How to Watch Emerging Ireland vs Pumas – Kick-Off 3 PM (Irish Time) on Wednesday

The Emerging Ireland squad for the first game of their three-match tour of South Africa against The Pumas has been revealed. The match will take place on Wednesday afternoon at 4 PM local time (3 PM Irish time) at Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein.

Exciting Line-Up for Emerging Ireland’s South Africa Tour

Emerging Ireland Head Coach Simon Easterby has named a talented team to face The Pumas, featuring a mix of exciting young players and proven talent. Alex Kendellen will captain the squad and is one of three former Ireland U20 captains involved, alongside Munster’s Evan O’Connell and Leinster’s Gus McCarthy, both of whom start on the bench.

Key Players to Watch

Hugh Gavin (Galwegians RFC/Connacht) partners Sean O’Brien in the midfield
Matthew Devine teams up with Sam Prendergast in the half-back pairing
Zac Ward, Ireland Sevens Olympian, starts on the left wing

Coach Simon Easterby on the Challenge Ahead

Simon Easterby is optimistic yet realistic about the challenge The Pumas present, saying: “The Pumas will provide a stern test, especially with the game being the first of three in seven days. They’re coming off a competitive Currie Cup campaign, so they’re sharp and physical. We’ll be managing our squad carefully, but the enthusiasm and talent of this group are clear. The players are eager to get started.”

Match Details:

Kick-Off: 4 PM local time / 3 PM Irish time, Wednesday, 2 October
Venue: Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Live Stream: Available free on IrishRugby+

- Emerging Ireland:
  15. Ben O’Connor (UCC RFC/Munster)
  
  14. Rob Russell (Dublin University FC/Leinster)
  
  13. Sean O’Brien (Clontarf FC/Munster)
  
  12. Hugh Gavin (Galwegians RFC/Connacht)
  
  11. Zac Ward (Ballynahinch RFC/Ulster/Ireland Sevens)
  
  10. Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne FC/Leinster)
  
  9. Matthew Devine (Corinthians RFC/Connacht)
  
  1. Mark Donnelly (Cork Constitution FC/Munster)
  
  2. Stephen Smyth (Old Wesley RFC/Leinster)
  
  3. Jack Aungier (Clontarf FC/Connacht)
  
  4. Harry Sheridan (Dublin University FC/Ulster)
  
  5. Darragh Murray (Buccaneers RFC/Connacht)
  
  6. Cormac Izuchukwu (Ballynahinch RFC/Ulster)
  
  7. Alex Kendellen (UCC RFC/Munster)(captain)
  
  8. James Culhane (UCD RFC/Leinster)
  
  Replacements:
  
  16. Gus McCarthy (UCD RFC/Leinster)
  
  17. Alex Usanov (Clontarf FC/Leinster)
  
  18. Ronan Foxe (Garryowen FC/Munster)
  
  19. Evan O’Connell (UL Bohemian RFC/Munster)
  
  20. Sean Jansen (Connacht)
  
  21. Ethan Coughlan (Shannon RFC/Munster)
  
  22. Jack Murphy (Clontarf FC/Ulster)
  
  23. Jude Postlethwaite (City of Armagh RFC/Ulster).

Upcoming Fixtures for Emerging Ireland Tour:

Sunday, 6 October: Emerging Ireland vs Western Force – 1 PM local time / 12 PM Irish time
Wednesday, 9 October: Emerging Ireland vs The Cheetahs – 7 PM local time / 6 PM Irish time

Watch emerging Ireland

Don’t miss a minute of the action! Watch live on IrishRugby+.

College Football: Can the Texas Longhorns Break Into the Playoffs and Who is Their Heisman Trophy Contender?

As the 2024 college football season progresses, the Texas Longhorns, now part of the fierce Southeastern Conference (SEC), find themselves at a critical junction. The question isn’t just whether they can leverage their new SEC membership into a playoff berth, but also if they house a potential Heisman Trophy contender.

Texas Longhorns in the Playoffs?

Historically, Texas has been a powerhouse in college football, and their recent move to the SEC only heightens expectations. This transition places them against top-tier competition, including teams that have frequently vied for, and won national championships. The shift to the SEC, however, is double-edged; while it offers the Longhorns a chance to boost their resume with high-profile wins, it also subjects them to a gauntlet of perennially competitive teams, making the path to the playoffs challenging.

