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Boxing News – IABA club membership & its HPU Unit- “A Family at War”

There’s never a dull moment at the IABA – that’s for sure. We’ve reported several outbreaks of “infighting” in the past, some involving Sport Ireland, or the then Olympic Council of Ireland (remember the Billy Walsh affair)?

The United States has gained one of the world’s most respected coaches – a massive loss to Irish boxing. Next to go was Eddie Bolger now the German Head Coach who like Walsh before him, was a huge supporting member of the HPU.team that was the envy of many countries. There is no suggestion though that Bolger was ‘sacked’.

More recently the IABA disposed of the services of another top coach, remember Billy McClean and his eventual settlement as Sean McGoldrick rightly commented at the time in the ‘Sunday World”; “Outside the ring, a series of bitter disputes have deepened a split within the Board of Directors of the IABA itself, and between the Board and the grassroots of the association.

Now we learn of an even more dramatic Board of Directors meeting on Monday night. This was a meeting of the BoD which itself had been postponed from three weeks earlier due to internal wrangles .. Alas, passions had not ‘calmed down and this week’s meeting ended in even greater turmoil. with more to follow. At the original meeting, all 6 units of the IABA had agreed to a 6 months extension for the HPU Coaching Director, Bernard Dunne – alas it was not to be a ‘done deal’.

Though that appeared a sensible solution alas it was not to be adopted as an unknown individual (clearly someone who had access to ALL of the documentation) had shown the proposal to the HPU Director. Is there a ‘mole’ in the camp at the IABA and if so time that that individual was outed? In any sane organisation that would have been the case

The HPU Director at that juncture is understood to have threatened legal action. The IABA President, Kildare’s Dominic O’Rourke abstained from the vote taken on Monday night and thus the vote was lost 4-3 as Ulster President Kevin Duffy also opted for two years.

What next? No ‘rank and file’ sane boxing club can surely allow the Association they pay membership fees to operate in such a clandestine manner. What next? Will some poor provincial club be threatened with expulsion for having allowed some club members to train in the pandemic?

Will some young boxer be barred from tournaments for practising outdoors? Anything goes with this crazy organisation, once created and operated for the benefits of its member, Now alas anything goes it seems and the membership is more than annoyed so we can expect further internal wrangling – and more fireworks -in the coming days and weeks.

SportsNewsIreland can but strongly recommend that it is time that the Government’s Sports chiefs IMMEDIATELY intervene? The Minister of Sport, Jack Chambers and Catherine Martin, the overall boss of the Dept of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht & Media, to intervene before even more damage is done to Irish boxing, the country’s most successful Olympic sport. Time for the ‘grassroots’ of the IABA to flourish once more.

Bundee Aki in Ireland team to play England in Six Nations

Ireland Team to Face England in 2021 Guinness Six Nations has been named and Bundee Aki has been recalled into the starting 15.

The Ireland coaching group have named their final match day squad of the 2021 Guinness Six Nations Championships ahead of the Round 5 clash with England at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Captain Johnny Sexton is joined in the halfbacks by Conor Murray and Bundee Aki slots in at inside centre with Robbie Henshaw shifting to the No.13 jersey. Jacob Stockdale is named on the left wing with Keith Earls on the other flank and Hugo Keenan at fullback.

Dave Kilcoyne is named at loosehead alongside Rob Herring at hooker and Tadhg Furlong at tighthead. Tadhg Beirne moves into lock to partner Iain Henderson in the second row with CJ Stander on the blindside flank, Josh van der Flier at openside and Jack Conan at No.8. Will Connors was ruled out yesterday with a knee injury in training.

The replacements are Ronan Kelleher, Cian Healy, Andrew Porter, Ryan Baird, Peter O’Mahony, Jamison Gibson Park, Billy Burns and Jordan Larmour.

The game is being televised by VIRGIN (ROI) and ITV (NI) and kicks off at 4.45pm on Saturday afternoon.

IRELAND team to play England – Saturday 20th March, 2021
2021 Guinness 6 Nations Championships

15. Hugo Keenan (Leinster/UCD) 10 caps
14. Keith Earls (Munster/Young Munster) 92 caps
13. Robbie Henshaw (Leinster/Buccaneers) 51 caps
12. Bundee Aki (Connacht/Galwegians) 30 caps
11. Jacob Stockdale (Ulster/Lurgan) 33 caps
10. Jonathan Sexton (Leinster/St Mary’s College) 98 caps CAPTAIN
9. Conor Murray (Munster/Garryowen) 88 caps

1. Dave Kilcoyne (Munster/UL Bohemians) 42 caps
2. Rob Herring (Ulster/Ballynahinch) 20 caps
3. Tadhg Furlong (Leinster/Clontarf) 48 caps
4. Iain Henderson (Ulster/Academy) 62 caps
5. Tadhg Beirne (Munster/Lansdowne) 21 caps
6. CJ Stander (Munster/Shannon) 50 caps
7. Josh van der Flier (Leinster/UCD) 30 caps
8. Jack Conan (Leinster/Old Belvedere) 19 caps

Replacements
16. Ronan Kelleher (Leinster/Lansdowne) 10 caps
17. Cian Healy (Leinster/Clontarf) 108 caps
18. Andrew Porter (Leinster/UCD) 36 caps
19. Ryan Baird (Leinster/Dublin University) 2 caps
20. Peter O’Mahony (Munster/Cork Constitution) 74 caps
21. Jamison Gibson Park (Leinster) 9 caps
22. Billy Burns (Ulster) 6 caps
23. Jordan Larmour (Leinster/St Mary’s College) 28 caps

Flooring Porter wins stayers hurdle at Cheltenham for Roscommon syndicate

Flooring Porter has won the 2021 Stayers hurdle for Ned Hogarty, Kerril Creaven along with father and son Tommy & Alan Sweeney.

