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What to know about the Royal Ascot

The Royal Ascot is one of the most prestigious events on the British social calendar. High society comes to roam, ladies and gentlemen put on their finest threads and the royal family attends these Berkshire races, which are as famous for their fashion as they are for their horses.

A short history

Anyone visiting Ascot today  will discover a very modern complex. The grandstand was rebuilt in 2006 – and in the 1960s – but the racecourse has been around since 1711 when Queen Anne declared the area “ideal for horses to gallop at full length” during a ride from nearby Windsor Castle one day. It was 57 years before the first royal meeting took place in 1768, but it was not until 1911 that Royal Ascot developed into its modern form.

Strongly connected to fashion

Nowadays, Royal Ascot is known for its fashion. Women have stylish dresses and elaborate hats, which are as good as the races. Royal Ascot is known for its strict dress code, which as of 2018 requires men to wear socks and has only included jumpsuits as acceptable female attire since 2017. Flamboyant fashion has been an integral part of the Royal Ascot formula since Beau Brummell, an English dandy and friend of George IV, set the tone with his bold attire around the beginning of the 19th century.

Popular for sports betting

Would you like to place a bet on the Royal Ascot race? Of all the horse races in the world, the Royal Ascot horse race is probably the most famous. Apart from the exciting race which is held during the event, the event is especially known for the tight dress codes and exuberantly dressed people. Be sure to check out our Best Royal Ascot Tips Today so that you’re prepared in the best way possible. Place a bet on one of the horse races at The Royal Ascot with an online bookmaker of which you can find reviews elsewhere on this website. These are good & reliable online betting agencies. Some of them even give you the opportunity to follow the races live via an online stream. A great opportunity to watch the horse race and also catch the bug.

Daily program

Gates open – before the crowds, that is – at 10.30am, but the royal procession does not arrive until 2pm, half an hour before the starting gates open for the first race of the day. Royal Ascot always takes place in June and runs from Tuesday to Saturday. The first day includes three of the eight Group 1 races, the most prestigious class of flat racing in the world of horse racing. Wednesday is a more relaxed day that generally attracts smaller groups, despite hosting the Group One Prince of Wales’s Stakes. Thursday, informally known as Ladies Day, sees women improving their wardrobe as jockeys compete in the Gold Cup race, the highlight of the racing week. Friday treats spectators to another Group One race before Saturday brings the week to a close with the final Group One race, the thrilling Wokingham Stakes and the longest race of the week. Bringing the Royal to Royal Ascot are the Windsors. While Queen Elizabeth II’s Ascot fashion is fairly conventional, her granddaughters certainly don’t follow suit: Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie have been making headlines for more than a decade with their extraordinarily bizarre headwear.

An Athlete’s Diet: What You Should Be Eating and Doing for Peak Performance

Being an athlete requires a lot of physical strength and even self-discipline. It’s not just about being able to perform on the field. It’s also mainly about the things that you are doing before you get on the field. Proper training, exercise, and diet are key factors to keep in mind if you want to achieve peak performance. 

Many probably don’t realize how important a diet is when doing any sport. However, this plays a big role in how an athlete could perform during a match or a game. In fact, the biggest sports fans and serious sports punters do their research on what kind of diet an athlete is on to get to know them better. They don’t just research the different types of sports betting but they also get as many details as they could on the athletes they will be rooting for.

In boxing, before the weigh-in, people would talk about what type of training a boxer is in and what he or she has been eating to prepare for an upcoming match. This is how crucial a diet could be for an athlete. Just know that an athlete’s diet will always depend on what kind of sport he or she is into. 

Why Diet and Nutrition are Important

Well, even if you’re not an athlete, a healthy diet is always strongly encouraged. It can be beneficial for everybody, but athletes need more than just a basic diet to reach their peak performance. When it comes to playing any sport, the body and mind will have to perform harder to be able to do well. 

Ideally, an athlete’s diet should consist of over 55 percent carbohydrates, 12 to 15 percent of protein, and less than 30 percent of fat. However, this number could drastically change depending on the type of sports that the athlete is playing as well as how strenuous the training he or she needs to do on a daily basis. This is why when considering the type of diet, these factors should be kept in mind:

  • Energy or Fuel

There are sports that require fast running or being able to jump high. To do all that, enough energy is required. Think of foods that could help you gain more strength, endurance, agility, and mobility. For energy, carbohydrates are necessary.

The lack of carbs in a diet could limit a person’s ability to train or exercise because not enough glycogen that you need to have enough energy stored in your body is not being produced. Lack of carbs when doing heavy training and exercises could increase the risk of infections and sickness.

  • Brain Power

Brain function is also important to athletes. This concerns skills like decision-making which is something that could be critical in being able to perform well on the field. Typically, athletes are advised to eat food like tuna, salmon, and other fatty fish with Omega-3 fatty acids which could help boost brain cell growth and mood.

  • Hormones

Having balanced hormones is related to an athlete’s endurance and the energy to go on training and do exercises. Some of the hormone-balancing foods are grass-fed butter, virgin coconut oil, avocados, free-range eggs, nuts and seeds, organic dark meat chicken, and many more.

