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Watch: McGoldrick scores as Sheffield United pick up important 3 points

Aston Villa were the opponents as they won 1-0.

David McGoldrick managed to get on the scoresheet this evening as his side Sheffield United gathered what could be an important 3 points against Aston Villa.

He scored in the 30th minute. Initially he evaded a defender and made some space with a deft touch before switching a wonderfully weighted diagonal ball out to George Baldock on the right flank. McGoldrick then made his way into the box with a clever run towards the back post before he was found by Baldock with a pinpoint cross. All he had to do then was tap the ball into the net, and that he did.

Phil Jagielka got sent off for Sheffield United in the 50th minute leaving his teammates a gargantuan challenge in terms of gaining 3 points. However, they showed incredible resilience and defensive prowess for the remainder of the game which was rewarded with a much-needed victory.

Even with Sheffield United’s win today and improved form since winter, Premier League survival still remains highly unlikely.

They remain bottom of the table after tonight’s win with 14 points out of 27 games. They would need a massive 12 points as it stands if they were to climb out of the relegation zone with Newcastle and Brighton both on 26 points.

Despite his club’s substandard Premier League performance, David McGoldrick has been putting in some very impressive performances this season.

Not only has he managed his fair share of goals and assists, his contribution beyond numbers is something that can often be taken for granted.

McGoldrick announced his international retirement in December but there have been signs recently to suggest he may be at least considering a return to the Ireland fold.

Could McGoldrick possibly make the World Cup qualification squad to be announced this month?

GAA – List of the 32 County Club Champions 2020

It’s the business end of the Club Championships across the country. Championships that have not already finished are nearing their conclusion. Otherwise, a winner has already been crowned. Here are the winners and remainders of the Senior Championships county by county.

Antrim

Football Championship: Cargin

Hurling Championship: Dunloy Cuchullains

Ladies’ Football Championship: Naomh Pól are in the Ulster semi-final.

Camogie Championship: Loughgiel

Armagh

Football Championship: Maghery Sean MacDiarmada

Hurling Championship: Middletown

Ladies’ Football Championship: Armagh Harps

Camogie Championship: St. Brenda’s Ballymacnab

Carlow

Football Championship: Semi-finals; Éire Óg vs Mt Leinster Rangers, Rathvilly GAA vs Palatine/O’Hanrahan’s.

Hurling Championship: Mt Leinster Rangers

Ladies’ Football Championship: Old Leighlin

Camogie Championship: Myshall 

Cavan

Football Championship: Final Replay; Crosserlough v Kingscourt Stars (Saturday October 3rd, 5pm).

Hurling Championship: Mullahoran St Joseph’s

Ladies’ Football: Lacken

Camogie Championship: Crosserlough

Clare

Football Championship: Kilmurry Ibrickane

Hurling Championship: Sixmilebridge

Ladies’ Football: Banner

Camogie Championship: Inagh Kilmona

Cork

Football Championship: Semi-Finals; Nemo Rangers, Castlehaven, Duhallow, Newcestown or St Finbarrs.

Hurling Championship: Final; Glen Rovers vs Blackrock (Sunday 4th October, 4pm).

Ladies’ Football: West Cork

Camogie Championship: Courcey Rovers

Derry

Football Championship: Final; O’Donovan Rossa vs Slaughtneil (Sunday 4th October, 4.30pm).

Hurling Championship: Slaughtneil

Ladies’ Football: Steelstown

Camogie Championship: Final: Slaughtneil vs Swatragh (replay, TBC)

Donegal

Football Championship: Final: Kilcar vs Naomh Conaill (TBC).

Hurling Championship: Final: Setanta vs St. Eunan’s (Saturday October 3rd).

Ladies’ Football: Glenfin 

Down

Football Championship: Kilcoo

Hurling Championship: St. Patrick’s Portaferry

Ladies’ Football: Bredagh

Camogie Championship: Clonduffs

Dublin

Football Championship: Ballymun Kickhams

Hurling Champions: Cuala

Ladies’ Football: Foxrock Cabinteely

Camogie Championship: St. Jude’s

Fermanagh

Football Championship: Ederney St Joseph’s

Ladies’ Football: Kinawley 

Galway

Football Championship: Final; Moycullen vs Mountbellew/Moylough (Sunday October 4th, 4pm).

Hurling Championship: Final; Turloughmore vs St Thomas’ (Sunday October 4th, 2pm).

