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Irish Senior Cup 2021: Round two preview

How strong the leading lights in the regional leagues are will be put to the test on Saturday in the men’s Irish Senior Cup as high-flying Cookstown make the trip to Railway Union in round two.

Captained by Greg Thompson, the Tyrone side head the Ulster Premier table on goal difference, scoring 24 times in the process with Stu Smyth, Mark Crooks and Ryan Millar bringing experience to the table.

Railway, though, have been even more free-flowing having already scored more than 50 goals this term, including six against Mossley in round one of this cup and hitting double-figures twice with Mark English and Rob Abbott running riot.

It is one of two ties in the men’s competition not to feature an EY Hockey League top tier side with Cork C of I against Bandon the other one.

Both have gone unbeaten after four rounds of the Munster top tier with C of I edging things by a point at this early stage with a perfect start to life under the now player-coach Jonny Bruton.

Jonny Spillane has also impressed since his arrival from Midleton while the addition of youth internationals Ian Balding and Rory Treacy from Waterford has given them a large panel to work with.

It is one that looks well equipped to make a charge for promotion back to the top tier of the EYHL despite the departure of Kevin O’Dea to UCD.

For Bandon, the timeless Dave Smith continues to bang in the goals and, despite their young age, Ian Perrott, Karl Smyth and Ethan Hamilton-Foott have amassed lots of experience which they will aim to call on in this showdown.

Harlequins are the third Munster side involved at the last 16 stage of the Irish Senior Cup but have the toughest draw on offer, travelling to Glenanne who have a perfect record of five wins from five in the top tier.

Quins did win 5-0 at Clontarf in round one but this will be a hard ask against an in-form opposition and they will need top gun Jack O’Meara to fire.

Elsewhere, in a quirk of the fixture list, both Three Rock Rovers will meet Corinthian and YMCA are up against UCD for the second time in a week. Rovers beat the reds in the EY Hockey League last Saturday 4-1 while the students drew with YM 3-3.

Reigning champions Lisnagarvey are huge favourites against Leinster side Rathgar, particularly with home advantage. Garvey were given Copenhagen as their destination for next June’s EuroHockey Challenge I campaign, placed in a group with Turkish, Slovenian and Croatian opposition.

Banbridge and Monkstown’s meeting at Havelock Park is undoubtedly one of the pick of the fixtures but both clubs could be without their international stars due to the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in Cardiff.

Another intriguing contest pits Annadale against Pembroke. The former have drawn four of their five league contests but there has to be a winner on the day with a shoot-out beckoning if it stays level.

But it will be potentially how they manage the free-scoring Pembroke captain Julian Dale which will could be the decisive factor at Lagan College; the Cork man has netted seven times in five games despite playing in a side who have only registered one point in the league.

In the women’s competition, EYHL table-toppers Pegasus host Ulster Premier side Ulster Elks in a derby contest while, nearby, Queen’s welcome UCC – victors over Monkstown in round one – to the Dub with youth internationals Jessica McMaster and Caoimhe Perdue likely to lock horns.

Defensively, the Cork side have been superb, Perdue marshalling a side that has conceded just three times in five outings while Elva Kerr, Hilary Balding and Rebecca Kingston are also kicking on.

Harlequins will hope to find form against an impressive Pembroke. Eddie Gash’s side have not scored since the opening day of the campaign and will find things difficult against an impressive outfit who are a point off top spot in the EYHL.

Catholic Institute will be favourites when they meet Leinster Division One outfit Corinthian at Rosbrien but their opposition will not be taken lightly having gone unbeaten in Leinster thus far this season.

Indeed, they had already pinned down a promotion playoff spot in 2020 before the pandemic hit, denying them an opportunity to join the highest league.

Lisnagarvey will be eyeing a decent scalp when they face Muckross at Comber Road. Garvey, for their part, have 13 points out of 15 on their card and will relish this challenge against the EYHL side.

Banbridge – quarter-finalists in 2019 – are looking to reach that stage once again; they travel to Glenanne who are a resilient and battling outfit who will not make life easy.

Of the top tier sides in action, reigning champions UCD face Old Alex in a potential classic while Railway Union’s derby date with Loreto is another one to catch the eye, particularly if they can serve up the drama of their 2-2 league draw.