The Longhorns have demonstrated competence, if not outright dominance, in their non-conference games, providing a glimmer of hope that they might compete effectively in their new conference. With strategic games ahead against SEC stalwarts, each victory will be crucial to their playoff aspirations. Analysts remain cautiously optimistic about their playoff chances, suggesting that while immediate success might be a tall order, Texas is on a trajectory that could soon see them competing at the highest levels.

Heisman Watch: Arch Manning

Among the Longhorns, one player stands out as a potential Heisman candidate: Arch Manning. As a heralded recruit with a famous last name, Manning has quickly become the face of Texas’s offensive future. Early performances suggest he has the talent to back up the hype, showing poise in the pocket and the ability to make all the throws required at the collegiate level.

Manning’s performance in the SEC will be pivotal. The Heisman Trophy often favors quarterbacks who can lead their teams to significant wins while putting up impressive individual stats. If Manning can guide the Longhorns through the SEC gauntlet effectively, accumulating notable victories and statistical milestones, he will undoubtedly remain in the Heisman conversation as the season progresses.

Texas Longhorns Odds: Analyzing Their Playoff Chances

As the Texas Longhorns navigate their first season in the SEC, their playoff chances are a regular topic on various sports betting platforms and discussions about Texas Longhorns odds are heating up. Fans and bettors are closely monitoring these odds, which fluctuate with each game’s outcome, reflecting the team’s potential to succeed in their tough new conference.

This ongoing analysis often spills over into the sports betting segments of popular college football podcasts, where hosts break down past performances, upcoming challenges, and the impact of each on the playoff landscape. This convergence of sports betting and expert commentary helps paint a comprehensive picture of what the future might hold for the Longhorns.

Conclusion

The 2024 season is a landmark year for Texas, filled with potential and pitfalls. Their first year in the SEC will test their mettle, and the development of Arch Manning will be crucial to their success. Whether they can reach the playoffs and produce a Heisman Trophy contender in Manning will depend on how quickly they can adapt to the heightened competition of their new conference. For Texas, the future is now, and it promises to be as thrilling as it is uncertain.

For in-depth analysis and updates on their progress throughout the season, Texas fans and college football enthusiasts will be keeping a close eye on every game, knowing well that each play could be the difference between a memorable season and a forgettable one.

Gaelic Football

McDaid point v armagh22 — Galway's Cillian McDaid kicks a first half point in a man of the match display against Armagh. Photo credit: Shane Tighe

In Ireland, a tournament known as Gaelic football is played with two teams of 15 participants.

It’s characterised by its goal-scoring style and takes place on a rectangular pitch. One of the basic objectives is to hit the ball past the net of the other team’s goalpost, which is situated about 2.5 meters above the surface.

The ball used for the competition moves around the pitch in different ways. It may be handled by the athletes or it may be thrown into their possession.

In the game, the goal is to have the ball bounce over the crossbar. If it goes into the net, a point is awarded. A green flag is raised by the referee after the goal has been scored.

Like other football forms, Gaelic football features various positions. Substitutions are sometimes made. There are usually six forwards, two middies, and a goalkeeper in Gaelic football.

Gaelic football is one of the four sports that comprise the Gaelic Games program. It is governed by a national sports organization in Ireland, and unlike other amateur sports, it is not subjected to monetary awards.

Although it is mainly practiced in Ireland, other countries such as Australia, Canada, and the US also have branches of Gaelic football.

All-Ireland football’s final is held every year on July 3 at Dublin’s Gaelic Park. It has been known to attract over 80,000 spectators. The game is usually played by individuals from the Irish community in the US. The largest stadium for the sport is located in New York. Gamblers bet on their favorite team that day. Other days they bet on Gonzo’s quest.

One of the most prominent events that takes place each year is the All-Ireland football championship. It features teams from Ireland’s counties. The other two events are the club championship and the national football league.

Although it’s commonly played for men, women can also participate in Gaelic football. This is handled by an Irish organization. It’s similar to Australian Rules Football. In 1998, a series of games was organized.

Types of competitions

All Gaelic sports are conducted under the amateur status. Players are not regarded as professionals in terms of their skills, and they are not paid for their performances. There are no official competitions between the national teams in Gaelic football.

The main competitions in Gaelic football are known as the All-Ireland Football Championship and the National Football League. These games are usually held between clubs, and teams are usually assigned to each parish. The clubs from different countries compete against each other to win the championship.

Each club can participate in a different county and individual championships. It can have several teams, including one for each age group. An inter-game competition is a type of game that takes place between teams from various countries. The term “player from a county team” is also used to refer to a player in other sports.

