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Galvin and Davy Russell win Grade 1 Savills Chase at Leopardstown

Galvin won the Grade 1 Savills Chase, the highlight of day 3 at Leopardstown today, while Klassical Dream took Tuesday’s other Grade 1, the Dornan Engineering Christmas Hurdle.

Galvin and Davy Russell got up in the shadows of the post to snatch the Savills Chase from last winner A Plus Tard and 2019 Punchestown Gold Cup victor Kemboy.

The Ronnie Bartlett-owned winner, who claimed the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last season, was runner-up to Frodon at Down Royal on his last start.

Kemboy lead from flag fall and looked to have run most of the field into submission until the race favourite A Plus Tard made eye-catching progress on the outside of the field as they approached two from home.

With the Henry De Bromhead-trained Rachael Blackmore-ridden odd-on favourite looking the most likely winner, Russell soon moved Galvin outside of the eventual runner-up and third-placed horse as they approached the final fence.

With A Plus Tard finding it difficult to put daylight between himself and Melon, Russell and Galvin rallied close home to deny A Plus Tard by a short head with a further three-quarters of a length back to the brave Kemboy in third.

Klassical Dream wins Christmas Hurdle

Klassical Dream (7/4f), a former 2 mile novice star, won the Grade 1 Dornan Engineering Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown this afternoon.

A winner at his first attempt at the staying distance at the Punchestown Festival last April, Klassical Dream took back-to-back Grade 1 wins, and claimed the €59,000 first prize.

The Joanne Coleman-owned French-bred was in the lead, or sharing the lead, throughout the three mile contest. His nearest rival during the race, and also on the home straight, was last season’s Stayers’ Hurdle winner at Cheltenham Flooring Porter.

It was a seventh winner of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival 2021 for the successful handler, Willie Mullins, who was also responsible for the third-placed Burning Victory.

Mullins treble

Mullins completed a double when Paul Townend guided Galopin Des Champs to a highly impressive victory in the Ballymaloe Relish Beginners Chase.

The odds-on former Punchestown Grade 1-winner over hurdles was never in danger on his first start over fences as he passed the winning post 22 lengths clear of Ain’t That A Shame (10/1) with another 16 lengths back to Floueur (10/1) in third.

The champion trainer completed a treble when taking the concluding bumper with Redemption Day (8/11f) under his son Patrick.

First racecourse winner for Ellen Doyle

The opening Savills Maiden Hurdle over 2 miles 4 furlongs went to the Ellen Doyle-trained Howyabud, ridden by Jack Foley. The 25/1 chance, bred and owned by Kilkenny hurler Charlie Carter, beat the Willie Mullins import Horantzau D’airy (11/10f) by six lengths and the October Point-to-Point winner Secret She Keeps (16/1) from the Henry De Bromhead yard was a further five and a half lengths back in third.

Another Christmas winner for JP McManus

The good Christmas form of horses owned by JP McManus continued with the victory of Priory Park (92/jf) in the Irish Daily Star Christmas Handicap Hurdle under jockey Mark Walsh. The gelded son of Dylan Thomas was following up on his November success at Thurles for handler Edward O’Grady as he beat Nazine (25/1), Silvertown (14/1) and Carrig Rock (9/1).

Curragh-based trainer Martin Brassil won the Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier) with 25/1 shot Panda Boy, with JJ Slevin in the saddle. In a hotly-contest qualifier for the Cheltenham Festival, the five-year-old grey son of Valirann won his second career race as he held off Winter Fog (8/1), Futurum Regum (22/1) and the 6/1 favourite A Great View.

Tomorrow is the final day of the 2021 Leopardstown Christmas Festival.

Mighty Potter gives Jack Kennedy first Grade 1 success since returning from injury

Top trainers Gordon Elliott and Henry De Bromhead shared the Grade 1 races on Day 2 of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival as Mighty Potter and Envoi Allen took Monday’s main races.

Mighty Potter (5/2) was a first Grade 1 success for rider Jack Kennedy since his return from injury. The Gordon Ellliot-handled bay gelding won the €100,000 Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle over 2 miles for owners Caldwell Construction Ltd. In what was a one-two for Elliott, Three Stripe Life and Davy Russell were second at 4/1.

