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Qipco Guineas Festival To Move To Three Days From 2022 Onwards

The QIPCO Guineas Festival at Newmarket’s Rowley Mile, one of Britain’s premier Flat racing fixtures, is to be extended to three days from 2022.

In an exciting enhancement to the two-day weekend meeting, which stages the first two Classics of the season, racing will now also take place on the Friday and run from April 29th to May 1st in 2022.

The QIPCO 2000 and QIPCO 1000 Guineas will remain in their current positions, with further details about Friday 29th April including the race programme, what racegoers can expect off the track and ticket details announced in due course.

Sophie Able, Newmarket Racecourses’ General Manager, said: “We’re delighted to be enhancing one of British racing’s most prestigious Flat racing fixtures and a meeting which has shown sustained growth in the last decade.

“An additional day means more flexibility to optimise the meeting’s race programme both for participants and those who follow and bet on racing, as well as the chance to use the existing infrastructure to create another great day out for our customers.

“There are wider benefits too in terms of the shape of Newmarket’s early-season fixture list, more recovery time for the course itself and an easier operational switch onto the July Course.

“Most of all though, Newmarket at the beginning of May is a magical place to be, and this is another chance to see the home of horseracing at its very best.

“We’re excited about the opportunities for further growth this change will bring, and the benefits racing will see through subsequent reinvestment, and we hope everyone looks forward to a three-day QIPCO Guineas Festival next year as much as we will.”

Rod Street, Chief Executive of British Champions Series, said: “The QIPCO Guineas Festival is one of the highlights of the British sporting calendar and we welcome the fact that racegoers will be able to enjoy a third day of brilliant racing from the Rowley Mile.

“Whilst the circumstances in 2020 were very different, we have seen the interest that a three-day Festival is able to generate and very much view this as a chance to engage more people in one of racing’s most important events.”

Lucia McNaughton On Family Success And Growth of Antrim Camogie

Lucia McNaughton will captain Antrim on the day of her 26th birthday, in the All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie Final against Kilkenny (2 pm).

The NHS physio works in a profession that gives her real satisfaction, either in the rehab hospital she is based in or around the community as well – easing discomfort and pain is a rare and wonderful gift.

Antrim have had their share of that in camogie terms since reaching the intermediate decider in 2011 – their most recent success was in 2003, though they claimed the premier junior title in 2010 – but the signs of growth have been evident through schools and underage advances in recent years.

The panel that reached last year’s final was young and that experience, where they wilted in the second half against Down, will be sure to stand to them this time around.

This was in evidence as they beat the Mournewomen in the group stages of the National League, though they went down to their long-time rivals by a very late goal in the Division 2 final.

Down went on to ruffle a lot of feathers in the senior grade and will be competing at the highest grade again next year – McNaughton and co want to join them.

The Loughgiel Shamrocks dynamo has heard stories of triumph on big days at Croke Park, but isn’t anxious to emphasise them, because she knows, of course, that they have no influence on what unfolds on Sunday. And anyway, she wants to write her own story.

But the pride is evident. Especially in her late grandmother, Mary McGarry, who made her debut as a teenager when Antrim went on to complete the All-Ireland three-in-a-row at senior level in 1947.

Mary’s husband John, a member of the famous Shamrocks county championship-winning team of 1956, has told his granddaughter about his wife’s exploits as the Saffrons’ primary free-taker for a decade, lining out at midfield, just like McNaughton herself does.

“She would be our corner-back, Maria Lynn’s granny as well. Unfortunately, she died when I was only one. So I never really knew her. But I would be talking to Grandad and he would always have been to her matches and things. My grandad would obviously have played hurling too.

“You find out different things as you go along. Obviously back then there wasn’t any photos or footage. Whenever you come across a few photos of them playing it’s really nice to see. You are obviously looking to follow in their footsteps as well.

“She was 18 when she won it, so she was very young, a lot younger than I am at the minute. Anna Connolly’s mother (Mary) won the All-Ireland as well (at intermediate). So there is a lot of links. Maybe it’s a good omen.”

Then there is McNaughton’s father, Seamus, or ‘Crow’ as he is known.

