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Video – Louis Rees-Zammit and Charlie Smyth Shine on NFL Debuts

Louis Rees-Zammit and Charlie Smyth Shine on NFL Debuts

Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit made an impressive NFL debut for the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, in their pre-season matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite the Chiefs’ 26-13 loss at EverBank Stadium in Florida, Rees-Zammit’s first appearance on the American football stage was a “great first experience.”

Rees-Zammit, known for his speed on the rugby field, showcased his versatility by taking on multiple roles during the game. The 23-year-old featured as a running back, kicker, kick-returner, and even contributed to punt coverage. His stat line included two carries for one yard, one reception for three yards, and a tackle on special teams. In a surprising twist, he also handled a kick-off in the fourth quarter.

Reflecting on his debut, Rees-Zammit shared his excitement with the Irish NFL Show: “It was a great first experience. I loved getting the snaps I did, especially on special teams. Now, it’s about reviewing my performance and figuring out how I can improve.”

The atmosphere at the stadium left a strong impression on Rees-Zammit, who added, “The atmosphere was electric, with loads of Chiefs fans in the stands. It was a great game, and I’m looking forward to the next one.”

Currently, Rees-Zammit is vying for a spot on the Chiefs’ 53-man regular-season roster. However, he was listed as the fifth-choice running back on the team’s initial depth chart, indicating stiff competition ahead.

Another European player making his NFL debut was Charlie Smyth, a former Gaelic football goalkeeper from Ireland. Smyth made headlines by kicking a game-winning field goal in his first appearance for the New Orleans Saints, securing a 16-14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. The 22-year-old rookie, like Rees-Zammit, entered the NFL through the International Player Pathway Programme earlier this year. His decisive 37-yard field goal with just five seconds left on the clock highlighted a memorable debut.

Rees-Zammit’s transition from rugby to the NFL is being closely watched, and his debut has only fueled anticipation for what he can achieve on the gridiron. As he continues to adapt to American football, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how his skills translate in the highly competitive NFL environment.

Lara Gillespie Secures Top Ten Finish in Olympic Omnium at Paris 2024

Lara Gillespie Secures Top Ten Finish in Olympic Omnium at Paris 2024

Lara Gillespie, making her Olympic debut, delivered an impressive performance in the Women’s Omnium at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, finishing 10th overall. As the final Team Ireland athlete to compete at the Games, Gillespie showcased her talent in the last race at the Saint Quentin-en-Yvelines velodrome, concluding her Olympic campaign with a top-ten finish.

The Omnium, a challenging event that consists of four races in just three hours, featured 22 riders vying for Olympic medals. Gillespie’s journey began with the Scratch Race, where she completed the 7.5km course in 15th place, earning 12 points.

Her standout moment came in the Tempo Race, where she secured a crucial lap gain and four sprint victories, propelling her to first place in this event and adding 40 points to her tally.

In the Elimination Race, Gillespie’s strong performance continued as she finished ninth, bringing her total score to 76 points, just 20 points shy of a bronze medal.

The final Points Race saw Gillespie gain an early lap, adding another 20 points to her score. With fierce competition among the top ten, the leaderboard remained fluid, but Gillespie maintained her position and finished 10th overall.

At just 23 years old, Gillespie demonstrated immense potential and resilience. Reflecting on her Olympic experience, she expressed a mix of pride and determination: “I was hoping for a top-five result, but I’m proud of how I raced. I was brave, took chances, and gave everything. There’s a lot to improve on, but also many positives to take away. I’m looking forward to the next four years.”

Gillespie’s performance in Paris caps off a successful week, where she also made history as part of the first Women’s Team Pursuit squad to represent Ireland at the Olympics, setting a new national record. She also competed in the Women’s Madison alongside Alice Sharpe.

As the Paris 2024 Olympic Games come to a close, Gillespie’s journey marks the beginning of what promises to be a bright future in international cycling. Having already won gold in the Omnium at the UEC Under 23 European Championships last year, and finishing just off the podium at the 2024 UEC European Championships, she is poised for even greater achievements in the years ahead.

Jennifer Valente of the USA claimed her second consecutive Omnium Olympic Gold, while Poland’s Daria Pikulik took silver, and New Zealand’s Ally Wollaston secured bronze. Gillespie’s top ten finish solidifies her status as one of the rising stars in women’s track cycling.

