Beirne to Captain Lions Against Waratahs – Irish Contingent Strong for Sydney Showdown

🦁 Beirne to Captain Lions Against Waratahs – Irish Contingent Strong for Sydney Showdown

Tadhg Beirne will lead the British & Irish Lions into their next Tour match this Saturday as Andy Farrell’s men take on the New South Wales Waratahs at the Allianz Stadium in Sydney (KO 11:00 BST).

The Munster and Ireland talisman steps into the captaincy role as Maro Itoje is rested, with Beirne joined in the second row by James Ryan, forming an all-Irish engine room.

The selection represents a major chance for several Irish players to push their claims for inclusion in the Test squad to face Australia — with many eyes on Mack Hansen, Hugo Keenan, Finlay Bealham, and Josh van der Flier.

🇮🇪 Big Test for Mack, Fitness Watch for Hugo, Bealham in Test Frame

Mack Hansen gets the nod on the wing and will be eager to show the cutting edge that made him a fan favourite during the 2023 Six Nations. It’s a big opportunity to see if he can transfer his form to the Lions stage.

Hugo Keenan starts at full-back in what will be his Lions debut. The Leinster man is returning from injury and this will be a key outing to assess his match fitness before a potential test role against the Wallabies.

Finlay Bealham continues to press hard. With Tadhg Furlong still finding top gear, another strong performance from Bealham could edge him into the 23 for the First Test. Dan Sheehan and Furlong are also among a powerful Irish bench.

In total, 10 Irish players feature in the matchday squad.

📋 Lions XV to Face New South Wales Waratahs

British & Irish Lions v NSW Waratahs
Saturday 6th July 2025 – Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 11:00am BST | Live on Sky Sports

Starting XV:

15. Hugo Keenan (Leinster Rugby/ Ireland) 🦁 Debut
14. Mack Hansen (Connacht Rugby/ Ireland) #867
13. Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors/ Scotland) #878
12. Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors/ Scotland) #863
11. Blair Kinghorn (Toulouse/ Scotland) 🦁 Debut
10. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints/ England) #862
9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints/ England) #860
1. Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh Rugby/ Scotland) #868
2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks/ England) #851
3. Finlay Bealham (Connacht Rugby/ Ireland) #856
4. Tadhg Beirne (Munster Rugby/ Ireland) #838 (c)
5. James Ryan (Leinster Rugby/ Ireland) #880
6. Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints/ England) #865
7. Josh van der Flier (Leinster Rugby/ Ireland) #874
8. Ben Earl (Saracens/ England) #857

Replacements:

16. Dan Sheehan (Leinster Rugby/ Ireland) #873
17. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears/ England) #859
18. Tadhg Furlong (Leinster Rugby/ Ireland) #818
19. Joe McCarthy (Leinster Rugby/ Ireland) #871
20. Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors/ Scotland) #869
21. Jac Morgan (Ospreys/ Wales) #861
22. Ben White (Toulon/ Scotland)
23. Marcus Smith (Harlequins/ England) #855

🩺 Squad Update: Daly Out, Farrell In

Elliot Daly has been ruled out of the rest of the Tour after fracturing his forearm against the Queensland Reds. Owen Farrell has been called up as his replacement and will join the squad in Sydney on Friday evening.

Farrell, Lion #780, returns for his fourth Tour after making 18 Lions appearances between 2013 and 2021. The 33-year-old is England’s record points scorer.

Andy Farrell: “It is heartbreaking for the group that Elliot’s Tour is over. He is a Lions legend and has added so much to the group both on and off the field.”

Tour Manager Ieuan Evans: “Elliot is a wonderful Lion and a world-class player who will be sorely missed. We all wish him a speedy recovery.”

Simon McCarthy wins $32,000 CSI3* speed class in USA

Simon McCarthy and Narcotique V/H Dingenshof in the $32,000 CSI3* Speed during GLEF 1 in the Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel International Ring. Credit: Megan Giese Media/TCHS.

Ireland’s Simon McCarthy rode to victory on opening day of international competition at the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival in the USA.

He topped the $32,000 CSI3* Speed aboard Narcotique v/h Dingenshof to kick off the 11th season of GLEF and top show jumping at Flintfields Horse Park.