Seamus McNaughton is an All-Ireland champion at club level with Loughgiel Shamrocks, winning the title in 1983.

Lucia called the Loughgiel side of 1983 legends and noted that her father has brought up the victory on several occasions.

Meanwhile, Lucia’s brother James enjoyed Joe McDonagh Cup glory in the saffron and white at the end of last year.

But she has to pack all that family history into its appropriate compartment, wary of bringing too much emotion to the table, of making the final into a behemoth that could overpower her.

“As much as that’s lovely and you always have it in the back of your head, you try not to think about it too much as well. At the end of the day, it’s just another match that you try to win. I try not to put too much pressure on.

“Obviously, it’s a lovely thing to think about and all and hopefully if we win it will be great but it’s just another thing that you are trying not to be distracted by.”

Hurling and camogie permeated every fibre of her household in her youth and continues to do so in the present.

McNaughton remembers training with her siblings in the garden and tackling her brothers, who were bigger and stronger than her.

For as long as she can remember, her family have always been playing camogie and hurling.

“…In our parish, there’s not a lot else to do. It’s kind of play hurling and camogie, and go to mass really. They’re the two main things we are doing.”

Once the fixtures were published, she noted the date of the All-Ireland final. Naturally.

“I was like, ‘Oh, the All-Ireland is on my birthday.’ Then as it got closer and closer, I thought, ‘Cool that would be great. Going out into Croke Park on your birthday.’ To be honest with you, it would be great. Imagine winning that on your birthday?

“Imagine winning that on any day.”

There she is again, bringing it back to brass tacks. This is about winning for Antrim, and this group of players, though she does think of those who shared many of the darkest hours with her but will not be involved on Sunday.

There were teams when Antrim were trying to get teams and playing matches to fill a fixture.

McNaughton says it’s great now to be part of a team – being set up with everything they could need and doing quite well.

She credits the side that pieced together teams for fixtures at the start of the last decade as the players that kept Antrim camogie going.

“If it was a few years earlier maybe they would have been there celebrating with us. I’m sure they are delighted for us at the minute. Definitely, it did take them, a few years ago to keep Antrim afloat as well.”

So there’s a lot in the mix as Antrim renew rivalries with Kilkenny, who they beat by four points at the beginning of the championship.

“I don’t think that match was even videoed so we couldn’t even go back and watch it. But it will be a completely different story I think going out.

“First of all, it’s an All-Ireland final so it’s completely different and it’s Croke Park which brings a different element to it as well – a lot of our girls haven’t played in Croke Park before.

“Maybe some of the Kilkenny ones have more experience with that, especially if they’re involved with their senior team at one stage.

“It’s going to be really tough. They’re very skilful and a very fast team as well. Hopefully we’ll do okay.”

Antrim play Kilkenny in the All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie Championship final on Sunday, September 12 at 2 pm in Croke Park.

FAI Announce Sky Sponsporship Deal For WNT

A landmark partnership between Sky and the FAI has been announced today, which sees Sky becoming the first-ever, stand-alone Primary Partner of the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team.

The four-year partnership means Sky will be Primary Partner of the Women’s National Team through two major tournaments – the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia / New Zealand and the 2025 UEFA Women’s Championship.

The announcement was made today as Ireland Senior Women’s Team Manager, Vera Pauw, reveals her squad for the upcoming friendly fixture against Australia, on 21st September.

The new partnership also comes a week after the FAI’s historic announcement on equal pay for the Women’s and Men’s senior teams. 

Speaking at today’s partnership announcement, CEO of Sky Ireland, JD Buckley, said: “This is a momentous day for the whole team at Sky Ireland and one that we are exceptionally excited about.

“We have been looking forward to announcing this partnership and we are honoured to be the first-ever, stand-alone Primary Partner of the Women’s National Team.”

“This squad is made up of incredible people who have broken through barriers, both on and off the pitch.

“They are and will continue to be an inspiration to people of all ages right across the country. As their partner, it is so important that we spotlight and celebrate this squad and their achievements – that’s what this partnership is all about.  

“We were delighted to see the FAI’s equal pay announcement last week, and as Primary Partner to the team, we look forward to doing everything we can to support them over the coming years.”    

Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team Manager, Vera Pauw, said: “The significance of this partnership announcement is testament to the dedication of every one of the players and backroom staff members for what they continue to achieve, on and off the pitch.

“The support of a brand like Sky, as we turn our focus to the 2023 FIFA World Cup, is hugely exciting. Everyone involved with the Ireland squad are thrilled to welcome Sky to our team, and we look forward to working with them.”

Also speaking at today’s partnership announcement, FAI CEO, Jonathan Hill, said: “On behalf of the FAI Board and myself, we are delighted to announce Sky as Primary Partner of the Women’s National Team.

“This is yet another really positive step forward for women’s and girls’ football in Ireland and comes on the back of our historic announcement on equal pay last week.

“Football for women and girls is a core focus within our FAI Strategy and this truly is a landmark announcement for the FAI.

“Partnerships like this are exactly what will help us to grow the women’s game and ensure opportunities for younger generations to come and indeed, to persuade more women to get involved in the game full stop – be it as coaches, administrators or players.

“I want to thank JD Buckley and the Sky Ireland team for understanding and supporting that vision.”

The Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team will welcome Australia to Tallaght Stadium on 21st September before commencing World Cup action against Sweden at home, on Thursday 21st October. 

Leeds v Liverpool – Preview, Team News, Betting

Liverpool will travel to Elland Road to face Leeds United on week four of the Premier League trying to keep their unbeaten run going

The match will kick off at 16:30 on Sunday, 12th September in Elland Road with Craig Pawson as referee.

Leeds have not made the start to the season they would have wanted, only claiming two draws in the opening three matches.

This international break might have given some players a needed rest as they plan to push up from 15th place.

The Merseyside Reds have had a strong start to the season with talisman Mohamed Salah on top form. Last week they had a tough draw with the ten men of Chelsea so they will be pushing for a win on Sunday.

Liverpool have been hit hard by the new regulation that requires Brazilian players to quarantine. Alisson Becker, Fabinho, and Roberto Firmino will be affected but this might give Irishman Caoimhin Kelleher a chance in the starting lineup.

In the last three times these two clubs have faced each other since 2016, Leeds are yet to manage a victory. Most recently, the opponents drew 1-1 in April after a thrilling 4-3 win for Liverpool six months before.

Predicted Starting 11s

Leeds United

Formation

3-3-3-1

Predicted Team

Meslier (GK), Cooper, Llorente, Struijk, Dallas, Phillips, Ayling, Harrison, Rodrigo, James, Bamford.

Injuries

Firpo (Covid-19), Klich (Covid-19), Raphinha (Brazil), Koch (Groin)

Liverpool

Formation

4-3-3

Predicted Team

Kelleher (GK), Robertson, Van Dijk, Matip, Alexander-Arnold, Thiago, Henderson, Keita, Salah, Jota, Mané

Injuries

Becker (Brazil), Fabinho (Brazil), Elliott (Muscle injury), Milner (Knock), Williams (Knock), Firmino (Muscle injury), Minamino (Knock)

Betting

Leeds 10/3

Draw 3/1

Liverpool 8/11

Predicted Score

Both teams will be stripped of some of their starters due to injuries and Covid-19. This will be an interesting game but Liverpool should be the stronger side.

Hopefully, this will result in another hectic, entertaining game between the teams and end up at 3-2 to Liverpool.

Shirley McCay calls time on record-breaking Irish career

Shirley McCay has decided to call time on her international career following a ground-breaking 14-year spell with the Green Army

Since making her international debut in 2007, the Drumquin native has gone on to play 316 times, a caps record for both hockey and for female sportswomen in general in Ireland.

A diminutive defender with an eye for a glorious long pass, a teak-tough competitor willing to contest every opponent and situation. Her passion and perseverance stand her out as one of the iconic faces of the Green Army’s rise.

A rise that has brought them from obscurity to the world’s elite levels, a journey culminating in the 2018 World Cup silver medal and a maiden appearance for the Irish women at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

 

Where did McCay come from?

Her beginnings in the sport came at Omagh Academy, picking up the basics of the game in jig-time, breaking into the senior team at the school when she was just 14.