There is also a full series of 16 games across the men’s and women’s Irish Hockey Trophy competitions, making for a busy weekend across the island.

Saturday 16th October 2021
Men
Irish Senior Cup – Round 2: Annadale v Pembroke Wanderers, Lagan College, 2.30pm; Banbridge v Monkstown, Havelock Park, 3pm; Cork C of I v Bandon, Garryduff, 1pm; Glenanne v Cork Harlequins, St. Andrews, 1.15pm; Lisnagarvey v Rathgar, Comber Road, 3.30pm; Railway Union v Cookstown, Park Avenue, 1.15pm; Three Rock Rovers v Corinthian, Grange Road, 1pm; YMCA v UCD, Wesley College, 4pm

Irish Hockey Trophy – Round 1: Ashton v Portadown, Ashton School, 3pm; Avoca v South Antrim, Newpark, 12.30pm; Ballynahinch v Catholic Institute, St. Colmans HS, 1pm; Bangor v Kilkenny, Bangor Aurora, 2.30pm; Belfast Harlequins v UCC, Deramore Park, 2.30pm; Dublin North v Bray, National Sports Complex, Abbottstown, 1.45pm; NICS v Queens University, Stormont, 2.30pm; North Down v Newry, Londonderry Park, 2.45pm

Women
Irish Senior Cup – Round 2: Catholic Institute v Corinthian, Rosbrien, 2pm; Cork Harlequins v Pembroke Wanderers, Farmers Cross, 1.30pm; Glenanne v Banbridge, St Andrews 3pm; Lisnagarvey v Muckross, Comber Road, 1.30pm; Pegasus v Ulster Elks, Newforge Country Club, 1.30pm; Queens University v UCC, Malone Playing Fields, 12.45pm; Railway Union v Loreto, Park Avenue, 3.15pm; UCD v Old Alexandra, Belfield, 1pm

Irish Hockey Trophy – Round 1: Bray v Raphoe, Loreto Bray, 1pm; Clontarf v Rathgar, Mount Temple, 1pm; Greenfields v Bandon, Dangan, 2.30pm; Kilkenny v Armagh, Kilkenny, 2pm; North Kildare v North Down, The Maws, 2pm; Portadown v Mossley, Edenvilla, 2.30pm; Three Rock Rovers v Ashton, Grange Road, 3pm; YMCA v Galway, Wesley College, 1.45pm

Leinster v Scarlets – Preview, Team News, Odds, Where To Watch

Leinster will welcome Scarlets to the RDS Arena on Saturday in round four of the United Rugby Championship.

Leinster, who have been crowned champions for the past four seasons, sit a point behind Ulster and leaders Munster, last term’s beaten finalists, with the latter two having accumulated an extra bonus point.

Leo Cullen’s side have a fearsome record against Welsh opponents, suffering just one defeat to any of the four regions since September 2018 – a 24-19 loss to the Ospreys in Dublin back in March.
The Scarlets will be looking to bounce back from a below-par showing against a rotated Munster side in Round 3 but will need to earn their first away win since a 27-25 victory in Edinburgh at the end of February.
Their last three victories against Irish provinces have all been at Connacht’s expense while they have won just twice at the RDS in 15 visits in all competitions.
Leinster were 52-25 victors when these sides met in Llanelli in January and took the bragging rights at the RDS last season as well.
Leinster have confirmed that fly-half Harry Byrne and centre Rory O’Loughlin have been ruled out of the side’s upcoming United Rugby Championship clash.

However, there is a lot of positive news for the defending champions as several players have stepped up their recovery.

Cullen confirmed that Jordan Larmour (groin) and Adam Byrne (hamstring) came through the game against Zebre Parma with no issues and will train as normal this week.

The pair scored three tries between them at the weekend in the 36-point win over the Italians.
​
Also making a return to training this week will be Josh Murphy who has recovered from a calf injury.

There was also further positive news for Jack Dunne who aims to return to full training this week as he returns from an ankle injury.

Ciarán Frawley will start despite a soft tissue issue earlier in the week.

Tomas Lezana will make his debut for Scarlets when he starts at openside flanker in Dublin.