“It was great for Jack – his first winner back,” said Gordon Elliott. “The other horse (Three Stripe Life) is also a nice horse. I was happy the whole way until the second last but he got wiped out at the second last – both horses did. Both showed guts to comeback – two nice horses for the future.”

Envoi Allen wins Grade 1 Chase

The first Grade 1 of the day, The Paddy’s Rewards Steeplechase, saw just three go to post with the early morning defection of Chacun Pour Soi. This left Battleoverdoyen, Envoi Allen and Sizing Pottsie to battle it out for the €125,000 contest over 2 miles 1 furlong.

With Sizing Pottsie prominent early doors, the Seán O’Keeffe-ridden runner was the first beaten, and would finish the race without the assistance of the rider in the saddle. The Gigginstown House Stud-owned Battleoverdoyen (9/2) and Cheveley Park Stud’s Envoi Allen (2/5f) then took one another on as they battled until the final fence.

Envoi Allen, who was down from 2m 4 furlongs at Punchestown, and last season’s Aintree Grand National-winning rider Rachael Blackmore pulled clear from the last fence, eventually claiming the €73,750 first prize by seven and a half lengths from the Jack Kennedy-ridden runner-up Battleoverdoyen.

“We had a bit of scare there turning in but he put his head down,” said winning jockey Rachael Blackmore. “I think Henry was definitely right to step him back. Obviously with Chacun Pour Soi being out it changed the dynamic of the race.”

School Boy Hours claims €200,000 Paddy Power Chase

Top owner JP McManus was mob-handed in the richest race of the day, the Paddy Power Chase over 3 miles.

It was one of the low weights, School Boy Hours (12/1), carrying 10-08 that took the spoils for handler Noel Meade and jockey Seán Flanagan.

In the 28-runner field, top weight Coco Beach made most of the early running under seven-pound claimer Rob James. The early exertions took their toll as the Gigginstown House Stud runner faded before the business end of the race.

Ben Dundee (33/1), owned by Chris Jones, gave School Boy Hours most to do in the dying stages, but the McManus runner held him at bay by half a length, with Enjoy D’allen (28/1) two and a half lengths further back in third, ahead of Braeside (14/1), Death Duty and Birchdale.

Icare Allen wins on Irish debut

The French-bred Icare Allen took the opening 3-Y-O- Maiden Hurdle for Willie Mullins, jockey Mark Walsh and owner JP McManus. Walsh, who switched from another McManus-owned runner, Brazil, was a three-length victor on his Irish debut, having previously won over a mile and a half in France last August. The Peter Fahy-trained Privilege was a big-priced runner-up at 80/1 while Vera Verto (11/2) from the Gavin Cromwell yard took third.

“Lovely horse. He did it very well and had been working well at home,” Willie Mullins explained. “In fact the only bad bit of work he did was the one where I took him away to see how good he was and he worked desperate.”

Haut En Couleurs takes Beginners Chase

Willie Mullins quickly brought up a double when 1/3 favourite Haut En Couleurs won the Paddy Power Games Beginners Chase under Paul Townend. In the colours of the Donnellys, the French-bred four year old son of Saint Des Saints led home a 1-2-3 for the Closutton handler as Gentleman De Mee (5/1) took the runner-up position with front runner Mt Leinster bringing up the trifecta – both of the placed horses conceding 6 pounds to the winner.

“I think he looks Arkle material, and maybe Gentleman De Mee too,” admitted the winning handler post-race, “I think both horses will improve from the run.”

Brides Hill was game in making all in the Paddy Power ‘I’ve Had More Vaccines Than Nights Out’ Handicap Hurdle under Luke Depmsey. In the colours of the Brides Hill Syndicate, the Gavin Cromwell-trained four year old daughter of Dylan Thomas came home in splendid isolation at a price of 16/1.

How to select best online betting app for cricket

India is a cricket-crazed country where the sport is revered as if it were a religion, and sportsmen are idolised. While the two teams of 11 players sweat it out on the field, millions of others are riveted to their televisions, experiencing the same euphoria. There are also many people that play the game digitally, completely immersed in it by making wagers on it. Betting on the internet has grown in popularity in recent years. As the IPL season approaches, more people will be looking to take bets and make some fast cash.

Withdrawal

Looking to withdraw your potential winnings before the end of the match? Your betting provider should give you this option in their app. According to 22BET, the company that offers a withdrawal option as part of the cricket betting apps it offers, they claim “with this withdrawal option, the customer can be held accountable for the fate of his bets by how to withdraw part of the potential winning amount before the end of the game”. Also, keep an eye on the terms and conditions associated with this option. Without terms and conditions, it’s usually a red flag, so be careful. 