The county championships have been going on since 1887, which was the year when the first hurling and football championships were held.

Playing field

Gaelic football, which is similar to rugby but with a wider pitch, is played on a pitch that measures around 130 to 145 meters long. It features two H-shaped goals bordered by posts and a goal net.

Also, with a wider pitch, hurling requires the lines to be perpendicular to their length. Junior and minor teams play with smaller goals, while the senior teams utilize larger ones.

Ball

The sport involves using a circular leather ball, consisting of 18 leather panels stitched together, smaller than a football. It looks similar to a volleyball but is bigger. The ball’s circumference ranges from 68 to 70 cm and its weight is between 480 and 500 g when dry. A player is allowed up to four steps with the ball before passing, shooting, or throwing it onto the pitch to catch the rebound. Kicking or hand passing is permitted, with hand passing requiring the ball to be in one hand’s palm and the pass made with the other hand, either open palm or clenched fist. If the ball is airborne and unclaimed, it can be struck with a closed fist. A goal is achieved through punching or kicking, but not by throwing with an open hand palm.

Dublin Rugby

On the banks of the River Dodder, the majestic Aviva Stadium rises above the red brick terraces of Beggars Bush that surround it. This is the birthplace of Irish rugby.

Rugby has been a part of Lansdowne Road since 1872, when Henry Dunlop and the Irish Champion Athletics Club introduced the sport. The most ancient rugby union test venue in the world held Ireland’s first international game against England in 1878.

At present, the Aviva Stadium serves as the central hub for the Irish Rugby Union, responsible for managing rugby unions in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Close to 200,000 rugby players are officially registered across the country. This figure includes individuals from community, educational, regional, and global teams at each phase.

Dublin Rugby Club

Hundreds of small clubs play rugby all over Ireland – and they all welcome new members who like to bet starburst slot. These teams provide opportunities for local men and women who are passionate about the game, children aiming to compete on a global level, and individuals with disabilities. If you want to become a member of a Dublin rugby team, you can locate one close to you using their useful map.

Dublin offers approximately 30 clubs participating in the Leinster Rugby Championship for selection.

You’ll notice that there’s a cluster of clubs around south Dublin. Rugby is particularly popular in this privileged area of the city and is a feature of the private school system in Dublin. Each year, 20 boys’ schools compete for the Leinster Schools Cup – almost all the participants are private fee-paying schools.

Provincial Rugby

There are four provincial rugby teams on the island of Ireland – Leinster, Munster, Ulster and Connacht. They compete against each other and similarly sized teams from the UK and Europe.

Most Caps

Ten active or retired members of the Ireland national team have earned 100 or more Test caps. Ireland’s leading cap leader is Brian O’Driscoll with 133. The current player with the most caps is Cian Healy with 131, followed by Conor Murray with 118.

These figures did not include appearances for the Lions. O’Driscoll had 141 international caps, O’Gara 130, Conor Murray 127 and Sexton 124 if they were included.

Six Ulster Men named in Ireland’s Six Nation Squad

Andy Farrell and the rest of Ireland’s coaching team announced a 34-man roster for the Six Nations rugby tournament, which started in February.

Some of the prominent individuals who were included in the squad include captain Iain Henderson and several other players from the club. Others included Tom O’Toole, Jacob Stockdale, and Nick Timoney.

The captain of the team is Peter O’Mahony. Ireland faced France in February, the tournament’s first match.

O’Mahony took over for Johnny Sexton, who decided to retire from the national team. He had been the captain of the team several times.

In their home matches, Ireland took on Italy, Scotland, and Wales. They faced France in Marseille before traveling to face England at Twickenham.

In the Six Nations tournament of 2023, Ireland was able to achieve a Grand Slam after defeating France, England, Wales, and Italy. This was their fourth championship title, and their first at Dublin.

Andy Farrell stated that the Six Nations tournament provided his team with the chance to grow and develop. It was an important tournament that was known for its intense competition. He was also pleased with how his team performed throughout the previous weeks.

He expressed his gratitude for the individuals who were selected for the team.Talking about the match against France, he noted that it was difficult to face them, but his team approached it with a positive mindset.

ROY KEANE- AN IRISH FOOTBALLER WHO WENT DOWN IN SPORTING HISTORY

Roy Keane is a former Irish professional footballer and one of the most notable players of his generation. Born on August 10, 1971 in Cork, Ireland, Keane is best known for his time at Manchester United. Where he made an indelible impression as a midfielder. You can make an impressive performance when playing lightning roulette.