Teams

Leinster

15. Hugo Keenan (32)
14. Jordan Larmour (63)
13. Garry Ringrose (88)
12. Ciarán Frawley (38)
11. James Lowe (53)
10. Johnny Sexton (175) CAPTAIN
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (103)
1. Andrew Porter (79)
2. Rónan Kelleher (26)
3. Tadhg Furlong (114)
4. Ross Molony (119)
5. James Ryan (52)
6. Caelan Doris (41)
7. Josh van der Flier (100)
8. Jack Conan (105)

16. Dan Sheehan (15)
17. Cian Healy (234)
18. Michael Ala’alatoa (3)
19. Ryan Baird (30)
20. Rhys Ruddock (191)
21. Luke McGrath (153)
22. Ross Byrne (106)
23. Jimmy O’Brien (36)

Scarlets

15 Ioan Nicholas; 14 Johnny McNicholl, 13 Jonathan Davies (capt), 12 Johnny Williams, 11 Ryan Conbeer; 10 Sam Costelow, 9 Gareth Davies; 1 Wyn Jones, 2 Ken Owens, 3 WillGriff John, 4 Lloyd Ashley, 5 Sam Lousi, 6 Aaron Shingler, 7 Tomas Lezana, 8 Blade Thomson

Reps: 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Rob Evans, 18 Samson Lee, 19 Morgan Jones, 20 Shaun Evans, 21 Kieran Hardy, 22 Dan Jones, 23 Tom Rogers.

Odds

Leinster 1/14

Draw 35/1

Scarlets 15/2

Where To Watch

Kick-Off: 5.15 pm – live on TG4, S4C, Premier Sports and URC TV.

Furlong and Conan return for Leinster against Scarlets

Leinster v Scarlets 16/10/2021
Credit: Leinster Rugby/@LeinsterRugby on Twitter.

Tadhg Furlong and Jack Conan will make their first appearances for Leinster this season when they start against Scarlets on Saturday, October 16.

On top of this, several players will start their first game of the campaign after previously making their season debuts.

The pair were part of the British and Irish Lions squad that lost to World champions South Africa in the summer.

Tadhg Furlong comes in at tighthead prop and is part of a front three that includes Andrew Porter and Ronan Kelleher.

Jack Conan starts at number eight with Josh Van Der Flier and Caelan Doris on either side of him at wing forward.

Ross Molony and James Ryan complete the pack in the second row.

Jamison Gibson-Park returns to the starting line-up after Luke McGrath took the number nine shirt against Zebre Parma.

Johnny Sexton will captain the side alongside Gibson-Park as the pair make up Leinster’s half-back duo.

Ciaran Frawley starts at 12 with Garry Ringrose complementing him at outside centre, while James Lowe, Jordan Larmour and Hugo Keenan all start in the back three.

Michael Ala’alatoa, Rhys Ruddock and Luke McGrath are among those who will come on upon request.

Capacity at the RDS Arena will again be capped at 75% of full capacity.

Leinster Team v Scarlets

15. Hugo Keenan (32)
14. Jordan Larmour (63)
13. Garry Ringrose (88)
12. Ciarán Frawley (38)
11. James Lowe (53)
10. Johnny Sexton (175) CAPTAIN
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (103)
1. Andrew Porter (79)
2. Rónan Kelleher (26)
3. Tadhg Furlong (114)
4. Ross Molony (119)
5. James Ryan (52)
6. Caelan Doris (41)
7. Josh van der Flier (100)
8. Jack Conan (105)

16. Dan Sheehan (15)
17. Cian Healy (234)
18. Michael Ala’alatoa (3)
19. Ryan Baird (30)
20. Rhys Ruddock (191)
21. Luke McGrath (153)
22. Ross Byrne (106)
23. Jimmy O’Brien (36)

Ireland Women to play USA and Japan in November

The Ireland Women’s national rugby team will round off the year with two tests in November against the United States of America and Japan.

The match against the USA is scheduled for Friday, November 12 while the game against Japan is set to be played on Saturday, November 20.

The USA are ranked sixth in the world while Japan sit 12th in the world – Ireland are currently number eight.

The two Autumn tests will be the first games for the side since their failed World Cup qualification campaign.

Ireland lost to Spain and Scotland in Parma, Italy, which saw them miss out on a spot at next year’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand – hosts Italy took the spot.