User-friendly and professional application It can be extremely frustrating to navigate a cricket betting app that is not user-friendly. If you’re struggling to find what you want or are having a hard time placing a bet, find a provider that prides itself on making their service user-friendly. Key things to keep in mind: 

Wide range of betting options 

Approx. all famous cricket betting apps will have many betting options, but you must do some research. Things like head-to-head betting, most races and most matches allow you to put your cricket knowledge to the test. However, it is essential that you understand all the options available to you. Also, it is essential that you have a spending limit and respect it. Of course, the many betting options can be tempting, but they can also be overwhelming. Make sure you do your research and understand all the options as efficiently as possible. 

Promotions and Offers 

Look for promotions and offers to make your betting experience more enjoyable. For example, providers like 22BET offer welcome bonuses, as well as other bonuses, that reduce your risk. Incentives like these are an opportunity to minimize your losses while still profiting from betting on stocks. 

 Withdrawal 

There are two main things to keep in mind here: 

  • Reputable betting providers allow withdrawal of winnings. This is, of course, a minimum requirement. Suspected providers will not make withdrawals, so keep an eye out for legitimate ones.
  • Withdrawal speed: you can process your financial transactions as quickly as possible. If a cricket betting app offers this well, then you know you are dealing with a good provider. 

Support 

Does the app provide details about who to contact for support? Reputable vendors will be there to help you if you have any questions or difficulties. So as part of your search for a cricket betting app, be sure to check if the company has a support contact you can contact. 

Choose the right event to bet on Cricket matches are played throughout the year in all three formats i.e. Test, One Day and 2020 matches. It is helpful if you decide in advance on which event you want to focus on, as the search requirements for all of these formats vary. It also varies depending on national and international events. For example, players’ abilities and skills when playing in different game types will vary and only a small number of players will be able to play to their full potential in all three game types. Most are excellent in every way and lousy in every way is different. Therefore, determining the type of play that you will participate in is extremely necessary from which to research and analyse accordingly. 

Understanding bet types 

There are different [valid where legal] cricket bets are available and not all take place on all sites. The bets available on a particular portal depend on the bookmaker. Some bets are standard and available on all betting portals as “match outcome” bets where the bet is won or lost depending on the outcome of the match. Odds bets, however, vary from port to port. These bets can be placed on number six, number four, total limit in one half, top scorer, top scorer, man of the match and more. They cannot be instinctively placed and require extensive study and understanding of the game. You need to place an informed call about the bets you want to place based on the granularity of your research and the reliability of your analysis.

 

So, while utilising a cricket betting app, there are a few things to bear in mind. It’s all about having a safe and enjoyable experience at the end of the day, so find a trustworthy supplier and stay to a budget.

Membership of Seven Worlds Racing Club – an ideal Christmas gift

Looking for a late Christmas present for a sports fan? How about membership of a racing club?

Seven Worlds Racing Club is currently accepting new members and is certainly an option worth considering.

The Club has two horses, Seven Worlds, a four-year-old gelded son of No Nay Never and Brokers Tip, a three-year-old gelded son of Anjaal. Both horses are trained on The Curragh by Darren Bunyan.

Membership benefits of the Seven Worlds Racing Club include free admission tickets to race meetings where a club horse runs, a share of prize-money won, stable visits to Darren Bunyan’s, a membership pack with branded merchandise, membership card, access to the Club app, regular features magazine and a loyalty discount, to name but a few.

Twelve month membership costs €350 and there is a guarantee of no further costs throughout the 12-month period. The Seven Worlds Racing Club also has a pay quarterly option, as well as a special offer of €650 if two people join – giving a saving of €50.

If you don’t want to head into the traffic jams in your local town in the coming days, and still don’t have some Christmas presents, then perhaps this is a good option, as you can join Seven Worlds Racing Club from the comfort of your home via your computer or mobile phone.

For further details on joining Seven Worlds Racing Club, log on to www.sevenworldsracingclub.com. There is an FAQ section available on their website at: https://sevenworldsracingclub.com/faqs.php

Cup competitions offer Barcelona the chance of a road to redemption

Not even the return of legendary former player Xavi Hernández, despite all the hopes and expectations, could save Barcelona from their UEFA Champions League fate. Comfortably beaten 3-0 at Bayern Munich in the final round of group games, the Spanish giants were out of the competition and forced to accept the consolation prize.

