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Kenny names 26 man squad for upcoming games

Ireland national football team manager Stephen Kenny has officially released the squad that will face Azerbaijan and Qatar

The Ireland boss has named some surprises in the 26 man squad as well as handing out possible first senior caps to some players.

Captain Seamus Coleman will miss out on the matches due to a hamstring injury he sustained while playing for Everton. He has been replaced in the squad with young defender Nathan Collins who moved to Burnley this season but is yet to make an appearance.

Fulham defender Cyrus Christie is also named in the squad mainly due to the injury of West Brom centre half Dara O’Shea. Celtic’s Liam Scales was unlucky not to get a call up after recent showings in the Scottish Premiership.

Midfielders Jason Molumby and Alan Browne have also not been included in this November international’s squad.

Wigan Athletic striker Will Keane has received his first international call-up to Ireland having scored four goals in the opening nine matches of the League One season.

Ireland Men’s National Team 26 man squad

Goalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu (Portsmouth FC), Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool FC), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth)

Defenders: Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Cyrus Christie (Fulham FC), Shane Duffy (Brighton & Hove Albion), John Egan (Sheffield United), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United), James McClean (Wigan Athletic), Ryan Manning (Swansea FC), Andrew Omabamidele (Norwich City), Nathan Collins (Burnley)

Midfielders: Conor Hourihane (Sheffield United), Josh Cullen (Anderlecht), Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle United), Jason Knight (Derby City), Jamie McGrath (St Mirren), Harry Arter (Charlton Athletic)

Forwards: Callum Robinson (West Bromich Albion), Aaron Connolly (Brighton & Hove Albion), James Collins (Cardiff City), Daryl Horgan (Wycombe Wanderers), Adam Idah (Norwich City), Troy Parrott (MK Dons), Will Keane (Wigan Athletic), Chiedozie Ogbene (Rotherham United)

Ireland will play Azerbaijan first in a World Cup qualifier. The match kicks of at 17:00 on Saturday 9th October in Tel Aviv.

They will then return home to play World Cup hosts Qatar in a friendly. That game starts at 19:45 on Tuesday 12th October.

To read more in-depth and up-to-date Ireland and international football news, click here.

Ireland Men’s Senior Squad Named For Malaysia Matches

Capped international hockey will make its long-awaited return to Ireland for the first time since 2019 with the senior men facing Malaysia next Tuesday, October 5 and Wednesday, October 6 in two matches at Lisnagarvey’s Comber Road venue.

The fixtures will form a key part of head coach Mark Tumilty’s preparation plans for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers in Cardiff from October 21 to 24.

Malaysia are the current world number 11 ranked side and offer 14th-ranked Ireland a suitably strong opponent in the lead-up to this crucial event.

The fixtures will be ticketed events with entry €12/£10 per game for over-12s while each adult can take up to four Under-12s in free of charge; a maximum of 500 tickets are currently available.

** TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

To this end, coach Tumilty has named a 22-player panel since the EuroHockey Championships II in Poland in August with a number of experienced players returning to the line-up.

“I am delighted to have the fixtures against Malaysia as the final part of our preparation for the upcoming World Cup Qualifier,” said coach Tumilty. “We need to produce two high quality performances to give us confidence before we face Russia on October 21st in that vital World Cup qualifier game”.

Conor Harte’s return could potentially add to his 252 caps for the first time in almost two years, having made a strong start to the Belgian season with his new club KHC Dragons.

David Fitzgerald also returns, adding to the goalkeeping options. It is a competitive area of the field with Mark Ingram and Jamie Carr will also be in the mix on that front.

Carr, along with Luke Madeley, he missed out on pitch-time in Poland due to Covid-19 close contact protocols which meant both had to spend their week at the tournament in quarantine. As such, they will be itching to make their mark.

Lee Cole and Matthew Nelson will also be vying for a place in the World Cup qualifiers spot along with 14 of the panel that played in Poland last month.

There are also potential formal debuts for Sam Hyland – who was a travelling reserve for the Euros – and Conor Empey who has scored twice in the opening weeks of the Dutch Hoofdklasse since linking up with SCHC.

Not included for this series from the European panel are Ian Stewart, Ben Nelson and James Milliken who remain part of the wider training panel.

Malaysia – known as the Speedy Tigers – are coached by former Ireland assistant coach Arul Antoni, also well-known for his roles with Glenanne, Three Rock Rovers and Dublin University.