Jockey Danny Mullins proved to be a last minute super-sub as Flooring Porter won the Grade One Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle by an impressive three and a quarter lengths.

It was a second winner at The Festival™ supporting WellChild for trainer Gavin Cromwell following Espoir d’Allen in the 2019 Unibet Champion Hurdle and a first for jockey Mullins, who only came in for the ride following Jonathan Moore’s decision to stand himself down earlier today.

Cromwell told the post-race press conference: “That was a huge performance. Danny [Mullins] gave him a smashing ride. It’s very unfortunate for Johnny Moore that he couldn’t ride him. He had a bad fall on Sunday and he thought he was going to be ok, but he rode this horse out this morning and he made the decision that he wouldn’t do the horses justice today.

“Thankfully and rightfully so, he stood himself down, and he suggested Danny would be well suited to the horse. Johnny has ridden him all along and brought him all the way to here, and it is very unfortunate for him. It’s all down to Johnny’s instructions – he’s a quirky ride and he gave Danny plenty of instructions. Hats off to Johnny; so unselfish. I’m very grateful to him.

“He veered a little right when he jumped the last, just where the rail is cut away, and he was basically looking for the rail. When he got the rail he took off again.

“He won a Grade B handicap in Navan back in early December. It wasn’t the plan to make the running with him, but he barged his way to the front and won very well on the day. He decided on his tactics, so we went along with that, and it has proved to be the way to ride him.

“He is owned by a syndicate from Galway. Ned Hogarty fronts it up and they’re a great bunch of lads. It’s an awful pity they can’t be here. Ned owns a carpet shop and one of the other guys owns a pub, hence the name Flooring Porter.”

Cromwell admitted it was a “fairytale” to win at The Festival again. He added: “We won a Champion Hurdle a couple of years ago and it was massive. I didn’t think I’d ever win a race in Cheltenham, and to come back and win a second one is fantastic.

“Yes, I am still a farrier, but I don’t do very much work – I’d stick the odd shoe on and deal with a stone bruise, but I am busy with the training. We came across this fella by accident; he was a very cheap store and progressed right through the ranks. It’s a bit of a fairytale, really, and just goes to show that it is possible with a cheap one. He wasn’t bought expecting him to be a Grade One horse or a Stayer’s Hurdle horse.”

Flooring Porter - Alan Sweeney
Flooring Porter wisn at Cheltenham – Alan Sweeney

Danny Mullins said afterwards: “It’s fantastic. He is a very good horse. I got the call up maybe an hour before and in fairness to Jonathan Moore he gave me every little bit of information he had about the horse.

“Credit to him as he knew he wasn’t in good shape this morning and he stood himself down and that’s the mark of a great man that wants everything to go well. I’m sure he will back in good shape for Punchestown and will be able to re-unite the partnership.

“It’s fantastic to get my first winner on the board at Cheltenham and being a Grade One as well. I’m really enjoying what I’ve got out of it today but I’d say two per cent of the success is down to me and 98 per cent is Jonny, Gavin and all the team. He told me everything but the horse will be racing in a few weeks so I’m not going to give away all the secrets now.

“It was fantastic to play a small role in a big team success. There is no crowd here but I’m really enjoying this. We would ride a lot together in Ireland and a good few of the trainers I ride for like their horses ridden forwards. I’ve ridden plenty of winners that would be on the pace and having a clock in your head maybe that stood out but when you are riding a good horse they do most of the good work for you.

“He (Jonathan) was the first man to come and congratulate me and that was a real bittersweet moment for him and a real mark of a solid man to congratulate me first and foremost. I was going to give him a big slap on the back but I thought that wouldn’t go down well but I said thanks a million and well done. I had my feet in the irons but he had done all the work.”

In his ITV Racing interview Mullins added: “He’s a proper good horse, but it was a late spare ride to me and the man down there (Jonathan Moore, replaced jockey, leading up) is the one you want to be talking to. He lost the ride this morning, gave me every bit of the information he had about the horse. I had a simple job, I knew about it an hour before and that’s the man that’s done all the work and the team at Cromwells. Gavin (Cromwell) and Jonny (Moore) were very good beforehand, left it up to me and there’s the man you need to congratulate.

“It’s fantastic [to get a Cheltenham Festival winner], to win a Grade One is great as well. I’m lucky enough that I rode a very good horse today. I’ve probably given horses that were beaten better rides, I just had to steer this one. It’s special.

“I was chatting to my Dad (Tony Mullins) before the race and my mother as well. The Mullins, we are very close, very competitive, we like beating each other. My mother beat me here a few years ago, but when one of us wins, we’re all proud for each other and I’m delighted to be on the scoresheet here.”

Jonathan Moore told ITV Racing: “I’m delighted for the horse. I knew Leopardstown was no fluke and I gave Danny as much information as I could and Danny gave him a brilliant ride. It’s great just for the team and Gavin, he’s been a great horse for the Flooring Porter Syndicate, a great story and I’m just so proud of the horse to show that he was able to do it.