  • Recovery and Repair

Recovery and repair aren’t just about suffering an injury from training or participating in a match. It could also be about post-training and exercise. Training hard could result in inflammation and tearing of tissues. This is why what you consume after a training session is also important.

Some of the popular recovery and repair foods for athletes are turkey, pasta dishes. Rice, whole-grain crackers and peanut butter, smoothies, yogurt, and frozen fruits. Taking these foods can help you quickly recover and be ready for another training session.

Conclusion

Overall, it is best to check for macronutrients if you really want to be sure that you’re eating the right foods. Thankfully, this can be easily done nowadays with a quick search on the internet. There are even apps that you can download to keep track of your diet.

Generally, carbs could be your good friend because training and playing on the field require a lot of energy. Many are quick to say that carbs can be unhealthy but this is only if the carbs aren’t going to be put to use. 

Aside from what you eat, hydration is also important. Proper hydration could regulate your body temperature, support muscle contraction and relaxation, and help transport nutrients and oxygen through your body. Athlete or not, it is essential that you are properly hydrated to help your body systems function properly.

Ireland’s newest recruit: Who exactly is Ryan Johansson?

The Sevilla midfielder was included in Jim Crawford’s Ireland u21 squad which was announced this morning.

After years of eligibility issues which prevented Ryan Johansson from representing Ireland, the Luxembourg born midfielder/right-back has finally been deemed fit to don the green jersey. The Sevilla man was included in Jim Crawford’s under-21 squad scheduled to play three friendlies in the coming weeks. His inclusion marks his first time in an Ireland squad at any level since 2018 which is great news, it will be like winning on best aussie online casino for Irish soccer fans.

“There were multiple reasons and it was never easy to turn down countries I love – and I’m very patriotic for all three countries I am eligible for – but I do feel more attached to Ireland,” said Johansson to FAI TV on his decision to represent Ireland.

“But once it came down to it and once my parents asked me the questions ‘who do you really want to play for?’ and ‘what is your final decision?’, it was a no-brainer in a sense of choosing Ireland. That’s where my heart wanted to go.”

It now looks like Johansson will be a permanent fixture in Ireland squads for years to come, but what led up to this moment?

BACKGROUND

As Johansson mentioned in his interview with FAI TV, he’s eligible for three countries.

He was born and grew up in Luxembourg which explains his eligibility for them. But how is he eligible for Ireland? Well, the 20-year-old has an mother who was born in England to Irish parents, but moved back to Ireland aged 10. His father is Swedish meaning he could also represent them.

HIS CAREER TO DATE

EARLY BEGINNINGS

Johansson started his youth career in Luxembourg and played for Racing FC Union Luxembourg up until 2015 when he signed for current French Ligue 1 side FC Metz. The French club have helped develop the likes of Sadio Mané, Maxwel Cornet and Miralem Pjanić in recent years.

Johansson would spend just one year with Metz, playing for various underage sides including their under-17s.

Johansson trained with former club Racing FC Union Luxembourg as well as the first-team of Jeunesse Esch after leaving FC Metz. Many of their supporters play the best online casino which can make them some extra cash.

FC BAYERN MUNICH

Johansson attracted the attention of Bayern Munich during his time at Metz and would sign for the German club in 2017.

It was during this time that Johansson would first come to the attention of the FAI who began trying to secure the international future of the then 16-year-old.

Johansson appeared for the side’s under-17 side during the 17/18 season, appearing 24 times across all competitions and registering 6 goal contributions during that time. Bayern Munich won the German under-17 Bundesliga that season.

After the 17/18 season ended, Johansson impressed to such an extent that he was included in Bayern Munich’s pre-season squad. He made three appearances in that Summer’s Champions Cup against the elite competition of PSG, Juventus and Manchester City.

It was shortly after this that reports begun emerging of Johansson’s decision to play for Ireland in upcoming under-18 friendly fixtures.

Those reports came true as he was selected in the Ireland under-18 squad to take on Wales on two separate occasions in September 2018. Johansson had previously represented Luxembourg and Sweden at youth level.

Johansson made his Ireland debut at the (then named) City Calling Stadium in Longford and was introduced as a substitute in the 62nd minute. He looked highly composed in the centre of the park during his cameo, despite Wales winning the match 1-0.

He started just a couple of days and lasted over 60 minutes in a 2-0 win at Eamonn Deacy Park.

Current senior internationals Troy Parrott, Adam Idah, Conor Coventry, Lee O’Connor, Jason Knight and Aaron Connolly all started for Ireland over the few days.

After that, Johansson explained that he was not ready to commit to Ireland and appeared for Luxembourg’s under-21 and under-19 sides in the coming months. His commitment to Luxembourg didn’t last long and he declared for the Boys in Green the following January.

He appeared for Bayern Munich’s under-19s during the 18/19 season and made 25 appearances across all competitions, registering 5 goal contributions.