The mid-summer series features six weeks of FEI competition running until August 10, showcasing an FEI Nations Cup CSIO3*, the FEI North American Youth Championships and the return of Major League Show Jumping CSI5* competition to Traverse City.

Twenty-nine year-old McCarthy set the pace as the first to enter the Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel International Ring, leaving the rest of the field to chase him over Mauricio Garcia’s course.

The only competitor to come close to his time of 60.60 seconds was American Charlotte Jacobs riding 10-year-old Irish-bred gelding Thomascourt Ballypatrick.

Jacobs clocked 60.68 seconds to take second. Fellow American Daisy Farish and Etonemoi del Cabalero finished third in 62.37 seconds.

McCarthy, who with Narcotique v/h Dingenshof has notched 14 international victories, more than half being over speed tracks, said:

“She’s very fast at this level, so even going first didn’t affect us too much. I stick to my own plan with her and I’m very grateful for the results she has given me.”

REPORTS: Diogo Jota Tragically Killed in Car Accident in Spain

🚨 REPORTS: Diogo Jota Tragically Killed in Car Accident in Spain

Liverpool star Diogo Jota has reportedly died following a car crash in northern Spain at the age of 28 — just two weeks after marrying his childhood sweetheart.

The Portuguese international is believed to have been travelling with his younger brother André Jota, aged 26, who is also feared dead. Both were reportedly in the same vehicle at the time of the accident.

💔 Recent Marriage, Family Tribute

Jota had recently married Rute Cardoso, the mother of his three children. In an interview released just yesterday, he described himself as “the luckiest man in the world,” reflecting on his young family and new chapter in life.

📍 Crash Details

The crash is said to have occurred on the A-52 motorway in the province of Zamora, a busy route for travellers between northern Portugal and Spain.

Emergency services in the region of Castilla y León released the following statement:

“The 1-1-2 Castilla y León operations room received several calls reporting a vehicle accident at Km. 65 of the A-52, in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora. A car was reported to have been involved in an accident and the vehicle was on fire.”

Local authorities, including the Zamora Traffic Police, the Zamora Fire Brigade, and the Sacyl Emergency Coordination Centre, responded to the scene.

⏳ Official Confirmation

As of now, no official statement has been issued by Liverpool FC or the Portuguese Football Federation. But it has appeared on Sky News and BBC

More to follow as this story develops.

Galway United Sign Former Spurs Midfielder Axel Piesold

✍️ Galway United Sign Former Spurs Midfielder Axel Piesold

Galway United are delighted to announce the signing of 20-year-old English midfielder Axel Piesold ahead of the second half of the 2025 SSE Airtricity League Premier Division campaign.

The former Tottenham Hotspur academy talent arrives at Eamonn Deacy Park following the expiration of his contract at Premier League side Luton Town. He most recently impressed during a loan spell with Cliftonville in the NIFL Premiership, helping the Belfast outfit qualify for the UEFA Conference League preliminary rounds.

🇬🇧 From London to Galway

Born in London, Piesold came through the Spurs academy ranks and featured prominently at U18 level before a brief stint with non-league side Dunstable Town. He joined Luton Town in January 2023, where he gained valuable first-team exposure, including several appearances in Premier League matchday squads during the 2023/24 season — against the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Tottenham Hotspur.

“Looking back, that was a great experience. I feel really lucky to have done that, really, and it’s something I’ll remember for a long time,” Piesold told Galway United media.

🇮🇪 Time in Ireland: Cliftonville Success

Axel spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Cliftonville in the NIFL Premiership, where he made 24 league appearances and became a firm fan favourite at Solitude.

He scored a vital goal in the European play-off final victory over Coleraine, helping the Reds secure their place in this summer’s UEFA Conference League qualifiers. In March, he also lifted his first senior silverware as Cliftonville won the BetMcLean Cup after defeating Glentoran at Windsor Park.

“Coming to Cliftonville on loan was really good for me because it gave me men’s games and introduced me to what men’s football was really like,” said Piesold.

🗣️ First Words as a Tribesman

Speaking to Galway United media, Axel shared his delight at securing the move:

“I’m glad to get it over the line and really excited to get started. After speaking with the manager and seeing how the club has progressed over the last 18 months, it just felt right. I really wanted to be part of it.”

