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Colin Fennelly confirms Kilkenny retirement after stepping away this year

Colin Fennelly has announced his inter-county retirement after stepping away from the Kilkenny panel earlier this year.

Fennelly confirmed his retirement after he won his 10th Kilkenny Senior Hurling Championship with his club Ballyhale Shamrocks.

The 32-year-old lifted the Tom Walsh Cup aloft as captain on Sunday after three second-half goals helped them past O’Loughlin Gaels in this year’s county final.

“Naw, I’ll be finished up. I have had enough,” Fennelly said about his inter-county career after the club’s fourth Kilkenny SHC victory in a row.

“I had a year to think about it and I am glad I took that time to think about it. I am happy playing with the club and there are so many young lads coming through. I had a great time playing with Kilkenny. Fantastic so it was.”

The Ballyhale captain made his debut for Kilkenny in a Leinster semi-final win over Wexford in 2011 and had been on the panel for ten consecutive seasons before he decided to opt out of the 2021 season.

The forward won four All-Ireland’s with the Cats and collected two All Stars during his time on the inter-county scene.

The 2020 Leinster SHC win was his fifth of his career, with his first coming in 2011 – the Bob O’Keeffe Cup was the last piece of silverware Fennelly claimed with his county.

On top of his success in the Championship, the Ballyhale hurler has three National Hurling League medals to his name as well as 21 club titles with the Shamrocks, including five All-Irelands.

He will continue to line out for Ballyhale.

Republic of Ireland call up O’Dowda after Collins injury

The Republic of Ireland men’s national football team has called up Callum O’Dowda after James Collins was forced to withdraw from the camp due to injury.

The 26-year-old has made 23 appearances for Ireland since being handed his debut by former manager Martin O’Neill in May 2016 in a 2-1 defeat to Belarus.

The Oxford-born Republic of Ireland player has yet to complete the full 90 minutes under Kenny and has only played for the side five times under their current boss.

O’Dowda is line to make his first appearance for the national side in a year – the Bristol City winger has featured for Stephen Kenny’s team since the 1-0 defeat to Wales in the UEFA Nations League last November.

Cardiff City forward James Collins will miss out on a 15th appearance for the national team and an 11th since Stephen Kenny took the reins.

O’Dowda has been a bit-part player for Bristol City so far this season, making only seven appearances in the EFL Championship and playing for only 278 minutes – 90 of which came in his most recent game for the Robins against Coventry.

Ireland Squad v Portugal and Luxembourg

Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Gavin Bazunu (Portsmouth, on loan from Manchester City), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth).
Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Ryan Manning (Swansea City), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United), James McClean (Wigan Athletic), Shane Duffy (Brighton and Hove Albion), John Egan (Sheffield United), Andrew Omobamidele (Norwich City), Nathan Collins (Burnley).
Midfielders: Conor Hourihane (Sheffield United, on loan from Aston Villa), Josh Cullen (Anderlecht), Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle United), Jason Knight (Derby County), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion, on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Jamie McGrath (St. Mirren).
Forwards: Callum Robinson (West Bromwich Albion), Troy Parrott (MK Dons, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Adam Idah (Norwich City), Callum O’Dowda (Bristol City), Will Keane (Wigan Athletic), Chiedozie Ogbene (Rotherham United), Daryl Horgan (Wycombe Wanderers).

Fixtures – FIFA 2022 World Cup Qualifying

11/11 – Republic of Ireland v Portugal – Aviva Stadium, 7.45 pm
14/11 – Luxembourg v Republic of Ireland – Stade de Luxembourg, 7.45pm

Liverpool boss Klopp speaks on controversial decisions in West Ham game

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has given his say on some controversial decisions that went the way of the home side in the Redmens’ defeat to West Ham United on Sunday.

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Divock Origi found the net for Liverpool but a freak goal from a corner – down as an Alisson Becker own-goal, a Pablo Fornals finish and a Kurt Zouma header brought an end to their 25-game win streak.

The defeat in London was Liverpool’s first of the season in all competitions and ended the streak that started in April.

Liverpool’s last defeat came at the hands of Real Madrid in last season’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final.

Jurgen Klopp spoke about some of Craig Pawson’s decisions in the game after his side’s defeat.

“Yeah, that’s why I spoke now first about the game independent of these situations,” Klopp said. “So, we lost that game. But I think it’s a clear foul on Alisson, how can it not be? The arm from Ogbonna is there.

“I really don’t know who was VAR today. You always have to say that the ref maybe in the game can’t see that, but in the situation when you see how the dynamic of the whole situation when they all go down, how close they are, they are like in each other.

“How can that not be a foul already, without pushing the arm of Alisson away? But the ref made it easy for himself and thought, come on, let’s see what the VAR is saying.

“The VAR had a look and said not clear and obvious, I don’t know why. And here’s the goal, which is really strange.

“Then, I saw only the situation with Aaron and Hendo now and the way I saw it now, it’s a clear red card.

“There’s actually no discussion possible and, again, I don’t know how. [He] will probably say because he touched the ball before, but a reckless challenge can touch whatever you want before but you cannot control your leg that much that you don’t hit your opponent high up on the leg – on the chin – you cannot go like this in a challenge.

“We cannot make these decisions obviously and the ref, I don’t know what he would say about that now but in the game, he looked quite confident that his decisions were all right.”

Energia Men’s All-Ireland League Round-Up – Round 5

Garryowen’s unbeaten start to the Energia Men’s All-Ireland League season was ended by Cork Constitution in an enthralling clash at Dooradoyle in round five of the competition.

With Cork Con captain Aidan Moynihan tweaking his hamstring, Munster’s Jack Crowley started at out-half for the visitors and had a fascinating individual duel with his provincial colleague Ben Healy.