Johansson was included in Bayern Munich’s squad for pre-season competition called the Audi Cup in the Summer along with a handful of other youth footballers. He started – and impressed – against a Spurs side including an unused Troy Parrott on the bench in July.

However, concerning news about his international future broke just days later.

His eligibility for Ireland was called into question thus preventing him from representing the country at any level. The reason being because his family failed to apply for his Irish citizenship through the Foreign Births Register before making his first appearance for Luxembourg at the age of 15.

Johansson maintained his desire to represent Ireland at first but after months of nothing changing, he declared his interest in representing Sweden in January 2020.

He continued to turn out for Bayern’s under-19s in the 19/20 season, making 19 appearances and putting up 11 goal contributions across all competitions.

SEVILLA

After impressing for Bayern, La Liga side Sevilla swooped in for Johansson and signed the youngster for an undisclosed fee in January 2020. He signed a 6-year contract with the Spanish club, showing how highly he is rated.

He made 6 appearances for Sevilla’s underage sides that season after signing, contributing 1 assist in the process.

He only appeared 8 times in all competitions during the 20/21 season, owing to an injury suffered in December.

It was reported earlier this month that Johansson’s eligibility for Ireland had changed status owing to new FIFA rules, meaning he is now able to represent the country again after almost 2 years of uncertainty surrounding his international future.

The new rules state that a player can change switch allegiance even if they didn’t have nationality of the country they wish to represent at the time of their first appearance for their previous national team, provided they last played for their previous national team before the age of 21.

Jim Crawford’s under-21 squad was announced this morning and among the new additions to the age group was Ryan Johansson, his first appearance in an Ireland side since 2018.

The under-21s are set to play 3 friendly games. The first game comes against Switzerland this Sunday, after that they take on Australia the following the Wednesday and the final fixture is being played against Denmark on Saturday.

All fixtures will be televised on Premier Sports/Free Sports with the games against Switzerland and Australia being shown live while the Denmark fixture will be shown in full later in the day.

Seven new faces in Republic of Ireland U21 squad

Republic of Ireland Under-21 Manager Jim Crawford has named a 26-man squad for friendlies against Switzerland, Australia and Denmark in Marbella, Spain.

Seven new players included

Crawford has called-up are seven new faces to the U21 squad. Among them are Sevilla’s Ryan Johansson after he was declared eligible to play for Ireland following FIFA clearance.

Johansson is joined by Getafe’s John Joe Patrick Finn Benoa who is selected in his first international squad. Sheffield Wendesday’s Ciaran Brennan, Derby County’s Festy Ebosele and Lincoln City’s Seán Roughan get the U21 call. UCD striker and League of Ireland First Division top scorer Colm Whelan is also included in the squad.

Dan Rose of Schalke 04, who was included ahead of the Wales friendly in March but was unable to travel due to Covid-19 restrictions, will join his first U21 camp.

Games on TV

The games will form part of the U21s preparation for their 2023 European Championship qualifiers against Bosnia & Herzegovina and Luxembourg in September.

The games Switzerland and Australia to be shown live on Premier Sports 1 and FreeSports.

Ireland’s game with Denmark on Saturday, June 5 (which kicks-off at 17:00pm) will be shown in full at a later time of 21:30pm on Premier Sports 1.

Republic of Ireland squad – Switzerland, Australia, Denmark

Goalkeepers: Sam Blair (Norwich City), Brian Maher (Bray Wanderers),
Dan Rose (Schalke 04)

Defenders: Ciaran Brennan (Sheffield Wednesday), Festy Ebosele (Derby County), Shane Flynn (Leicester City), Andy Lyons (Bohemians), Oisín McEntee (Newcastle United), Mark McGuinness (Arsenal), Lewis Richards (Wolves), Seán Roughan (Lincoln City).

Midfielders: John Joe Patrick Finn Benoa (Getafe), Luca Connell (Celtic), Conor Coventry (West Ham United), Dawson Devoy (Bohemians), Alex Gilbert (Brentford), Conor Grant (Rochdale), Ryan Johansson (Sevilla), Conor Noss (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Louie Watson (Derby County).

Forwards: Jonathan Afolabi (Celtic), Will Ferry (Southampton), Joshua ‘JJ’ Kayode (Rotherham United), Gavin Kilkenny (Bournemouth), Colm Whelan (UCD), Tyreik Wright (Aston Villa).

Fixtures – International Friendlies (all times are Irish times)
  • Switzerland v Republic of Ireland, May 30, KO 11:00, Dama de Noche Football Centre, Marbella, Spain (Live on Premier Sports 1/ FreeSports)
  • Australia v Republic of Ireland, June 2, KO 12:00, Marbella Football Centre, Marbella, Spain. (Live on Premier Sports 1/ FreeSports)
  • Republic of Ireland v Denmark, June 5, KO 17:00, Dama de Noche Football Centre, Marbella, Spain. (To be shown at 21.30pm on Premier Sports 1)

GAA Starting team News – 22nd & 23rd May 2021

We have the latest starting team news from hurling and Gaelic football league matches on 22nd and 23rd May. 