At Omagh Hockey Club, her development was overseen with Anne Buchanan, Iris Nelson, and June Graham crucial figures who became almost ever-present supporters at European Championships.

It helped propel her to new heights on the club front, first with Randalstown and then with Ulster Elks, KHC Dragons in Belgium, Old Alex, and then to Pegasus where she became an EY Champions Trophy winner.

Gene Muller invited her onto the international stage at the age of 18 for a series in Stellenbosch in January 2007. Since then, she has been virtually ever-present, missing just 37 of Ireland’s capped games in 14 and a half years.

Those early days were tough at times with Olympic and World Cup qualifications proving well out of reach.

“In my early career, beating New Zealand in New Zealand [Wellington, 2008] was a special memory. Anytime we could get the better of someone above was a special moment and that was unheard of at the time. Thankfully it became more regular over time but I will never forget that.

“Another eye-opener was playing Argentina in Parana [in 2011] and about 10,000 people must have shown up and gave us an incredible reception. It’s things like that which stay with you, not always the big results but those amazing moments.

During those early years, she hails the likes of Eimear Cregan, Linda Caulfield, Cathy McKean and Bridget Cleland for bringing her under their wing.

She remembers McKean “just telling me how class I was” at some early sessions, adding to “get something like that from such a good player was special” to hear.

The success they deserved

The breakthrough finally arrived with the World League in 2017, fighting back to beat India to earn a place in the 2018 World Cup.

Many thought that would be her last run out in an Irish jersey before the silver medal run changed everything for everyone involved.

“Getting over the Rio disappointment, it kind of felt like there would never be a bigger stage to go out on a high. Then things turned out the way they did, a way no one expected it to. With the silver medal, it gave us a much better ranking and a chance to qualify for the Olympics. I did not want to leave with any regrets for me or the team having come so far.”

That dream was realized in November 2019 with qualification in front of a record crowd at Donnybrook Stadium.

Those fixtures took on an extra significance as they marked her 300th cap while she cites walking out and signing the anthem with her nephew Alex as an extra special moment.

Her efforts in the background went on for an extra year due to the Covid-19 pandemic before eventually coming to fruition in July this year.

The side started off in brilliant fashion, breaking their duck with a historic 2-0 win over South Africa. Ultimately, a vital second win proved elusive and their campaign ended in the group stages.

“We were disappointed in regards to reaching our main target of reaching the quarter-finals. We had the capability of doing it but each team had those same dreams and that it why this is the toughest tournament.

“Sure, the outcome was disappointing but the whole Olympic experience was filled with massive bucket-list moments.”

What will the hockey star do now?

She dove straight back into camps in her role as an Ulster Hockey Talent Coach and, last weekend, she was part of the coaching staff that saw Ulster win double-gold at the UK Schools Games. And she is thrilled at the prospect of inspiring the next generation on that front.

“Ulster Hockey have been so sympathetic to me and my international career, letting me do bits and pieces in between when I was away. I have been so used to trying to balance playing internationally and the role.

“So I am really looking forward to going all-in, committing to the job and making a difference, helping Ulster’s young talent develop and play to their potential.”

That role leaves her now in a peaceful position to step away from the international stage. She has paid tribute to her network who helped propel her to such spectacular heights.

“I am indebted to a few people who without their support I wouldn’t be where I am today. My friends, family, and loved ones, thanks for putting up with me being grumpy and rarely being around.

“To the coaches, I have had throughout my career, I have learned so much from you all.

“And finally, to every teammate, I have ever had the pleasure of playing with, thanks for putting up with me. It has been an honor.”

Zimbabwe Take 1-0 Lead v Ireland In 3-Game ODI Series

Zimbabwe took a 1-0 lead in the three-game One Day International series against Ireland on Wednesday afternoon with a 38 run victory at Stormont, Belfast.

The series is part of the 2020-23 ICC Cricket World Cup Super League – an ODI league where teams play three-game series’ against each other.

Craig Ervine and Sikandar Raza both reached half-centuries as the visitors built up a total of 266/7 while Zimbabwe’s bowling kept Ireland at bay.