Garryowen number 10 Healy looked to be coming out on top, his assured kicking and an excellent individual try – from 45 metres out – helping the Light Blues lead 18-10.

Even though Healy scored more than him (16 points to 13), it was the 21-year-old Crowley who was smiling at the final whistle. He converted Cathal O’Flaherty’s 67th-minute try to edge Con to a hard-fought 23-21 victory.

Young Munster have climbed to Division 1A’s summit after Dan Walsh’s maul try on the hour mark guided them to a tense 19-9 win away to an Alex Kendellen-inspired UCC.

James Tarrant kicked 14 points and Munster Academy scrum half Paddy Patterson bagged the bonus point try in UCD’s comprehensive 42-17 dismissal of Ballynahinch.

Caolan Dooley was the toast of Terenure College after landing a last-gasp penalty to overcome Dublin University 16-15 at College Park.

The young centre’s coolly-struck kick from just inside the Trinity half cleared the crossbar, as he finished with 11 points. Trinity had tries from Ronan Quinn and Louis O’Reilly, with ‘Nure crossing through winger Craig Adams.

A late intercept try from Daniel McEvoy capped of a fine Friday Night Lights triumph for Lansdowne at Clontarf. They ran out 22-5 winners with Leinster duo Peter Dooley and Cormac Foley touching down for the second week running.

Meanwhile, just like the top flight, there were four away wins out of five in Division 1B. Highfield number 8 Miah Cronin took his season’s haul to five tries with a brace in the table toppers’ 24-20 victory at Old Belvedere.

Second-placed Old Wesley overcame Malone 16-11, relying on scrum half Ian Cassidy’s goal-kicking and a gritty late defensive stand.

Navan took the scalp of City of Armagh, winning 18-13 at the Palace Grounds with new out-half Ben Daly inspiring a strong start with his penalty and intercept try.

Naas also won the road, replacement Paulie Tolofua’s 75th-minute bonus point try sealing a 28-22 success at Banbridge. Late tries from Mick O’Gara and Craig Kennedy saw St. Mary’s College sting hosts Shannon with a 21-17 defeat.

ENERGIA MEN’S ALL-IRELAND LEAGUE RESULTS:

ALL-IRELAND LEAGUE DIVISION 1A:

DUBLIN UNIVERSITY 15 TERENURE COLLEGE 16, College Park
Scorers: Dublin University: Tries: Ronan Quinn, Louis O’Reilly; Con: Mick O’Kennedy; Pen: Mick O’Kennedy
Terenure College: Try: Craig Adams; Con; Caolan Dooley; Pens: Caolan Dooley 3
HT: Dublin University 8 Terenure College 7

DUBLIN UNIVERSITY: Luis Faria; Hugh Twomey, Marcus Kiely, Gavin Jones, Ronan Quinn; Mick O’Kennedy (capt), Louis O’Reilly; Giuseppe Coyne, Ben Nel, Thomas Connolly, Jamie Berrisford, Harry Sheridan, Anthony Ryan, Alan Francis, Diarmuid McCormack.

Replacements: Donnacha Mescal, Bart Vermeulen, Aaron Coleman, Ronan Murphy, Cormac King, Aran Egan.

TERENURE COLLEGE: Adam La Grue; Sam Coghan Murray, Colm de Buitléar, Caolan Dooley, Craig Adams; Mark O’Neill, Alan Bennie; Campbell Classon, Levi Vaughan, Andy Keating, Luke Clohessy, Michael Melia, Harrison Brewer, James Connolly, Jordan Coghlan.

Replacements: Conor McCormack, Adam Tuite, Robbie Lalor, Conall Boomer, Tiarnan Neville, Jake Swaine.

UCC 9 YOUNG MUNSTER 19, the Mardyke
Scorers: UCC: Pens: Daniel Squires 3
Young Munster: Try: Dan Walsh; Con: Evan Cusack; Pens: Evan Cusack 4
HT: UCC 3 Young Munster 9

UCC: George Coomber; Louis Bruce, Darragh French, Daniel Squires, Matthew Bowen; Cian Whooley, Louis Kahn; Alessandro Heaney, Scott Buckley, James French, Jack Kelleher (capt), Sam O’Sullivan, Jack O’Sullivan, Finn Burke, Alex Kendellen.

Replacements: Billy Kingston, Corey Hanlon, Patrick McBarron, Michael Cogan, Billy Kiernan, Luke Kerr.

YOUNG MUNSTER: Conor Hayes; Jack Harrington, Pa Ryan, Harry Fleming, Shay McCarthy; Evan Cusack, Jack Lyons; David Begley, Mark O’Mara, Conor Bartley, Eoin O’Connor, Sean Rigney, Alan Kennedy (capt), John Foley, Dan Walsh.

Replacements: Mikey Doran, Colm Skehan, Tom Goggin, Bailey Faloon, Adam Maher, Calvin Nash.

UCD 42 BALLYNAHINCH 17, Belfield Bowl
Scorers: UCD: Tries: David Ryan, Jack Ringrose, Chris Cosgrave, Paddy Patterson, Jamie Murphy; Cons: James Tarrant 4; Pens: James Tarrant 2, Chris Cosgrave
Ballynahinch: Tries: Conor McAuley, Shane Ball, Kyle McCall; Con: Greg Hutley
HT: UCD 29 Ballynahinch 7

UCD: Chris Cosgrave; David Heavey, David Ryan, James Moriarty, Jack Ringrose (capt); James Tarrant, Paddy Patterson; Chris Hennessy, Bobby Sheehan, Evin Coyle, Diarmuid Mangan, Mark Morrissey, Alec Byrne, Sean O’Brien, Ronan Foley.

