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Paralympic Swimming: Ní Riain sets another personal best

It is clear to see that swimming is one of Team Ireland’s strongest events with the great performances by youngster Ní Riain and Ellen Keane’s gold

Ireland have made a very strong start to the Tokyo Paralympics with Keane earning a memorable gold medal this morning and teammate Nicole Turner reaching the finals in her only event so far.

But one of Ireland’s newest gems is their youngest athlete Róisín Ní Riain. The 16-year-old is at her debut Games and has reached two finals in her opening two races, setting new personal bests along the way.

Now it was time for the freestyle.

Róisín Ní Riain – Women’s 400m Freestyle (Heats)

This was one of Ní Riain’s longer events needing eight long lengths of the pool. She made a strong, demanding start as she remained with the leading group.

As the race progress and the lactic acid began to fill her muscles, the teenager showed no signs of slowing and powered her way to the finish line.

She hit the wall in a time of 4:45.14, setting yet another personal best for herself. This result will be good enough for her to qualify for the women’s final later today.

The final race will take place at 11:43 Irish time this morning and all Irish fans should tune in to see Ireland’s future Paralympic great in action.

Paralympic Cycling: Grimes qualifies for bronze medal race

Timothy and Grimes were back in action this morning in the Tokyo Velodrome for Day Three of the 2020 Paralympics

These cycling events got underway at little after 02:00 Irish time.

Richael Timothy – C1-3 500m Time Trial

Timothy had a nervy start as they watched the Chinese athlete, Qian before them cycle a new world record in the event. The Roscommon woman went as the third last competitor, she began her race determined to improve on her performance two days ago.

He powered forward in the first lap, keeping the bike smooth and tight to the black line. Even though she was clearly putting her full effort in she found herself over two and a half seconds behind top after the first lap.

She continued her pace for the next 100 meters but found more energy for the last push on the home straight. Timothy crossed the finish line in a time of 42.485 seconds with could only place her in sixth place at the time.

Some very strong cyclists came after her and she finished the event in tenth place overall. Australia’s Amanda Reid set a world record in the C2 category to claim gold, Netherland’s Alyda Norbruis took silver and China’s Wangwei Qian came in third.

Ronan Grimes –  C4 4000m Individual Pursuit (Heats)

Just before 03:00 in the morning, this event commenced. The Rio 2016 bronze medallist went in the final heat against Jozef Metelka from Slovakia. This was a tough opponent with the Slovakian being the current world record holder.

Grimes knew what he needed to qualify, the top four racers would make the medal races later today. Both cyclists started fast but within the first 500 meters, Grimes was two seconds behind his opponent.

The Galway man held on well but was no match for the Slovakian. By the halfway mark, Metelka looked ready to begin an overtake on Grimes.

Grimes hung in powerfully and finished in a time of 4:37.693. This was good enough for him to finish fourth place and qualify for the bronze medal race against Columbia’s Diego German Duenas.

It is understandable how Grimes struggled in his race at Metelka set a new world record and will face Romania’s Carol-Eduard Novak for the gold medal later today.

 

Connacht Academy Squad Named for 2021/22

Connacht Rugby has named its Academy Squad for the 2021/22 season.

Players included as part of the squad contain six Connacht players who have represented Ireland in the U20 Six Nations squad the past summer. As well as this, new Year 1 recruitments Will Reilly and Josh O’Connor will also be part of the squad.

Connacht Academy Manger Eric Elwood went on to say about the squad;

“We are really pleased with the talent we have in the academy squad this season. Six players gained huge experience on the international scene over the summer, which is a testament to their development over the past few years. This was Connacht’s highest ever representation at this level, which speaks volumes of their quality.

“The lack of club and schools rugby last season has proved a challenge for us all, but with our Under 18s and Under 19s competing in the Interpro Series, more players both in and out of our academy will gain vital playing time and be given an opportunity to impress.

“There’s been plenty of changes behind the scenes, with new staff and structures to help support our pathway players, so we’re really excited by what can be achieved in the years ahead.”

Connacht Rugby Academy Squad 2021/22

Declan Adamson (hooker)

Ciaran Booth (back row)

Donnacha Byrne (back row)

Eoin de Buitléar (hooker)

Cathal Forde (out-half/centre)

Shane Jennnings (centre)

Diarmuid Kilgallen (back three)

Oisin McCormack (back row)

Darragh Murray (lock)

Josh O’Connor (back three)

Will Reilly (scrum-half)

Charlie Ward (prop).

For more news and stories on all things Rugby, click here.