LIFE AND CAREER

Childhood

Roy Keane was born in Cork, Ireland, and spent his childhood in an environment where soccer played a central role. Coming from a family of five children, Keane quickly developed a passion for soccer. Influenced by the soccer atmosphere in his neighborhood and town.

His talent for soccer was evident from a young age. He regularly played soccer in the streets of his neighborhood, which was common for Irish children at the time. This experience of playing on the streets helped develop his tenacity and determination on the pitch. Traits that would become his trademark as a professional player.

Keane also played for local youth teams, where his talent and commitment quickly caught the eye. Despite the challenges, including his relatively small stature as a teenager, which caused him doubts from some coaches, his determination and work ethic helped him overcome these obstacles.

Keane’s childhood was characterized by a strong family environment and the strong support of his parents. This environment gave him the resilience he needed to continue his passion for soccer. Despite the challenges and uncertainties associated with a professional career in the sport.

Professional beginnings

Roy Keane’s transition from amateur to professional soccer is a story of determination and recognized talent.

Keane began his career in amateur soccer in Ireland. Playing for various local clubs, most notably Rockmount AFC, where his exceptional performances as a young player attracted attention.

His first big opportunity came when he was invited to a trial with the semi-professional Cobh Ramblers in Ireland. His performance at this trial was impressive enough to secure him a place in the team.

Keane quickly proved himself at Cobh Ramblers, demonstrating his talent, tenacity and leadership on the pitch. His performances for the Cobh Ramblers have attracted the interest of several professional soccer clubs.

The legendary coach of Nottingham Forest, Brian Clough, discovered Keane and was impressed by his skills and potential. In 1990, Keane made the leap to England when he signed for Nottingham Forest and began his professional career.

Keane quickly established himself as a key player for Nottingham Forest, impressing with his presence in midfield and his ability to influence the game. His first season in England was a success and confirmed his status as a promising professional footballer.

After a successful spell at Nottingham Forest, Keane attracted the attention of Manchester United, one of the biggest clubs in the world. In 1993, he moved to Manchester United, where he would become one of the most respected and successful midfielders of his generation.

End of his career

Keane’s final years at Manchester United were marked by successes, but also by tensions. He continued to play a crucial role as captain, despite injuries and internal conflicts.

After disagreements with manager Sir Alex Ferguson and other members of the club, particularly over open criticism of his teammates, Keane left Manchester United in 2005. This departure marked the end of a significant era for him and the club.

Following his departure from Manchester United, Keane moved to Celtic in Scotland. Although he helped the team win the national championship and the Scottish League Cup. His time at Celtic was short-lived, mainly due to ongoing injury problems.

In 2006, at the age of 34, Roy Keane announced his retirement from professional soccer, bringing his remarkable career to an end. His decision was largely influenced by physical problems, in particular a sore hip that had plagued him in his final years of playing.

After retiring as a player, Keane turned his attention to coaching and sports commentary. He took on coaching roles, including as manager of Sunderland and Ipswich Town. And also worked as assistant manager of the Ireland national team.

In addition to his coaching role, Keane also became a sought-after sports commentator, known for his frank words and sharp analysis. His direct personality and extensive experience of the game have earned him a place among soccer pundits.

Thus, the end of Roy Keane’s career reflects the passion and intensity. That characterized him throughout his professional life. Even after leaving the pitch, his influence on soccer remained strong through his roles as coach, assistant manager and sports commentator.

NOTES FROM IRELAND: FOOTBALL AS A FRINGE SPORT

Galway 1-10 Kerry 0-14 Tuam Stadium League div1 round 4 2019 — Expect no quarter asked and no quarter given as Galway and Kerry do battle again on Sunday. Photo credit: Shane Tighe

When we talk about soccer in Ireland, we are talking about the Gaelic version. The goals look like in rugby, with these long poles at the top. The difference is that there is a net at the bottom and a goalkeeper standing in it. He has an extremely interesting job. Most of the goals go in above the crossbar, and you get a point for that. That is considered an easy point like you can get when playing at the crazy time live.