The IRFU has said it looks forward to welcoming supporters back to a Women’s International Test for the first time since March 2020 and all details including broadcast arrangements, ticket prices and club and school travel support offers will be communicated next week.

Commenting on today’s announcement, IRFU Director of Women’s and Sevens Rugby, Anthony Eddy, said: “We’re delighted to confirm these two Test matches against quality opposition, with both USA and Japan set to provide a big challenge during the November window.

“It’s a good opportunity for the group to get back on the pitch and also provides opportunity for other players to perform at this level and showcase their talent on the international stage.”

Ireland Captain, Ciara Griffin, said: “We’re looking forward to two Test matches on home soil this November, and we’re excited about the opportunity to play in front of our supporters again.

“The group will reassemble in the coming weeks and put the building blocks in place ahead of two big Tests.

“A Friday Night game under the lights promises to be a special occasion and we hope to see as many of our supporters as possible.”

Ireland Women Autumn Tests

Ireland v USA, Friday 12th November, 7.15 pm.

Ireland v Japan, Saturday 20th November, 3 pm.

Brentford v Chelsea – Preview, Betting, Probable Starting Teams

Chelsea stand on the top of the Premier League table and plan to keep it that way as they face newly-promoted Brentford this Saturday

Brentford v Chelsea kicks off at 17:30 on Saturday, 16th October in the Brentford Community Stadium. Anthony Taylor will take charge of this round-eight match.

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

Brentford are in near perfect form going into this tie. They have secured three wins from their last four games, only drawing to Liverpool 3-3 two weeks ago. An important part of their success is their solidity at home, yet to be beaten in the Community Stadium.

The Hornets being victorious on Saturday would still be a major upset and they will need strikers Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbuemo in full strength.

On the other side of the field, Chelsea are not in amazing form. They have only managed one win in their last four games but still sit on top. One thing in the Blues’ favour is that they are still unbeaten away from home.

Thomas Tuchel still has a powerful squad to choose from this weekend especially if Timo Werner continues his promising goalscoring run.

These two clubs last faced each other in the FA Cup in 2017. As like all of their recent matches, Chelsea ran out 4-0 winners. This game will be much closer with the clubs on closer footing, Chelsea in first and Brentford in seventh.

Brentford v Chelsea Probable Starting Teams

Brentford

Formation

3-5-2

Probable Starting 11

Raya (GK), Pinnock, Jansson, Jorgensen, Henry, Onyeka, Norgaard, Baptiste, Canos, Toney, Mbeumo.

Injuries / Suspensions

Dasilva (Hip), Ajer (Hamstring), Bech (Knee), Baptiste (Dislocated shoulder), Janelt (Thigh)

 

Chelsea

Formation

3-4-2-1

Probable Starting 11

Mendy (GK), Chalobah, Silva, Christensen, Alonso, Kovacic, Jorginho, Azpilicueta, Havertz, Mount, Werner.

Injuries / Suspensions

Rudiger (Back), Pulisic (Ankle), Lukaku (Muscle injury)

Brentford v Chelsea Betting

Brentford: 11/2

Draw: 11/4

Chelsea: 4/7

 

Score Prediction

It is not hard to see that this is clearly Chelsea’s game to lose. Although they have a few injuries, the full strength of the squad will be enough to overcome Brentford’s top-flight cristianed defense.

Expect the game to end 3-0 to Chelsea.

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

Bellator lightweights Primus and Henderson unhappy with Dublin title bout

Bellator lightweights Brent Primus and Benson Henderson are unhappy that Patricky ‘Pitbull’ Freire and Irish mixed-martial artist Peter Queally’s fight has been upgraded to a title fight after Patricky’s brother, Patricio, vacated the division’s belt.

Primus and Henderson are set to go head-to-head in the ring on Saturday night at Bellator 268 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Patricky Pitbull and Queally will fight for the vacant lightweight championship in the main event of Bellator 270 at the 3Arena in Dublin on Friday, November 5.

The fight is a rematch of May’s Bellator 258 match-up, which the Irishman won due to a doctor’s stoppage.

Primus was the most vocal of the two about the issue and did not mince his words when asked about it at the pre-fight press conference on Thursday.