“I’m a technical midfielder. I like to get on the ball, play forward passes, and carry the ball up the pitch. I enjoy showing my range of passing. Out of possession, I like to press and be aggressive.”

— Axel Piesold, Galway United

⚙️ What to Expect

Piesold is a creative, hard-working central midfielder with a high football IQ. His background with Tottenham’s youth system and time around top-flight players at Luton have shaped his playing style, combining technical quality with off-the-ball aggression and a strong engine.

Galway United fans can look forward to a midfielder who will drive forward with purpose, link play, and bring added energy and composure to the middle of the park.

Soupy Signs Again: Armagh GAA Star Stefan Campbell Returns to Lurgan Celtic

⚽️ Soupy Signs Again: Armagh Star Stefan Campbell Returns to Lurgan Celtic

Just days after Armagh’s exit from the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, 2024 Sam Maguire winner Stefan Campbell has wasted no time making a switch back to soccer — rejoining his hometown club Lurgan Celtic for the 2025/26 season.

The Clan na Gael forward, known affectionately as “Soupy”, missed Armagh’s quarter-final loss to Kerry due to a hand injury, but now turns his attention to the Mid-Ulster Football League where he’ll don the famous green and white once more.

🔁 Back Where It All Began

Campbell has a long-standing connection with Lurgan Celtic, having come through their youth system and featured in three previous spells with the senior side. His return is being hailed as a massive coup by the club.

“We are absolutely delighted to announce the return of none other than Stefan ‘Soupy’ Campbell to Lurgan Celtic!” the club posted on social media.

“A household name in GAA circles and a proven attacking force on the soccer pitch, Soupy returns to the Hoops for the 2025/26 season — having last pulled on the green and white in 2018.”

They added: “His return is nothing short of monumental.”

🗣️ Manager’s Praise

First-team boss Niall Lavery, a former teammate of Campbell’s, didn’t hold back in his praise:

“What a player. I played alongside ‘Soup’ for long enough to see what he can do. A leader in any changing room. He’ll add pace, power, goals and all-round quality to the team.

It’s a brilliant addition that drives the professionalism up considerably. Can’t wait to see Stefan back and scoring goals.”

🟠 Soupy Still Committed to GAA

Despite his return to soccer, Campbell will continue to line out for his GAA club, Clan na Gael, over the coming months. He remains a key dual-sport figure in the Armagh sporting community.

His switch follows a similar move from another 2024 All-Ireland winner, Cathal McShane of Tyrone, who recently signed for Strabane Athletic in the NIFL Premier Intermediate League.

🔍 Tags:

All-Ireland Hurling Semi-Final Preview: Kilkenny v Tipperary

⚔️ All-Ireland SHC Semi-Final Preview: Kilkenny v Tipperary

A classic rivalry returns to Croke Park this weekend as Leinster champions Kilkenny face off against a rejuvenated Tipperary side in the second All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship semi-final. With 68 titles between them and a legacy of epic battles, Saturday’s showdown is set to deliver another chapter of high drama.

Kilkenny, last crowned champions in 2015, are chasing a return to the final after losing to Limerick last year. Tipperary, All-Ireland winners in 2019, have built momentum through the qualifiers and look like a team peaking at the right time.

🏆 Path to the Semi-Final

🟡 Kilkenny – P6 W5 L1 (Leinster Champions)

Kilkenny 3-24 Galway 0-21
Kilkenny 2-30 Antrim 2-12
Kilkenny 4-25 Offaly 2-16
Kilkenny 5-19 Dublin 3-21
Wexford 2-19 Kilkenny 1-15
Kilkenny 3-22 Galway 1-20 (Leinster Final)

🔵 Tipperary – P6 W4 D1 L1

Tipperary 2-23 Limerick 2-23
Cork 4-27 Tipperary 0-24
Tipperary 4-18 Clare 2-21
Tipperary 1-30 Waterford 1-21
Tipperary 3-32 Laois 0-18 (Prelim QF)
Tipperary 1-28 Galway 2-17 (Quarter-Final)