“I know he has a massive engine. I rode him out this morning and I wasn’t able to stand upright over my irons, I was too sore, and I said I wasn’t going to be able to do this horse justice. I said to Gavin, ‘put Danny Mullins on that horse’s back and he’ll win on him’.

“I know how good this horse is and nothing surprises me with him.”

Lisa O’Neill, representing Denise Foster, trainer of runner-up Sire Du Berlais, said:

“He ran a cracker. He’s a dual Pertemps winner and he loves it at Cheltenham, so we had no question about his stamina and we’re delighted with his performance.

“This is only his second attempt at Grade One level, so it’s promising and we can look towards the future with him. We could potentially go to Punchestown next, but we’ll speak to the owners and see what they think.”

Jockey Mark Walsh added: “The winner upheld the form from Christmas, so we had no excuse and couldn’t get to him again, but my lad has run a good race. He loves it here and for a little horse he’s a little warrior so I’m delighted with that.”

Emma Lavelle, trainer of third-placed Paisley Park, the 9-4 favourite and winner of this race in 2019 said: “I’m really pleased with him although I can’t say I’m not disappointed as well because at the end of the day we didn’t win.

“He’s run flat out from start to finish and just couldn’t go any faster. The winner has gone some gallop and kept going. We had to use him to get there and just couldn’t get to where we needed him.

“Probably having missed the trial race here it wasn’t fitness that got him beat but probably a little sharpness, as he hadn’t run since before Christmas. He’s run a super race and all credit to Flooring Porter.”

Asked about Aintree and Punchestown, Lavelle continued: “We’ll see how he is after this, but he hasn’t had a busy season and I’d say we’ll definitely have a look at those races.”

Paisley Park’s jockey Aidan Coleman added: “He’s shown a great attitude and fair play to the horse, but I was flat out the whole way – simple as. I couldn’t really get into it and when I did I’d probably used my energy to get there, but he tried everywhere and I’m very proud of him.

“That was some gallop, so fair play to the winner. It was a very good ride on the winner too, as he got a breather into him down the back and we’ve closed up a bit, but by the time we got into some sort of a position he was able to go on again.”

1st – Flooring Porter – Gavin Cromwell IRE 6-11-10 Danny Mullins 12-1

2nd – Sire Du Berlais – Denise Foster IRE 9-11-10 Mark Walsh 5-1

3rd – Paisley Park – Emma Lavelle 9-11-10 Aidan Coleman 9-4 Fav

15 ran

Distances: 3¼, 1¾

Time: 5m 51.78s

Winning Owner: Flooring Porter Syndicate

Breeder: Sean Murphy

Breeding: b g Yeats (IRE) – Lillymile (IRE) (Revoque (IRE))

Gavin Cromwell – 2nd winner at The Festival™ supporting WellChild

Danny Mullins – 1st winner at The Festival™ supporting WellChild

Gavin Bazunu receives first call-up as Stephen Kenny names Ireland squad

Mark Travers is the most experienced international goalkeeper in the squad with 2 caps to his name.

Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny today announced a 29-man squad for the upcoming World Cup qualification games against Serbia and Luxembourg as well as a friendly against Qatar.

There’s only one first call-up in the squad with Manchester City’s young goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu included as one of the four goalkeepers picked.

The 19-year-old is currently on loan at League One side Rochdale. He recently won Supporters’ Player of the Month, owing to his good form.

There’s little experience between the four goalkeepers included in the squad. Mark Travers is the only one between them with senior international game time having earned 2 caps in 2019.

Otherwise, there are no major surprises in terms of selection.

The squad is a reasonably young one. 8 of the 29 players selected are u23s with many having played under Stephen Kenny during his tenure as u21 boss.

There are a number of players who missed out on the squad due to injury or otherwise. Darren Randolph, John Egan, Jack Byrne and James McCarthy just to name a few.

Ireland’s first World Cup qualifier is away against Serbia on March 24th, they then host Luxembourg on March 27th. Their final fixture is a friendly against World Cup 2024 hosts Qatar to be played at a neutral venue.

Our Irish team of the season (so far)

We compiled an XI containing the best Irish footballers this season.

Given the day that’s in it, we’ve decided to compile a list of the best Irish performers across the footballing world this season.

Season is, of course, a broad term so we’re limiting inclusions on the list to those of which who began their campaigns in Autumn last year. That means the likes of Jack Byrne and Aaron McEneff will miss out despite their impressive form.

Although the season is far from over yet, there’s been a significant enough portion played to determine players deserving of inclusion.

With that said, here’s an XI of the best Irish footballers this season.

 

GOALKEEPER

Gavin Bazunu – Rochdale (on loan from Manchester City)

The first inclusion on the list made for a fairly easy decision, all things considered. Caoimhin Kelleher is another who has had a fine season, however limited game time made it hard to pick the Corkman.

Despite being just 19 years of age, Gavin Bazunu has been well known to Irish football fans for a couple of years now. His penalty save against Cork City’s Kieran Sadlier as a 16-year-old firmly established himself as one of the brightest prospects in the country.

Almost 3 years on from that moment and he’s flourishing in his first full season of professional football.

Bazunu has started almost every game for Rochdale, making some magnificent saves in the process.

Just recently, he was awarded Rochdale Supporters’ Player of the Month for February as a token of appreciation for his fine form over the past month or so.

Given he’s one of the only Irish goalkeepers starting regularly at the moment, could Bazunu have an outside chance of starting against Serbia?

Honourable mentions: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Jack Bonham (Gillingham).

 

RIGHT BACK

Séamus Coleman – Everton

Although he’s been in and out of the Everton team at times this season, Coleman has shown he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.