They are currently on a four-week tour encompassing challenge matches against four English club sides before playing Ireland and then rounding off the trip with games against Wales and France.

Ireland men’s squad to face Malaysia (October 5 and 6; Lisnagarvey Hockey Club): Jamie Carr (KHC Leuven, Belgium), David Fitzgerald (Monkstown), Lee Cole (Monkstown), Luke Madeley (KHC Leuven), Mark McNellis (Lisnagarvey), Conor Harte (KHC Dragons, Belgium), Peter McKibbin (Lisnagarvey), Kyle Marshall (Old Georgians, England), Shane O’Donoghue (Glenanne), Sean Murray (KHC Leuven), Michael Robson (Annadale), Kevin O’Dea (UCD), Daragh Walsh (KHC Leuven), Johnny McKee (Banbridge), Ben Walker (Braxgata, Belgium), Jeremey Duncan (Monkstown), Conor Empey (SCHC, Netherlands), Sam Hyland (YMCA), Mark Ingram (Pembroke), Tim Cross (Annadale), Neal Glassey (Crefelder HTC, Germany), Matthew Nelson (Lisnagarvey).

Leva Fifita in line for Connacht Debut

Leva Fifita in line for Connacht Debut

Leva Fifita is in line for his senior debut as Connacht welcome Vodacom Bulls to Sportsground as Connacht make three changes to their starting XV for tomorrow’s URC clash at home to the Vodacom Bulls with kick-off at 7.35 pm.

Jordan Duggan, Dave Heffernan and Abraham Papali’i are all drafted into the starting line-up, with Papali’i making his first appearance of the season.

Finlay Bealham joins Duggan and Heffernan in the front row, while the second row is unchanged with Oisin Dowling partnering Ultan Dillane.

Abraham Papali’i comes in at number 8, with captain Jarrad Butler moving to openside flanker and Cian Prendergast retaining his spot on the opposite flank.

The half-back partnership of Kieran Marmion and Jack Carty is unchanged, as is the centre pairing of Tom Daly and Tom Farrell.

Wingers Mack Hansen and John Porch and full-back Tiernan O’Halloran complete the back three.

Among the replacements is new signing Leva Fifita who is in line for his Connacht debut, and Irish international Caolin Blade who has returned from injury.

The Sportsground will operate at 50% capacity for this game.

Head Coach Andy Friend says:

“Last week’s result was disappointing but we as a coaching group saw enough to firmly believe we’re on the right track. If we can be more clinical at the crucial times I know we’ll be tough to beat whoever we face, so we hope to see more of that tomorrow against a very formidable Bulls outfit.

Bringing the likes of Papali’i and Fifita into our 23 gives us a lot of physicality, but we’ll need the throw the ball around a lot as well. With the Connacht supporters back behind us in full voice I know we can give them something to cheer about.”

CONNACHT RUGBY MATCHDAY 23 VS VODACOM BULLS

Friday 1st October, The Sportsground @ 19:35

Number/Name/Caps (* denotes uncapped)
15. Tiernan O’Halloran (191)
14. John Porch (41)
13. Tom Farrell (63)
12. Tom Daly (50)
11. Mack Hansen (1)
10. Jack Carty (160)
9. Kieran Marmion (188)
1. Jordan Duggan (14)
2. Dave Heffernan (145)
3. Finlay Bealham (160)
4. Oisin Dowling (8)
5. Ultan Dillane (115)
6. Cian Prendergast (11)
7. Jarrad Butler (74) (C)
8. Abraham Papali’i (14)

16. Shane Delahunt (101)
17. Matthew Burke (24)
18. Jack Aungier (14)
19. Leva Fifita *
20. Conor Oliver (21)
21. Caolin Blade (132)
22. Paul Boyle (58)
23. Sammy Arnold (17)

Leva Fifita in line for Connacht Debut
For more News and Stories on all things Rugby, click here.

All Blacks named for final Fortinet Rugby Championship Test

The All Blacks team has been named to play in the final Test match of the Fortinet Rugby Championship against South Africa at Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast, on Saturday, October 2 (Kick-off: 11:05 pm BST).

The starting forward pack remains unchanged from the original named last week, with Luke Jacobson returning to the number eight jersey, after his late withdrawal with illness last weekend.