Ervine hit his second half-century in as many games for the Zimbabwean national team after putting up an unbeaten score against Ireland in the final game of the nations’ T20I series.

The left-handed 36-year-old scored the most runs for his team but failed to go unbeaten as Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie got his wicket after 96 runs.

Sikandar Raza took the tempo up a notch when he stepped in, posting an unbeaten 59 from 44 balls to give Zimbabwe a strong finish to their 50 overs.

Ireland started their chase strongly but lost the wicket of Paul Stirling for 32 runs after himself and William Porterfield got Ireland up to 64 runs.

Porterfield fought on as Harry Tector replaced Stirling and gave Graham Ford’s side a second strong partnership in the opening half of their batting.

However, Porterfield was dismissed after 75 runs in 110 balls and the loss of the starter signalled the beginning of a collapse.

Tector kept his cool and managed an impressive 50 from 55 balls before falling victim to the Zimbabwean bowling.

Ireland were in a strong position at 187/3 but a measly 41 runs from the rest of their batsmen handed the opening match to Zimbabwe and gave the side their first ODI win in 10 months.

Lalchand Rajput’s men take an important lead that means Ireland will have to play catch-up for the rest of the series.

Zimbabwe have also won 10 valuable points in the 2020-23 ICC Cricket World Cup Super League – another win will put them five points behind Ireland with six games-in-hand.

Ireland will look to get level in the series on Friday morning when the two sides play the second ODI.

Is Luck the Main Thing in Poker or Not?

Many beginners believe that luck is the key to poker. After all, how can you win if you don’t get lucky and a good poker hand comes in?

In fact, this is a misconception. Of course, there is a factor of luck in poker, but it is not the most important one. You can win not only with good cards. Professionals skillfully bluff with bad cards against weak players and take the pot without a showdown. The professionals note that luck affects 10% of the game. The remaining 90% depends on the skill of the player, their experience, and their skills. Therefore, the most important rule in poker is to rely only on yourself, not on luck.

 

The importance of stress-resistance

Many people point out that the main thing in poker is psychology. These words make sense. Unlike in the best NZ slots, if a player is not psychologically prepared for poker, he will not be able to win. You need to be able to restrain your emotions, both in a good scenario in poker and in a bad one. After all, if the player will show his joy, having a high combination in his hands, then other opponents can easily read it.

You need to be emotionally prepared for serious opponents and big bets. This is the main thing in poker. Some of the actions of the players at the table can greatly affect your psychological state. Therefore, you need to accustom yourself not to react to anything at the time of the game. Professional players do not pay attention to emotions and continue to act correctly and clearly in any situation. Therefore, they are always in profit in the long run.

The impact of a bankroll on the game

Professionals point out that an important rule of successful poker is bankroll management. If you don’t know how to use money, you can quickly lose everything and go into the red. Bankroll management allows you to determine which bets you need to play. For example, you cannot go to play on bets of 5/10 dollars with a cash reserve of $50. Your budget is enough for a couple of games and this will most likely lead to a loss. The main thing in poker is to keep track of the size of the bets in relation to the bankroll.

  

There are situations when newbies enter high stakes and win quickly with a small bankroll. In doing so, they believe that they are doing the right thing. Such a strategy will still lead to defeat. If a player wins 1-2 times, then in the next games he may not be so lucky and the stock of chips will immediately decrease.

 

Now you know that the main thing in poker will be different for everyone. Professionals, on the other hand, note that constant development, learning, concentration at the time of the game, and emotional control are the main things.

 

Donegal Senior Football Championship 2021 – Preview, Fixtures, Odds

The 2021 Donegal Senior Football Championship is just around the corner with the competition set to begin on Friday, September 10.

This year’s instalment of the competition will start two days after the 2020 Championship comes to an end as August’s delayed final between Naomh Conaill and CLG Chill Chartha is set to be replayed.

The championship will be made up of 16 sides including both 2020 finalists and 2020 Donegal Intermediate Football Championship winners Aodh Ruadh.

The Donegal SFC will begin with a league phase that takes place over four consecutive weekends.