Carlo Ancelotti is clearly an admirer, speaking about the Donegal man, he said: “I don’t want to forget anyone but he is up there as a captain with Maldini, John Terry and Sergio Ramos.”

High praise from one of the most decorated managers in Europe.

Barring yet another unfortunate injury, Coleman should be a shoo-in for the right back spot against Serbia.

Honourable mentions: Cyrus Christie (Nottingham Forest), Danny McNamara (Millwall).

 

LEFT BACK

Enda Stevens – Sheffield United

Realistically, there wasn’t many options to choose from in the left back position.

Ryan Manning’s severe lack of game time – particularly earlier in the season – excluded him from the XI and there really isn’t an in form Irish left backs regularly starting at any level.

So, by default, Enda Stevens takes the left back spot.

Stevens had an excellent 2019-20 season but has failed to replicate that form this term. Although he’s not solely to blame, he is a regular starter in the 2nd worst defence in the Premier League.

His attacking output has also been lacking this season, to say the least.

Clearly a player of good quality based on previous seasons, hopefully he can come into form again sooner rather than later.

Honourable mentions: Joe Rafferty (Preston North End), Thomas O’Connor (Gillingham, on loan from Southampton).

 

CENTRE BACKS

Richard Keogh – Huddersfield Town

Just a couple of years ago, it looked like Richard Keogh’s career might be over. A drink driving incident involving himself and two other Derby County team mates left the former captain injured and shameful. Eventually, this led to the termination of his contract.

However, in a surprise move last summer, Keogh decided to return to football after almost a year out of the game. He signed for League One side MK Dons on a free and since then he’s very much revitalised his career.

His impressive performances for The Dons caught the attention of Championship side Huddersfield Town who signed Keogh in January.

His commanding performances have continued at Championship level and he looks to be a shrewd signing for Huddersfield, despite his age.

Could we see a shock return to the Ireland fold, also?

 

Dara O’Shea – West Bromwich Albion

Although it’s not been a particularly good season for West Brom, it’s been an exceptional one for 22-year-old Dara O’Shea.

Just two years ago, he was plying his trade at League Two level while on loan at Exeter City.

Since then, he’s managed to gain promotion to the Premier League with West Brom, earn 4 senior international caps and become a Premier League regular this season.

O’Shea has impressed at times this season despite his side having the worst defensive record in the Premier League. His ability to play out from the back as well as his defensive awareness have helped contribute to a solid debut Premier League campaign.

Honourable mentions: Ciaran Clark (Newcastle United), Nathan Collins (Stoke City).

CENTRE MIDFIELDERS

Josh Cullen – RSC Anderlecht

After years of trying to break into the West Ham first team which seen him go on several loan spells and play sporadically in cup competitions for his parent club, Cullen finally made the move away from London last October. Cullen, in an unusual transfer for an Irish player, decided to move abroad to Belgium in order to ply his trade for the country’s most successful club, RSC Anderlecht.

So far, the move has been a major success story for the 24-year-old, gaining valuable first-team minutes and becoming a key player for the club.

You would think given his regular game time and solid performances that Stephen Kenny would find it hard to overlook Cullen as a starter for the upcoming World Cup qualification games.

 

Jason Knight – Derby County

It hasn’t been the best season for Wayne Rooney’s Derby County. Although their form has slightly improved since the Manchester United legend took over, they still hang dangerously close to the relegation zone.

Throughout their rough patch, Jason Knight has proved to be one of their best performers. The Irish midfielder’s desire, work rate and all-roundedness has endeared himself to the supporters and he’s become a real fan favourite.

He has played the most minutes of any Derby player despite just recently turning 20.

Tipped by many to have a big future, Knight could become one of Ireland’s most important players sooner rather than later.

 

Conor Hourihane – Swansea City (on loan from Aston Villa)

After a difficult start to the season which seen limited game time at Aston Villa, Hourihane decided to drop down a level and sign on loan for Swansea City in January.

So far, the move could hardly have gone any better.

The Corkman has played 12 Championship games since his move, contributing an impressive 5 goals and 1 assist in those games.

Swansea currently sit 3rd in the Championship table and are just three points behind Watford who occupy an automatic promotion spot.

Could Hourihane inspire Swansea City to their first Premier League season since 2018?

Honourable mentions: Jamie McGrath (St Mirren), Wes Hoolahan (Cambridge United).

RIGHT WINGER

Anthony Scully – Lincoln City

The former West Ham striker turned winger has been one of Lincoln’s most important players in a promotion chasing season which currently sees them occupy 3rd position.

Scully has played 28 League One games this season, scoring a rather impressive 6 goals from out wide.

His father, Tony Scully, was also a professional footballer and managed to get capped up to u21 level for the Republic of Ireland, a feat which Anthony has also managed to achieve.

Promotion this season with Lincoln would surely put him in contention for a senior cap in the near future.

Honourable mentions: Daryl Horgan (Wycombe Wanderers), Robbie Brady (Burnley).

 

LEFT WINGER

Aiden McGeady – Sunderland

Perhaps Ireland’s most in-form player at the moment, Aiden McGeady has enjoyed an incredible season with Sunderland.

McGeady’s creativity has been one of the main reasons that Sunderland find themselves within the automatic promotion spots in League One.

He’s contributed an incredible 11 assists and 2 goals in just 18 league games for the Tyneside club. One particular game against Doncaster Rovers seen him assist all of his side’s goals in a 4-1 win.