🎯 Top Scorers – Championship 2025

🟡 Kilkenny

TJ Reid – 5-26 (0-22 frees, 0-2 ‘65s’)
Martin Keoghan – 6-8
Eoin Cody – 2-18 (1-11 frees)
Billy Ryan – 2-13
Adrian Mullen – 3-6

🔵 Tipperary

Jason Forde – 2-38 (0-21 frees, 0-4 s/l, 0-1 ‘65’)
Darragh McCarthy – 0-31 (0-25 frees, 0-1 ‘65’)
John McGrath – 4-12
Andrew Ormond – 2-13
Jake Morris – 0-18

📚 Championship Head-to-Head – Last Five Meetings

2019: Tipperary 3-25 Kilkenny 0-20 (All-Ireland Final)
2016: Tipperary 2-29 Kilkenny 2-20 (All-Ireland Final)
2014: Kilkenny 2-17 Tipperary 2-14 (Final Replay)
2014: Kilkenny 3-22 Tipperary 1-28 (Final – Draw)
2013: Kilkenny 0-20 Tipperary 1-14 (Qualifiers)

Recent edge: Tipperary have won 2 of the last 3 championship meetings, including the 2019 final.

📈 Semi-Final Pedigree – Last Five Appearances

🟡 Kilkenny

2024: Lost to Clare
2023: Beat Clare
2022: Beat Clare
2021: Lost to Cork (AET)
2020: Lost to Waterford

🔵 Tipperary

2019: Beat Wexford
2017: Lost to Galway
2016: Beat Galway
2015: Lost to Galway
2014: Beat Cork

Note: Kilkenny are in their 7th successive semi-final. Tipp are back at this stage for the first time since 2019.

📊 Other Notables

Tipperary beat Kilkenny by 2-25 to 1-19 in the 2025 Allianz League
Kilkenny finished with 12 players, Tipp with 14
Kilkenny manager Derek Lyng faced Tipp 4 times as a player, winning 3

🔮 Verdict

Kilkenny come in as the more consistent outfit with a Leinster title under their belt, while Tipperary look dangerous and free-scoring since the Munster championship ended. This will come down to discipline and midfield control — and if Tipperary continue their upward trend, they could take a huge scalp.

Prediction: Tipperary to win by 2–4 points in a high-scoring thriller.

All-Ireland Hurling Semi-Final Preview: Cork v Dublin

🔥 All-Ireland SHC Semi-Final Preview: Cork v Dublin

One step from Croke Park glory — but history, momentum and injury lists all weigh into a fascinating All-Ireland semi-final as Munster champions Cork face off with a resurgent Dublin side this Saturday.

Cork are bidding to reach the All-Ireland final for a second year in a row, as they continue their hunt for a first Liam MacCarthy triumph since 2005. Dublin, on the other hand, are seeking their first final appearance since 1961 — and their first All-Ireland title in 87 years.

📋 Cork Team News – Three Changes for the Rebels

Pat Ryan’s Cork side shows three changes from the team that edged past Limerick in a dramatic Munster Final penalty shootout.

IN: Niall O’Leary, Rob Downey (capt), Declan Dalton
OUT: Damien Cahalane (bench), Cormac O’Brien (injured), Séamus Harnedy (injured)

Ger Millerick also returns to the match-day panel following injury.

🔴 Cork Starting XV

CORK (v Dublin):
1. Patrick Collins
2. Niall O’Leary
3. Eoin Downey
4. Seán O’Donoghue
5. Ciarán Joyce
6. Rob Downey (Captain)
7. Mark Coleman
8. Tommy O’Mahony
9. Darragh Fitzgibbon
10. Daire Healy
11. Shane Barrett
12. Declan Dalton
13. Patrick Horgan
14. Alan Connolly
15. Brian Hayes

Subs: B Saunderson, D Cahalane, G Millerick, T O’Connell, E Twomey, L Meade, B Roche, J O’Connor, S Kingston, R O’Flynn, C Lehane

🔄 Dublin’s Road to the Semis

Dublin have put together an impressive championship run under manager Micheál Donoghue. After finishing third in Leinster, the Dubs hammered Kildare in the All-Ireland Preliminary Quarter-Final and stunned reigning champions Limerick in the Quarter-Final, scoring a massive 2-24 to 0-28 victory.