Asafo Aumua comes in at reserve hooker and George Bower comes in for Karl Tu’inukuafe on the bench.

In the backs, Brad Weber will start at halfback with TJ Perenara on the bench, Anton Lienert-Brown returns from injury to the 13 jersey, with Rieko Ioane moving to the left wing and Sevu Reece named on the right.

First five-eighth Richie Mo’unga, who re-joined the team this week, is on the reserves bench alongside Damian McKenzie.

All Blacks Head Coach Ian Foster said the team was keen to finish the Fortinet Rugby Championship on a high.

“The energy levels are high in the team, it’s our fifth Test in a row, and we’re highly motivated ahead of another big Test against South Africa and the last Test of the Championship.

“We’ve achieved the Championship title, which we’re really proud to have achieved. The fact that we now have the chance to achieve a potential Grand Slam against our Southern Hemisphere opponents is pretty special. I’m excited by that and it has already given this weekend’s Test an edge.”

Foster said the All Blacks were looking for improvement in their game across the board this week.

“We learnt some lessons last week.  We didn’t look after the ball as well as we could have and some of our work at the ruck wasn’t as good as we wanted.  We have to lift our performance in that area and the team is keen to get that right this weekend.”

All Blacks Matchday 23 v South Africa

1. Joe Moody (53)
2. Codie Taylor (63)
3. Nepo Laulala (36)
4. Brodie Retallick (88)
5. Scott Barrett (47)
6. Akira Ioane (9)
7. Ardie Savea (55) – captain
8. Luke Jacobson (9)
9. Brad Weber (13)
10. Beauden Barrett (97)
11. Rieko Ioane (43)
12. David Havili (10)
13. Anton Lienert-Brown (52)
14. Sevu Reece (13)
15. Jordie Barrett (31)

16. Asafo Aumua (3)
17. George Bower. (7)
18. Ofa Tuungafasi (41)
19. Patrick Tuipulotu (40)
20. Ethan Blackadder (6)
21. TJ Perenara (74)
22. Richie Mo’unga (26)
23. Damian McKenzie (36)

Celtic v Leverkusen – Preview, Team News, Betting

Glasgow side Celtic are looking for an important win as they face Bayer 04 Leverkusen in game week two of the Europa League

The match kicks off at 20:00 tonight, Thursday, 30th September in Celtic Park.

Celtic have had an up and down start to this season. After seven games, they are in sixth place after three poor losses including one in the Old Firm Derby. They still only manage to be six points off top place with plenty of time to right their wrongs.

The Hoops have also not been so lucky in Europe after a thrilling 4-3 loss away to Real Betis two weeks ago.

They will be challenged immensely by a high-flying Leverkusen team. The German club sits in second place in the league after six games, only with one loss to Borussia Dortmund.

They got their European campaign off to a decent start after beating Hungary team Ferencvaros 2-1 in the last round.

This will be the first meeting of the sides in recent history with both sides rarely facing each other in European football. The return fixture will take place on 25th November in the BayArena in Leverkusen.

These two games will prove to be very important in the grand scheme of this group. Both teams will be fighting for the second-place spot now that Real Betis have made themselves firm favorites to qualify top-spot.

Predicted Starting Teams

Celtic

Formation

4-3-3

Predicted Starting 11

Hart (GK), Scales, Carter-Vickers, Urhoghide, Starfelt, Turnbull, Rogic, McCarthy, Jota, Ajeti, Abada.

Injuries / Suspensions

McGregor (Hamstring), Julien (Knee), Giakoumakis (Calf), Taylor (Shoulder), Forrest (Knock), Juranovic (Hamstring), Dembele (Ankle), Furuhashi (Knee), Johnston (Knock)

Bayer 04 Leverkusen

Formation

4-2-3-1

Predicted Starting 11

Hradecky (GK), Sinkgraven, Tah, Hincapie, Frimpong, Aranguiz, Demirbay, Bellarabi, Amiri, Diaby, Schick.

Injuries / Suspensions

Tapsoba (Ankle), Palacios (Ankle), Baumgartlinger (Knee), Lomb (Finger), Kossounou Muscle injury), Fosu-Mensah (Cruciate ligament)

Betting

Celtic 11/4

Draw 27/10

Bayer 04 Leverkusen 10/11

 

Score Prediction

Injuries have really affected Postecoglou’s chances in this tie. Now missing some of their star players and stalwarts, it will be hard to see them winning even at home to a Leverkusen side in good form.