“Yeah, that’s a complete joke, I cannot believe it,” the 36-year-old said. Queally has fought twice in like three-and-a-half years, Patricky’s coming off two losses – I think it’s a joke.

Queally has only fought three times in two years since joining the Bellator ranks and can win the title if he wins his fourth.

Primus took aim at the man set to fight for the title in front of his home fans and criticised his injury record.

‘The Showstopper’ has pulled out of two bouts due to injury since signing for Scott Coker’s organisation, one of them being a match-up with Primus.

A third scheduled fight did not make it to fight day due to Covid – the initial date for the first clash between Patricky and Queally.

“I’m gonna go out and make a statement with Benson and I’m gonna call out whoever wins that fight, if Patricky or if Queally doesn’t get injured – that guy backs out of a lot of fights.

“I was supposed to fight him – he backed out like three weeks before the fight so, yeah man, it’s a complete joke for sure and I’m gonna smash whoever wins that fight.”

MMA legend Henderson kept his response to the same question to a minimum: “No comment. If you don’t got nothing nice to say, don’t say nothing.”

Unite the Union Champions Cup launched after year-long hiatus

The Unite the Union Champions’ Cup 2021, which will bring together champions from the Northern Irish Football League and the SSE Airtricity League, was launched at the National Stadium at Windsor Park in Belfast on Thursday with the final to be played at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday, December 4.

The Northern Ireland semi-final will see Linfield face Coleraine while 2020 League of Ireland champions Shamrock Rovers will play the runners-up in the 2021 SSE Airtricity Premier Division with the fixture date to be confirmed.

Launching the plans for an expanded 2021 Champions Cup today at Windsor Park, Unite Regional Secretary Jackie Pollock expressed his union’s pride in the initiative and hopes that it would continue to use football as a vehicle to unite communities and address disadvantages.

“The Unite The Union Champions’ Cup promotes Diversity, Equality and Community and it does so through focussing on our common love of the beautiful game that is football,” said Pollock.

“After an unavoidable one-year hiatus due to the pandemic, we are re-launching the Champions’ Cup in an expanded format. This year’s games set for November and December will see the leading teams, north and south play-off before the champions come forward for an all-island final.

“But the Unite the Union Champions’ Cup is about more than just world-class football. The initiative seeks to celebrate our diversity, promote equality and build community – while also providing enjoyment and a positive occasion for all to enjoy.

“I’m very proud that this year again, Unite is providing funding of £50,000 which goes directly into communities and schools in the catchment areas of the teams involved.  This money is targeted at improving the lives and opportunities of those in greatest need.”

Vice-Chair of Unite the union’s Irish Executive Therese Maloney spoke at the launch pointing to the recent STEM initiative under the Champions’ Cup launched by the union in catchment schools.

“Over recent months and despite the pandemic, Unite has been working with schools in marginalised communities in the Republic to roll out a new STEM education initiative sponsored by Unite.

“Today we will also be launching this exciting new initiative, combining technology, learning, football and fun, for local schools in the North.

“The unique educational resource we are making available to young people comprises six miniature football pitches together with 15 interactive robots programmed by the learners to perform tasks, such as playing football, helping develop skills in sport, maths, computer programming and coding.  My own background is in science, so I am particularly excited by this initiative.

“While we are all looking forward to the prospect of the three football matches ahead of us – we can also recognise the value of the other aspect of the Champions’ Cup. It’s about more than a match – it’s about using football as a means to reach into communities and make a real difference.”

League of Ireland Director Mark Scanlon said: “Our League of Ireland clubs are really looking forward to this expanded Unite the union Champions Cup.

“The COVID-19 pandemic meant we were unable to host the competition in 2020 but the new expanded format is a direct result of the increased interest from our clubs and their desire to play in this competition.

“We are fully committed to expanding our relationship with the Irish Football Association and the Northern Ireland Football League and I know the players and fans from all four clubs will be excited by the return of this Unite The Union Champions Cup and all will do their very best to win it.”

Football Association of Ireland President Gerry McAnaney added: “We are delighted to be here in Belfast today for the launch of the 2021 edition of the Unite the union Champions Cup.

“Our relationship with the Irish Football Association is very important to our Association and this competition further strengthens the bond between our Associations and our Leagues.

