcoin blackjack, and staying active helps promote your mental health. Sports enhance your mood and improve your well-being. 

  • Improved Appearance 

In addition to helping you lose weight, physical activity can boost your appearance by toning your muscles. The more you use your muscles, the more your physical endurance and overall strength improve. When you are physically active, it enables you to get sufficient oxygen and blood flow in your entire body, enhancing your complexion and making your skin glow.

  • It helps to develop strong relationships

Through sports, people can build strong relationships with the people they’re playing with. You learn more about an individual’s personality through sports, including weaknesses and strengths. Sporting with colleagues is a great opportunity for sports enthusiasts to build good relationships and networks that can help them become better at work. Those who like watching live scores on platforms can meet and interact with millions of other people worldwide.

  • Sports help the healthy development of children

Children who play sports while still young develop healthy and stronger bones and become very active. This alleviates the chances of them developing physical injuries. When children take part in physical exercises just before puberty, this gives them a great foundation for better growth in the future. Watching live sports on platforms like bitcoin blackjack is also a great way to enjoy sports. 

 

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