Finishing third in a Champions League group that also contained Benfica and Dynamo Kiev, that was far below the ambitions of Barcelona this season, regardless of all the turmoil which surrounds this huge club economically. Being bounced unceremoniously out of the elite competition will bring further financial disappointment, just when they least need it, amidst a pressing need to bring in much-needed funds.

However, aside from the inevitable dismay at falling by the wayside in one competition, Barcelona can at least continue their continental adventures this term, should they choose to take the UEFA Europa League seriously. Alongside the likes of Borussia Dortmund and fellow Spanish outfit Sevilla, the side now led by Xavi has already been installed as one of the favourites to lift the trophy.

 

By contrast, predictions in LaLiga are looking pretty grim. Even with the arrival of Xavi, who was initially tipped to bring fresh impetus to a largely underperforming team, Barcelona has yet to find the rhythm which many believe they are still capable. Prior to the Champions League exit, Barcelona also suffered a frustrating 1-0 home defeat against Real Betis, leaving them seventh in the table and 16 points behind leaders Real Madrid.

Inevitably, the title odds for Barcelona continue to lengthen and at the moment, they are priced at 33/1 to win LaLiga. Just to put this into some context, this is equal to what many bookies are offering for Real Sociedad, while Sevilla and Atlético Madrid are both valued at much shorter odds. Meanwhile, even finishing in the top four may be a difficult proposition, as those odds also continue to lengthen.

Comparing odds and offers is always good advice, before deciding who to back. This is why Arabian Betting has produced a comprehensive list of the best online sports betting sites, carefully evaluating each with detailed reviews and a transparent rating system. This covers key elements like safety and security, the overall quality of service provided, plus the diversity and range of betting markets each site has to offer.

Insofar as the betting markets for Barcelona are concerned this season, while backing them to win LaLiga currently seems like a speculative punt at best, the cup competitions could bring some welcome relief to their millions of disgruntled fans. Although they might sniff at the perceived lesser value of the UEFA Europa League, you can bank on Xavi being motivated. He will undoubtedly set the competition as a primary objective.

 

There is one clearly added incentive to winning the UEFA Europa League, given that lifting the trophy also provides a pathway back into the UEFA Champions League next season. That could prove important, should Barcelona continue to stutter and stumble in LaLiga, unable to finish within the top four. Likewise, continental competition brings valuable experience for the younger players, which Xavi will regard as being highly valuable towards their progress.

Although restoring some pride in LaLiga will be crucial towards restoring confidence, there is absolutely no substitute for the tangible success of lifting a trophy. Assuming that hunting down the UEFA Europa League will be the primary objective; the secondary will most surely be going all the way in the Copa del Rey. After all, this is the one competition Barcelona has won more times than any other team in Spain, achieving their 31st Copa del Rey title last season.

Given they don’t enter the Spanish cup competition until the Round of 32, and the format is seeded to ensure matchups with lower league teams until the Round of 16, it’s fair to say that Barcelona would have an easy pathway to the Quarter-Finals. From then onwards, it’s luck of the draw which dictates their opponents, while the biggest LaLiga Santander rivals might view their other objectives with more importance.

Indeed, the road to redemption for Xavi and this Barcelona team could be the cup competitions. They genuinely offer the best chance of silverware this season, which is certainly what the iconic new head coach will be seeking, eager to lay down strong foundations of early success upon which he can build. 

Biggest Horse Racing shocks of 2021

The unpredictable nature of horse racing is one of the things that makes it such a riveting sport. The hurdles, horse/jockey relationship, sharp turns and weather conditions are all elements which add extra jeopardy to the sport and contribute to the high number of shock results and underdog wins.

2020 was a year with even more shocks than usual, due to many horses and jockeys having to pull out of races due to travel and health restrictions. One of the biggest surprise results of 2020 occurred at the Epsom Derby in July, where the first three places paid out at 56,000/1. The winner that day was Serpentine who was heavily unfancied at 25/1, followed by Khalifa at 50/1 and Amhran Na Bhfiann. While 2021 featured somewhat fewer restrictions, cancellations and postponements, there were still plenty of big shocks throughout the year.