“I want to commend everyone involved with today’s launch and in particular everyone from Unite the union whose commitment to and passion for this Cup has been inspirational.

“The cross-community focus is to be applauded and I look forward to another successful Unite the Union Champions Cup campaign and wish all four teams the very best of luck as they compete for this unique title.”

Conrad Kirkwood, Irish FA President said: “This is a really exciting competition and, after a Covid hit year, it’s back and we are delighted about that.

“Its values of diversity, equality and community dovetail with that of the association. In Northern Ireland football really is for all.

“The game is strong on both sides of the border; I know NIFL is in a really good place, and I’m delighted to be embarking once again on this footballing journey with our counterparts at the FAI. A big thanks to Unite the Union too for its backing.”

Six St Pats academy players in Ireland U16 Victory Shield squad

The Republic of Ireland Men’s Under-16 squad has been named ahead of the upcoming 2021 Victory Shield and includes 20 players, six of whom hail from St Patrick’s Athletic.

Republic of Ireland Men’s Under-16 Head Coach Paul Osam will head to Belfast for the Victory Shield this weekend with fond memories of the last time the prestigious tournament was held there.

Osam won his second of two Victory Shields in the city in 2017 – a successful defence of the title he claimed a year previously in Scotland.

In the side that won the competition in Belfast was senior Ireland international Troy Parrott who put the Boys in Green on their way to glory with the solitary goal in a 1-0 win over Wales.

A further three current senior internationals have lifted the Victory Shield with Nathan Collins, Adam Idah and Jason Knight all part of the class of 2016 that won the tournament on Ireland’s first appearance.

Osam has today announced a 20 player-squad for the latest edition of the competition as he looks to claim a third title for the Boys in Green.

They take on joint holders Scotland (who shared the title with Wales in 2019) on Sunday, before facing Wales on Tuesday. They end their series of games with a derby against Northern Ireland on Friday week.

Speaking about the competition, Osam said it is the perfect tournament to ready Under-16s players for competitive football at Under-17s level: “When you come up against Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland you can’t call this a friendly tournament, they’re competitive games with an added edge of playing against your neighbours.

“We’ve had two wins in four appearances of this competition, which is a good return and with this group of players we’ll be pushing for another.

“It’s the perfect competition to ready these players for UEFA tournament football next season. You look at the likes of Troy, Nathan, Adam and Jason who have won it and gone on to senior football and this tournament would have contributed to their development. It’s a similar format to the qualifying stages at UEFA competitons where it’s three games in quick succession. It’s one of the highlights of the season for me and a real addition to players’ education.”

Republic of Ireland Men’s Under-16s Squad

Goalkeepers: Jason Healy (Waterford), Ryan Maher (Bohemians)

Defenders: Sean Hayden (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Sean Mackey (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Corey O’Sullivan (Shamrock Rovers), Adam Queally (Waterford FC) Eoin Sheeran (Athlone Town), Patryk Sweicka (Cork City)

Midfielders: Anthony Dodd (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Leo Healy (Klub Kildare), Luke Kehir (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Taylor Mooney (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Adam O’Halloran (Galway United), Naz Raji (Shamrock Rovers), Freddie Turley (Shamrock Rovers)

Forwards: Aidan Cannon (Celtic), Trent Kone Doherty (Derry City), Brian Moore (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Cian Mulvilhill (Cork City), Nickson Okosun (Bohemians)

Victory Shields Fixtures

Sunday, October 17 | Scotland MU16 v Republic of Ireland MU16, H&W Welders FC, KO 3pm

Tuesday, October 19 | Wales MU16 v Republic of Ireland MU16, Seaview, KO 3pm

Friday, October 22 | Republic of Ireland MU16 v Northern Ireland MU16, H&W Welders, KO 1.30pm

Adare v South Liberties – Limerick Promotion final Preview

We have reached the climax of the Limerick A hurling season as surprise contenders South Liberties take on Adare in the promotion final

This enthralling promotion final will throw-in at 16:00 on Saturday, 16th October in the Kilmallock GAA. Johnny Murphy is the referee that has been left in charge of the game.

Adare made it to this final after they finished top of their group that contained Kildimo Pallaskenry and Monaleen. Although they were pushed close against Pallaskenry, Adare finished strong in the group, thrashing Monaleen.

