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Colm Bonnar Announced As Tipperary Senior Hurling Manager

Tipperary GAA have announced that they have appointed Colm Bonnar as the senior hurling manager on a three-year contract.

Bonnar previously coached the Carlow senior hurlers for a three-year period in which he brought the side up to Division One of the National Hurling League and the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship.

Under his management, Carlow won the Christy Ring Cup and the Joe McDonagh Cup in two consecutive years to reach the top of the inter-county hurling pyramid.

The Cashel King Cormacs club man has also managed the Tipperary camogie side – with whom he won an All-Ireland in 1999 – the Wexford senior hurlers and Waterford Institute of Technology.

All three jobs have seen Bonnar help the sides to silverware during his tenures and the 57-year-old has also had various backroom roles with other inter-county sides since getting into coaching.

The former Tipperary hurler is currently working with Kilkenny club Dicksboro alongside ex-Waterford boss Padraig Fanning.

Upon taking up the role as manager of the Tipperary senior hurlers, Bonnar is replacing former head coach Liam Sheedy, who brought All-Ireland success to the Premier County in both his tenures.

Bonnar relishes the opportunity to take on “his biggest, but proudest challenge” as Tipperary Hurling Manager.

“I realise that one of the most successful Tipperary teams ever is obviously coming to a natural transition with the departure of Liam Sheedy and the recent retirement of Brendan Maher and I would like to congratulate them on their amazing careers for Tipperary,” Bonnar said.

“However, I am confident with the experience still in the current squad and the many successful U20/21 and minor teams over the last number of years, there are many talented hurlers in Tipperary bursting to take their opportunity to be successful at senior level, just like I am as the new manager.”

The Open To Be Hosted In Portrush In 2025

The Open Championship will return to Portrush for the 153rd instalment of the major tournament in 2025.

It will be the third time the major is held at the Royal Portrush Golf Club, 74 years after the first year it hosted the competition.

It became the first course outside of England and Scotland to host the famous competition and the tournament’s debut in Northern Ireland saw Englishman Max Faulkner win his only major title.

The Dunluce links course hosted the 148th Open Championship in 2019 which saw Irishman Shane Lowry win by six strokes to finish on a score of 15-under-par and secure the first major of his career.

The 153rd Open Championship is scheduled to take place from July, 17-20 2025 at the venue.

Martin Slumbers, chief executive of the R&A, said: “We could not be more thrilled to be bringing The Open back to Royal Portrush in 2025.

“There will be huge excitement among golf fans around the world to see the best men’s players facing the challenge of this magnificent links once again.

“The Open in 2019 was a massive success and showed just how much collective enthusiasm, passion and commitment there is to make Royal Portrush one of the leading venues for the Championship and to build a distinctive golf tourism brand for Northern Ireland.”

The Open generated more than £100 million for the economy of Northern Ireland two years ago, attracting a record attendance for the Championship outside of St Andrews of 237,750 fans throughout the week.

More than 5,400 hours of television coverage were broadcast to hundreds of millions of viewers globally as Irishman Shane Lowry performed superbly to become Champion Golfer of the Year and lift the famous Claret Jug.

St. Andrews will host the 150th edition of the golf major in 2022, with the Royal Liverpool being the location for 2023 and the Royal Troon taking the reins for 2024 before Portrush hosts the famous competition for the third time.

Dr Ian Kerr, Captain of Royal Portrush, said: “We are delighted to see the return of The Open to Royal Portrush Golf Club.

“This is one of the biggest sporting events in the world and to see it return to Northern Ireland and Royal Portrush so soon, is a recognition of the excellent work done by all involved in 2019.

“The Open in 2019 created a positive festival atmosphere in the area and we look forward to hosting this wonderful event once again.”

Mattie Kenny To Remain As Dublin Senior Hurling Manager For 2022

Dublin senior hurling manager Mattie Kenny is set to remain in his role for the 2022 season after agreeing to a contract extension.

Kenny led the Dubs to their first Leinster final in seven years after a four-point win over 2020 finalists Galway in the provincial semi-final.

The former Galway hurler joined the Leinster side in 2018 and will extend his time in the county after his initial three-year contract was up following his side’s All-Ireland quarter-final defeat to Cork.