Replacements: Richie Bergin, Jack Boyle, Rory McGuire, Josh Murphy, Harry Donnelly, Jamie Murphy.

BALLYNAHINCH: Shane Ball; Paddy Wright, Ryan Wilson, Rory Butler, Aaron Cairns; Greg Hutley, Conor McAuley; Peter Cooper, Tom Stewart, Kyle McCall, James Simpson, John Donnan, Zack McCall (capt), Reuben Crothers, Marcus Rea.

Replacements: John Dickson, Oli Loughead, Thomas Donnan, Bradley Luney, Chris Gibson, Tagen Strydom.

GARRYOWEN 21 CORK CONSTITUTION 23, Dooradoyle
Scorers: Garryowen: Tries: Ben Healy, Colm Quilligan; Con: Ben Healy; Pens: Ben Healy 3
Cork Constitution: Tries: David Hyland, Cathal O’Flaherty; Cons: Jack Crowley 2; Pens: Jack Crowley 3
HT: Garryowen 15 Cork Constitution 10

GARRYOWEN: Jamie Heuston; Colm Quilligan, Bryan Fitzgerald, Jack Delaney, Jamie Shanahan; Ben Healy, Ed Barry; Mark Donnelly, Dylan Murphy, Darragh McCarthy, Paddy Kelly, Kevin Seymour (capt), Tim Ferguson, Jonny Keane, Sean Rennison.

Replacements: Larry Kelly, Niall Horan, Roy Whelan, Aaron Cosgrove, Alex Wood, Cian Hurley.

CORK CONSTITUTION: Sean French; JJ O’Neill, Greg Higgins, Niall Kenneally, Rob Jermyn; Jack Crowley, Duncan Williams; Liam O’Connor, Max Abbott, Paddy Casey, Cian Barry, Cathal O’Flaherty, John Forde, Michael Casey, David Hyland.

Replacements: Jack Dinneen, Dylan Murphy, Eoin Quilter, John Beamish, John Poland, Tomas Quinlan.

CLONTARF 5 LANSDOWNE 22, Castle Avenue (played on Friday)
Scorers: Clontarf: Try: Fionn Gilbert
Lansdowne: Tries: Peter Dooley, Cormac Foley, Daniel McEvoy; Cons: Charlie Tector 2; Pen: Peter Hastie
HT: Clontarf 5 Lansdowne 14

CLONTARF: Tadhg Bird; Ben Woods, Michael Courtney, Matt D’Arcy (capt), Jack Power; Conor Kearns, Angus Lloyd; Darragh Bolger, Dylan Donnellan, Ben Griffin, Fionn Gilbert, Cormac Daly, Martin Moloney, Max Kearney, Tony Ryan.

Replacements: Barry Gray, Jack Carroll, Ed Kelly, Adrian D’Arcy, Alan Foley, Michael Brown.

LANSDOWNE: Stephen Madigan; Daniel McEvoy, Andy Marks, Corey Reid, Liam O’Sullivan; Charlie Tector, Cormac Foley; Peter Dooley, Luke Thompson, Greg McGrath, Joey Szpara, Jack Dwan, Jack O’Sullivan (capt), Michael O’Brien, Clive Ross.

Replacements: Jamie Kavanagh, Frank Kavanagh, Matthew Healy, Dan Murphy, James Kenny, Peter Hastie.

ALL-IRELAND LEAGUE DIVISION 1B:

OLD WESLEY 16 MALONE 11, Energia Park
Scorers: Old Wesley: Try: Reuben Pim; Con: Ian Cassidy; Pens: Ian Cassidy 3
Malone: Try: Andy Bryan; Pens: Rory Campbell 2
HT: Old Wesley 16 Malone 8

OLD WESLEY: Conor Gaston; Tommy O’Callaghan, James O’Donovan, Eoin Deegan, Nathan Randles; Paddy McKenzie, Ian Cassidy; Harry Noonan, Ben Burns, Cronan Gleeson, JJ O’Dea, Iain McGann (capt), Will Fay, Alastair Hoban, Reuben Pim.

Replacements: Howard Noonan, Sam Kenny, Paul Derham, David Poff, Josh Miller, Charlie O’Regan.

MALONE: Aaron Sexton; Rory Campbell, David McMaster, Ben McCaughey, Andy Bryans; Callum Smith, Lewis Finlay; Tommy O’Hagan, Claytan Milligan, Gareth Milasinovich, James McAlister, Adam McNamee, Dan Kerr, Dave Cave (capt), Max Porter.

Replacements: Harry Andrews, Aidan McSwiggan, Stewart McKendrick, Conor Spence, Matthew Neill, Ricky Greenwood.

CITY OF ARMAGH 13 NAVAN 18, Palace Grounds
Scorers: City of Armagh: Try: Kyle Faloon; Con: Kyle Faloon; Pens: Kyle Faloon
Navan: Tries: Hardus van Eeden, Ben Daly, Evan Dixon; Pen: Ben Daly
HT: City of Armagh 3 Navan 13

CITY OF ARMAGH: Kyle Faloon; Andrew Willis, Matthew Hooks, Evin Crummie, Dylan Nelson; Harry Boyd, Alex Johnston; Peter Lamb, Jonny Morton, Paul Mullen, Josh McKinley, John Glasgow, James Hanna, Ryan O’Neill, Neil Faloon.

Replacements: Jack Treanor, Philip Fletcher, Sam Glasgow, Ryan Finlay, Gerard Treanor, Chris Colvin.

NAVAN: Paddy Fox; Rory Gordon, Sean McEntagart, Evan Dixon, Ben McEntagart; Ben Daly, Mark Farrell; Niall Farrelly, Jack Nelson, Eoin King, Colm Carpenter, Conor Hand, Shane Faulkner, Conor Farrell (capt), Hardus van Eeden.