The top eight will make the quarter-finals which will be played on the weekend of October 17 with the semi-finals scheduled a week after on the weekend of October 24.

The bottom eight teams will contend the relegation playoffs, with the format for the playoffs yet to be decided by Donegal GAA’s Competitions Controls Committee (CCC).

In the event of a team retirement due to Covid 19 in the Championship stage, a team from the relegation playoffs will take their place – neither side will be at risk of relegation.

The 2021 Donegal SFC final is penned in for the weekend of November 7, meaning that the 2020 winners will possibly have their title for less than two months.

Naomh Conaill are the holders after they won the 2019 Donegal SFC after two replays and will be hoping to enter the 2021 Championship with the title of champion tied to their name.

Chill Chartha will want to change that and make themselves the favourites to retain their crown, should they win the delayed 2020 final.

The pair are the favourites for the 2021 title with both of them at 5/2 at the bookies.

Aodh Ruadh make their return to the senior level of football in the county after their triumph over Cloughaneely in O’Donnell Park last September.

With a Division 1 return also sealed for next season, the side could be one to watch throughout the Championship.

Aodh Ruadh are 33/1 outsiders but the Ballyshannon club could spring an upset.

The 2021 Michael Murphy Sports Senior Football Championship gets underway when Sean McCumhaill welcome St Michael’s to Pairc Sheain McCumhaill.

A list of all teams involved can be seen below.

Teams

Ardara

St Michael’s

CLG Naomh Náille

CLG An Tearmainn

Four Masters

Gaoth Dobhair

Gleann Fhinne

CLG Na Cealla Beaga

Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon

Naomh Conaill

CLG Chill Chartha

Sean Mac Cumhaill

Milford

Naomh Ádhamhnáin/St Eunan’s

Gleann tSúilí

Realt na Mara CLG

Fixtures and Results

Round 1

Sun, 12 Sept, Eamonn Byrne Memorial Park, Na Cealla Beaga 1-7 – 1-13 Gleann tSúilí, 13.30
Sun, 12 Sept, Pearse Memorial Park, Ard an Ratha 1-10 – 2-6 Realt na Mara, 15.00
Sun, 12 Sept, Machaire Gathlán, Gaoth Dobhair 4-21 – 2-7 Milford, 15.30
Sun, 12 Sept, Páirc Ui Dhomhnaill, St Eunans 1-12 – 1-14 Cill Chartha, 18.00

Sat, 18 Sept, Davy Brennan Memorial Park, Naomh Conaill v Gleann Fhinne, 14.00
Sun, 19 Sept, Páirc Gearoid Ó’Gallochoir, CLG Naomh Náille v An Tearmainn, 14.00

Sun, 19 Sept, Páirc Tírconaill, Four Masters v Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon, 14:00

Sun, 19 Sept, Páirc Sheáin MhicCumhaill, Sean Mac Cumhaill v St Michaels, 16.00

Round 2

Sat, 25 Sept, Moyle Park, Milford – Ardara, 15.00

Sat, 25 Sept, The Bridge, St Michael’s – Gaoth Dobhair, 15.30

Sat, 25 Sept, Termon, An Tearmainn – St Eunan’s, 16.00

Sat, 25 Sept, Gaelic Park, Realt Na Mara CLG – CLG Na Cealla Beaga, 16.30

Sun, 26 Sept, Pairc Naomh Columba, Gleann tSúilí – Sean Mac Cumhaill, 14.00

Sun, 26 Sept, Pairc Taobhoige, Gleann Fhinne – CLG Naomh Náille, 14.00

Sun, 26 Sept, Father Tierney Park, Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon – Naomh Conaill, 14.00

Sun, 26 Sept, Pairc Taobhoige, CLG Chill Chartha – Four Masters, 17.30

Odds 

CLG Chill Chartha 5/2

Naomh Conaill 5/2

Gaoth Dobhair 3/1

Naomh Ádhamhnáin/St Eunan’s 4/1

St Michael’s 14/1

Sean Mac Cumhaills 16/1

Gleann tSúilí 20/1

CLG Réalt na Mara 25/1

Aodh Ruadh 33/1

Gleann Fhinne 50/1

Milford 50/1

CLG Na Cealla Beaga 66//1

Four Masters 66/1

Naomh Náille 66/1

An Tearmainn 100/1

Ardara 100/1

Northern Ireland Share Spoils With Switzerland In Belfast

Northern Ireland and Switzerland had to settle for a goalless draw at Windsor Park on Wednesday night in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification clash.