Sean Currie has led the scoring charge, while Cian O’Sullivan and Ronan Hayes have provided crucial attacking support.

📊 Championship Form Guide

CORK – P5 W3 D1 L1 (Munster Champions)

Clare 3-21 Cork 2-24
Cork 4-27 Tipperary 0-24
Limerick 3-26 Cork 1-16
Cork 2-25 Waterford 1-22
Cork 1-30 Limerick 2-27 AET (Won 3-2 on penalties – Munster Final)

DUBLIN – P7 W5 L2

Dublin 1-25 Offaly 2-19
Dublin 3-26 Wexford 4-19
Dublin 3-25 Antrim 0-19
Kilkenny 5-19 Dublin 3-21
Galway 0-29 Dublin 3-15
Dublin 3-25 Kildare 0-13
Dublin 2-24 Limerick 0-28

🎯 Top Scorers

Cork

Patrick Horgan – 3-42 (1-32 frees, 0-1 ‘65’)
Brian Hayes – 3-7
Séamus Harnedy – 0-13
Shane Barrett – 1-9
Darragh Fitzgibbon – 0-11 (0-2 frees, 0-1 ‘65’)

Dublin

Sean Currie – 5-61 (0-39 frees, 2-0 pens, 0-4 ‘65s’)
Cian O’Sullivan – 3-17
Ronan Hayes – 3-6
John Hetherton – 3-5
Conor Donohue – 0-9

📚 Head-to-Head History

This will be the 20th championship meeting between Cork and Dublin. The Rebels dominate the record with 16 wins to Dublin’s 2, and 1 draw.

Most recent: 2024 – Cork 0-26 Dublin 0-21 (All-Ireland QF)
Other recent wins: 2021, 2020, 2016, 2013, 2008, 2007
Last Dublin win: 1927 All-Ireland Final (Dublin 4-8 Cork 1-3)

⚔️ Semi-Final Pedigree – Last Five Appearances

Cork

2024: Cork 1-28 Limerick 0-29
2021: Cork 1-37 Kilkenny 1-32 AET
2018: Limerick 3-32 Cork 2-31 AET
2017: Waterford 4-19 Cork 0-20
2014: Tipperary 2-18 Cork 1-11

Dublin

2013: Cork 1-24 Dublin 1-19
2011: Tipperary 1-19 Dublin 0-18
1948: Dublin 8-13 Antrim 2-6
1944: Dublin 6-12 Antrim 3-1
1941: Dublin 2-4 Galway 2-2

🔮 Verdict

Cork come in as favourites, battle-hardened from a brutal Munster campaign and boasting big-game experience. Dublin have the firepower and belief to cause problems, especially after their upset of Limerick — but history and depth favour the Rebels.

Prediction: Cork by 4-6 points in a fast-paced contest.

Three Changes for Cork Ahead of Hurling Semi-Final

🔴 Three Changes for Cork Ahead of All-Ireland SHC Semi-Final

Liam MacCarthy favourites Cork have made three changes to their starting XV for Saturday’s All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship semi-final clash with Dublin.

Returning to the starting team are Niall O’Leary at corner-back, Rob Downey at centre-back, and Declan Dalton at wing-forward. Dropping out of the side are Damien Cahalane, Cormac O’Brien, and Séamus Harnedy.

🔁 Injury Shuffle Continues

The changes come as little surprise given the ongoing injury management challenges faced by Pat Ryan’s squad. Both O’Leary and team captain Rob Downey had only recently returned from injury when introduced during the thrilling Munster final victory over Limerick — a classic encounter ultimately decided by penalties.

Dalton, who was absent from the match-day squad for that final, is now fully fit and ready to start.

❌ Harnedy & O’Brien Miss Out

During the week, Ryan confirmed that Séamus Harnedy would be ruled out with a hamstring injury, while Cormac O’Brien remained doubtful due to a quad issue. Neither makes the match-day 26, but Damien Cahalane is named among the substitutes.

✅ Bench Boost – Millerick Returns

In better news for Cork fans, Ger Millerick returns to the panel after recovering from a broken finger and is named on the bench.