Liverpool v Chelsea – Culture Clash

Liverpool v Chelsea – Culture Clash

Liverpool and Chelsea will go head-to-head in the Premier League this Saturday at Anfield in an early title contender clash. The two teams have been major rivals for the best part of two decades. Being a heated rivalry of the 2000s. But how did they get there? and why are both clubs a shadow of each other’s ideologies and culture? Here is a look back at what made the Liverpool and Chelsea rivalry so special.

A look back at Liverpool

Throughout English football history, Liverpool has been one of few clubs to hold the title of ”historic”. Winning numerous honours in the 1970s, before dominating the 1980’s, the Scousers were, at the time, the biggest team in England. Kenny Daglish and Ian Rush some of their standout players from that era just to name a few.

By the 1990s, Liverpool’s foothold over the rest of the English football pyramid began to dwindle. Rival’s Manchester United had come into their own after a disappointing decade in the 80s which saw them pick up 4 major honours (Community Shield included), with no league title to show or European success. Compared to Liverpool who picked up 20 major trophies in the same period.

Sir Alex Ferguson transformed United in the 90s, winning countless league titles, FA Cups, one League Cup and one Champions League. The latter being part of the infamous treble-winning season of 1999. The arrival of Arsene Wenger to Arsenal also saw Liverpool fall even further behind, with Manchester United and Arsenal going head to head for over a decade.

A look back at Chelsea

London based club Chelsea were the polar opposite of Liverpool throughout each other’s history. Since founded Chelsea was always deemed a ”big club” in terms of the English football landscape. But, never came close to replicating the type of success that catapulted Liverpool to such heights of success.

Founded in 1905, Chelsea were in the shadow of Arsenal and even Tottenham for a time. With both winning more league titles and domestic honours prior to Chelsea’s first league title in 1955, they didn’t go on to win another title until 2005.

Always in and around the top 10, when the late 80s and 90s came around, Chelsea saw a purple patch of success, which saw them win 6 major honours in that time period. Before 2003, the club had a grand total of 13 honours to their name.

The club had a whole host of talented world-class players at their disposal. The likes of Gianfranco Zola, Gianluca Vialli, Peter Osgood, Ruud Gullit and Marcel Desailly were all major international players at the time Chelsea brought them in.

Liverpool v Chelsea – Culture Clash

The start of a fresh new rivalry

By the summer of 2003, English football changed dramatically. Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich purchased Chelsea for over £140 million pounds and saw a revamp of the club. With his aim to turn a relatively sleeping giant into a superclub. Abramovich’s first game as Chelsea owner was in turn, against Liverpool at Anfield on the opening game of the 2003/04 season.

Prior to this, Abramovich oversaw one of the biggest transfer spending summers in history. Spending over £120 million on 11 high-profile additions. They eventually won 1-2 at Anfield, finishing second behind Invincibles Arsenal.

Mourinho and Benitez – The Ghost Goal

In the summer of 2004, Chelsea appointed Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho. The self-proclaimed ”Special One” came into the club and immediately made Chelsea title contenders. They eventually went on to win their first-ever Premier League title and second English title in their history.

Reaching 95 points and only conceding a mere 15 goals in total, Mourinho made players such as Petr Cech, Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and John Terry into Chelsea legends almost immediately.

That season also saw the debut of Spanish manager Rafa Benitez to Liverpool. The Spaniard came in with the aim of bolstering Liverpool into title contenders with a pretty average squad. They finished 5th, 37 points of the league winners.

The two sides did meet each other five times that season, with Chelsea winning 3 of those ties. Beating Liverpool home and away 1-0 in the, before losing 3-2 in the League Cup Final in Cardiff, giving Mourinho his first trophy at the club. The rivalry came to a head when both clubs were drawn against one another in the Champions League semi-final, drawing 0-0 at Stamford Bridge, the second leg saw the infamous Luis Garcia ”ghost goal”.

The ”goal” saw Liverpool progress to the final against AC Milan, which they won in a dramatic fashion, but the onslaught from Mourinho and Chelsea was huge. Mourinho stated after the game; “You can say the linesman’s scored. It was a goal coming from the moon or from the Anfield Road stands. The best team lost and didn’t deserve to lose. After they scored only one team played, the other one just defended for the whole game.” 

“They didn’t score in the semi-final – but I accept they beat us.”

The following season, Chelsea won back-to-back titles, defeating Liverpool twice in the league again but losing in the FA Cup semi-final to Liverpool. After the game, Benitez was critical of Chelsea stating; “To me, Arsenal play much better football. They win matches and are exciting to watch. Barcelona and Milan too. They create excitement so how can you say Chelsea are the best team in the world?”