Torquator Tasso – Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Longchamp)

4-year-old German thoroughbred Torquator Tasso was the shock winner of October’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, becoming only the third German trained horse to win the race, following in the footsteps of Danedream in 2011 and Star Appeal in 1975. This victory was as much a shock to fans at Longchamp as it was to viewers across Europe. Before the race, experts like Andy Holding, who provides horse racing tips for Oddschecker, were reporting that Tasso was extremely unfancied at 80/1. Even Marcel Weiss, Tasso’s rookie trainer said, “we would have been happy if he had finished third, fourth, fifth or sixth”, which shows how much the result surprised the team. This was Torquator Tasso’s third win of the season, but by far the most impressive, with the previous two coming in much smaller races Hansa-Preis and Grosser Preis von Baden in his native Germany.

Reshoun – Ascot Stakes

Running as a 66/1 underdog from a field of 19, Reshoun produced one of the performances of the season in winning the 2021 Ascot Stakes on day one of the Royal Ascot meeting. As with many underdog winners, Reshoun and his trainer were able to keep up with the leading pack, before making a dash for the front in the final furlong. The win was made even more shocking and impressive by the fact that legendary jockey Frankie Dettori was overtaken after making a final dash for the finish line on his horse Golden Rules. Reshoun’s jockey William Buick does have great pedigree, having won three previous Classics, however, this was his first win since the Epsom Derby in 2018. In Reshoun’s four other races of 2021 he placed 11th, 12th, 7th and 8th, proving just how surprising the Ascot Stakes result was.

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Jeff Kidder – Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Cheltenham)

In the biggest Cheltenham Festival shock in the last 30 years, Irish Bay Gelding Jeff Kidder won the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at 80/1, beating 9/2 favourite Saint Sam. Even after a few jumping mistakes during the race, Kidder and jockey Sean Flanagan finished strong to claim Flanagan’s first ever Cheltenham victory. In the pre-race predictions, only two horses were less fancied than Kidder making it one of the shocks of the century. In the months after Cheltenham the horse and jockey pair went on to win further races at Fairyhouse and Punchestown, as well as two consecutive third places at the end of the year, ensuring his pre-race odds are much shorter these days.

Freewheelin Dylan – Irish Grand National

The biggest shock on this list in terms of odds is Freewheelin Dylan, the 150/1 winner of the 2021 Irish Grand National. Ridden by Ricky Doyle, this was Dylan’s first appearance since finishing last out of a field of eight at Punchestown last year. After taking the lead at the first jump, the nine-year old led to race until the end. Speaking after the race, Doyle said “I could not believe it – I thought everything was too good to be true! His jumping is just out of this world, but how well he travelled and the rhythm he was in (was unbelievable).”, which shows how much of a shock the win was.

Increased Popularity Of Sports Themes In Gambling? Here Is Why!

Gambling has evolved into a popular kind of entertainment for individuals all around the world. Slot machines have long been a favorite of many gamblers, dating back to when they were first introduced to the gaming market. The ease, thrill, and excitement of slots are the primary reasons why more and more people are drawn to them whenever they visit a casino, whether online or offline. However, one of the primary causes individuals are attracted to slots is the appealing themes available.

Different Themed Slots

Developers are coming up with new ideas to use on slot machines to lure more players as the industry evolves. In the slot machines, you’ll find horror-themed, Disney-themed, Ancient Egyptian-themed, and a plethora of other themes. Sports-themed slot machines are another popular topic. People are as fascinated with slots as they are with sports. As a result, the game developers had quite a brilliant idea to use a sports theme.

Themes related to sports in slot machines have grown in popularity in recent years due to the numerous sporting events held throughout the world. Several Situs slot online terpercaya (trusted online slot sites) have developed a variety of sports-themed slot machines to keep their clients entertained. Is this, however, the only reason for the growing popularity of sports-themed slot machines? In this article, we’ll find the reason!

Why Is Sport So Much Loved?

Sports is one fun source of entertainment that you can enjoy both by playing or by just watching. Due to this, sports have become an essential part of everyone’s lives. Sports are a terrific way to get away from reality. One of the key reasons why people are so fascinated by sports is that it showcases the extraordinary achievements that people can accomplish. Several sports fans also feel that sports are a kind of communication with other people that keeps them connected to social life and motivates them throughout their lives.