Tipperary : Brian Hogan; Cathal Barrett, Padraic Maher, Barry Heffernan; Robert Byrne, Seamus Kennedy, Ronan Maher; Alan Flynn, Paddy Cadell; Dan McCormack, Noel McGrath, Dillon Quirke; John O’Dwyer, Jason Forde, John McGrath

Subs: Barry Hogan, Michael Breen, Eoghan Connolly, Willie Connors, Paul Flynn, Brendan Maher, Patrick Maher, Brian McGrath, Jake Morris, Niall O’Meara, James Quigley

Galway: Eanna Murphy, Darren Morrissey, Daithi Burke, TJ Brennan, Adrian Tuohey, Padraic Mannion, Aidan Harte, Joe Canning, Johnny Coen, Joseph Cooney, Jason Flynn, Conor Cooney, Brian Concannon, Kevin Cooney, Conor Whelan

Westmeath: Jason Daly; Jack Smith, Kevin Maguire, Boidu Sayeh; James Dolan, Ronan Wallace, Jamie Gonoud; Sam Duncan, Ray Connellan; David Lynch, Denis Corroon, Ger Egan; Ronan O’Toole, John Heslin, Luke Loughlin

Subs: Trevor Martin, Lorcan Dolan, Kieran Martin, Darren Giles, Sam McCartan, Conor Coughlan, Conor Slevin, Tommy McDaniel, Brandon Kelly, Fola Ayorinde, Nigel Harte

Mayo : Rob Hennelly; Enda Hession, Oisin Mullin, Lee Keegan; Michael Plunkett, Paddy Durcan, Rory Brickenden; Matthew Ruane, Diarmuid O’Connor; Fionn McDonagh, Kevin McLoughlin, Jordan Flynn; Tommy Conroy, Cillian O’Connor, Ryan O’Donoghue

Wexford: Pa Doyle, Sam Audsley, Martin O’Connor, Conor Carthy, Paraic Hughes, Gavin Sheehan, Micheál Furlong, Liam Coleman, Brian Malone, Alan Tobin, Sean Nolan, Kevin O’Grady, Ben Brosnan, Robbie Brooks, Mark Rossiter.

Waterford: Paudie Hunt, Sean Boyce, Brian Looby, Darach O’Cathasaigh, Donal Fitzgerald, Michael Curry, Dermot Ryan, Tommy Prendergast, Mark Cummins, Jason Curry, Conor Murray, David Hallinan, Stephen Curry, Dylan Guiry, Darragh Corcoran.

Offaly: Paddy Dunican, Declan Hogan, Eoin Rigney, Niall Darby, Cian Donohue, Johnny Moloney, David Dempsey, Bill Carroll, Eoin Carroll, Shane Horan, Jordan Hayes, Anton Sullivan, Bernard Allen, Peter Cunningham, Ruairi McNamee

Limerick: Donal Ó Sullivan,Sean O’Dea,Brian Fanning , Michael Donovan, Tony McCarthy, Robert Childs, Gordon Brown, Darragh Treacy, Tommie Childs, Cian Sheehan, Cillian Fahy, Tommy Griffin, Adrian Enright, Danny Neville Ballysteen, Hugh Bourke.

Tipperary: Michael O’Reilly, Alan Campbell, Jimmy Feehan, Colm O’Shaughesey, Emmet Moloney, Paudie Feehan, Jack Harney, Steven O’Brien, Conal Kennedy, Jason Lonergan, Colman Kennedy, Brian Fox, Liam Boland, Conor Sweeney, Sean O’Connor

Wicklow: Mark Johnson, Nicky Deveraux, Jamie Small, Oisin Manning, Andy Maher, Paul Donnelly, Aaran Murphy, Podge O’Toole, Dean Healy, Darragh Fitzgerald, Mark Kenny, Conor Byrne, Eoin Darcy, Seanie Furlong, James Sheeran.

Donegal: As Usual no team announced.

Monaghan: Rory Beggan; Kieran Duffy, Conor Boyle, Ryan Wylie; Karl O’Connell, Karl McMenamin, Ryan McAnespie; Darren Hughes, Killian Lavelle; Stephen O’Hanlon, Aaron Mulligan, Micheal Bannigan; Conor McCarthy, Andrew Woods, Sean Jones.

Derry: Odhran Lynch; Chrissy McKaigue, Brendan Rogers, Paudi McGrogan; Padraig Cassidy, Gareth McKinless, Conor Doherty; Conor Glass, Emmett Bradley; Ethan Doherty, Niall Loughlin, Ciaran McFaul; Benny Heron, Shane McGuigan, Paul Cassidy.