He also provided the only assist of the game as Sunderland won the Football League Trophy against Tranmere Rovers on Sunday.

Honourable mentions: Callum O’Dowda (Bristol City), James McClean (Stoke City).

 

STRIKER

Joshua Kayode – Carlisle United (on loan from Rotherham United)

In a season where Irish strikers have largely failed to impress, Joshua – or JJ – Kayode has been an exception.

The former St. Francis FC man has managed 8 goal contributions in 27 League Two games this season for Carlisle, adding to the 3 goals he got for the club in 5 appearances last season.

His 6 goals this season means he’s one of the highest scoring u21 players in England’s top 4 tiers, just behind João Pedro and Keane Lewis-Potter.

He also made his full debut for Ireland u21s in November against Luxembourg where he managed to score an accurate header into the corner to add to an all-around impressive performance.

Kayode’s form this season could persuade Rotherham to give the 20-year-old a chance in their first-team next season, particularly with the club clinging to the bottom of the Championship table.

Honourable mentions: James Collins (Luton Town), Eoin Doyle (Bolton Wanderers).

Enjoying Non-contact Sports During Social Distancing

Social distancing has become a major cultural theme during the pandemic and it could mean a shift in attention toward non-contact sports. Soccer, football and basketball are still very popular, but the pro versions still involve contact with other players. Here’s a look at options for participating in sports adjusted for social distancing.

Sports in the Pandemic Era

As public parks and concert venues remained closed through the summer of 2020, Major League Baseball (MLB) games took the field after the league established new social distancing standards. The new standards called for 10,000 COVID-19 tests per week and keeping audience members 6 feet apart. Another solution on the list was disposing of a baseball after it’s been handled by multiple players. 

Baseball has a degree of social distancing already part of its field layout. Outfielders usually don’t touch anything but the ball when it comes to them. Pitchers are already in an isolated position, as are players guarding bases. Runners can experience contact with opposing players, but most baseball games have very limited contact compared with football, basketball and soccer. Cricket, which has elements of baseball and bowling, can be thought of as another mostly non-contact sport.

Tennis, bowling and golf are non-contact sports that are still commonly part of everyday life around the world. Even if players chose not to go outside, they can still play it indoors with the aid of a virtual golf simulator.Shooting pool is still a viable social distancing sport for indoor settings, as players usually position themselves on opposite sides of the pool table. For people who just want to stay physically fit, walking, running and doing exercises are easy solutions that don’t involve contact with other people.

Communities can still have sporting events while practicing social distancing at the same time. Softball is still an option because the rules can be loosened to create a completely non-contact competition. Two sets of bases 6 feet apart can be used: one set for runners and an outwardly distanced set for the opposing team. That’s just one way to alter a game to fit social distancing standards. You can even invent new games or transform traditional games with your own creative ideas.

Adapting Sports for Social Distancing

Any popular sport, including football, can be played in a way that avoids contact with others. Football, for example, doesn’t have to involve tackle, as flag football is a safer version. Two individuals can be ten yards apart and just play catch with the football. You can create other non-contact games like throwing a football through a tire or just measuring how far you can throw a football down the field.

Ultimate Social Distancing Sports: Online Gaming

Another way to have fun with sports while practicing social distancing is through online gaming. Video games, casinos, esports and sports betting were already booming prior to the pandemic. An easy way into this world is betting on sites like Royal Panda. Like the stock market or the lottery, it’s a way to make money online if things go your way.

One of the main reasons millions of people flock to online games is because the convenience of a smartphone makes it easy to play games at any time or location. People are captivated by imaginative graphics that keep getting more innovative. Soon everyone will understand what augmented reality and virtual reality experiences are all about.

The pandemic, public shutdowns and widespread emphasis on social distancing are moving the business world toward digital solutions. As more and more people work from home, they will turn to online gaming during their breaks and other downtime. While it’s still important to get physical exercise each day, online competitions among teams will likely grow as a way for people to stay socially-motivated.

Conclusion

Any type of physical sport can be converted to non-contact activity for the sake of practicing social distancing. Meanwhile, the digital world provides the absolute most amount of options for having fun while being responsible with social distancing. Online gaming gives you maximum opportunities to connect with sports while staying at home.

Interesting Facts & Statistics To Know About La Liga Football

The Campeonato Nacional de Liga de Primera División, more commonly known as La Liga, is the top men’s professional football division in the Spanish football league system. Founded in 1929, fans of Spanish football have been able to enjoy matches for the past ninety-two years.

Some of the most successful football clubs in Spanish football, and indeed the world, participate in La Liga including giants of the game Real Madrid and Barcelona. Over the years there have also been a number of superstars who have played in the league too, including recently Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Andres Iniesta, and many many more.

Even fans who are not based in Spain can enjoy watching matches, catching up with the latest football news around the world, and betting on their favourite teams to win. With the quality of teams currently playing in La Liga, it’s one of the top markets at online betting sites like 21.co.uk for football fans – alongside the English Premier League, Italian Serie A and German Bundesliga.

Whether you support Real Madrid or Valencia, Barcelona or Athletico, there are plenty of opportunities for you to watch your favourite players in the La Liga. And since its inception through to the present day, La Liga has grown and developed, racking up some impressive stats and interesting facts along the way.

It is one of the most popular professional sports leagues in the world

Since it formed in 1929, La Liga is one of the most followed football leagues in the world. The average attendance for league matches in 2018-19 was over 26,000. At the moment it is the third-highest professional football league in the world in terms of match attendance, behind only the German Bundesliga and the English Premier League.