📋 CORK Team to Face Dublin (SHC Semi-Final)

Cork Starting XV:
P Collins; N O’Leary, E Downey, S O’Donoghue; C Joyce, R Downey, M Coleman; T O’Mahony, D Fitzgibbon; D Healy, S Barrett, D Dalton; P Horgan, A Connolly, B Hayes.

Subs:
B Saunderson, D Cahalane, G Millerick, T O’Connell, E Twomey, L Meade, B Roche, J O’Connor, S Kingston, R O’Flynn, C Lehane.

Kate O’Connor Sets Her Sights on Global Glory

🇮🇪 Kate O’Connor Sets Her Sights on Global Glory

Kate O’Connor is no longer just one to watch — she’s one to beat.

With European and World Indoor medals now in her collection, the 24-year-old heptathlete enters a new phase of her career: not just competing with the world’s best, but challenging them. As she prepares for two major summer events — the World University Games in Germany later this month and the World Championships in Tokyo in September — O’Connor is thinking big.

“My whole team focus has kind of changed,” she says. “Before, I’d go to championships looking up to the top girls. Now I’m going there to put it up to them.”

🏆 Belief Born from Breakthrough

O’Connor’s confidence is rooted in a sensational indoor season, where she claimed bronze in the European Indoors pentathlon and silver at the World Indoors. These were her first senior medals in an Irish vest, after earlier success as a European U20 silver medallist in 2019 and a Commonwealth Games silver medallist for Northern Ireland in 2022.

“I definitely feel like I’m in that bracket now,” she says. “It’ll take another couple of years to challenge for the very top, but that’s the ultimate goal.”

📍 Monte Gordo Grind

Currently training in Monte Gordo, Portugal, O’Connor is putting in two sessions a day while juggling the final stages of a master’s degree in communication and PR. It’s a heavy workload, but one she’s handling with focus and ambition.

“I’ve always had something outside athletics – like university – to keep me grounded,” she says. “You never know when injury or setbacks can hit. It helps to have more than one identity.”

💼 Backed by Adidas

Earlier this year, O’Connor signed a professional deal with adidas, giving her much-needed support in one of the most demanding events in sport. It marks another step towards her goal of becoming a full-time athlete after her degree wraps up in September.

“Financially, it’s getting better,” she says. “The support since indoors has really grown. Ideally, I’d love to bring my full coaching team to every event and not have to make decisions based on budget.”

🌍 Bigger Platform, Bigger Pressure

O’Connor’s success has brought increased public attention, and with it, new challenges. “At first, I said yes to everything — media, events, interviews — but it quickly got overwhelming,” she admits. “My dad’s been amazing, stepping in to handle the flood of emails so I can concentrate on training.”

“I thought three weeks off after indoors would be enough to reset everything, but I quickly realised the attention doesn’t just stop. You have to learn how to manage it.”

🎯 Record-Breaking Goals

O’Connor will open her season at the World University Games on July 23, where she hopes to surpass her own Irish heptathlon record of 6,297 points. Her target? Break 6,500 — a score that would place her among the world’s elite.

“I’ve focused hard on my speed this year,” she says. “If I can break 24 seconds in the 200m and improve on my javelin — my PB is from 2019 — I’ll be in a great place.”

With the World Championships just over 10 weeks away, her timing is spot on. “I’m in similar shape to indoors, maybe even better. If the body’s in good condition, anything’s possible when you put the events together.”

🤝 Powered by Partnership

Kate O’Connor was speaking at the launch of Athletics Ireland’s extended sponsorship deal with 123.ie, a six-figure partnership running until 2030. With big backing and even bigger ambition, the Dundalk native is ready to take on the world.

Ireland Rugby Team Named – Casey and Sam Prendergast start against Georgia

🇮🇪 Ireland Rugby Team Named – Casey and Sam Prendergast start against Georgia

The Ireland team to face Georgia this weekend has been named — and there’s a notable mix of youth, form, and provincial pride across the 23. With several players away on British & Irish Lions duty and others out through injury, this is a chance for fresh talent to shine.