Fermanagh: Chris Snow, Ryan Breen, Johnny Cassidy, Luke Flanagan, Kane Connor, James McMahon, Kevin Mcdonnell, Eoin Donnelly, Stephen McGuillion, Ciaran Corrigan, Tiarnan Bogue, Josh Largo Ellis, Conor Lowe, Daragh McGun, Sean Quigley

Dublin: Sean Brennan; Andrew Dunphy, Eoghan O’Donnell, Cian O’Callaghan; Daire Gray, Liam Rushe, Sean Moran; Jake Malone, Conor Burke; Danny Sutcliffe, Chris Crummey, Ronan Hayes; Donal Burke, Eamonn Dillon, Cian Boland

Subs: Alan Nolan, Paul O’Dea, Paddy Smyth, Rian McBride, James Madden, Fergal Whitely, Davy Keogh, Cian O’Sullivan, John Hetherton, Oisin O’Rorke, Paul Crummey

Antrim: Ryan Elliott; Stephen Rooney, Gerard Walsh, Damon McMullan; Eoghan Campbell, Paddy Burke, Joe Maskey; Neil McManus, Keelan Molloy; Michael Bradley, James McNaughton, Niall McKenna; Conal Cunning, Ciaran Clarke, Conor McCann.

Armagh: Blaine Hughes, Ryan Kennedy, Aidan Forker, James Morgan, Connaire Mackin, Aaron McKay, Ciaron O’Hanlon, Niall Grimley, Jarly Og Burns, Jemer Hill, Rian O’Neill, Greg McCabe, Rory Grugan

Tyrone: No team announced

Laois: Niall Corbet, Robert Pigot, Mark Timmons, Gareth Dillion, Trevor Collins, Colm Begley, Patrick O’Sullivan, Kieran Lillis, John O’Loughlin, Eoin Lowry, Paul Kingston, Daniel O’Reily, Mark Barry, Donal Kingston, Evan O’Carroll

Cork: Mícheál  Martin, Sean Powter, Daniel O’ Mahony, Kevin Flahive, Kevin O’ Donovan, Sean Meehan, Mattie Taylor, Ian Maguire, Paul Walsh, Sean White, Ruairi Deane, Kevin O’ Driscoll, Tadhg MacCarthaigh, John O’ Rourke, Cíaran Sheehan, Luke Connolly.

Sundays Team to be confirmed

Can France deliver back-to-back major tournament triumphs?

When France triumphed in the 2018 World Cup final, there were feelings of joy and relief in equal measure. Many felt that Didier Deschamps’ side had thrown away the chance of victory at Euro 2016 two years earlier, where an extra-time goal from Éder meant the title went to second-favourites Portugal. France were left to lick their wounds, but the World Cup triumph in Moscow provided the perfect antidote to that Paris disappointment. 

 

Now, attention turns to Euro 2020, which has been pushed back a year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. France are one of the favourites in the odds on Euro winner, and have a chance to make it three major international finals on the spin, backing up their World Cup success by conquering the European Championships too. The question is, can they achieve that sensational double, or are they due a bit of a blip?

Group of death

It certainly won’t be easy, as France have landed in by far the toughest group of the competition. Les Bleus qualified by finishing top of a group that contained Euro 2016 foes Portugal, but now the two sides have been paired together in the tournament proper, with Germany and Hungary making up this tournament’s group of death. 

France’s first game of the competition is against Germany in Munich, and if they can get a good result there, you’d expect their passage to be relatively straightforward. However, if Germany were to make the most of home advantage and earn the win, the pressure would really build on France to deliver in the next two matches.

Deschamps’ men take on Portugal in the final group game in Budapest, and that could well be the key fixture in the group. Of course, the fact that there is potential for the third-placed team to advance to the knockout stage means the pressure is lessened somewhat, but France will still be keen to get off on the right foot against Germany.

Talent and knowhow 

Of course, there is plenty in France’s favour, namely the riches of talent they have in their squad. Kylian Mbappé is just about the hottest prospect in Europe right now, and if the Paris Saint-Germain forward can produce his best football for Les Bleus this summer, they’ll be very difficult to stop. 

The likes of Antoine Griezmann, N’Golo Kanté, Paul Pogba and Raphaël Varane boast the experience of deep runs at past World Cups and European Championships, and that experience could prove vital if France can make it to the latter stages. It is the blend of talent and experience that makes France so dangerous this summer, and if Deschamps can find the right balance then they’ll be in with a real chance.

There will also be a feeling among the squad that they have unfinished business at this particular tournament, after the agony of losing to Portugal in extra time five years ago. It was one that got away, and although they redeemed themselves by winning the World Cup in Russia, players of this calibre are never satisfied, and France will have their sights firmly set on lifting the European Championships trophy at Wembley on July 11th. 

Cork’s Kayleigh Cole To Race In Second F1000 UK Championship

17 year old Kayleigh Cole from Ballincollig in Cork is heading to UK’s Donington Race Circuit this weekend for the second round of the F1000 UK Championship sponsored by Swallow Hill Homes.    Kayleigh’s race weekend, in the 1000cc bike engine powered single seater, will start with practice on Friday 21st May with qualifying and two races all taking place on Saturday , 22nd May.