Ladies’ Football: Kilkerrin/Clonberne

Camogie Championship: Final; Sarsfields vs Ardrahan (Postponed, TBC).

Kerry

Football Championship: East Kerry

Hurling Championship: Kilmoyley

Ladies’ Football: Rathmore

Kildare

Football Championship: Final; Moorefield vs Athy (Saturday October 3rd, 4.30pm).

Hurling Championship: Group Stages

Ladies’ Football: Eadestown

Camogie Championship: Semi-Finals; Celbridge vs Clane, Naas vs Johnstownbridge (Sunday October 4th).

Kilkenny

Football Championship: Quarter-Finals

Hurling Championship: Ballyhale Shamrocks

Ladies’ Football: Kilkenny City

Camogie Championship: Thomastown

Laois

Football Championship: Quarter-Finals

Hurling Championship: Final; Clough/Ballacolla vs Borris in Ossary Kilcotton

Ladies’ Football: Portlaoise

Camogie Championship: O’Moore’s

Leitrim

Football Championship: Mohill

Hurling Championship: Final; Carrick Hurling vs Cluainín Iomaí (Saturday October 3rd, 3.30pm).

Ladies’ Football: Glencar Manorhamilton

Limerick

Football Championship: Final; Adare vs Ballyanders (Sunday October 4th, 2pm).

Hurling Championship: Na Piarsaigh

Ladies’ Football: St. Ailbes

Camogie Championship: Kileedy 

Longford

Football Championship: Semi-Finals stage (postponed)

Hurling Championship: Final; Wolfe Tones vs Longford Slashers (Cancelled, with no date to play arranged).

Ladies’ Football: Longford Slashers

Louth

Football Championship: Naomh Mairtin

Hurling Championship: Final; St. Fechin’s vs Knockbridge (Saturday October 3rd, 3pm).

Ladies’ Football: Geraldines

Camogie Championship: St. Brides

Mayo

Football Championship: Knockmore

Hurling Championship: Ballyhaunis

Ladies’ Football: Carnacon

Meath

Football Championship: Final; Gaeil Colmcille vs Ratoath (Sunday October 4th, 2.15pm).

Hurling Championship: Final; Ratoath vs Trim (Sunday October 11th, 3pm).

Ladies’ Football: Dunboyne

Camogie Championship: Kilmessan

Monaghan

Football Championship: Scotstown

Hurling Championship: Castleblayney

Ladies’ Football: Donaghmoyne

Offaly

Football Championship: Final; Rhode vs Tullamore (Sunday October 4th, 4pm).

Hurling Championship: Final; St. Rynagh’s vs Kilcormac Killoughey (Sunday October 11th, 4pm).

Ladies’ Football: Naomh Ciaran

Camogie Championship: St. Rynagh’s

Roscommon

Football Championship: St. Brigid’s

Hurling Championship: Padraig Pearses

Ladies’ Football: Kilbride

Camogie Championship: Athleague

Sligo

Football Championship: Tourlestrane

Hurling Championship: Easkey

Ladies’ Football: Geevagh

Tipperary

Football Championship: Clonmel Commercials

Hurling Championship: Kiladangan

Ladies’ Football: Cahir

Camogie Championship: Drom and Inch

Tyrone

Football Championship: Dungannon Thomas Clarke’s

Hurling Championship: Éire Óg Carrickmore

Ladies’ Football: St Macartans

Camogie Championship: Final; Eglish vs Derrylaughan Kevin Barry’s (Postponed)

Waterford

Football Championship: Final; Rathgormack vs Abbeyside Ballinacourty/Nire-Fourmilewater

Hurling Championship: Ballygunner

Ladies’ Football: Ballymacarbry

Camogie Championship: Gailltír

Westmeath

Football Championship: St. Loman’s Mullingar

Hurling Championship: Final; Castletown Geoghegan vs Clonkill (Sunday October 4th, 4pm).

Ladies’ Football: St. Mary’s

Camogie Championship: Raharney

Wexford

Football Championship: Final; Starlights vs Castletown Liam Mellows (Sunday October 4th, 1.30pm).

Hurling Championship: Shelmaliers

Ladies’ Football: Shelmaliers

Camogie Championship: Final; HWH Bunclody vs Buffers Alley (Sunday October 4th, 2pm).