Tipperary Beat Laois to Win All-Ireland Junior Camogie Title

Tipperary Secures Dramatic Win Over Laois to Claim Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Junior Camogie Title

In a thrilling finale, Jenny Grace’s injury-time free clinched a 0-12 to 1-8 victory for Tipperary over Laois, securing the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Premier Junior Camogie title. Grace’s decisive point in the fifth minute of stoppage time completed a stunning comeback, as Tipperary redeemed themselves from last year’s final defeat.

Laois dominated the opening stages, taking control early on and holding the lead until the 52nd minute. Despite their strong start, they were unable to capitalize fully, leading by only four points at halftime. Their early momentum was highlighted by a powerful goal from Susie Delaney, but missed opportunities and wides left the door open for Tipperary.

Tipperary showed resilience after the break, transforming into a more physical and determined side. Key contributions from their bench, particularly Eva O’Dwyer and Lily Fahie, turned the tide. Fahie, who entered the game in the 58th minute, set up her sister Anna for a crucial equalizer in the 62nd minute before winning the free that led to the winning point.

Grace’s performance was pivotal, as she notched nine points, including the game-winner, demonstrating her experience and composure under pressure.

Laois, despite their early dominance, were left to rue their missed chances. They employed an effective strategy of stretching the Tipperary defense with diagonal passes and fast-paced attacks, but their inability to extend their lead proved costly.

Tipperary’s comeback was fueled by a determined second-half performance, as they tightened their defense and capitalised on Laois’s mistakes. The match ended in heartbreak for Laois, who had fought valiantly but fell just short as Grace’s late heroics secured the title for Tipperary.

Babouche wins Keeneland Phoenix Stakes for Ger Lyons and Colin Keane

Babouche and Colin Keane won the Group 1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at The Curragh on Saturday. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.

Babouche, in the colours of Juddmonte, gave Ger Lyons and Colin Keane Group 1 success at The Curragh this afternoon.

The previously unbeaten Kodiac filly maintained her 100% record when taking the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes over six furlongs, the highlight of an eight-race Saturday card at flat racing’s headquarters.

Sent off the 5/2 second favourite behind the Aidan O’Brien-trained son of No Nay Never, Whistlejacket (8/13 favourite), Babouche gave Tally Ho Stud stallion Kodiac an eighth individual Group 1 winner.

The Ballydoyle runner, Whistlejacket, in the hands of Ryan Moore was second, one and a half lengths behind the winning filly, with the Adrian Murray-trained, David Egan-ridden 16/1 chance Arizona Blaze coming home third, a length and three-quarters behind the runner-up.

Watch Replay – Ireland’s 4x400m Relay Team Secures Historic Spot in Olympic Final

Ireland’s 4x400m Relay Team Secures Historic Spot in Olympic Final with Thrilling Performance in Paris

In a stunning display of athleticism, Ireland’s 4x400m relay team has advanced to the final of the Olympic Games, making history as the first Irish women’s relay team to do so. Competing in the heats this morning in Paris, the team—comprising Sophie Becker, Phil Healy, Kelly McGrory, and Sharlene Mawdsley—clocked an impressive 3:25.05, securing third place behind Jamaica (3:24.92 SB) and the Netherlands (3:25.03), and claiming one of the automatic qualification spots.

Wexford’s Sophie Becker set the pace with her fastest-ever relay split (50.90), handing the baton to Bandon’s Phil Healy, who maintained the team’s position through a determined leg. Becker’s performance was the fastest of all opening legs by half a second.

Donegal’s Kelly McGrory followed, delivering a remarkable Olympic debut with her fastest relay leg to date, before passing the baton to Tipperary’s Sharlene Mawdsley. Mawdsley, renowned for her strong finishes, anchored the team with a final leg of 49.65, ensuring their place in the final.

The team expressed their excitement and pride after the race:

“It’s unbelievable to come away as Olympic finalists. That was our goal coming in here. We knew the draw was tough, but to secure an automatic qualification early in the morning is just fantastic,” said Phil Healy.

Kelly McGrory added, “I knew I had to go out hard from the start. We passed the baton alongside the Dutch, and my goal was to be ahead at the 200m mark, especially to set Sharlene up well. I’m so happy with how it went. All the girls ran brilliantly, and we got the job done.”

Sophie Becker reflected on her performance: “I’m absolutely delighted. It was challenging not knowing how Jamaica was performing, so I focused on staying close. The repechage helped a lot; I felt great after my race a few days ago and was eager to go again. The result speaks for itself; the repechage was definitely worth it!”

Sharlene Mawdsley shared her thoughts on their historic achievement: “The girls always say I look so composed on the last leg, but inside, I’m constantly deciding when to make my move. That’s what we train for—to handle those moments. I trust myself in the last 100m of a relay now, and I just charged for home.”