Kenny had previously been the manager of Cuala, where he won three Dublin Senior Hurling Championships, two Leinster Championships and two All-Ireland Championships.

Cuala won all their titles back-to-back under Kenny from 2014-2017, falling short in the Dublin Championship in 2018 to Kilmacud Crokes.

The Dublin boss then left his role with Cuala and signed with the six-time All-Ireland winning inter-county side.

The extension means that Kenny will not join the Galway senior hurlers to replace Shane O’Neill after the former Na Piarsaigh hurler left the job following an early exit in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship.

The coach was previously a selector for his home county before taking charge at Cuala.

“I’m delighted to be in a position to extend my time in charge of the Dublin senior hurlers,” Kenny said.

“We have a great bunch of guys on the panel, who are highly committed to Dublin Hurling and the Dublin Senior Hurling Team, and we are focused on getting better and building to delivering the performances that the Dublin Hurling Supporters can be proud of.

“It is an exciting time with plenty of younger talent coming through in the county, as seen by our recent Leinster success at U20 level.

“We are all looking forward to getting back to work later in the year and preparing for the 2022 campaign.”

IRFU CEO Philip Browne To Retire At The End Of 2021

IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne will retire from his role at the end of the year, Irish Rugby has confirmed.

The announcement coincides with Browne’s birthday as the long-time servant of the IRFU turned 60 on Wednesday.

Browne has spent 29 years working for the sporting body that manages rugby union in Ireland, joining the organisation in July 1992 and climbing the ladder to Chief Executive in 1998.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Philip said: “It has long been my intention to retire from the role of Chief Executive to coincide with reaching the age of 60. I delayed my decision, given the recent extraordinary pressures on Irish rugby, as a result of the Covid pandemic.

“I now believe we are at a point where it is possible to commence plotting a sustainable route out of the pandemic and engage in a structured approach to future longer-term planning, hence the announcement of my decision at this time.

“It has been a privilege to serve as Chief Executive and while undoubtedly it has been a pressurised and challenging role it has, in equal measure, been a truly exciting and rewarding career.

“I would like to thank the various Union committees with whom I have worked and the staff of the Union for their unwavering support as, together, we oversaw the constant changes required to ensure the Union remained relevant to its constituents and the world game.

“I intend, in time, to reflect on possible future part-time commitments but, as of now, have no definite plans.”

Des Kavanagh, President of the Irish Rugby Football Union responded to the news: “Philip Browne has been an exemplary Chief Executive of the IRFU over a period of enormous change within rugby and broader society.

“His calm demeanour and wise counsel have been critical in charting an effective course for our game throughout his tenure.

“In recognising his outstanding career, I, on behalf of the IRFU Committee, all his colleagues and the wider rugby family, express our sincere thanks to him.”

Declan Madden, Chairman of the IRFU Management Committee, commented: “Irish Rugby has been extremely fortunate to have had at its helm for such a significant time a person of Philip Browne’s calibre.

“His vision, integrity and commitment have made him one of the standout figures, not just in Irish sporting and business circles, but also in World Rugby over that time.

“His contribution to Irish Rugby has, quite simply, been immeasurable. Never one to seek the limelight, he has been the constant in overseeing unprecedented playing and commercial success for Irish rugby over three decades.

“We are truly grateful to Philip and wish him every good fortune as he moves on with his life.”

The IRFU will now begin a search for the next Chief Executive with the help of international recruitment consultancy Korn Ferry.

Kevin Potts, Chief Operating Officer, will assume the role of Interim Chief Executive when Browne departs.

RG Snyman expected to return for Munster next month

Munster Rugby have issued a positive injury update for their lock and World Cup winner RG Snyman along with other players

Head coach Johann van Graan has said he hopes RG Snyman will return to the playing field in October. This was after the Springbok lock was left out of the squad for the Australia leg of the Rugby Championship.

The 26-year-old missed the British and Irish Lions series after suffering burns in a fire-pit accident, along with fellow Munster players like CJ Stander. This has also delayed his comeback from a long-term knee ligament injury.

Speaking at a press conference, Van Graan gave a positive update on Snyman’s return to fitness:

“He will potentially be available sometime in October, not necessarily the start of October,” Van Graan confirmed.