Here’s how the squad breaks down by province:

🟢 Connacht – 4 Players

5. Darragh Murray (Buccaneers) – Uncapped
18. Jack Aungier (Clontarf) – Uncapped
20. Cian Prendergast (UCD) – 4 caps
21. Ben Murphy (Clontarf) – Uncapped

🔴 Munster – 5 Players

9. Craig Casey (Shannon) – 18 caps (Captain)
8. Gavin Coombes (Young Munster) – 2 caps
19. Tom Ahern (Shannon) – Uncapped
22. Jack Crowley (Cork Constitution) – 24 caps
23. Calvin Nash (Young Munster) – 10 caps

🟣 Ulster – 5 Players

4. Cormac Izuchukwu (Ballynahinch) – Uncapped
7. Nick Timoney (Banbridge) – 3 caps
11. Jacob Stockdale (Lurgan) – 38 caps
12. Stuart McCloskey (Bangor) – 19 caps
16. Tom Stewart (Ballynahinch) – 2 caps

🟦 Leinster – 9 Players

1. Jack Boyle (UCD) – 2 caps
2. Gus McCarthy (UCD) – 4 caps
3. Thomas Clarkson (Dublin University) – 6 caps
6. Ryan Baird (Dublin University) – 27 caps
10. Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne) – 8 caps
13. Jamie Osborne (Naas) – 7 caps
14. Tommy O’Brien (UCD) – Uncapped
15. Jimmy O’Brien (Naas) – 8 caps
17. Michael Milne (UCD) – Uncapped

📋 Total Breakdown

🟦 Leinster – 9 players
🟣 Ulster – 5 players
🔴 Munster – 5 players
🟢 Connacht – 4 players

🗣️ Commentary

Absolutely delighted to see Darragh Murray make his first start for Ireland.

Only one Connacht player in the starting XV is a little disappointing, especially given how many front-liners are unavailable. Still, with three more Connacht men on the bench, there’s every chance they’ll get decent game time.

The bookies have Ireland as 16-point favourites, which feels like a stretch. With a squad full of new caps, any sort of win would be a bonus. What matters most is the experience this group gains at international level.

🇮🇪 Ireland Team Named for Summer Tour Opener in Tbilisi

Paul O’Connell, interim Head Coach of the Ireland Men’s team, has named his matchday 23 to face Georgia in the opening game of the two-Test Summer Series this Saturday evening at Mikheil Meskhi Stadium in Tbilisi (kick-off 9pm local time / 6pm Irish time).

There are two debutants in the starting XV and a further four uncapped players on the bench, as Ireland looks to build depth during this developmental tour.

🔴 Captain Casey Makes History

Craig Casey will captain Ireland for the first time, becoming the 112th Test captain in the nation’s history. The Munster scrum-half also becomes just the third 9 to lead Ireland in the professional era, following Niall Hogan (3 times) and Eoin Reddan (once).

He’ll form a half-back partnership with exciting young out-half Sam Prendergast, while the midfield pairing sees Stuart McCloskey and Jamie Osborne link up.

Tommy O’Brien will make his international debut on the wing, joining Jimmy O’Brien and Jacob Stockdale in the back three.

🟣 Milestone in Sight for Stockdale

Jacob Stockdale is set to win his 39th cap. One more try would see him become the 21st Irish player to reach 100+ points for the national side. It would also move him into outright 6th on Ireland’s all-time try-scoring list, ahead of Girvan Dempsey and Geordan Murphy.

🟢 New Faces in the Pack

Darragh Murray (Connacht) earns his first cap in the second row alongside Cormac Izuchukwu. The front row features Jack Boyle, Gus McCarthy, and Thomas Clarkson, while the back row sees Ryan Baird, Nick Timoney, and Gavin Coombes complete the starting pack.

🧢 Four More Uncapped Players on the Bench

The replacements bench includes four potential debutants: Munster duo Michael Milne and Tom Ahern, and Connacht pair Jack Aungier and Ben Murphy.

They are joined by Tom Stewart, Cian Prendergast, and Calvin Nash — all of whom will be expected to make an impact off the bench.

🗣️ Coach’s View – Paul O’Connell

“I’ve been really impressed with the application of this group in the build-up to the tour. Saturday presents a fantastic opportunity for these players to represent their country and show what they can do on the international stage.

To Craig — I’d like to congratulate him on his first game as captain. He’s taken to the role superbly and I know how much he’s looking forward to leading the team.”

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