Phil Healy concluded with praise for the supporters: “The atmosphere was electric, and it’s all thanks to the traveling Irish fans. Rhasidat was right—it really did feel like Morton Stadium out there! The roar Sophie got at the start was unbelievable, and the support from back home has been incredible. It’s the closest we’ll ever get to a ‘home Games’.”

This historic performance sets the stage for an exciting final, as Ireland’s 4x400m relay team prepares to compete for Olympic glory.

England Manager Search Continues as Lee Carsley Takes Interim Charge For Ireland game

England Manager Search Continues as Lee Carsley Takes Interim Charge

Lee Carsley is set to serve as the interim manager for the England men’s senior team in their upcoming Nations League matches against the Republic of Ireland and Finland next month. Carsley recently led the England Under-21s to their first European Championship victory in 39 years in 2023.

Following Gareth Southgate’s resignation as England manager after the defeat by Spain in the 2024 Euros final, the Football Association (FA) has been actively searching for his replacement. Southgate, who stepped up from managing the Under-21s, had a successful tenure, reaching notable milestones such as a World Cup semi-final in 2018, a World Cup quarter-final in 2022, and Euros finals in 2021 and 2024.

The FA has advertised the managerial position on their website but has not publicly commented on the ongoing search. They have emphasized having an “interim solution in place,” with Carsley stepping up to fill the role temporarily.

Carsley, 50, had a 17-year playing career in the Premier League with clubs including Derby County and Everton. Transitioning into management, he has taken caretaker roles at Coventry, Brentford, and Birmingham before joining the England setup in 2020.

Rising Irish Star Fionn McLaughlin Joins Red Bull Junior Driver Team

Rising Star Fionn McLaughlin Joins Red Bull Junior Driver Team

Sixteen-Year-Old Irish Racing Prodigy Secures Place in Prestigious Program

DERRY, August 7th – Fionn McLaughlin, a 16-year-old racing sensation from Derry, has secured a coveted spot in the Red Bull Junior Driver Team, joining the ranks of Formula 1 icons like Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz, and Daniel Ricciardo. This achievement follows his outstanding performance in the highly competitive Red Bull Driver Search.

Discover the Next F1 World Champion

Red Bull’s global scouting initiative, the Red Bull Driver Search, aims to discover and nurture the next generation of Formula 1 champions. Fionn McLaughlin’s exceptional talent has earned him a place in this elite program, which has been developing top motorsports talent since its inception in 2001.

Elite Training Ground for Future Champions

The Red Bull Junior Driver Team, currently featuring nine young racers aged 15 to 19, is dedicated to honing the skills of future F1 stars. These drivers compete in the Junior Formula Series, receiving comprehensive support and training to prepare them for the pinnacle of motorsports.

Global Talent Hunt

The Red Bull Driver Search, led by Dr. Helmut Marko, Red Bull Motorsports Consultant, and Head of the Junior Driver Program, recently took place in Jerez, Spain. Eleven promising candidates from around the world, aged 13-16, were invited to participate. After rigorous testing in open-wheel F4 and GP3 cars, Fionn McLaughlin and Swedish prodigy Scott Lindblom emerged as the standout talents.

Dr. Helmut Marko’s Vision

Dr. Helmut Marko emphasized the importance of adaptability and speed in young drivers: “We look for talent and speed, drivers who can win a Grand Prix. It’s crucial to see how they adapt and improve under pressure during our tests.” He added, “We don’t buy stars; we make stars. Our program offers perfect preparation for Formula 1, including simulator access in Milton Keynes, and support with training and nutrition.”

Fionn McLaughlin’s Aspiration

Fionn McLaughlin, the first driver selected for the Red Bull Junior Team, will transition from karting to the F4 series next season. Reflecting on his achievement, he said, “My goal is to be a world champion. I never give up; I work hard until I’m at the top.” Inspired by Sebastian Vettel, a Red Bull Junior Driver graduate, Fionn is determined to follow in his idol’s footsteps.

Promising Talent Scott Lindblom

Joining Fionn is 14-year-old Scott Lindblom from Sweden, who impressed the judges in Spain. Lindblom, who will continue as a karting driver, faced the challenge of adapting his driving style to F4 cars. Dr. Marko noted, “It was his first time in a Formula car, and he immediately proved to be competitive.”

Future Announcements

Red Bull will soon announce more successful candidates from the Driver Search program. The Red Bull Junior Team has a strong track record of producing Formula One drivers, with alumni such as Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo, Max Verstappen, Pierre Gasly, and Carlos Sainz Jr. achieving significant success, including multiple World Championships.