“We have no pressure on RG. He is also working very closely with the Springboks as well to make sure both parties look after him very well.

“He will start filtering into some small bits of rugby training and, as soon as he’s ready, I can’t wait to let him play his first game of the season for Munster whenever that will be.”

Further injury updates

This is more good news for the provincial club after scrum-half Neil Cronin returned from a long-term knee injury.

The Reds head coach also said that Mike Haley will come back to training after his groin trouble along with Dan Goggin who suffered a thigh injury.

John Hodnett has shown good signs in his recovery from an Achilles tendon injury. The club physio’s will be moving him onto a modified training schedule in the coming weeks.

The club’s only worry was for Jason Jenkins who sustained a light shoulder injury in training. He is only suspected to sit out of training for a week or two while he recovers.

It seems to be all good news as Munster prepare for their first competitive match of the season against Cell C Sharks on the 25th of September. The United Rugby Championship match will take place in Thomond Park.

To read more about the players excitement for their first game in front of a crowd in Limerick read here – Zebo ‘happy to be home’ after return to Thomond Park

Ulster Team To Face Saracens Announced

The Ulster Senior Men’s team has been named for Thursday’s pre-season clash with Saracens at Honourable Artillery Company RFC in London.

The game will see the return of several of Ulster’s international stars to the starting lineup after their involvement in the Vodafone Summer Series.

Michael Lowry, who trained with Andy Farrell’s side, returns to the starting lineup in the number 15 shirt.

Robert Baloucoune returns to the right wing and the pair are complemented by Craig Gilroy on the left.

James Hume earns a midfield selection alongside Stewart Moore while John Cooney and Billy Burns don the nine and 10 shirts respectively.

Andrew Warwick and Brad Roberts, two try-scorers from last week’s heavy defeat to Saracens in Belfast, have been given the nod at loosehead prop and hooker and Marty Moore will round off the front row at tighthead prop.

Veteran second row Alan O’Connor will don the captain’s armband in the second row and will be paired with new signing Mick Kearney.

Greg Jones will move to blindside flanker to allow Sean Reidy to start the game on the openside.

Ulster’s number eight for Thursday evening will be Nick Timoney, one of the internationals returning to the side.

Replacements on the bench include Ian Madigan and some Ireland U20 stars such as Ben Moxham and Harry Sheridan.

The match will be available to watch live on the Saracens website – kick-off is scheduled for 5 pm.

Ulster Lineup v Saracens

(15-9) Michael Lowry, Robert Baloucoune, James Hume, Stewart Moore, Craig Gilroy, Billy Burns, John Cooney;  

(1-8) Andrew Warwick, Brad Roberts, Marty Moore, Alan O’Connor (Capt.), Mick Kearney, Greg Jones, Sean Reidy, Nick Timoney.  

Replacements: John Andrew, Callum Reid, Tom O’Toole, Sam Carter, Matty Rea, David Shanahan, Ethan McIlroy, Ben Moxham, Ross Kane, Marcus Rea, David McCann, Harry Sheridan, Ian Madigan, Angus Curtis, Ben Carson.  

Northern Ireland v Switzerland – Preview, Lineups, Odds, TV Coverage

Northern Ireland play host to Switzerland at Windsor Park on Wednesday night in their fourth 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier.

Ian Baraclough’s side sit fourth in the Group C table, three points off Switzerland who are in second – a draw will take Northern Ireland up to third and a win will propel them to second in the table.

Switzerland need a win to keep the pressure on group leaders and European champions Italy, who are four points ahead of Xhaka and co. with two more games played.

The Swiss are still unbeaten in the group and will look to extend that streak with a result against the Green And White Army.

However, Northern Ireland will have the advantage of fans on their side at the Belfast venue.

Changes are expected to be made to the Northern Ireland that beat Estonia in a friendly at the weekend thanks to a Shane Ferguson screamer.

They will still be without Leicester City’s Jonny Evans as he continues to recover from a foot injury.

Winger Jordan Jones is suspended and will miss the clash against Switzerland as a result.

Goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell will retain his starting position while the duo of Shane Lavery and Conor Washington is expected to appear.