Kayleigh recently joined the competitive F1000 UK Championship, following three years competitive karting in Ireland.  She made great progress at her debut race weekend at Silverstone Race Circuit back in April.  Kayleigh was named ‘Best Newcomer’ for the most progression in a single race weekend, winning herself a day on a Sim at the IZONE Performance Centre.   Kayleigh finished P17 in Race 1, P18 in Race 2 & P15 Race 3, putting her in Joint 16th in the Championship and Joint 11th in the Clubman’s Cup.

Despite having had limited testing due to Covid travel restrictions, Kayleigh feels well prepared going into Round 2 at Donington as she had a successful test day at the famous East Midlands track in February.   Cole feels a lot more confident in the car ahead of Donington, as she gained a lot of knowledge and experience at Silverstone, under the guidance of her driving coach, W Series driver Sarah Moore.    The slicks and wings racing car, which is powered by a 1000c high performance motorbike engine, has excellent handling characteristics – drivers can find themselves going from 0-60mph in just 3 seconds, and onto 150mph, while revving to around 14000rpm!

Kayleigh commented “I’m really excited but also nervous going into the next round of the F1000 championship.  We are a lot more prepared for Donington than we were for my first race at Silverstone thanks to a full day’s testing there in February.   I’ve worked hard with my driver coach Sarah Moore on analysing data, building my confidence and getting up to speed so I’m really looking forward to racing this weekend.

“It’s a big challenge moving from karting to single seater racing nevertheless we are sure that racing with F1000 UK is the best decision we could have made.   My main goal at Donington this weekend is to get great starts and then stick with the pack while continuing to work on my race craft, which will help me bring my times down lap after lap.”

Kayleigh continued “There is a great buzz around the paddock with this F1000 Championship  – everyone is so friendly and helpful, and the 750 Motor Club do a great job when it comes to the running of their race weekends ”.

All races will be live streamed by the 750 Motor club on their YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/750MotorClubTVRace

Live timing and race results are available on  https://www.theresultslive.co.uk/

Basketball Ireland Centres of Excellence in Letterkenny IT and Waterford IT

Letterkenny IT and Waterford IT have been named as Basketball Ireland Centres of Excellence, bringing the total to four. In March NUI Galway and Ulster University in Jordanstown were the first two Centres of Excellence announced. Basketball Ireland plans to have 8-10 Centres of Excellence rolled out nationwide.

Michael Murphy, Letterkenny Institute of Technology Head of Sport, said: “Letterkenny IT is delighted to be partnering with Basketball Ireland in the provision of a Centre of Excellence for the region. This partnership strengthens our existing relationship and will contribute to the continued growth of the sport, both locally and nationally. By choosing LYIT as a base for its Centre of Excellence, Basketball Ireland recognises the sporting expertise and facilities available at LYIT to support basketball at all levels. This Centre of Excellence will build upon the great work of Basketball Ireland Development Officer, Niall McDermott, in developing the sport at LYIT and in the North West.”

Donna Drohan, Facilities and Events Manager at WIT Arena, said: “We are excited to strengthen our ties with Basketball Ireland in becoming their South East Centre of Excellence. Waterford IT and WIT Arena have strong basketball connections, with WIT Waterford Wildcats and WIT Waterford Vikings operating at Super League and National League level, respectively. The WIT Arena has hosted a number of Super League, National League and schools competitions. It is also home to WIT Vikings Basketball Club. To have Basketball Ireland as a recognised partner compliments our sporting portfolio and adds massively to the high-performance sporting culture that we are developing here at the WIT Arena.”

Each Centre of Excellence will provide access to expertise, such as strength and conditioning, sports medicine, sports psychology, diet and nutrition, sports management and administration, coach development and training. They will also have media and meeting facilities.

The Centres of Excellence will be used for national training camps for international sides, along with Basketball Ireland academies. There will also be the ability to host international fixtures, national senior competitions, intervarsity competitions, as well as local schools cups and blitzes.

Basketball Ireland CEO, Bernard O’Byrne, added “We are delighted to have both Letterkenny IT and Waterford IT on board as Basketball Ireland Centres of Excellence. Both institutions have great pedigrees in basketball and this reaffirms their commitment to the sport. We’ve pledged from the very start of this project to have Centres of Excellence the length and breadth of the country and we will have further announcements in the coming weeks.”

Irish Women’s Hockey Squad for Europeans in June

The Irish Women’s Hockey European Squad for the European Championships in the Netherlands in June has been announced.

It is the first phase of a huge summer that culminates in the Tokyo Olympic Games with the Euros doubling up as a key preparation tournament for the Games while also providing three potential 2022 World Cup tickets. 

It means head coach Sean Dancer has selected his strongest available squad for the eight-team competition at Amstelveen’s Wagener Stadium, bidding for a first ever semi-final spot. 

There, they will take on world number one side the Netherlands on June 5th in a rematch of the 2018 World Cup final; on June 7th, Ireland face Scotland before closing out the group stages on June 9th against Spain.

 

Dancer’s 18-player panel features 12 of the 2018 World Cup silver medal-winning side and 13 of the team that won qualification to the Olympic Games in November 2019 in a dramatic shoot-out in front of a packed-out Donnybrook Stadium.