With this in mind, several game developers have come up with the idea of creating sports-themed slot machines so that players can spend more time playing their favorite games without having to learn new abilities and that they may enjoy them whenever and anywhere in groups or alone.

Sports Gambling and Playing Slots in the World

Sports betting has recently accelerated its growth in the gambling business. This gambling is entertaining, but the critical component, sports betting bets, is something that people must understand over time. While betting on sports is simple, not having enough information on the different types of bets can make or break a deal.

People love sports, and incorporating sports into slot machines is a terrific way to allow individuals who aren’t particularly good at playing sports or wagering in sports. As a result, in the following section, we will learn about the different reasons why sports-themed slots are so popular and widely accepted.

Reasons for the Popularity

To get started, we should understand that though people love playing in slot machines, the sports-themed slots specifically were designed keeping in mind the sports fan, making games more accessible to play for them. The following are some other causes why sports-themed slots have become so famous.

Multiple options

Slot machines already feature a diverse selection of games. However, game developers are increasingly creating games that are themed after other types of sports, giving gamers a wide range of possibilities for playing their favorite sports. If you want to play any sport, you can select any sport-themed slot. Not only that, but you will find variations in a single sport-themed game, you can choose to play at your own comfort, which clearly gives an idea that there would be so many other options too to play.

Exciting bonus offered

Every slot machine has enticing bonuses to offer to its users. The same can be said for slots with sports themes. Sports-themed slots come with a range of bonuses, but it’s the random bonuses that make them even more enjoyable. Players receive unexpected bonuses and rewards while playing these slots, which enhance their slot-playing experience. Not only that, but sports-themed slots also have exciting pay-outs that appeal to most players.

High Tech & player friendly

Sports-themed slots have just lately entered the market, but they have quickly become the industry’s most popular due to the high-tech audio and visuals they offer. Not only that, but all of the sports-themed slots are playable on any device, including desktops and mobile phones, ensuring that players are entertained at all times.

The ease of the players is a focus

Playing sports, whether in real life or a PlayStation or Xbox, necessitates some level of skill on the part of the players. On the other hand, sports-themed slots do not require any of them. Game designers have always prioritized the players’ comfort, and as a result, slots that are as engaging and exciting to play as any sports game have been created which do not require any specialized skills.

Feel the reality

Though slot games are all about spinning the reels and waiting for them to line up, their themes add to the players’ enjoyment. Especially in sports-themed slots, which require much of a stadium crowd, the cheering noise, and applauding sounds, many developers have incorporated many of these elements in their sports-themed slots games. This is done so that players can enjoy the feel of slots and sports at once without even leaving their house.

Final Views

Slot machines are undoubtedly one of the most stimulating formats of gambling. However, with the introduction of sports-themed slots, online slots have been able to attract a more significant number of players, particularly sports lovers. The reasons listed above are just a snippet of what sports-themed slots have to offer their players, but once they begin playing these slots, they will discover even more reasons as to why there is so much buzz and popularity surrounding this type of gambling.

Munster Rugby 19 Castres Olympique 13

Munster, in their first home Heineken Champions Cup game of the season, achieved their second victory in less than a week as they claimed a 19-13 win over Castres Olympique.

This round 2 game was frustrating for the home side as Johann Van Graan’s side only scored one try on a cold night at Thomond Park in Limerick.

Munster, who beat Wasps 35-14 on the road last weekend at Coventry Building Society Arena, would have expected an easier success against what many viewed as a Castres second-string side.

Healy opened the scoring

Castres were penalised for not rolling away in the sixth minute giving Ben Healy the ideal opportunity to open the scoring. The Munster number 10 successfully kicked the penalty for an early Munster lead. In the 28th minute, Healy doubled the advantage when scoring his second penalty of the night.

Damian De Allende thought he had scored the hosts’ opening try of the game shortly after the half hour mark when the former Springbok crossed the line, with his side having a penalty advantage.

The officiating team, who spent a long period of time in discussion before finally coming to a decision, said the South African had failed to successfully touch down.

With less than a minute remaining in the opening half, Urdapilleta got his side on the score board when kicking a straightforward penalty from just outside the 22m line.

Half-time: Munster Rugby 9 Castres Olympique 3

Second half

It took the home side until the cusp of the hour mark before they finally scored a try. Jack O’Donoghue achieved his first European Cup try, and his 28th Munster career try, when the Waterford man touched down in in front of the East Stand.