Replacements: David Clarke, Liam Carroll, Conor Ryan, Andrew Doyle, Colm O’Reilly, Keith Kavanagh.

BANBRIDGE 22 NAAS 28, Rifle Park
Scorers: Banbridge: Tries: Peter Cromie 2, Adam Doherty, Michael Cromie; Con: Adam Doherty
Naas: Tries: Gary Kavanagh, Donal Conroy, Peter Osborne, Paulie Tolofua; Cons: Peter Osborne 4
HT: Banbridge 10 Naas 7

BANBRIDGE: Adam Doherty; Conor Field, Joseph Finnegan, Josh Cromie, Ross Cartmill; Andrew Morrison, Neil Kilpatrick; Michael Cromie (capt), Peter Cromie, Stuart Cromie, Alex Thompson, Brendan McSorley, Max Lyttle, Matthew Laird, Robin Sinton.

Replacements: Tim Savage, Josh Chambers, Alex Weir, Joshua Cunningham, Lewis Nelmes, Jonny Little.

NAAS: Peter Osborne (capt); Sam Cahill, Gary Kavanagh, Matt Stapleton, Donal Conroy; Bryan Croke, Tim Murphy; Conor Doyle, Connor Johnson, Adam Coyle, Paul Monahan, David Benn, Cillian Dempsey, Will O’Brien, Ryan Casey.

Replacements: John Sutton, Peter King, Paulie Tolofua, Patrick O’Flaherty, Connor Halpenny, Fionn Higgins.

OLD BELVEDERE 20 HIGHFIELD 24, Ollie Campbell Park
Scorers: Old Belvedere: Tries: John McKee, James McKeown, Colm Hogan; Con: Justin Leonard; Pen: Justin Leonard
Highfield: Tries: Miah Cronin 2, Sean Quaid; Cons: Shane O’Riordan 3; Pen: Shane O’Riordan
HT: Old Belvedere 8 Highfield 10

OLD BELVEDERE: Colm Hogan; James McKeown, Robbie Deegan, Jack Gilheany, Ariel Robles; Justin Leonard, Aaron Atkinson; Jerry Cahir, John McKee, Ryan McMahon, Connor Owende (capt), Paddy Dowling, Colin Mallon, Calum Dowling, Tom Ryan.

Replacements: Shane O’Hehir, Hugh Flood, Dean Moore, Fionn McWey, Tommy Whittle, Jack Keating.

HIGHFIELD: Sam Burns; Gavin O’Leary, Paddy O’Toole, Mark Dorgan, Paul Stack; Shane O’Riordan, Chris Banon (capt); James Rochford, Robert Murphy, Daragh Fitzgerald, Fintan O’Sullivan, Dave O’Connell, Ryan Murphy, Cathal Gallagher, Miah Cronin.

Replacements: Travis Coomey, Michael Dillane, Sean Garrett, Eddie Earle, Sean Quaid, Colin O’Neill.

SHANNON 17 ST. MARY’S COLLEGE 21, Thomond Park back pitch
Scorers: Shannon: Tries: Charlie Carmody, Killian Dineen; Cons: Jake Flannery 2; Pen: Jake Flannery
St. Mary’s College: Tries: Craig Kennedy, Mick O’Gara; Con: Conor Dean; Pens: Conor Dean 2; Drop: Conor Dean
HT: Shannon 14 St. Mary’s College 6

SHANNON: Jamie McGarry; Ikem Ugwueru, Killian Dineen, Alan Flannery, Aran Hehir; Jake Flannery, Ethan Coughlan; Conor Glynn, Jordan Prenderville, Luke Rigney, Odhran Ring, Sean McCarthy, Kelvin Brown, Charlie Carmody, Daniel Okeke.

Replacements: Declan Moore, Darragh McSweeney, Kieran Ryan, John O’Sullivan, Darren Gavin, Lee Nicholas.

ST. MARY’S COLLEGE: Dave Fanagan; Matt Timmons, Myles Carey, Mick O’Gara, Craig Kennedy; Conor Dean, Mark Fogarty; Tom O’Reilly, Richie Halpin (capt), Michael McCormack, Liam Corcoran, Ian Wickham, Daniel Lyons, Niall Hurley, Ronan Watters.

Replacements: Steven O’Brien, Padraig Dundon, Loris Nikolov, Daniel Leane, Colm Reilly, Ruairi Shields.

ALL-IRELAND LEAGUE DIVISION 2A:

Ballymena 44 MU Barnhall 25, Eaton Park
Old Crescent 33 Dolphin 12, Takumi Park
Queen’s University 21 Cashel 27, Dub Lane
Rainey Old Boys 24 Nenagh Ormond 12, Hatrick Park
Buccaneers 24 UL Bohemians 17, Dubarry Park

ALL-IRELAND LEAGUE DIVISION 2B:

Dungannon 26 Malahide 12, Stevenson Park
Galwegians 14 Belfast Harlequins 16, Crowley Park
Greystones 48 Blackrock College 29, Dr Hickey Park
Sligo 13 Ballina 13, Hamilton Park
Wanderers 3 Galway Corinthians 41, Merrion Road

ALL-IRELAND LEAGUE DIVISION 2C:

Bangor 13 Omagh Academicals 11, Upritchard Park
Bruff 38 City of Derry 15, Kilballyowen Park
Clonmel 13 Midleton 23, Ardgaoithe
Skerries 20 Enniscorthy 14, Holmpatrick
Sunday‘s Well 6 Tullamore 13, Musgrave Park

Energia Women’s All-Ireland League Round-Up

Another hectic and entertaining weekend in the Women’s AIL comes to a close with good wins for Wicklow and Old Belvedere

Wicklow’s spirited recovery from some heavy early losses in Energia Women’s All-Ireland League continued with a 15-10 win over fellow promoted club Ballincollig

Jason Moreton’s young side outscored ‘Collig by three tries to two at Ashtown Lane, with out-half Beth Roberts and co-captain Amy O’Neill both impressing.