Expect this game to end 2-2 with both sides sharing the spoils in a tight, cagey affair.

To read more in-depth and up-to-date national and European football news, click here.

Munster injury update: Hodnett returns to training

As Munster Rugby prepare for their United Rugby Championship clash against Stormers, they have some more good news on the injury front

The provincial club has announced that John Hodnett has returned to full training this week. The back row is considered to have fully recovered from a ruptured Achilles tendon.

This serious injury saw Hodnett miss out on over ten months of rugby after sustaining the injury in training last November. The 22-year-old made his debut for the club in February 2020 and now hopes to play again in the upcoming weeks.

Kevin Byrne has also returned to training after missing much of the start to the season. The Irish hooker has also recovered from a leg injury.

Munster has also announced some players that will not be available for selection for the game at the weekend.

The club has confirmed that prop Roman Salanoa will be recovering for a few weeks with a knee injury. Loosehead prop Liam O’Connor will be out with a neck problem but is expected to resume training in the coming days.

Speedy center Chris Farrell will also miss out with an abdomen injury along with second-row Jason Jenkins with a shoulder issue. Both players will continue rehabilitation for injuries in the next few days.

Munster will still have a very strong squad going into their championship tie hoping to continue their form after beating Cell C Sharks comfortably. They will play DHL Stormers in Thomond Park at 19:30 on Saturday, 2nd October.

To read more in-depth and up-to-date Munster and Irish provincial rugby news, click here.

Limerick to keep Mullins and O’Hagan as U20 and Minor managers

Diarmuid Mullins and Kevin O’Hagan are set to continue their tenure’s as Limerick U20 and Minor managers respectively following the conclusion of the 2021 season.

Both managers will enter their second year in their current roles after taking the reins for the previous season.

Mullins failed to get past a strong Cork side in the Munster Championship in July, falling to them in a hotly-contested provincial final.

However, his side did post a strong win over Clare to earn a date with Cork for silverware in the 2021 Championship.

Kevin O’Hagan’s Limerick minors were also beaten by Cork as the Rebel County won the All-Ireland at both U20 and minor levels in 2021 and finished runners-up at senior level.

O’Hagan could take the Treaty County no further than Mullins did in the delayed 2020 season, losing to Galway in a 15-point blowout that saw them ship four goals.

Mullins became the U20s head coach in January after winning back-to-back Munster championships with the minor hurlers.

The two-time minor football All-Ireland winner with Laois had previously led Mungret St Pauls to the Premier Intermediate championship in 2016.

Kevin O’Hagan was manager of Mungret St Paul’s after his predecessor left to join the Limerick setup and he followed in his footsteps.

A statement from Limerick GAA reads: “Following tonight’s County Executive Committee Meeting the following management teams will be brought forward to the October County Committee Meeting for ratification for the 2022 Season.

Under 20 Hurling:
Diarmuid Mullins, Richie Flannery, Tommy Quaid, John Meskell

Minor Hurling:
Kevin O Hagan, Ger Barry, Liam Hammersley, Liam Reale, Mark Keane.”

John Kiely Set To Extend Limerick Tenure By Two More Years

Limerick senior hurling manager John Kiely is set to extend his tenure with the inter-county side by two years until 2023.

Kiely, along with his backroom of Paul Kinnerk, Alan Cunningham, Aonghus O’Brien and Donal O’Grady, will stay on following the climax of the 2021 season, which saw the county lift the Liam McCarthy Cup for the second year in a row.

The Treaty County did so in emphatic fashion, putting on an all-time great final performance against Cork to retain their crown.

The side broke the record for the most points scored in a final, scoring 3-32 (41), beating Cork and Kilkenny’s previously shared record of 39.

The Galbally native was brought on board in 2016 on a three-year contract and has brought an era of success to a county that were in need.

Across five seasons, Kiely has led Limerick to eight trophies, including three All-Ireland Championships.

The 49-year-old led the county to their first All-Ireland in 45 years in 2018 and they have gone on to win three of them in four years under him, including the county’s first-ever back-to-back victories at senior level.

Three Munster Senior Hurling Championships in a row and two National Hurling League titles compliment the Liam McCarthy’s won under the former Limerick dual player.