Liverpool v Chelsea – Culture Clash

The Steven Gerrard Saga

The summer of 2005 saw one of the most intense and shocking transfers sagas in recent history. Liverpool captain and legend Steven Gerrard was on the verge of signing for Chelsea. 

Gerrard himself, rejected a new £100,000 a week contract, telling the club he wanted to join Chelsea. A Liverpool club statement wrote on the player’s decision; “Steven has told us he will not accept our offer of an improved and extended contract because he wants to leave”.

After the shock announcement Gerrard went on to say; “This has been the hardest decision I have ever had to make.”

“I fully intended to sign a new contract after the Champions League final, but the events of the past five to six weeks have changed all that.”

During this time, Chelsea’s £32 million bid was accepted by Liverpool. But due to death threats to him and his family and a change of heart, Gerrard decided to stay and any interest from Chelsea was out the window.

Fernando Torres – Chelsea’s Number Nine

By 2011, the rivalry between the two clubs was in its infancy. Liverpool was seen as the historical club, made by working-class people and played and did business the right way in football. While Chelsea, the newly rich powered super club from the west-end of London, dominated by high-end fashion, cars and money were perceived as the villains of English football at the time.

More hated than they were respected, Chelsea didn’t care who they upset, and this was evident in their pursuit of Liverpool striker Fernando Torres.

A Chelsea target back in 2007, ‘El Nino’ joined Liverpool and became one of the world’s best, and had a knack for scoring against Chelsea. By 2010, Torres had declined, mainly due to serious injuries that hampered his performances. Come to the 2011 January transfer window Chelsea put in a series of bids to tempt the Spaniard to swap red for blue, it took its time but a £50 million deal was agreed and in doing so, broke the British transfer record for a player.

Regardless of how the player performed for Chelsea, leaving Liverpool to a hated rival like the London club left a bad taste in the mouths of each and every Liverpool fan who had worshipped the player for 3 years.

Jealousy

That being said, both clubs have a lot to be jealous of with regards to how they operate. Liverpool spent a lot of the time in Chelsea’s shadow since 2003, finishing second twice in 15 years, the rest of those years consisted of poor signings, bad managerial runs, missed opportunities and under-performing. 

Compared that to Chelsea, who in that same time period, have won the Premier League 5 times, finished on average in 3rd position in the league, while being successful in Europe and in domestic competitions.

Many Liverpool fans would admit they have been envious of Chelsea’s rise in English football over the years.

While Chelsea fans would agree they would like to have seen more stability in the dugout like Liverpool had and currently does have.

Liverpool v Chelsea – Culture Clash

Present-day

Both clubs in the present day have enjoyed a continued run of success. Liverpool, under Jurgen Klopp, has revolutionised the club. Winning their first-ever Premier League title and first League title in over 30 years. He also saw his side compete in back-to-back Champions League Finals, winning one in the process, a Super Cup and a Club World Cup has also been achieved under his management.

Chelsea on the other hand recently won their second Champions League title with fellow German manager Thomas Tuchel.

They now enter the new season, as heavy favourites to win their first league title since 2017.

This coming Saturday will see the return of England’s old rivalries. An early title contender’s clash is live on Sky Sports Premier League.

For more news and stories on all things Premier League, click here.

Manchester City Suspend Ben Mendy After Police Charges

Manchester City have suspended Benjamin Mendy after he was charged by police today on four counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

The charges were made public by Cheshire Police on Thursday and City suspended the defender in light of the news.

They said that the charges relate to three complainants, over the age of 16 and are alleged to have taken place between last October and this month.

A police spokesman said: “Cheshire Constabulary and the Crown Prosecution Service would like to remind everyone that criminal proceedings against Mendy are live and that he has a right to a fair trial.”

The 27-year-old is due to appear in court on Friday following the charges and is currently being remanded in custody before his appearance at Chester Magistrates’ Court, police said.

Mendy has made 75 appearances for the club and has played once this season – a 79-minute showing against Tottenham Hotspur on the opening weekend.

The Frenchman has also played 10 times for his country and was part of their World Cup winning squad in 2018.

City have released a club statement on their decision to suspend the left-back.

In a statement, Manchester City said: “Manchester City can confirm that following his being charged by police today, Benjamin Mendy has been suspended pending an investigation.

“The matter is subject to a legal process and the club is therefore unable to make further comment until that process is complete.”

Manchester City Boss Guardiola Plans To Leave In 2023

Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has revealed that he plans to leave his role with the club in 2023 to pursue a job at international level.