After Covid-19 robbed them of two recent run-outs, Railway Union was full of running in their 62-3 demolition of Suttonians at Park Avenue.

Their 10-try tally included braces from Stephanie Carroll, Nikki Caughey, and Maggie MacKinnon, with Ireland-capped center Caughey also kicking 12 points. She is currently top of the scoring charts with 56 points.

Former Ireland Under-18 Sevens international Ava Ryder, who made her Energia Women’s AIL debut off the Railway bench, said:

“It’s brilliant to play against such a good team. Suttonians put it up to us, especially in the first half. It was a slow start but we came together in the end and got a good result.”

 

There is only a single point between the top four teams in the table, Old Belvedere leading the way thanks to a 28-21 bonus point success at home to Cooke.

The Belfast outfit was much-improved from last week, stringing together second-half tries from Lucy Thompson, Dolores Hughes, and captain Aishling O’Connell for a hard-earned losing bonus point.

Belvedere was seven points clear at the break, with prop Alice O’Dowd making the breakthrough from Jemma Farrell’s tap penalty. They added a penalty try and further efforts from pacy backs Vanessa Hullon and Alannah O’Carroll.

Munster’s Maggie Boylan bagged her eighth try of the season as Blackrock College got the better of a dogged Galwegians side, winning 19-5 at Crowley Park. Running back a kick, she flew down the left touchline, beating three players to score behind the posts.

Leinster captain Christy Haney used two big hand-offs to burst through for ‘Rock’s third try. Natasja Behan had an earlier breakaway score, which ‘Wegians had canceled out when working the ball wide for winger Saskia Morrissey to finish powerfully in the corner.

 

ENERGIA WOMEN’S ALL-IRELAND LEAGUE RESULTS:

GALWEGIANS 5 BLACKROCK COLLEGE 19, Crowley Park

Scorers: Galwegians: Try: Saskia Morrissey
Blackrock College: Tries: Natasja Behan, Maggie Boylan, Christy Haney; Cons: Lisa Mullen 2

GALWEGIANS: Mairead Coyne; Saskia Morrissey, Megan Walsh, Ursula Sammon, Laoise McGonagle; Emma Keane, Mary Healy (capt); Elizabeth McNicholas, Tracy Lawlor, Ellen Connolly, Sabina Egan, Niamh O’Grady, Fiona Scally, Lisa-Marie Murphy, Kate Feehan.

Replacements: Ruby Lynch, Jessica Loftus, Kiara Irwin, Dearbhla Canty, Faith Oviawe, Darwyn O’Halloran, Rhiann Heery.

BLACKROCK COLLEGE: Maggie Boylan; Natasja Behan, Michelle Claffey (capt), Jackie Shiels, Caoimhe O’Callaghan; Lisa Mullen, Laura Delaney; Aoife Moore, Emma Hooban, Christy Haney, Mairead Holohan, Eimear Corri, Caoimhe Molloy, Niamh Griffin, Casey O’Brien.

Replacements: Niamh Tester, Anna Potterton, Hannah Hodges, Valerie Power, Kate Cullen, Orla Molloy.

 

MALONE 0 UL BOHEMIANS 28, Gibson Park

* Match canceled – the IRFU National Competitions Committee has determined five league points and a scoreline of 28-0 will be awarded to UL Bohemians in the Energia Women’s AIL.

 

OLD BELVEDERE 28 COOKE 21, Ollie Campbell Park

Scorers: Old Belvedere: Tries: Alice O’Dowd, Penalty try, Vanessa Hullon, Alannah O’Carroll; Cons: Jemma Farrell 3, Pen try con
Cooke: Tries: Lucy Thompson, Dolores Hughes, Aishling O’Connell; Cons: Amanda Morton 3

OLD BELVEDERE: Laura Carty; Kate Balance, Vanessa Hullon, Katelyn Faust, Alannah O’Carroll; Aine Donnelly, Jemma Farrell; Alice O’Dowd, Rachel Murphy, Vic Dabanovich O’Mahony, Jan Carroll, Elaine Anthony, Ivanna Dempsey, Lesley Ring, Clodagh Dunne.

Replacements: Melissa Hayden, Dawn Keegan, Ciara O’Dwyer, Niamh O’Dowd, Jennie Finlay, Ava Jenkins.

COOKE: Dolores Hughes; Claire Johnston, Lucy Thompson, Coral Lapsley, Tamzin Boyce; Amanda Morton, Teah Maguire; Ilse van Staden, Megan Simpson, Aishling O’Connell (capt), Caolinn McCormack, Sorcha Mac Laimhin, Beth Cregan, Naomi McCord, Helen McGhee.

Replacements: Cara McKevitt, Fiona McCaughan, Georgia Boyce, Eimear McQuillan.

 

RAILWAY UNION 62 SUTTONIANS 3, Park Avenue

Scorers: Railway Union: Tries: Stephanie Carroll 2, Nikki Caughey 2, Maggie MacKinnon 2, Niamh Byrne, Aimee Clarke, Deirdre Roberts, Molly Scuffil McCabe; Cons: Nikki Caughey 6
Suttonians: Pen: Jessica Kelleher

RAILWAY UNION: Aoife O’Shaughnessy; Stephanie Carroll, Maggie MacKinnon, Nikki Caughey, Niamh Byrne (capt); Claire Keohane, Molly Scuffil McCabe; Amanda McQuade, Chloe Blackmore, Megan Collis, Keelin Brady, Siobhan McCarthy, Emma Murphy, Molly Boyne, Deirdre Roberts.