A Haris Seferovic penalty miss in the first half was the highlight of the fixture as the sides failed to find a breakthrough on the night.

It was Northern Ireland goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell’s second save in as many qualification games after denying Lithuania a goal from the spot last week.

The on-loan Sheffield Wednesday keeper was the hero on the night for Ian Baraclough’s side as they held on for a draw against the UEFA Euro 2020 quarter-finalists.

Switzerland dominated possession on a night that saw a near-capacity crowd return to the Belfast stadium.

However, the effect of the crowd did help to put pressure on the visitors throughout the match.

Swiss midfielder Fabian Frei picked up an early yellow card and earning himself a suspension after strong pressing from the home team.

Northern Ireland forward Shane Lavery found himself in clean air and looked set to score but could not provide the finishing touch after fashioning space for a shot.

However, Lavery and strike partner Conor Washington, although unable to give their side a goal, looked just as dangerous as they did against Lithuania.

The hosts’ sparkle soon faded as right-back Michael Smith was judged to have brought left winger Ruben Vargas down inside the box and a penalty was given.

However, number nine Haris Seferovic fluffed his lines from 12-yards out and Peacock-Farrell denied Murat Yakin’s Swiss side a goal – they have yet to score in a competitive game (and win a competitive game) under their new manager.

Liverpool full-back Connor Bradley impressed upon his introduction after assisting Shane Ferguson’s winner against Estonia at the weekend.

Baraclough’s Northern Ireland were defensively resilient with a noisy crowd behind them all the way but lacked the end product needed to collect all three points, while Switzerland failed to break them down and will rue a missed penalty.

Both sides will face each other again in the first game of the October international window at the Stade de Geneve in Switzerland on Saturday, October 9.

Northern Ireland (3-5-2): Peacock-Farrell; Ballard, Cathcart, Brown; Smith, McCann, Davis (C), Thompson, Lewis; Washington, Lavery.

Subs: Bradley, Flanagan, Saville, McGinn, Lafferty, Ferguson, Carson, Charles, Jones, White, McCalmont, Hazard.

Switzerland (4-3-3): Sommer (C); Widmer, Akanji, Elvedi, Rodriguez; Freuler, Frei, Zakaria; Vargas, Seferovic, Fassnacht.

Subs: Garcia, Zeqiri, Steffen, Mvogo, Zuber, Sow, Lauper, Lotomba, Aebischer, Kobel, Schar, Zesiger.

Tipperary Announce Brendan Cummins As New U20 Hurling Boss

Brendan Cummins has been announced by Tipperary GAA as the new U20 hurling manager for the inter-county side on a three-year term.

The inter-county legend brings with him a wealth of experience, including 18 years with the Tipperary senior hurlers as a player.

The 46-year-old is a five-time Munster champion and a two-time All-Ireland champion at senior level – he also won an All-Ireland winners medal with the U21s and Munster championships at both minor and U21 level as a player.

When Cummins ended his playing career, he had racked up 73 appearances in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship across 19 seasons – a record that was only bettered by Kilkenny legend Michael ‘Brick’ Walsh in 2019.

Cummins will be joined by former Kerry senior hurling manager Fintan O’Connor who will form part of his backroom as a coach and has also signed a three-year contract.

The pair previously worked together when O’Connor was contracted to the Kerry senior hurlers – Cummins was part of his backroom.

Cummins was Kerry’s goalkeeping coach for six years from 2014-2020 and the U20 job in his native county is his first managerial position.

Cummins replaces John Devane in the role after he spent two years with the Premier County, who could not get his side past a strong Cork U20 side as they lost out to the champions-elect at both the semi-final and final stages of the U20 Munster Championship.

The former Tipperary goalkeeper will aim to develop the players that come through from minor level into athletes good enough for the top level of hurling.

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