At the bottom, where the goalkeeper stands, there are three points, but that rarely happens. Association football, as we play it, is considered a marginal phenomenon in Ireland. It’s completely un-Irish, i.e. English, football. That’s why the GAA (Gaelic Football Association) forbids its players from even watching the other version, let alone playing it themselves. The ban is abolished in 1971. It had worked well for more than 70 years because it effectively prevented the spread of “normal” soccer. But not that anyone thinks Gaelic football is the most brutal, fastest and most intense sport in the world. No. This is hurling. Gaelic football with sticks and a small, hard ball that makes a real boo-boo when you get it in the face. And then there are the bats. If someone hits it in the wrong place. Big ouch. But helmets or protective armor are not for the Irish. They only wear gloves because of the ball control. Incidentally, Ireland is unbeatable at both Gaelic sports. They are not played anywhere else in the world. Ireland has exported a lot over the centuries. Especially emigrants. But not the Gaelic sports. The finals are played on two consecutive weekends in Croke Park in Dublin. The 80,000 or so tickets are sold out months in advance.

In contrast, just 4,000 people attend “normal” soccer league matches. But anyone who thinks that the Irish Football League can be ignored is very much mistaken. The permanent crisis has its good sides. The stadiums are quaint, the people are fine, the pubs are great and the atmosphere could hardly be better, but more on that later. First of all, the ongoing crisis. Because of Gaelic football and hurling, soccer has never had an Irish reputation. So it’s a politically difficult sport. Go away with the kingdom and all its varieties. That’s why you hardly know Irish clubs and if you do, it’s from the first round of the European Cups, for example Shamrock Rovers, Dundalk FC, Finn Harps, or Shelbourne FC. But in the second round, they were always out of the picture. Anyone who can play well in Ireland is scouted away by the English at youth level. What remains is something like an ambitious regional league. Nothing more.

Only the national team suddenly becomes popular. The magical game takes place in Stuttgart, at the 1988 European Championships, with Ireland beating England 1:0 – hard to believe. The Irish team even includes two former GAA players, Pat Bonner and Kevin Moran. Suddenly, traditional soccer is also Irish. But only the national team. Club soccer remains subterranean. Derry City almost goes bankrupt in 2000. In 2005, the iconic Shamrock Rovers are relegated to the second division. In 2006, the ambitious soccer project called Dublin City – barely founded – goes down the drain. In 2007, champions Shelbourne were denied a license for the European Cup. As the league and its clubs stabilize, the national association takes over the headlines. “I’m not saying that”. Like a toddler, John Delaney answers the questions of the committee of inquiry. Delaney was managing director of the national association for almost 15 years. Annual salary: around 360,000 euros. Debt mountain of the association at the end of 2019: 62 million euros. How this could have happened: “I won’t say.” To be honest, you have to add that the public let him do it. There is definitely something to some Irish clichés.

URC Round 2 Review: Mixed weekend for Irish Teams

**URC Round 2 Review: Mixed weekend for Irish Teams Shine**

Irish teams are making their presence felt in the BKT URC after Round 2. Leinster Rugby continued their dominant form with a commanding 34-6 win over Dragons RFC, securing their second consecutive bonus point victory. Leo Cullen’s men ran in six tries, solidifying their position at the top of the table.

Munster Rugby, however, faced a surprising upset in Parma, where Zebre Rugby claimed a historic 42-33 win. The reigning champions were overpowered in the second half, marking their first defeat to an Italian side in over a decade.

Connacht Rugby delighted their home fans in Galway with a 36-30 triumph over the Hollywoodbets Sharks. A hard-fought contest saw Connacht’s resilience shine through, securing them a crucial win in the early stages of the campaign.

Ulster Rugby, on the other hand, were unable to capitalize in South Africa, falling 35-22 to the Emirates Lions in Johannesburg. Despite showing moments of brilliance, Ulster couldn’t overcome the high-flying Lions, leaving them searching for their first win of the season.

Heading into Round 3, Leinster will travel to Italy to face Benetton, while Connacht take on the Scarlets in Llanelli. Munster will aim to bounce back when they host Ospreys, and Ulster will look to regroup as they face the Vodacom Bulls away.

Irish Rugby Fixtures this week – URC & AIL

Looking for the latest Irish rugby fixtures this week? Whether you’re following the BKT United Rugby Championship or the Energia All-Ireland League, we’ve got you covered. Irish Rugby Fixtures This Week
Toyota Challenge 2024

Wednesday, October 2nd

Emerging Ireland v The Pumas, Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein, 4pm local/3pm Irish time – watch live on plus.irishrugby.ie

WXV1
Saturday, October 5th

Canada v Ireland, Langley Event Centre, 15:45 local time/23:45 Irish time – watch live on RugbyPass TV