Replacements: Aimee Clarke, Claire Byrne, Kate McCarthy, Christine Coffey, Erin Coll, Alex McGuinness, Ava Ryder.

SUTTONIANS: Sophie Gibney; Jools Aungier, Jessica Kelleher, Catherine Martin, Lena Kibler; Nicole Carroll, Lauren Farrell McCabe (capt); Katie Grant Duggan, Aoife Brennan, Julia Bauer, Brenda Barr, Aislinn Layde, Louise Catinot, Carrie O’Keeffe, Aifric O’Brien.

Replacements: Ciara O’Brien, Megan Cullen, Emily McKeown, Molly Fitzgerald.

 

WICKLOW 15 BALLINCOLLIG 10, Ashtown Lane

Scorers: Wicklow: Tries: Aoibhin Stone, Sarah Gleeson, Meagan Parkinson
Ballincollig: Tries: Denise Redmond, Katelyn Fleming

WICKLOW: Orla O’Neill; Aoibhin Stone, Meagan Parkinson, Sarah Gleeson, Tammy Breen; Beth Roberts, Erin McConnell (co-capt); Lauren Barry, Amy O’Neill (co-capt), Kathy Byrne, Ciara Brennan, Caitlin Griffey, Jessica Schmidt, Emma Curran, Niamh Ni Dhroma.

Replacements: Robyn Mullen, Noelle Ward, Laura Newsome, Nicola Schmidt, Emily Ryan, Karen Douglas, Alexandra Dalton.

BALLINCOLLIG: Lauren Fahey; Michelle Stafford, Emma Connolly, Mona Fehily, Ellen O’Keeffe; Kelly Griffin, Gemma Lane; Roisin Ormond, Clodagh Walsh, Clare Coombes, Meaghan Kenny, Eimear Perryman, Kira Fitzgerald, Katelyn Fleming, Denise Redmond.

Replacements: Alix Cunneen, Naoise Murray, Laurileigh Baker, Niamh O’Regan, Gillian Coombes, Christine Arthurs, Sarah O’Donovan.

To read more from this writer, click here.

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GAA: All major club fixtures to be played this weekend

As the GAA club season picks up steam, the importance of each game grows every week – knockout games get on the schedule and county finals are brought into the picture.

 

Here is a list of all the major GAA club fixtures to be played this weekend.

Friday 5 November

Football

Meath SFC relegation final
Dunshaughlin v Navan O’Mahony’s, Dunganny, 8pm

Monaghan SFC relegation round 3
Castleblayney Faughs v Monaghan Harps, Emyvale, 8.15pm
Carrickmacross Emmets v Magheracloone, Castleblayney, 8.15pm

Tipperary SFC relegation semi-final
Moyne-Templetuohy v Moycarkey-Borris, Littleton, 7.30pm

Wexford SFC relegation semi-final
Sarsfields v St Anne’s, Rathangan, Bellefield, 7.45pm

Hurling

Cavan SHC final
Cootehill Celtic v Pearse Ogs, Kingspan 3G Pitch, 8pm

Saturday 6 November

Football

Carlow SFC relegation play-off
Old Leighlin v O’Hanrahan’s, Netwatch Cullen Park, 7.30pm

Dublin SFC semi-finals
Lucan Sarsfields v St Jude’s, Parnell Park, 5.15pm
Ballyboden St Enda’s v Kilmacud Crokes, Parnell Park, 7pm

Donegal SFC relegation final
Termon v Bundoran, Donegal GAA Centre, 7pm

Fermanagh SFC semi-final replay
Derrygonnelly Harps v Kinawley Brian Borus, Brewster Park, 7pm

Kerry SFC quarter-finals
Dingle v Kerins O’Rahilly’s, Austin Stack Park, 5pm
Killarney Legion v St Brendan’s, Austin Stack Park, 7pm

Kilkenny SFC first round
James Stephens v Clara, Larchfield, 2.30pm
Muckalee v Railyard, Muckalee, 7pm

Mayo SFC semi-final
Garrymore v Knockmore, Bekan, 7pm

Mayo SFC relegation play-off
Balla v Kiltane, Knockmore, 2pm

Tipperary SFC semi-final
Loughmore-Castleiney v Moyle Rovers, Golden, 2pm

Waterford SFC semi-final
Ballinacourty v The Nire, Fraher Field, 7pm

Hurling

Tyrone SHC final
Eire Og, Carrickmore v Eoghan Ruadh, Dungannon, O’Neill’s Healy Park, 3pm

Clare SHC relegation play-offs
Clooney Quin v O’Callaghans Mills, Meelick, 12pm
Crusheen v Clarecastle, Clonlara, 12pm

Galway SHC semi-final
Craughwell v Clarinbridge, Kenny Park, 2pm

Galway SHC relegation play-off
Ballinderreen v Mullagh, Gort, 1.30pm

Offaly SHC semi-final
Coolderry v Shinrone, Birr, 2pm

Sunday 7 November

Football

Cavan SFC final
Gowna v Ramor United, Kinspan Breffni, 3pm

Clare SFC final
Kilmurry-Ibrickane v Eire Og Ennis, Cusack Park, 2pm

Derry SFC final
Glen v Slaughtneil, Celtic Park, 2pm

Donegal SFC final
Naomh Conaill v St Eunan’s, Ballybofey, 3.15pm

Down SFC final
Burren v Kilcoo, Pairc Esler, 3pm

Kildare SFC final
Naas v Sarsfields, Newbridge, 2pm

Longford SFC final
Mostrim v Mullinalaghta, St Columba’s, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, 3pm