 

Heroes like Ayeisha McFerran, Lizzie Colvin, Nicci Daly, Nikki Evans, Megan Frazer Hannah Matthews, Shirley McCay, Katie Mullan, Anna O’Flanagan, Lena Tice, Roisin Upton, Sarah Hawkshaw and Chloe Watkins bring a wealth of talent to the table.

 

There have been injury issues, though, which have seen Zoe Wilson and Barr twins Serena and Bethany have to sit out the summer action.

 

And so, over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic, Dancer’s panel has evolved with several new faces emerging.

 

Rising UCD star Michelle Carey is set to make her formal capped international debut when the Green Army take the field against the Dutch.

 

A product of the Railway Union youth system, she has been an ever-present at training camps in Spain, Belfast and England since the turn of the year, scoring a number of goals from midfield in international challenge matches to date.

 

She is one of three players making their first appearance in a world ranking event. Loreto speedster Sarah Torrans gets her chance having been on the list of reserves for the World Cup while UCD’s Hannah McLoughlin has impressed in defence in recent series against Great Britain and Scotland.

 

Cratloe native Naomi Carroll will play her first capped match since the summer of 2018, having taken the long road back from an ACL injury sustained while in ladies football action for Clare. Since then, she was part of the rejuvenated Irish indoor hockey side in 2020 before earning her recall to the senior outdoor setup.

 

All going well, a number of established faces will hit major milestones during the tournament. Evans is two caps shy of her 200th international outing; Colvin will hit that same mark if she plays four matches in the competition; Matthews, meanwhile, is three caps away from 150 appearances in green.

 

Due to Covid-19 concerns, the European Hockey Federation has allowed a further two players to join the panel as “travelling reserves” in addition to the initial panel of 18.

 

Deirdre Duke will offer cover for midfield and forward lines while uncapped Muckross player Sarah McAuley waits in the wings defensively.

 

For World Cup qualification, Ireland will only be absolutely assured of a ticket if they finish in the top three positions. Currently, Spain and the Netherlands are already pre-qualified as hosts; should either or both finish in the medal positions in Amstelveen, fourth or fifth place could provide the golden ticket.

  

Speaking at the announcement about the selection, coach Dancer said: “It has been a long, tough 12 months, preparing in a Covid world. It is a credit to the group’s strength to arrive at this year’s Euros with a very balanced team.

 

“I will enjoy watching the experienced players controlling our play in combination with the excitement of our young players such as Michelle Carey and Hannah McLoughlin.

 

“The European Championships is a major tournament with ramifications for next year’s World Cup. We have made our objectives very clear and will push hard as a group towards them.”

 

The squad was announced this morning in Skerries at a joint event run by primary sponsors SoftCo and Park Developments, supporting their rise to the sport’s elite levels.

 

“Congratulations to the players that have been selected for the Irish women’s hockey squad for the European Championship today,” SoftCo co-founder Susan Spence said. 

 

“Since achieving a World Cup silver medal, this group have continued to drive forward with Olympic qualification and the recent historic victory over Great Britain. We are extremely proud to be their main sponsor as they go in search of European and Olympic glory this summer and wish them every success.”

Park Developments’ managing director Sean O’Neill added: “From a Park Developments perspective, we wish Sean, Katie and all the squad all the very best for the 2021 European Championships.

“Our journey with this team is built on support, and we are so proud of this group’s unique ability to inspire so many young sports people and fans alike.”

 

Ireland women’s squad for EuroHockey Championships – June 5-13, 2021, Wagener Stadium, Amstelveen, Netherlands (club/caps):

 

Ayeisha McFerran (SV Kampong, 100) – goalkeeper

Lizzie Murphy (Loreto, 13) – goalkeeper

Michelle Carey (UCD, 0)

Naomi Carroll (Catholic Institute, 111)

Lizzie Colvin (Belfast Harlequins, 196)

Nicci Daly (Loreto, 189)

Nikki Evans (Old Alex, 198)

Megan Frazer (Belfast Harlequins, 136)

Sarah Hawkshaw (Railway Union, 33)

Hannah Matthews (Loreto, 147)

Shirley McCay (Pegasus, 306)

Hannah McLoughlin (UCD, 14)

Katie Mullan (Ballymoney, 193) – captain

Anna O’Flanagan (Muckross, 207) – vice captain

Lena Tice (Old Alex, 109)

Sarah Torrans (Loreto, 26)

Roisin Upton (Catholic Institute, 76)

Chloe Watkins (Monkstown, 226)

 

Travelling reserves: Deirdre Duke (Old Alex, 141), Sarah McAuley (Muckross, 0)

 

Tournament details

EuroHockey Championships 2021 (all times Irish)

Group A (world rank): Netherlands (1st), Spain (7th), Ireland (8th), Scotland (22nd)

Group B: Germany (4th), England (5th), Belgium (12th), Italy (17th)

 

Irish fixture schedule

June 5th, 2021: Ireland v Netherlands, 2.30pm

June 7th, 2021: Ireland v Scotland, 11.30am

June 9th, 2021: Ireland v Spain, 11.30am

 

June 11th 2021: Semi-finals/relegation pool

June 12th/13th: Medal matches/relegation pool

Ireland’s Relay Record Haul Continues at LEN European Aquatics Championships

Ireland’s Mixed 4x100m Medley Relay team on Thursday became the fifth Irish relay team to set a new Irish Senior Record at the LEN European Aquatics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

The goal for Ireland at this event is to qualify a swimming relay team for the Olympic Games for the first time since 1972, and so far every relay team that has competed at the Duna Arena has swum at least one new Irish Senior Record time.