Lionel Messi is the all time top goalscorer

Still active in La Liga, Lionel Messi is the top goalscorer and is far ahead of any other players. Considering he has scored 447 goals in 492 matches for Barcelona so far, you might be waiting a while for another player to beat his record. Most other top goalscorers are still hundreds of goals behind him – even close rival Ronaldo, who is the league’s second highest scorer, only netted 311 La Liga goals playing for Real Madrid before departing to play for Italian team Juventus in 2018.

Real Madrid have been the champions the most times

In second place on the list of champions, Barcelona have won La Liga an impressive twenty-six times. However, that is still nothing on the number one spot! Real Madrid are top of the board having been champions of La Liga an incredible thirty-four times so far. Having first won in the 1931-32 season, their last winning season was 2019-20. If you missed out on the recent season, there are some La Liga videos available to watch online to catch up on all the highlights.

Andoni Zubizarreta is still the player with the most appearances

While he was active from 1981-1998, Zubizarreta still holds the record for the player who has had the most appearances in La Liga. During his time playing for Barcelona, Athletico Bilbao, and Valencia, he made an incredible 622 appearances! While these appearances are an outstanding number, Zubizarreta never netted a single La Liga goal during his career.

Vicenç Martínez was the youngest player in the league

The youngest player ever to play for a La Liga team was Vicenç Martínez Alama (12 January 1925 — 2 October 2018). On 19 October 1941, he put on a Barcelona shirt at just sixteen years old and became Barcelona’s youngest ever player. That day he played in ‘El Clasico’ against Real Madrid but, unfortunately, was on the 4-3 losing side. Unfortunately for him, an injury caused him to retire in 1953 at just the age of twenty-eight.

“I can’t find any fault with Honeysuckle” says Rachael Blackmore

Rachael Blackmore cannot wait to ride the “phenomenal” mare Honeysuckle in today’s Grade One Unibet Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham (3.05pm), admitting “I can’t find any fault with her.”

The Killenaule, Co. Tipperary rider is bidding for Cheltenham Festival history today as she attempts to become the first female jockey to win the Unibet Champion Hurdle.

Speaking about the race favourite, Blackmore said:

“Honeysuckle is incredible. She’s never let us down so far and I’m just hoping we can continue in the Champion Hurdle. She digs deep when she has to, she gets me out of trouble when she has to – she’s just been phenomenal and I can’t find any fault with her.”

Blackmore, who has ridden over 80 winners in Ireland this season and is only six behind the jockeys’ title leader Paul Townend, added:

“It’s fantastic to be involved with a horse of her calibre. It is what any jockey dreams about, getting teamed up with something like her. It’s just a privilege.”

Unbeaten in 10 runs over hurdles

Honeysuckle, a Sulamani mare, is unbeaten in her 10 starts over hurdles. She took the Grade One Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle at The Festival in 2020 with Blackmore in the saddle. The pair have since won the Grade One Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse in November and the Grade One Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown in February, the latter by 10 lengths.

Blackmore added: “Her owner, Kenny Alexander, his main aim was to win the Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham and that was a fantastic achievement for him to be able to do that, with the help of Peter Molony. We got that done last year, and I think her performance at Leopardstown was ultra-impressive. So why not have a stab at the Champion Hurdle?

“It’s an extremely competitive race; these championship races are unbelievable. There’s last year’s winner Epatante, Goshen. Hopefully we are on our A game and can produce the goods again.”

The thirty-one year-old jockey has tasted Cheltenham Festival success on three occasions. Her first win came with Minella Indo in the 2019 Grade One Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle. A Plus Tard in the 2019 Listed Centenary Novices’ Handicap Chase gave Blackmore her second Festival victory. Last year, Honeysuckle took the Grade One Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle

Cheltenham Festival Day 1 Runners and Riders

Today is the opening day of the 2021 Cheltenham Festival. Here are the declared runners for Day 1 with the feature race, the Grade 1 Unibet Champion Hurdle, going to post at 3.05pm. There is live TV coverage on Virgin Media and Racing TV.