Louth SFC final
Naomh Mairtin v St Mochta’s, Pairc Mhuire, Ardee, 2.30pm

Meath SFC final
St Peter’s, Dunboyne v Wolfe Tones, Pairc Tailteann, 2.30pm

Monaghan SFC final
Scotstown v Truagh, Clones, 2.30pm

Wicklow SFC final
Baltinglass v Blessington, Aughrim, 3pm

Carlow SFC semi-finals
Bagenalstown Gaels v Rathvilly, Netwatch Cullen Park, 1.30pm
Eire Og v Mount Leinster Rangers, Netwatch Cullen Park, 3.30pm

Fermanagh SFC relegation final
St Joseph’s, Ederney v Tempo Maguires, Irivinestown, 1pm

Kerry SFC quarter-finals
Dr Crokes v Templenoe, Fitzgerald Stadium, 12.45pm
Austin Stacks v South Kerry, Fitzgerald Stadium, 2.45pm

Kilkenny SFC first round
Mullinavat v Danesfort, Mullinavat, 10.30am
Kilmoganny v Dicksboro, Dunnamaggin, 10.30am

Mayo SFC semi-final
Belmullet v Westport, Ballina, 2pm

Tipperary SFC semi-final
Clonmel Commercials v JK Brackens, Boherlahan, 2pm

Tipperary SFC relegation semi-final
Cahir v Arravale Rovers, Ardfinnan, 12pm

Waterford SFC semi-final
Gaultier v Rathgormack, Walsh Park, 1.30pm

Wexford SFC semi-finals
HWH Bunclody v Shelmaliers, Chadwicks Wexford Park, 12.15pm
Gusserane O’Rahilly’s v St Martin’s, Chadwicks Wexford Park, 2.15pm

Hurling

Armagh SHC final
Keady Lamh Dhearg v Middletown Na Fianna, Athletic Grounds, 4pm

Kilkenny SHC final
Ballyhale Shamrocks v O’Loughlin Gaels, UPMC Nowlan Park, 1.30pm

Laois SHC final
Borris-Kilcotton v Clough-Ballacolla, MW Hire O’Moore Park, 3.30pm

Westmeath SHC final
Castletown-Geoghegan v Raharney, TEG Cusack Park, 3pm

Cork SHC semi-finals
Blackrock v Midleton, Pairc Ui Chaoimh, 1.30pm
Glen Rovers v Sarsfields, Pairc Ui Chaoimh, 3.15pm

Galway SHC semi-final
Gort v St Thomas’, Kenny Park, 2pm

Offaly SHC semi-final
Kilcormac-Killoughey v St Rynagh’s, Bord na Mona O’Connor Park, 2pm

Leeds v Leicester – Preview, Betting, Probable Starting Teams

Now with two wins under their belt, Marcelo Bielsa’s men invited an underperforming Leicester to London in the Premier League

Leeds v Leicester will kick off at 14:00 on Sunday 7th November in Elland Road. Referee Darren England will take charge of the tie.

Leeds United pulled off their second victory of the season last week after beating rock-bottom Norwich city 2-1. Recent games have found the Whites sitting in 17th place only three points ahead of the relegation zone.

In their ten matches this season, they have an average possession of 58.4% but they really need to turn their ball retention into goals.

Leicester have had a troublesome few weeks in the league and in Europe. They are without a win in their last three games including losing to Arsenal and drawing with Brighton & Hove Albion.

After ten matches, they are in the bottom half of the table and have relied heavily on their Danish keeper. So far this season Kasper Schmeichel is ranked second in the league for saves per game (3.5).

This has been a tight, tense affair in recent years. In their last 12 meetings between the Premier League, Championship and Cups, Leicester have won six times, Leeds United have won three times and there have been three draws.

Last season, both teams shared a win each away from home including a 3-1 victory for Leeds in January.

Leeds v Leicester Probable Starting Teams

Leeds United

Formation

4-1-4-1

Probable Starting 11

Meslier (GK), Firpo, Cooper, Llorente, Shackleton, Phillips, Harrison, James, Klich, Raphinha, Rodrigo.

Injuries / Suspensions

Ayling (Knee), Bamford (Ankle), Koch (Groin)

 

Leicester City

Formation

3-4-1-2

Probable Starting 11

Schmeichel (GK), Soyuncu, Evans, Amartey, Bertrand, Tielemans, Soumaré, Castagne, Vardy, Daka.

Injuries / Suspensions

Justin (Cruciate ligament), Albrighton (Muscle injury), Periera (Muscle cramps), Fofana (Ankle)

Leeds v Leicester Match Betting

Leeds United to win: 7/4

Draw: 12/5

Leicester City to win: 7/5

 

Score Prediction

This could prove to be one of the tightest games of the weekend, both sides have been in similar forms and exciting styles of play. Injuries to important Leeds players could make the difference this weekend.

Expect Leicester to come out the victors in a 2-1 game.

To read more from this writer, click here.

And to read more in-depth and up-to-date Premier League and international club football news, click here.

Manchester United v Manchester City – Preview, Teams, Odds, TV

Manchester United welcome inter-city rivals Manchester City to Old Trafford for the first Manchester derby of the season in Saturday’s early kick-off.

Manchester United have bounced back from their heavy home defeat to Liverpool with a win and a draw against Tottenham Hotspur and Atalanta respectively.

However, Manchester City will be a huge test for the Red Devils as they aim to break into the early title race, which involves City, Chelsea and Liverpool.

Pep Guardiola’s side have encountered some tough results as well in recent times – they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by former Manchester United boss David Moyes and his current team West Ham United, ending a five-year streak without defeat in the competition.