United Rugby Championship
Friday October 4th

Scarlets v Connacht, Parc Y Scarlets, 19:35

Saturday, October 5th

Vodacom Bulls v Ulster, Loftus Versfeld, 15:00
Benetton v Leinster, Stadio Monigo, 17:15
Munster v Ospreys, Thomond Park, 19:35

Energia All-Ireland League
Saturday, October 5th, all matches 14:30 unless stated

Men’s Division 1A
Ballynahinch v St. Mary’s College, Ballymacarn Park
Cork Constitution v Young Munster, Temple Hill
Garryowen v City of Armagh, Dooradoyle
Terenure College v Lansdowne, Lakelands
UCD v Clontarf, Belfield

Division 1B
Highfield v Dublin University, Woodliegh Park
Old Belvedere v Blackrock College, Ollie Campbell Park
Old Wesley v Nenagh Ormond, Energia Park
Queens v UCC, Dub Lane
Shannon v Naas, Thomond Park

Division 2A
Ballymena v MU Barnhall, Eaton Park
Buccaneers v Cashel, Dubarry Park
Greystones v Instonians, Dr. Hickey Park
Navan v Corinthians, Balreask Old
Old Crescent v Banbridge, Takumi Park

Division 2B
Dungannon v Skerries, Stevenson Park
Galwegians v Clogher Valley, Crowley Park
Malahide v Sligo, Estuary Road
Malone v Wanderers, Gibson Park
UL Bohemian v Rainey, UL4G

Division 2C
Bruff v Belfast Harlequins, Kilballyowen Park
Clonmel v Dolphin, Ardgaoithe
Midleton v Ballyclare, Towns Park
Omagh Academicals v Monkstown, Thomas Mellon Playing Fields
Tullamore v Enniscorthy, Spollanstown

Women’s Division
All matches 17:00 unless stated

Ballincollig v Suttonians, Tanner Park, 15:00
Cooke v Tullow, Shaws Bridge
Old Belvedere v Blackrock College, Ollie Campbell Park
UL Bohemian v Railway Union, UL4G
Wicklow v Galwegians, Ashtown Lane

The Euphrates wins Irish Cesarewitch for Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore

The Curragh hosted the Friends of The Curragh Irish Cesarewitch (Premier Handicap) of €600,000 as well as two Group 3 races on Sunday as part of a seven-race card.

The well-handicapped The Eurphrates (7/2 favourite) and Ryan Moore took the featured Irish Cesarewitch, winning by half a length from A Piece Of Heaven (22/1), with another three-quarters of a length back to Sixandahalf (7/1).

The win completed a four-timer on the day for O’Brien, Moore and the Coolmore partners having won a Group 2 race and two maidens earlier in the day.

The Irish Cambridgeshire runner-up A Piece Of Heaven ran in the Sydnicates Racing colours for Joseph O’Brien and Luke McAteer, while the third placer Sixandahalf was ridden by Robert Whearty for Gavin Cromwell.

Group 3 Weld Park Stakes

The Group 3 Weld Park Stakes over seven furlongs went to the Aidan O’Brien-trained Heavens Gate, under Ryan Moore, the third part of their day’s four-timer.

The two-year-old daughter of Churchill was a neck winner over Fiery Lucy and Gary Carroll, from the Gavin Cromwell stable, with Barnavara a further length and a quarter third in the hands of Shane Foley for Jessica Harrington.

Group 3 Renaissance Stakes

The Group 3SBK Rennaissance Stakes was won by My Mate Alfie, a previous three-time winner over six to seven furlongs on good and good to yielding ground.

Ridden by Colin Keane, the three-year-old gelded son of Dark Angel was winning at The Curragh for the second time, having won the Listed Jebel Ali Racecourse & Stables Dash last June.

Apples And Bananas Lands Goffs Million for O’Brien & Browne McMonagle

Apples And Bananas (5/2) won the Goffs Million at The Curragh on Saturday for trainer Joseph O’Brien and stable jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle.

Carrying the colours of MacLennan, Shanahan, Magnier and Smith, the two-year-old son of Wootton Bassett battled with race favourite Antelope Canyon (5/4 favourite) and Wayne Lordan inside the final furlong of the race, with the former getting the upper hand by a head.

Despite a stewards’ inquiry being called, the result remained unchanged.

Joseph O’Brien also provided the third and fourth place finishers with Celtic Motif (16/1) and Valencia (9/1) respectively.

Celtic Motif, in the hands of Mikey Sheehy, was three lengths behind the runner-up, but had a length and a half in hand on his stable companion, Valencia and Chris Hayes.

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