Missing from the backroom is former strength and conditioning coach Mikey Kiely, who joined Ulster Rugby in August following the win over Cork in Croke Park.

Kiely was key to Limerick players’ high levels of fitness throughout the season and he is already making an impression on the Ulster squad.

A statement from Limerick GAA reads: “Following a County Executive Committee Meeting this evening the Limerick Senior Hurling Management Team consisting of:
John Kiely, Paul Kinnerk, Alan Cunningham, Aonghus O’Brien and Donal O’Grady,
has been approved for a two-year term and will be brought forward to the October County Committee Meeting for ratification.”

Liverpool Midfielder Curtis Jones Continues To Impress In Starting Role

Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones is continuing to impress in his unexpected starting role for the Reds this season after early-season to several players in the squad.

Jones was named the Man of the Match in Liverpool’s 5-1 win over Porto at the Estadio do Dragao and had three assists to his name in a game where his all-around abilities were on show.

It was his third start in a row for his local side after two cameos off the bench – the injuries to Thiago Alcantara, Harvey Elliott and Naby Keita (who is now fit once again) gave him a golden opportunity.

The 20-year-old fashioned a chance for himself 20 minutes into the game which was parried into the path of Mo Salah, who made no mistake.

It went down as an assist and a second goal from the same connection was fashioned in the second half.

Jones played Salah through from the edge of the box and the Egyptian coolly slotted the ball into the bottom corner.

His deflected volley 17 minutes later fell to substitute Roberto Firmino who made no mistake.

It does not sound too impressive when you check the quality of the assists but that was not the only facet of Jones’ game on display.

His support runs from central midfield into the final third offered an extra threat in attack on several occasions and helped to break down a narrow Porto defence.

The no.17’s runs on the ball were just as impressive and the Scouse native set up multiple chances throughout the 90 minutes for his Liverpool teammates after extended periods on the ball.

His work-rate was not to be shunned either as Jones counter-pressed throughout the game, continuing on from his performance against Brentford.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was impressed by Jones’ performance and noted that, despite some stomach issues, he shone on the night: “Curtis played a good game. He had some problems a little bit with the stomach before the game; they told me I need to keep an eye on him but I told him after the game whatever it is, keep it because it was really a good game.

“He played a really good game, he was everywhere, he was involved in everything. Set up the first goal with a surprising finish, goalie cannot save it.

“In a lot of other situations he was really there – maybe not as spectacular as the offensive stuff, but defensively he played a top-class game.

“He defended really well, pressed from the blind side, a lot of things I liked a lot about his performance tonight. So, let’s keep going, Curtis, it was not bad tonight.”

All-Ireland Sailing Championship sets off this weekend

Wazps and Olympians are preparing for the 2021 Irish Sailing All Ireland Championships in Crosshaven, Cork

The event has run every year since 1947 until 2020’s historic pause due to the COVID pandemic. One of the most unusual regattas in the world, the competitors represent sixteen of the thirty-nine Irish Sailing affiliated classes and compete to find sailing’s “champion of champions”.

Despite coming from a wide range of one-design classes, they race against each other in a boat that is often unknown to many. This year’s chosen boat is the National 18.

Familiar names competing include Charlie Cullen, the youngest competitor at just 19 and a first-time nomination for the Waszp class; JP Mccaldin who will race his wife Carolyn; Olympians Ger Owens with Ross Killian; Philip Doran with brother Simon; Michael O’Connor with his winning crew from previous years, Davy Taylor; Hammy Baker, RYA Northern Ireland’s Performance Director.

There’s a strong representation this year from the Royal St George Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire with five of their members competing.

Wild cards include Irish Sailing Academy member Tom Higgins sailing with his brother Jack, and Robert O’Leary from the 1720 class who sails with his brother Peter.

This year’s National 18 champion Ewen Barry is one to watch as he will compete in a boat more familiar to him than others.

Hosted this year by the Royal Cork Yacht Club in Crosshaven this weekend, each competitor has been nominated as a result of their achievements and rankings for the year.

Once chosen, each competitor selects one crew member. As the National 18 needs a third crew, the third member of the team is nominated by the class.

Racing will consist of two heats. The top three from each heat go straight into the final. The remaining competitors who placed 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th compete in a repêchage, and the top two then enter the Final with the six other teams.

To read more in-depth and up-to-date news on some of Ireland’s sports, click here.

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