Cheltenham – Tuesday 16th March 2021
1:20pm Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 87y
1 Appreciate It (IRE) 7 11 7 W. P. Mullins Ireland Miss M. A. Masterson P. Townend
2 Ballyadam (IRE) 6 11 7 Henry de Bromhead Ireland Cheveley Park Stud Jack Kennedy
3 Blue Lord (FR) 6 11 7 W. P. Mullins Ireland Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede Daryl Jacob
4 For Pleasure (IRE) 6 11 7 Alex Hales Premier Plastering (UK) Limited Harry Bannister
5 Grumpy Charley 6 11 7 Chris Honour Mr G. Thompson Bryan Carver
6 Irascible (FR) 6 11 7 Henry de Bromhead Ireland Gigginstown House Stud Rachael Blackmore
7 Metier (IRE) 5 11 7 Harry Fry Mr G. C. Stevens Sean Bowen
8 Soaring Glory (IRE) p 6 11 7 Jonjo O’Neill Mr P. Hickey Jonjo O’Neill Jr.
1:55pm Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) 1m 7f 199y
1 Allmankind h,ts 5 11 4 Dan Skelton W. J. and T. C. O. Gredley Harry Skelton
2 Captain Guinness (IRE) 6 11 4 Henry de Bromhead Ireland Declan Landy Rachael Blackmore
3 Eldorado Allen (FR) ts 7 11 4 Colin Tizzard J P Romans & Terry Warner Harry Cobden
4 Franco de Port (FR) 6 11 4 W. P. Mullins Ireland Bruton Street V P. Townend
5 Numitor 7 11 4 Heather Main Wetumpka Racing Tom Scudamore NR
6 Shishkin (IRE) 7 11 4 Nicky Henderson Mrs J Donnelly Nico de Boinville
2:30pm Ultima Handicap Chase Grade 3) 3m 1f
1 Cepage (FR) 9 11 12 Venetia Williams The Bellamy Partnership Charlie Deutsch
2 Aye Right (IRE) 8 11 8 Harriet Graham Geoff and Elspeth Adam Richard Johnson
3 Pym (IRE) 8 11 7 Nicky Henderson Mrs Patricia Pugh Nico de Boinville
4 Ok Corral (IRE) 11 11 5 Nicky Henderson Mr John P. McManus Mark Walsh
5 Milan Native (IRE) ts 8 11 3 Mrs Denise Foster Ireland Gigginstown House Stud Jack Kennedy
6 Happygolucky (IRE) 7 11 1 Kim Bailey Lady Dulverton David Bass
7 Alnadam (FR) 8 10 13 Dan Skelton Bryan Drew Harry Skelton
8 Delire d’Estruval (FR) bl 8 10 11 Ben Pauling Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede Daryl Jacob
9 Vintage Clouds (IRE) p 11 10 11 Sue Smith Mr Trevor Hemmings Ryan Mania
10 Discordantly (IRE) 7 10 10 Mrs J. Harrington Ireland The Odd Fellows Partnership Robbie Power
11 Admiral’s Secret 10 10 10 Victor Dartnall The Whacko Partnership Alan Johns
12 One For The Team 7 10 8 Nick Williams Forty Winks Syndicate 2 & Partner Tom Scudamore
13 The Wolf (FR) 7 10 5 Olly Murphy McNeill Family and Prodec Networks Ltd A. P. Heskin
14 Nietzsche ts 8 10 2 Brian Ellison D Gilbert, M Lawrence, A Bruce, G Wills Jonathan Burke
15 Soupy Soups (IRE) p 10 10 2 Neil Mulholland Equi ex Incertis Partners Robert Dunne
16 Fingerontheswitch (IRE) ts, p 11 10 0 Neil Mulholland Cahill, Atwell & Crofts Millie Wonnacott (5)
3:05pm Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1) 2m 87y
1 Abacadabras (FR) ts 7 11 10 Mrs Denise Foster Ireland Gigginstown House Stud Jack Kennedy
2 Aspire Tower (IRE) 5 11 10 Henry de Bromhead Ireland Robcour Robbie Power
3 Goshen (FR) 5 11 10 Gary Moore Mr Steven Packham Jamie Moore
4 James du Berlais (FR) 5 11 10 W. P. Mullins Ireland Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede Daryl Jacob
5 Not So Sleepy 9 11 10 Hughie Morrison Lady Blyth Jonathan Burke
6 Saldier (FR) p 7 11 10 W. P. Mullins Ireland Mrs S. Ricci
7 Sharjah (FR) ts 8 11 10 W. P. Mullins Ireland Mrs S. Ricci P. Townend
8 Silver Streak (IRE) 8 11 10 Evan Williams Mr L. Fell Tom O’Brien
9 Epatante (FR) 7 11 3 Nicky Henderson Mr John P. McManus Aidan Coleman
10 Honeysuckle 7 11 3 Henry de Bromhead Ireland Mr K. Alexander Rachael Blackmore
3:40pm Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (Registered as The David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle) (Grade 1) 2m 3f 200y
1 Black Tears p 7 11 5 Mrs Denise Foster Ireland Mrs C Walsh/Mr J Lightfoot Jack Kennedy
2 Concertista (FR) 7 11 5 W. P. Mullins Ireland Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede P. Townend
3 Dame de Compagnie (FR) h 8 11 5 Nicky Henderson Mr John P. McManus Aidan Coleman
4 Dolcita (FR) ts 6 11 5 Fergal O’Brien Sullivan Bloodstock Limited Paddy Brennan NR
5 Floressa (FR) 6 11 5 Nicky Henderson Just Four Men Nico de Boinville
6 Great White Shark (FR) 7 11 5 W. P. Mullins Ireland Mr Malcolm C. Denmark
7 Indefatigable (IRE) 8 11 5 Paul Webber Mr Philip Rocher Rex Dingle
8 Minella Melody (IRE) 7 11 5 Henry de Bromhead Ireland Mr K. Alexander Rachael Blackmore
9 My Sister Sarah (IRE) p 7 11 5 W. P. Mullins Ireland Barnane Stud
10 Roksana (IRE) 9 11 5 Dan Skelton Mrs Sarah Faulks Harry Skelton
11 Whitehotchillifili (IRE) 7 11 5 Harry Fry Chasing Gold Racing Club Sean Bowen
4:15pm Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Registered as The Fred Winter) (Grade 3) 2m 87y
1 Nassalam (FR) 4 11 10 Gary Moore Mr John Stone Jamie Moore
2 Youmdor (FR) h 4 11 10 W. P. Mullins Ireland McNeill Family
3 Saint Sam (FR) h 4 11 8 W. P. Mullins Ireland Mr Edward J. Ware P. Townend
4 Cabot Cliffs (IRE) h 4 11 6 Dan Skelton Craig & Laura Buckingham Harry Skelton
5 Druid’s Altar (IRE) 4 11 4 Joseph Patrick O’Brien Ireland Annus Mirabilis Syndicate
6 Busselton (FR) p 4 11 4 Joseph Patrick O’Brien Ireland Chanelle Phar. Ltd
7 Riviere d’Etel (FR) h 4 11 3 Mrs Denise Foster Ireland Noel Moran/Mrs Valerie Moran Jack Kennedy
8 Balko Saint (FR) 4 11 3 (5lb ex) Mrs Jane Williams Mrs Jane Williams Chester Williams (5)
9 Longclaw (USA) ts 4 11 1 John McConnell Ireland N.H.J Racing Syndicate Simon Torrens (3)
10 Hell Red (FR) ts 4 11 0 Paul Nicholls Sir Martin Broughton & Friends 6 Bryony Frost
11 Glorious Zoff (IRE) ts 4 11 0 Mrs Denise Foster Ireland Deva Racing Syndicate Keith Donoghue
12 Zoffanien (IRE) 4 10 13 Denis G. Hogan Ireland Mr L. Mulryan Richard Johnson
13 Houx Gris (FR) 4 10 11 Paul Nicholls Booth Evans Giles & Sullivan Bloodstock Harry Cobden
14 Soldier On Parade v 4 10 11 Amy Murphy Hostages To Fortune Jack Quinlan
15 Coltor (IRE) v 4 10 10 D. K. Weld Ireland M. Bucher Jonjo O’Neill Jr.
16 Her Indoors (IRE) 4 10 10 Alan King McNeill Family & Niall Farrell A. P. Heskin
17 Sage Advice (IRE) 4 10 10 Dr Richard Newland The Imperium Syndicate Sam Twiston-Davies
18 Tinnahalla (IRE) h 4 10 9 Olly Murphy Mrs J. A. Wakefield Sean Bowen NR
19 Burgundy Man (FR) 4 10 8 Venetia Williams Kate & Andrew Brooks Gavin Sheehan
20 Homme Public (FR) ts 4 10 8 Oliver Greenall The Nevers Racing Partnership II Henry Brooke
21 Jeff Kidder (IRE) 4 10 8 Noel Meade Ireland Albert Dravins/Eamonn Scanlon Sean Flanagan
22 Elham Valley (FR) ts 4 10 7 Fergal O’Brien Caveat Emptor Partnership Paddy Brennan
4:50pm Sam Vestey National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices’ Chase (Grade 2) 3m 5f 201y
1 Eden du Houx (FR) 7 11 6 David Pipe Prof. Caroline Tisdall David Noonan
2 Escaria Ten (FR) 7 11 6 Mrs Denise Foster Ireland McNeill Family A. P. Heskin
3 Galvin (IRE) 7 11 6 Ian Ferguson Ireland Mr R. A. Bartlett Jack Kennedy
4 Lithic (IRE) v 10 11 6 Jonjo O’Neill The Stone Composers Jonjo O’Neill Jr.
5 Lord Royal (FR) ts 6 11 6 W. P. Mullins Ireland Paul Connell/Alan McGonnell
6 Macgiloney (IRE) 8 11 6 Denis G. Hogan Ireland M. Moloney Sean Flanagan
7 Nestor Park (FR) p 8 11 6 Ben Pauling Mrs S. P. Davis Luca Morgan
8 Next Destination (IRE) 9 11 6 Paul Nicholls Mr Malcolm C. Denmark Harry Cobden
9 Ofalltheginjoints (IRE) ts 7 11 6 Colin Tizzard The Reserve Tankers Robbie Power
10 Remastered ts 8 11 6 David Pipe Brocade Racing Tom Scudamore
11 Soldier of Love ts, p 8 11 6 Paul Nicholls Mr Malcolm C. Denmark Bryony Frost NR
12 The Mighty Don (IRE) 9 11 6 Nick Gifford Golden Rose Partnership James Davies
13 Snow Leopardess 9 10 13 Charlie Longsdon Mr A. Fox-Pitt Aidan Coleman