Unfortunately, they could not progress further into the Limerick SHC as they were knocked out by now finalists Patrickswell in a close 0-20 to 0-18.

Frees seem to be a strong part of their game as full forward Willie Griffin scored five of his seven points from place balls. Another creative outlet for the squad is their wing-forward Charlie McCarthy.

South Liberties followed a much similar path as they led a group with Garryspillane and Blackrock. Although they lost their first game of the season, a monumental thrashing of Blackrock let them continue on points difference.

Liberties pushed the A sides even closer as they lost out to Kilmallock in extra-time in a thrilling 1-33 to 5-17 game.

Barry and Anthony Nash are two players to watch on their side as they have proven to be strong goal threats for the team.

Promotion Final Probable Starting Teams

Adare

B. Curtin; D. Connolly, R. Connolly, D. Lyons; J. McSweeney, J. Fitzgibbon, J. Hannon; W. McNamara, D. O’Mahony; M. Keane, D. Hannon, C. McCarthy; M. Connolly, B. Griffin, B. O’Connor.

 

South Liberties

A. Nash; E.Quilty, M. OBrien, B. Nash; D. Garry, C. McSweeney, S. O’Neill; B. Ryan, J. Hickey; B. Cooney, D. O’Neill, B. Nash; K. Byrnes, M. Keane, B. Garry.

 

Score Prediction

Although South Liberties made a weaker start to the season, they will have a point to prove. The squad will be looking for redemption after their heartbreak last week.

Expect them to beat Adare in a hard, close tie by around three points.

To read more in-depth and up-to-date club and intercounty GAA news, click here.

Southampton v Leeds – Preview, Betting, Probable Starting Teams

Now with one win under their belt, Leeds will want to open their gap on the relegation zone as they face Southampton this weekend

Southampton v Leeds will kick off at 15:00 on Saturday 16th October in St. Mary’s Stadium. David Coote will take charge of this round-eight tie.

Southampton is a club on the verge of trouble, although they surprised some in the early games, they are still without a win. Problems have been getting worse with their captain James Ward-Prowse now suspended for three games due to a red-card challenge on Jorginho against Chelsea.

Manager Ralph Hasenhutl will need to reinvigorate his squad or their two-game losing streak will grow.

This international break has brought good and bad news to the white side of Yorkshire. Days after their first win of the season, the squad was split up with some players flying to other ends of the world.

A few Leeds talents have shown their quality with winger Raphinha exciting for the Samba squad but leader Kalvin Phillips also picking up an injury while in England training.

This fixture has been evenly contested in the last ten years. In the last ten years, Leeds has won three of the five games while Southampton has won two. Last year, the Whites stole the show winning both matches 2-0 and 3-0.

Southampton v Leeds Probable Starting Teams

Southampton

Formation

4-4-2

Probable Starting 11

McCarthy (GK), Walker-Peters, Salisu, Bednarek, Livramento, Redmond, Romeu, Diallo, Walcott, Armstrong, Elyounoussi.

Injuries / Suspensions

Broja (Personal reasons), Adams (Muscle injury), Stephens (Knee), Smallbone (Crucriate ligament), Ward-Prowse (Suspended)

 

Leeds United

Formation

4-1-4-1

Probable Starting 11

Meslier (GK), Firpo, Cooper, Llorente, Shackleton, Dallas, James, Klich, Roberts, Raphinha, Rodrigo.

Injuries / Suspensions

Forshaw (Hamstring), Summerville (Illness), Phillips (Knock), Ayling (Ankle), Bamford (Ankle), Koch (Groin)

Southampton v Leeds Betting

Southampton: 13/10

Draw: 12/5

Leeds United: 15/8

 

Score Prediction

Southampton has the home advantage but the absence of their star player could be costly. Both clubs will hope that the international break may have caused a minor reset in their teams and form.

Expect this game to end 2-1 to the away side, Leeds.

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

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SportsNewsIreland is an Irish website launched in 2009 to offer sports fans in Ireland an alternative and independent source to keep them up to date with all the news from around the country. Every week we bring you live score updates from all levels of GAA, rugby, soccer, racing and athletics. Contact

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