Switzerland will have every player in their squad at their disposal for the upcoming match.

However, four of their players picked up a yellow in the draw against Italy on Sunday and will need to tread carefully to avoid suspension.

Predicted Lineups

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; Widmer, Akanji, Elvedi, Rodriguez; Freuler, Frei, Zakaria; Vargas, Seferovic, Fassnacht.

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

Odds

Northern Ireland 5/1

Draw 11/4

Switzerland 4/7

Where To Watch

The match will kick-off at 7:45 pm and will be available to watch on Sky Sports Football with coverage starting at 7 pm.

Premier League Players Get Five-Day Bans

Premier League clubs including Liverpool and Manchester City will face sanctions if they use any of their Brazilian players from September 10 – September 14.

The Brazilian FA asked FIFA to enforce rules on clubs that do not release their players for international breaks.

Eight players from five clubs in the Premier League will be affected by the five-day ban and the fixtures affected will include European ties at the start of next week.

The rule is designed to protect international teams from any withdrawals that are deemed unnecessary.

Everton forward Richarlison will not be affected by the ban with the Brazilian FA citing the good relations between themselves and Everton after the Merseyside club allowed their player to be part of his national Olympic squad.

Liverpool will be without Alisson, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino as a result of the ban – although Firmino is injured.

Liverpool are set to face Leeds United at Elland Road on Sunday, September 12 and host AC Milan in the first of their UEFA Champions League group stage ties at Anfield on Wednesday, September 15.

It is expected that Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher will make his first appearance of the season against Marcelo Bielsa’s Yorkshire club.

Thiago Alcantara is in line for his first start of the season as well after a long summer that saw Spain make a strong run at Euro 2020, losing out to eventual champions Italy in the semi-final.

Bobby Firmino’s injury against Chelsea meant that he was not expected to play against Leeds anyway and the preparations for the tie will remain unchanged if he was not expected to be on the bench.

Leeds United will also be affected by this ban as Raphinha will be unavailable for their upcoming game against Jurgen Klopp’s men.

Manchester City will be without Ederson and Gabriel for their trip to the King Power Stadium on Saturday.

Manchester United’s Fred and Chelsea’s Thiago Silva will miss two games for their clubs as a result of the ban.

Arsenal v Norwich – Preview, Team News, Betting

Arsenal finally want to get some points on the board as they face Norwich at home in week four of the Premier League

The game will kick off at 15:00, 11th September in the Emirates Stadium with Michael Oliver as referee.

The Gunners’ are currently at their lowest moment in their recent history after losing their opening three matches and sitting on the bottom of the Premier League table.

Now with new signings Tomiyasu and Ramsdale, they have a chance at starting a new as they face fellow bottom place team, Norwich. They also could have players like Partey and Gabriel returning from injury to boost their starting squad.

The only other team without points yet is Wolverhampton Wanderers. Norwich had a tough return to top-flight football after facing three of the best five teams in their opening matches.

A narrow loss against Leicester last week might now give them hope to push on and improve. Stars Pukki and Cantwell are yet to inspire Carrow Road with the Finnish striker scoring the club’s only goal from the penalty spot.

In the last 11 matches where the two teams played each other, Arsenal won seven times and Norwich managed a single victory. The last time they played was mid-2020 as the Gunners ran out 4-0 winners at home.

Predicted Starting 11s

Arsenal

Formation

4-2-3-1

Predicted Team

Leno (GK), Tierney, White, Tomiyasu, Soares, Lokonga, Partey, Pépé, Odegaard, Saka, Aubameyang

Injuries

Xhaka (Suspended), Elneny (Muscle injury), Kolasinac (Knock), Partey (Sprain)

Norwich

Formation

4-3-3

Predicted Team

Krul (GK), Williams, Hanley, Gibson, Aarons, Lees-Melou, Gilmour, McLean, Cantwell, Pukki, Rashica

Injuries

Mumba (Knee), Tzolis (Calf), Placheta (Covid-19), Byram (Hamstring)

Betting

Arsenal 1/2

Draw 10/3

Norwich 5/1

 

Predicted Score

It is finally time that Arsenal finds at least one point but that will not come very easy at all. Expect this to become a tense, nervous affair with players scared to make mistakes.