Former Citizen Patrick Vieira led Crystal Palace to a 2-0 win at the Etihad Stadium but the Sky Blues come into the math with a win most recently under their belt.

The English champions smashed Club Brugge 4-1 in a performance that perfectly showcased the effectiveness of Guardiola’s 2-3-5 formation in attack (from a 4-3-3 starting formation) as Joao Cancelo got a hattrick of assists to help his side to victory.

United, on the other hand, needed their commercial juggernaut to save them once again.

They will be without star defender Raphael Varane for the derby after he was pulled during the draw with Gian Piero Gasperini’s side, while fellow centre-back Victor Lindelof’s progress will be monitored.

Paul Pogba will serve the second game of a three-match ban after his red card in the 5-0 loss to Liverpool.

City defender John Stones is set to stand in for Aymeric Laporte, who is also serving a ban for a sending off.

Ferran Torres is still sidelined after suffering a metatarsal injury and Kyle Walker will need to be assessed ahead of the match.

Forward Liam Delap has an ankle problem.

Teams

Manchester United (4-2-3-1) – Predicted: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Bailly, Maguire, Shaw; Fred, McTominay; Greenwood, Fernandes, Rashford; Ronaldo.

Manchester City (4-3-3) – Predicted: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Cancelo; Rodri, Bernardo, De Bruyne; Mahrez, Foden, Sterling.

Odds

Manchester United 7/2

Draw 14/5

Manchester City 7/10

Where To Watch

The match will kick-off at 12:30 pm on Saturday and will be available to watch on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.

Arsenal v Watford – Preview, Betting, Probable Starting Teams

Mikel Arteta’s ever-improving Gunners will be looking for another three points as they face newly-promoted Watford in the Premier League

Arsenal v Watford will kick off at 14:00 on Sunday 7th November in the Emirates Stadium. Referee Kevin Friend will take charge of the tie.

The match will also be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League Ireland.

Arteta’s men come into this game with three straight wins and nine games unbeaten. Last week they overcame Leicester City to win 2-0 with the help of Aaron Ramsdale in goal.

They are starting to build a strong team and the manager will be happy to know that his team have no new injuries in their ranks.

Watford has become one of the new exciting teams in the top-flight this year. Their new manager Claudio Ranieri is still yet to find steady form after they lost 1-0 to Southampton last Saturday.

The Hornets currently sit in 16th, only three points above Burnley in the relegation zone. Their upcoming games are very tough so they will need points this weekend to keep their survival hopes alive.

The Gunners have been the superior force in this fixture in recent years. In the last eleven matches, Arsenal have won seven games and Watford have one three while they have been one draw.

They last faced each other in July 2020 where Arsenal came away 3-2 winners in the Emirates. You would have to look back to 2017 to see the last time that Watford won this tie.

Arsenal v Watford Probable Starting Teams

Arsenal

Formation

4-2-3-1

Probable Starting 11

Ramsdale (GK), Soares, White, Gabriel, Tomiyasu, Lokonga, Partey, Saka, Smith-Rowe, Odegaard, Aubameyang.

Injuries / Suspensions

Xhaka (Knee), Tierney (Ankle), Mari (Illness)

 

Watford

Formation

4-3-2-1

Probable Starting 11

Foster (GK), Rose, Cathcart, Troost-Ekong, Ngakia, Sema, Kucka, Sissoko, Sarr, Pedro, King.

Injuries / Suspensions

Kabasele (Hamstring), Sierralta (Hamstring), Sema (Knock), Kiko (Hip), Etebo (Thigh)

Arsenal v Watford Match Betting

Arsenal to win: 4/11

Draw: 4/1

Watford to win: 7/1

 

Score Prediction

Arsenal’s current form has them as the major favorites for this game. Arteta has now whipped his team into good shape and it seems that they will keep their winning form going.

Expect this game to end 3-1 to the home side, Arsenal.

To read more from this writer, click here.

And to read more in-depth and up-to-date Premier League and international club football news, click here.

Bellator 270 – Darragh Kelly’s pro debut off after opponent is injured

Bellator 270 has lost a fight after Junior Morgan suffered an injury last night, meaning his preliminary card feathweight bout with Darragh Kelly is off just hours from the start of the event.

Irishman Darragh Kelly was set to make his professional debut on Friday evening in front of home fans at the 3Arena against Morgan.

Kelly was seen as the favourite for the now-cancelled fight by bookmakers and was one of two Irish debutants on the card.

The 23-year-old who trains with SBG Ireland was Clan Wars featherweight champion as an amateur and is yet to be beaten in a mixed-martial-arts fight.

His injured opposite, Morgan, is currently 3-0 in his professional career but had a patchy amateur record, losing his last fight before he went pro.

Morgan was set to fight for the first time in 26 months against Kelly in his Bellator debut this evening but will have to wait a few months more before he returns to the cage.

The other Irish debutant on the card, Stephen Costello, is still on track to walk out for the first time as a professional in front of an Irish crowd – Costello is one of five Irish fighters on the card.

Costello will fight British debutant Yusuf Nazokatov who trains with Manchester Top Team – a gym that has fighters such as former UFC Heavyweight and interim Heavyweight champion Frank Mir, Lerone Murphy and Jordan Barton – Barton fights on the same card against Ciaran Clarke.

The Bellator 270 main event sees Peter Queally take on Patricky Pitbull for the vacant lightweight championship.

The Waterford native will look to settle the score with Patricky, who he beat earlier in the year at Bellator 258 when the doctor intervened after Pitbull was cut by the Irishman.

“It’s just a dream come true,” the 34-year-old said at Wednesday’s pre-fight press conference. “It’s 12/13 years of work that’s finally coming to fruition. I’m very, very proud of myself – that’s all I can say about it. I’m just very, very proud of myself to have got here.”

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