The initial on-field decision was no try, but following consultation between the officials, English referee Matthew Carley awarded the five-pointer. Ben Healy added the extras with an excellent kick from the touchline to push his side into a 16-3 lead.

Urdapilleta doubled Castres’ score when successfully kicking his second penalty of the night from just outside the 22m line.

Munster headed into the final 15 minutes of the game with a 16-6 advantage as Johann Van Graan began to empty his bench. Healy kicked another penalty with 10 minutes remaining on the clock as he extended Munster’s lead to 19-6.

It was the visitors who had the final say in the game, however, as Kevin Kornath crossed for the French side’s try, before Urdapilleta converted, leaving Munster six point victors.

Final score: Munster Rugby 19  Castres Olympique 13

Munster Rugby:

15. Patrick Campbell, 14. Andrew Conway, 13. Chris Farrell, 12. Damian de Allende, 11. Keith Earls, 10. Ben Healy, 9. Conor Murray.

1. Dave Kilcoyne, 2. Niall Scannell, 3. John Ryan, 4. Jean Kleyn, 5. Tadhg Beirne, 6. Peter O’Mahony (captain), 7. John Hodnett, 8. Jack O’Donoghue.

Munster Replacements:

16. Diarmuid Barron, 17. Josh Wycherley, 18. Keynan Knox, 19. Jason Jenkins, 20. Jack O’Sullivan, 21. Craig Casey, 22. Jack Crowley, 23. Alex Kendellen.

Castres Olympique:

15. Larregain, 14. Guillemin, 13. Combezou, 12. Aguillon, 11. Nakosi, 10. Urdapilleta, 9. Arata.

1. De Benedittis,2. Ngauamo, 3. Hounkpatin, 4. Jacquet, 5. Hannoyer, 6. de Crespigny, 7. Meka, 8. Kornath.

Castres Olympique Replacements:

16. Humbert, 17. Nostadt, 18. Guillamon, 19. Whetton, 20.Li Williams, 21. Kockott, 22. Le Brun, 23. Zeghdar.

Munster Rugby Confirm Johann van Graan Departure At End Of Season

Munster Rugby Head Coach Johann van Graan has made the decision to depart the province at the end of the current season, on completion of his current contract.

Joining the province in November 2017, van Graan was offered a two-year contract extension and after much consideration has made the decision to not progress with the deal and will complete his time with the province at the end of June 2022.

Head Coach Johann van Graan said, “While I was at advanced stages in the contract process earlier this year, I took a step back and reconsidered my options, prioritising what’s best for my family, myself, and Munster Rugby. It might be time for Munster fans to use powerplay.com to back the who will be the next coach in Thomond Park

“My family and I settled well into life here, this is our home, and in an ideal world we would love to continue living in Limerick, but I’ve been looking at the bigger picture.

“After arriving during the 2017/18 season, I am now into my fifth season with this group and in putting Munster first I believe it’s the right decision for me to call time on my contribution and step away at the end of this season.

“While we have achieved so much together, and still have over six months of the season remaining, I wanted any uncertainty about my future addressed as early as possible.

“Working with this coaching team, staff, and players we are always striving to do our best for Munster Rugby, and nothing will change on that front.

“It has been an incredible journey and I’m hugely proud of this group for everything we have done to-date knowing there is so much more to come as we move towards the business end of the season.”

Munster Rugby CEO Ian Flanagan added, “We will be disappointed to see Johann go at the end of the season, he will be widely missed after forming such close relationships across the organisation.

“Johann has been a valued addition to the province and integral to all the successes we have achieved over the past four years.

“His hands-on approach and tireless work ethic have ensured the structures are well in place for continued success and we know he will continue to deliver on all fronts for the remainder of the season.

“For now, we are working closely with the IRFU in looking to identify suitable replacements with the confirmed departures of both Johann and Steve (Stephen Larkham) next summer.”

During his time van Graan has provided much needed stability across the High Performance Centre further aligning the senior and academy structures with more visibility for the next generation of players.

Players such as Shane Daly, Gavin Coombes, Fineen Wycherley, Craig Casey, Thomas Ahern, and Ben Healy to name a few have all progressed in their careers during his tenure.