Arsenal will eventually come out on top, winning 2-1.

Ireland Woman’s Squad Named for Rugby World Cup 2021 Europe Qualifier

Ireland Woman’s Squad Named for Rugby World Cup 2021 Europe Qualifier

Ireland Head Coach Adam Griggs has announced his 28-player squad for the upcoming Rugby World Cup 2021 Europe Qualifier in Italy.

Ciara Griffin is set to captain the side as they bid to book their ticket to next year’s tournament in New Zealand.

Griggs has included three uncapped players in his selection for the qualifying tournament in Parma, as Ireland will face off with hosts Italy, Spain and Scotland for a place at Rugby World Cup 2021.

Ireland Women’s Sevens captain Lucy Mulhall and Sam Monaghan, who has come through the IRFU’s IQ Rugby programme, are included for the first time having trained with the extended squad at the IRFU High-Performance Centre in recent weeks.

The third uncapped player is Leinster’s Mary Healy, who has impressed during the Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship in recent weeks.

Ireland Woman’s Squad Named for Rugby World Cup 2021 Europe Qualifier

Griggs Selection

The top team will book a spot in Group B at Rugby World Cup 2021 and the runner up will enter the Final Qualification Tournament.

Griggs spoke about his tea selection in his latest interview stating;

“This was a difficult selection process with the quality we have in the squad, however, we have selected players who have performed consistently well throughout our training camps in the HPC and earned this opportunity.

“It’s an exciting group including a good mix of experienced players who have been involved in big Test matches and understand the detail, preparation and intensity required to win at this level. We are looking forward to heading to Parma and fine-tuning our game for Spain first and foremost.

“While we can only focus on one game at a time, we won’t shy away from the end goal of this being a winner-takes-all tournament for participation at Rugby World Cup 2021. The players and staff are all highly motivated and focused on making sure we are successful as a group.”

Ireland Squad (Rugby World Cup 2021 Europe Qualifier):

Player/Club/Province/Caps

Backs (12):

Enya Breen (UL Bohemian/Munster)(6 caps)
Eimear Considine (UL Bohemian/Munster)(18)
Kathryn Dane (Old Belvedere/Ulster)(13)
Lauren Delany (Sale Sharks/IQ Rugby)(14)
Stacey Flood (Railway Union/Leinster)(3)
Eve Higgins (Railway Union/Leinster)(3)
Emily Lane (Blackrock College/Munster)(3)
Ailsa Hughes (Railway Union/Leinster)(12)
Lucy Mulhall (Rathdrum/Leinster)*
Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe (Railway Union/Munster)(2)
Sene Naoupu (Old Belvedere/Leinster)(41)
Beibhinn Parsons (Ballinasloe/Blackrock College/Connacht)(11)

Forwards (16):

Mary Healy (Naas RFC/Leinster)*
Linda Djougang (Old Belvedere/Leinster)(12)
Laura Feely (Blackrock College/Connacht)(19)
Nichola Fryday (Blackrock College/Connacht)(18)
Ciara Griffin (UL Bohemian/Munster)(Captain)(36)
Brittany Hogan (DCU/Old Belvedere/Ulster)(4)
Neve Jones (Malone/Ulster)(3)
Leah Lyons (Harlequins/IQ Rugby)(26)
Aoife McDermott (Railway Union/ Leinster)(16)
Edel McMahon (Wasps/IQ Rugby)(9)
Claire Molloy (Wasps/IQ Rugby)(71)
Cliodhna Moloney (Wasps/IQ Rugby)(26)
Sam Monaghan (Wasps/IQ Rugby)*
Katie O’Dwyer (Railway Union/Leinster)(3)
Lindsay Peat (Railway Union/Leinster)(34)
Dorothy Wall (Blackrock College/Munster)(7)

Rugby World Cup 2021 Europe Qualifier Schedule:

All games to be played at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma


Monday, 13th September:

  • Spain v Ireland (6 pm local time/5 pm Irish time)

Sunday, 19th September:

  • Italy v Ireland (3 pm local time/2 pm Irish time)

Saturday, 25th September:

  • Ireland v Scotland (6 pm local time/5 pm Irish time).

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