Stay tuned for further updates and a TV newscut following this exciting announcement.

Wednesday Schedule – Irish at Olympics: Golfers, Athletics, Taekwondo, and Sailing

Wednesday – Irish at Olympics: Golfers, Athletics, Taekwondo, and Sailing

**GOLF**
Leona Maguire and Stephanie Meadow will begin their Women’s Individual Golf Singles tournament at Le Golf National on Wednesday. The duo, who previously represented Team Ireland in Rio and Tokyo, aim for medals at Paris 2024.

Meadow tees off at 8am Irish time, followed by Maguire at 11:17am.

Reflecting on the tournament, Maguire remarked, “It’s been really cool to cheer on the rest of Team Ireland and we’re excited to get going tomorrow. It’s going to be a really great test and there will be big crowds cheering us on, so we’ll do our best to give them some good golf to cheer about.”

Meadow added, “It’s always a great feeling putting on the Ireland uniform and we’re both very excited and very honored to be here for a third time. It’s a great golf course and both of us feel good, so it’s about believing in ourselves now and making the country proud.”

**ATHLETICS**
Three Irish athletes will compete at the Stade de France on day twelve of the Olympic Games.

Sarah Lavin, one of Team Ireland’s flagbearers at the opening ceremony, will compete in the Women’s 100m Hurdles heats at her second Games. The Limerick athlete from Emerald Athletics Club will race at around 9:15am, aiming for a top-three finish to advance to the semi-final.

Brian Fay, the first quadruplet to represent Ireland at the Olympics, will participate in the Men’s 5000m heats at 10:10am. The Raheny Shamrock AC runner needs to finish in the top eight to advance directly to the final.

Mark English from Donegal, now a two-time Olympian, will compete in the Men’s 800m. Having set two new Irish records this season, the qualified doctor aims for a top-three finish in heat two at 11:03am to secure a semi-final spot.

Sophie O’Sullivan and Sarah Healy will compete in the repechage of the Women’s 1500m. O’Sullivan, who achieved a personal best in her heat this morning, will race at 11:45am, followed by Healy at 11:57am. The top three from each race will advance to the semi-finals.

Rhasidat Adeleke will be the focus on Wednesday evening as she competes in the Women’s 400m semi-finals. She will race in the first of three semi-finals at 7:45pm, with the top two from each semi-final, along with the next two fastest times, advancing to the final.

**TAEKWONDO**
Dubliner Jack Woolley, the first Irish Taekwondo Olympian in Tokyo, will compete in his second Games at the Grand Palais in Paris. Woolley, from South Dublin Taekwondo club in Tallaght, faces Gashin Magomedov of Azerbaijan in the Men’s 58kg last 16 match at 11:48am Irish time. Magomedov, a bronze medalist at the European Championships and a former junior world silver medalist, has faced Woolley before, with each winning once.

**SAILING**
The medal race in Marseilles, featuring Carlow’s Finn Lynch from the National Yacht Club, has been rescheduled due to light winds. Lynch qualified in 10th place for the Men’s Dinghy race. In the Medal Race, points are doubled and added to the series standings to determine the final positions. The best possible outcome for Lynch is an eighth-place finish.

SCHEDULE DAY 12 – WEDNESDAY 7TH AUGUST 2024
(All times are Irish times – Paris is one hour ahead)
9.00am Golf, Women’s Individual, Round 1, Stephanie Meadow
9.39am Athletics, Women’s 100m Hurdles, heat 4/5, Sarah Lavin
10.30am Athletics, Men’s 5000m, heat2/2, Brian Fay
10.48am Taekwondo, Men’s 58kg, Last 16, Jack Wooley V Gashim Magomedov (AZE)
11.03am Athletics, Men’s 800m, heat 2/6, Mark English
11.45am Athletics, Women’s 1500m, Repechage 1/2, Sophie O’Sullivan
11.57am Athletics, Women’s 1500m, Repechage 2/2, Sarah Healy
12.10pm Sailing, Men’s Dinghy, Finn Lynch – Rescheduled Medal Race
12.17pm Golf, Women’s Individual, Round 1, Leona Maguire
3.32pm Taekwondo, Men’s 58kg, Quarter-final, Jack Wooley *dependent on progression
5.02pm Taekwondo, Men’s 58kg, Semi-final, Jack Wooley *dependent on progression
7.45pm Athletics, Women’s 400m, semi-final 1/3, Rhasidat Adeleke
9.37pm Taekwondo, Men’s 58kg, Gold Medal contest, Jack Wooley *dependent on progression

 

Boxer Kellie Harrington Wins Olympic Gold, Retains Her Title

Paris 2024 Olympic Games – Team Ireland Medal Alert

**Tuesday, August 6, 2024**

Team Ireland’s boxing superstar, Kellie Harrington, clinched Olympic GOLD in the 60kg Lightweight category, defeating China’s Wenlu Yang 4-1 in Paris. This victory allows Harrington to retain the Olympic title she first won in Tokyo.