On Thursday the Mixed 4x100m Medley Relay became the latest when Shane Ryan, Darragh Greene, Ellen Walshe and Danielle Hill clocked 3:49.08 to lower the previous record of 3:52.38 that had stood since 2017.

The quartet finished 13th in Europe, finishing in the top half of the biggest relay field of this championships.

Ireland will have another chance to advance Medley Relay chances for Tokyo 2021 when the Men’s and Women’s teams line up in Budapest on Sunday.

Earlier, Ards Swimming Club’s Paddy Johnston kicked Ireland’s Thursday off with a personal best of 24.62 in the 50m Butterfly heats. The 20-year-old has never swum faster than 25 seconds before in 50m pool competition and finished fourth in his heat from the unfavourable outside lane, nine.

The performance was not quite enough this time to advance to the Semi-Finals.

On Friday, National Centre Limerick’s Eoin Corby will compete in the 50m Breaststroke heats and Irish Senior Record holder Daniel Wiffen will compete in the 800m Freestyle heats.

The Loughborough University swimmer, who spent his formative years with Lisburn Swimming Club, set the 800m Freestyle record at the Irish National Team Trials in April – achieving the Olympic Consideration Time for Tokyo 2021 in the process.

The heats begin at 9am Irish time, with Semi-Finals for Corby’s event taking place on Friday evening, and the 800m Final scheduled for Saturday evening.

More about the Mixed 4x100m Medley Relay team:

Shane Ryan, 27, National Centre Dublin, Rio 2016 Olympian, Irish Senior Record holder in 100m Freestyle, 50m and 100m Backstroke. Earned Olympic Consideration Time for 100m Backstroke at Tokyo 2021.

Darragh Greene, 25, National Centre Dublin, Irish Senior Record holder in 50m, 100m and 200m Breaststroke. Earned Olympic Consideration Time for 100m and 200m Breaststroke at Tokyo 2021.

Ellen Walshe, 19, Templeogue Swimming Club, 100m Butterfly Irish Senior Record holder.

Danielle Hill, 21, Larne Swimming Club, Fastest Irish female swimmer of all-time. Irish Senior Record holder in 50 and 100m Freestyle and Backstroke.

New Irish Senior Relay Records  – Time (Time before this event)

Monday – Men’s 4x100m Freestyle Relay Record – 3:16.88 (3:17.38)

Monday – Women’s 4x100m Freestyle Relay Record – 3:44.37 (3:47.21)

Tuesday – Mixed 4x200m Freestyle Relay Record – 7:50.41 (7:51.24)

Wednesday – Men’s 4x200m Freestyle Relay Record – 7:12.00 (7:13.91)

Thursday – Mixed 4x100m Medley Relay Record – 3:49.08 (3:52.38)

You can watch all the swimming in Budapest live online via the links below.

LIVESTREAMS: RTE Player | Eurovision Livestream | LEN Livestream

For all results, please visit European Championships 2020 | Budapest (microplustiming.com)

IRISH SWIMMING SCHEDULE – LEN European Aquatics Championships 2021

 

Friday, May 21

Men’s 50m Breaststroke – Eoin Corby

Men’s 800m Freestyle – Daniel Wiffen

 

Saturday, May 22

Women’s 50m Breaststroke – Niamh Coyne

Mixed 4x100m Freestyle Relay

 

Sunday, May 23

Men’s 4x100m Medley Relay

Women’s 4x100m Medley Relay

Irish Swimming Team for the LEN European Aquatics Championships 2021

Brendan Hyland– National Centre (Dublin)

Conor Ferguson– Larne Swimming Club

Daniel Wiffen– Loughborough University

Danielle Hill– Larne Swimming Club

Darragh Greene– National Centre (Dublin)

Ellen Walshe– Templeogue Swimming Club

Eoin Corby– National Centre (Limerick)

Erin Riordan– National Centre (Dublin)

Finn McGeever– National Centre (Limerick)

Gerry Quinn– National Centre (Limerick)

Jack McMillan– Bangor Swimming Club

Jordan Sloan– Bangor Swimming Club

Max McCusker– Florida State University

Mona McSharry– University of Tennessee

Naomi Trait– Kilkenny Swimming Club

Niamh Coyne– National Centre (Dublin)

Paddy Johnston– Ards Swimming Club

Robbie Powell– National Centre (Dublin)

Shane Ryan– National Centre (Dublin)

Victoria Catterson– Ards Swimming Club

 

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