The former Springbok coach was the catalyst for securing the services of the World Cup winning duo of RG Snyman and Damian de Allende while he also oversaw the recruitment of key signings such as Joey Carbery, Alby Mathewson, Mike Haley, and Simon Zebo.

The second longest-serving Munster coach of the professional era, Johann has guided the province to consistent successful performances across Europe and the domestic league. Since joining in 2017 Munster have reached two Champions Cup semi-finals, three league semi-finals, and a PRO14 final earlier this year.

Top 5 sports Irish people love

Like many countries around the world, sport is a common pastime in Ireland. With some homegrown games and other international sports, these are the top five sports Irish people love.

Sports play a huge part in all areas of life in Ireland. From school games to professional level, personal hobbies to spectator events, sport is one of the most common pastimes across the island.

According to statistics, over half the population of Ireland takes part in sports at least once a week. So, there is no denying that it has a huge influence on life in the country.

With Olympic medalists representing the country and bringing home gold to world-class footballers competing in events such as the World Cup, Ireland’s sporting prowess is one to be admired. 

So, if you’re a sporting fanatic planning a visit to the Emerald Isle, these are the top five sports Irish people love.

  1. Boxing – various global successes

Boxing has been a popular sport in Ireland for over 100 years. However, the sport has grown hugely in popularity across Ireland in recent years, with talented Irish boxers making a big mark on the global stage. 

The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) is the national governing body for amateur boxing, which was founded in 1911. 

Some of the biggest names in Irish boxing are Steve Collins from Dublin, Barry McGuigan from County Monaghan, and Carl Frampton from Belfast.

Recently, Irish boxers such as Kellie Harrington, Kurt Walker, and Katie Taylor have proved hugely successful on the world stage. So, boxing is certainly one of the sports Irish people love.

  1. Rugby – over 95,000 rugby players in Ireland

Ireland ranks among one of the best in the world in rugby, with the national team proving hugely successful in global sporting events. 

In recent years, Ireland has won two Six Nations titles, one in 2014 and one in 2015, and a Grand Slam in 2018. Going from strength to strength, Ireland’s talent for the sport has proven incredibly impressive.

Rugby is a popular sport in Ireland, from school right through to professional level, with big games proving hugely important events in the Irish sporting calendar for many.

On a more local level, rugby in Ireland is split into the four provinces, with teams competing for Ulster, Munster, Leinster, and Connacht. Overall, there is said to be over 95,000 rugby players across the whole island. 

Ireland has also produced some of the most talented rugby players of all time, with names such as Brian O’Driscoll, Jonny Sexton, and Paul O’Connell being huge names in the game.

  1. Golf – four world-class golf courses

Thanks to its abundance of world-class golf courses, it is no surprise that golf is one of the sports that Irish people love.

Brilliant courses across the country, such as the Royal Portrush, The K Club, and Portmarnock, have played host to international sporting events, such as The Open.

Plus, with luxury resorts offering fantastic golf courses, there are plenty of places around the island you can go for an unforgettable golf break.

The Emerald Isle has also produced some of the biggest names in golf in recent years. Golfers such as Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke, Graeme McDowell, and Padraig Harrington have firmly cemented Ireland’s status as a talented golfing nation.

While the Irish weather is not always best suited for the sport, the months between May and September tend to be mildest. Thus, the sport proves most popular in Ireland throughout the summer.

  1. Football – one of the most popular sports in the world

With over three billion followers worldwide, the game of football, or soccer, is perhaps the most popular and most followed sport in the world. The Emerald Isle is no exception to this rule.

Ireland plays host to two domestic football leagues, which are the League of Ireland and the Irish League. The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) acts as the official governing body of the sport across Ireland. 

Contrasting with rugby, both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland compete as separate national teams in football at world sporting events.

Some of the most notable players to emerge from Ireland include Roy Keane, George Best, and Robbie Keane.

  1. GAA – Ireland’s very own sporting association

The Gaelic Games tops our list of sports Irish people love. Gaelic football, hurling, handball, and camogie all come under the umbrella of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), which is Ireland’s very own homegrown sporting association.

Gaelic Games prove popular in Ireland from school level right through to professional, and major sporting events prove to be some of the most important dates in the Irish calendar. 

Gaelic football proves popular in Irish towns, as local areas compete against one another. The pinnacle of the Irish sporting calendar is the All Ireland Football Final, which sees counties compete for the coveted prize each year.

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