Kellie Harrington, the first boxing champion crowned at Paris 2024, triumphed in the purpose-built ring at the iconic Roland Garros stadium, cheered on by an audience of 15,000.

Harrington made history last Wednesday by becoming the first Irish woman to win medals at two Olympic Games. Tonight, the 34-year-old from Portland Row, Dublin, becomes the first Irish woman to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals.

As the first Irish boxer to contest and win consecutive Olympic finals, Harrington, representing St. Mary’s BC in Tallaght, is now the most successful Irish boxer in the 100-year history of the Olympic Games. Her Paris 2024 GOLD marks the 19th Irish Olympic medal in boxing.

An overjoyed Harrington reflected on her achievement: “It just gives hope. All these young kids, all these teenagers, it gives hope to them, it gives hope to the people of Ireland. This one was for me.”

Discussing her strategy, Harrington said: “Just be happy – happy, smile, and enjoy it. It’s the last hurrah – I’m done. I’ve always said that I want to retire a champion – that’s it!”

Harrington displayed mastery in the first round, constantly switching her stance and deflecting all attacks, winning 4-1. Despite a slip in the second round, she still secured a 4-1 victory. Dominating the final round with another 4-1 score, Harrington celebrated her historic win with a special ring dance, joined by long-time head coach Zuari Anita.

Only three other Irish athletes have won back-to-back Olympic gold medals: Hammer thrower Dr. Pat O’Callaghan in 1928 and 1932, and rowers Fintan McCarthy and Paul O’Donovan in 2020 and Paris 2024. Kellie Harrington now joins this exclusive club.

Team Ireland has won seven medals at Paris 2024: four golds across four different sports and three bronze.

**RESULT**
Boxing, Women’s Lightweight (60kg) FINAL: Kellie Harrington BEATS Wenlu Yang (CHN) 4-1, GOLD

List of players in the Leinster Rugby academy

Leinster Rugby Academy 2024/25 has been announced by Academy Manager Simon Broughton.

While the second- and third-year players have already started pre-season training, the new first-year players will join tomorrow at UCD. The first-year players and their clubs are: Oliver Coffey (Blackrock College RFC), Billy Corrigan (Old Wesley RFC), Caspar Gabriel (Terenure College RFC), Hugo McLaughlin (Lansdowne FC), Ruben Moloney (UCD RFC), Alan Spicer (UCD RFC), Andrew Sparrow (UCD RFC), Niall Smyth (Clontarf FC), Stephen Smyth (Old Wesley RFC), and Alex Usanov (Clontarf FC).

Broughton commented, “These players had a busy few months and needed a break after their performances with Ireland U-20s in South Africa. We look forward to welcoming them to UCD. Each player’s journey is unique, and we thank the families, coaches, and teachers for their support and contributions to the players’ development. We also acknowledge the efforts of our provincial and national age-grade staff.”

Year One – Secondary School / Underage Club:
– Oliver Coffey – Blackrock College / Blackrock College RFC
– Billy Corrigan – Presentation College, Bray / Old Wesley RFC
– Caspar Gabriel – Terenure College / Rugby Union Donau Wien, Vienna, Austria
– Hugo McLaughlin – Gonzaga College / Old Belvedere RFC
– Ruben Moloney – Blackrock College / Blackrock College RFC
– Alan Spicer – Belvedere College / Malahide RFC
– Andrew Sparrow – St Mary’s College / Terenure College RFC
– Niall Smyth – Blackrock College / did not play underage rugby in New York
– Stephen Smyth – Kilkenny College / Co Carlow FC
– Alex Usanov – Belvedere College / Malahide RFC

Year Two:
– Hugh Cooney
– Fintan Gunne
– Gus McCarthy
– Henry McErlean
– Liam Molony
– Andrew Osborne
– Conor O’Tighearnaigh

Year Three:
– Ben Brownlee
– Aitzol King
– Diarmuid Mangan
– Rory McGuire
– Charlie Tector

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