Cheltenham Tuesday 16th March – Going & Non-Runners

It’s the first day of the Cheltenham Festival and we have the latest going from the course and a list of the nonrunners for Tuesday 16th March.

Today is day one of The Festival™ supporting WellChild and the going is Soft, Good to Soft in places on both the Chase and Hurdle courses. The first two days of The Festival™ supporting WellChild take place on the Old Course, with the action switching to the New Course on Thursday and Friday.

Simon Claisse, Clerk of the Course at Cheltenham, commented: “On a cloudy but dry morning and following the lightest of showers overnight, the going on the Chase and Hurdle courses is Soft, Good to Soft in places.

“We expect a dry day with temperatures reaching 11 or 12 degrees this afternoon. Racing kicks off at 1.20pm with today’s feature, the Unibet Champion Hurdle, due off at 3.05pm. It is going to be a fantastic afternoon of racing.”

Non-Runners Today

1.55pm Sporting Life Arkle Novices’ Chase

5 Numitor (Self Certificate, Bad Scope)

4.15pm Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle

18 Tinnahalla (IRE) (Self Certificate, Not Eaten Up)

4.50pm Sam Vestey National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices’ Chase

11 Soldier of Love (Going)

Non-Runners Tomorrow

3.40pm Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase

11 Potters Corner (IRE) (Self Certificate, Inflammation)

4.15pm Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase

18 Theinval (FR) (Vet’s Certificate, Blood Analysis Not Normal)

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