The Catalonian manager’s contract runs out in two years and he plans to join a national side upon the expiry of it.

The 50-year-old has won three Premier League titles, four Carabao Cups one FA Cup and two FA Community Shields in his time in Manchester so far.

“Next step will be a national team, if there is a possibility. A national team is the next step,” he said at an XP Investimentos event, as reported by ESPN on Wednesday.

“After seven years on this team, I think I’m going to have a stop. I’m going to have to take a break, see what we’ve done.

“And in the process, I would like to train a South American (team), European, playing a Copa America, I want to have that experience.”

Guardiola has previously managed Barcelona and Bayern Munich since retiring from playing football and has had success at all clubs.

He won three league titles with both clubs like City but has failed to win the Champions League since leaving Barcelona.

Guardiola was the mastermind behind the Barcelona team that won the top competition in Europe in 2009 and 2011 – the team is regarded as one of, if not the best club team in the history of the sport.

Manchester City were runners-up in last season’s instalment of the competition in their first-ever final but had failed to get as close to Europe’s top prize this season.

Manchester City v Arsenal – Preview, Team News, Betting

Arsenal are looking for their first points as they travel to Manchester City in Week three of the Premier League

The match will kick off at 12:30 on Saturday, 28th August in the Emirates Stadium with Martin Atkinson in charge.

Pep Guardiola’s team is looking for their second win of the season. They started the campaign with a poor loss to Tottenham Hotspur but returned to form by thrashing newly promoted Norwich.

In the 5-0 win over Norwich, new signing Jack Grealish got his first goal for the club while striker Gabriel Jesus laid a claim to be the club’s main striker. Now that Harry Kane has confirmed that he will stay at Spurs, the club is looking to Cristiano Ronaldo to provide star power upfront.

Arsenal are still considered by many to be a team in crisis. They started their Premier League season with two 2-0 losses to Chelsea and Brentford.

Now Mikel Arteta’s team have finally claimed a victory against West Brom in the EFL Cup. Although it was a very week West Brom side, the game will no doubt give confidence to the Gunners’ players.

Last season, Man City earned three wins against Arsenal, two in the league, and one in the EFL Cup. Only Saturday will decide if Arteta can overcome his former mentor.

Predicted Starting 11

Manchester City 

Formation

4-3-3

Starting Team

Ederson (GK), Mendy, Dias, Stones, Cancelo, Grealish, Rodri, Gundogan, Sterling, Jesus, Mahrez.

Injuries

De Bruyne, Foden, Herrera.

Arsenal

Formation

4-2-3-1

Starting Team

Leno (GK), Tierney, Mari, Holding, Soares, Xhaka, Lokonga, Saka, Odegaard, Pépé, Aubameyang.

Injuries

White, Nketiah, Gabriel, Martinelli, Bellerin, Runarsson, Partey.

Betting

Man City are clear favorites to win with odds of 1/5.

A draw has odds of 5/1.

Arsenal are the underdogs with odds of 10/1 to win.

 

Score Prediction

Arsenal may be slightly more hopeful now but this will not change their luck. The reigning Premier League champions still have a point to prove after their loss to Spurs and will come strong.

Expect this game to end 2-0 with Man City being the clearly stronger team.

Republic of Ireland Name 25-Man Squad For September Internationals

Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny has named a 25-man squad for the upcoming FIFA 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Portugal, Azerbaijan and Serbia.

Ireland will travel to Faro to take on Portugal at the Estádio Algarve on Wednesday, September 1 before returning to Ireland to take on Azerbaijan on Saturday, September 4 and Serbia on Tuesday, September 7 at the Aviva Stadium.

Enda Stevens, Callum O’Dowda, Jason Knight and Chiedozie Ogbene have all been ruled out through injury whilst West Bromwich Albion striker Callum Robinson tested positive for COVID-19 this week, and is currently in isolation.

Burnley defender Nathan Collins receives his first call-up to the senior squad whilst Jamie McGrath and Andrew Omobamidele keep their place in the squad after impressing in the summer camp in Andorra and Hungary.

Brighton and Hove Albion striker Aaron Connolly and Newcastle United midfielder Jeff Hendrick return to the squad having missed the summer international friendlies, with the squad set to fly out to Portugal on Sunday.

Republic of Ireland Squad

Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Gavin Bazunu (Portsmouth, on loan from Manchester City), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth)

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Shane Duffy (Brighton and Hove Albion), John Egan (Sheffield United), Dara O’Shea (West Bromwich Albion), Ryan Manning (Swansea City), James McClean (Wigan Athletic), Andrew Omobamidele (Norwich City), Nathan Collins (Burnley).

Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Anderlecht), Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle United), Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Harry Arter (Nottingham Forest), Jamie McGrath (St. Mirren), Jayson Molumby (Brighton and Hove Albion)

Attackers: Aaron Connolly (Brighton and Hove Albion), James Collins (Cardiff City), Daryl Horgan (Wycombe Wanderers), Adam Idah (Norwich City), Troy Parrott (MK Dons, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Shane Long (Southampton), Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth).

Fixtures

01/09 – Portugal v Republic of Ireland, Estádio Algarve, 7:45pm
04/09 – Republic of Ireland v Azerbaijan, Aviva Stadium, 5 pm
07/09 – Republic of Ireland v Serbia, Aviva Stadium, 7:45 pm

Paralympics Star Keane Wins Gold For Ireland

Ellen Keane has won gold in the SB8 100m Breaststroke and given Ireland its first medal of the 2020 Summer Paralympics with a personal best time.

Keane shattered her personal record with her gold medal swim as she recorded a time nearly two seconds better than her previous best – recorded in the heats of the event.

Keane won her heat in style with a then-personal best time of 1:21.71 and improved on it when it mattered most with a scintillating 1:19.93 in Wednesday morning’s final.

The 26-year-old’s rival in the heat, New Zealand’s Sophie Pascoe got off to a better start in the race and took the lead early on.

The Irish Paralympian’s turn after the first 50 metres of the race swung the momentum in her favour and she chased Pascoe down to take home the top prize.

Keane overtook her opponent in the final stretch and touched home in first place with the New Zealander in second.

Pascoe won New Zealand their first medal of the Tokyo Games in a time of 1:20.32, with Adelina Razetdinova taking bronze for the Russian Paralympic Committee in 1:24.77.

Rio 2016 gold medalist Katarina Roxon was the fourth person to touch the wall, doing so for Canada.

Keane talked to RTÉ after her victorious race and spoke of an unexpected event that she feels helped her focus on the race.

“I don’t think it’s fully sunk in yet,” she told RTÉ Sport. “When I dove in my goggles filled up with water but I think that was maybe a good thing because I couldn’t see where the girls were around me.

“Just on the turn I saw Sophie a little bit but I just had a game plan in mind and I stuck to that.”

Keane has added to her bronze medal from Rio with her performance on Wednesday in her fourth Paralympics and has opened the doors for more medal for the Irish athletes over the next two weeks.

Liverpool v Chelsea – Preview, Team News, Betting

Chelsea face their first title competitors when they travel to Liverpool this Saturday in Week Three of the Premier League

This game will kick off at 17:30 on Saturday, 28th August in Anfield with Anthony Taylor refereeing.

This game will be Liverpool’s first challenging match of their Premier League campaign. They eased past Burnley and Norwich in their opening matches.

Stars like Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, and Trent Alexander-Arnold seem to be back to full form and ready to compete for the title again. Their talisman Mohamed Salah is ranked 1st for chances created in the league currently as well.

Chelsea have grabbed the attention of every neutral fan of the Premier League already this season. The Blues dominated their first two games against Crystal Palace and Arsenal, scoring and keeping clean sheets.

Thomas Tuchel has clearly made the English League the main focus of the team’s plans this year. The Champions League winners are now joined by world-class striker Romelu Lukaku who scored on his debut last week.

Last season the two teams split the spoils with both sides managing to win away from home. This is surely lined up to be the game of the weekend.

Predicted Starting 11

Liverpool

Formation

4-3-3

Starting Team

Alisson (GK), Robertson, Van Dijk, Matip, Alexander-Arnold, Keita, Henderson, Thiago, Salah, Firmino, Mane.

Injuries

Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fabinho, Milner.

Chelsea

Formation

3-4-3

Starting Team

Mendy (GK), Rudiger, Christensen, Azpilicueta, Alonso, Kante, Jorginho, James, Havertz, Mount, Lukaku.

Injuries

Pulisic, Loftus-Cheek.

Betting

Liverpool are narrow favorites to win with odds of 6/4.

A draw has odds of 9/4.

Chelsea are the bookies’ slight underdogs with odds of 9/5 to win.

Score Prediction

There will be interesting battles all over the field; Van Dijk versus Lukaku, Robertson versus James, etc. The winners of these battles will decide who will take this tie.

Both teams are in great form coming into this game but Chelsea looks to have the slight edge. If their team begins in full strength, they will be nearly impossible to stop.

Expect this game to end 2-1 to Chelsea.

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