Wicklow

Football Championship: Baltinglass

Hurling Championship: Bray Emmets

Ladies’ Football: Tinahely

Camogie Championship: Knockananna

 

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Revenue Streams of the Premier League’s ‘Top Six’ – 2019-2020 Season

2020 proved to be a difficult year for most industries, and the sporting world was one of the most visibly hit. Sporting leagues across the globe was essentially halted as the pandemic spread to even the most developed countries. Eventually, major sporting leagues were able to restart in “new normal” conditions in order to mitigate the financial impacts of the pandemic.

Nevertheless, the financial repercussions of the pandemic are clear to see in the latest study of football’s biggest clubs’ revenue numbers from the 2019-2020 season. Data presented by Safe Betting Sites breaks down the revenue streams of the Premier League’s traditional ‘Top Six’ and how 2020’s pandemic hit season compared to the seasons prior.

Manchester Utd Highest Revenue of 2019-2020 Despite 20% Decrease from 2019

Manchester United registered the highest revenue from the 2019-2020 season out of Premier League (PL) Clubs and the fourth overall in world football. The Red Devils earned €580.4M in revenue for 2020 which is a 19% drop from 2019’s €711.5M recorded revenue. Liverpool’s success on the pitch led them to the second-highest revenue out of PL clubs with €558.6M – an 8% drop from 2019.

The blue half of Manchester also earned over half a billion Euros in revenue despite registering an 11% drop from the previous season. Their €549.2M recorded revenue for 2019-2020 is the third highest out of PL teams. The three London clubs make up the bottom half of the list, with Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal earning €469.7M, €445.7M, €388M respectively.

Broadcast Revenue Total Loss from Top 6 Almost Half A Billion Euros

The effects of the pandemic on broadcast revenue differed from league to league depending on which approach was taken in terms of restarting their respective leagues. The PL decided to suspend its season with the aim of restarting it while others chose to end their seasons prematurely with the last registered league table considered the final outcome.

The PL also reached favourable agreements with different broadcasters, as the Deloitte Sports Business Group notes; “The Premier League appeared to very successfully and quickly agree amicable arrangements regarding scheduling, match allocation and broadcast rights rebates with its domestic broadcast partners throughout the pandemic to date.” Because of this they add: “the Premier League seems to have avoided any disruption to its broadcast arrangements.”

Nevertheless, the PL still experienced an overall decrease in broadcasting revenue from the ‘Top Six’ that amounted to €466M. Tottenham experienced the highest drop in broadcast revenue with an estimated total decrease of €122M for the 2019-2020 season. This is largely due to Tottenham being eliminated in the Round of 16 stage of the UEFA champions league compared to reaching the final the season prior.

Tottenham Only Club in Top Six to Experience Increase in Matchday Revenue

Tottenham’s first full season in their new stadium allowed them to see an increase in matchday revenue of an estimated €15M – the largest matchday revenue recorded by any PL club. This is even made more significant considering that the five other clubs from the ‘Top Six’ registered a combined €81M loss in matchday revenue.

Commercial Revenue Source of Growth for Some Clubs

Commercial Revenue was a silver lining for many clubs in Europe, with several big clubs able to pivot their resources and still record positive growth in 2020. Five of the top six clubs experienced growth in commercial revenue of a total of €81M with Arsenal experiencing the highest growth of €36M. Chelsea meanwhile experienced an €11M decrease in commercial revenue as the club invested in its future commercial growth.

You can read more about the story with more statistics and information at:  https://www.safebettingsites.com/2021/03/02/a-breakdown-of-the-revenue-streams-of-the-premier-leagues-top-six-2019-2020-season/

Horse Racing, a British Tradition

Horse racing is Britain’s second largest spectator sport and one of the oldest, with a history stretching back centuries.

The meeting place of British elegance par excellence, the most prestigious horse races in the United Kingdom, attract an increasing number of visitors from all over the world, who, too, must comply with the very strict dress code of the event. The Cheltenham Horse Racing Championship is the most important in England. It regularly coincides with St. Patrick’s Day. For 4 days, the best English and Irish horses compete in races. The championship opens on the first day with a race called “Champion Day”; the 2nd day is “Ladies Day”, then comes the “Saint Patrick’s Thursday” race, finally the championship closes with the famous “Gold Cup Day”. Watch out for the show! While the Punchestown Festival holds thousands of visitors to England each year in March for its annual horse racing event, the Punchestown Festival is no exception. It hosts the best jumpers in Ireland. Even if the notoriety of Cheltenham is proven, the horse courses of Punchestown are a real phenomenon.

Cheltenham Festival: The Most Prestigious Horse Races

Located in the English county of Gloucestershire near Gloucester and Cirencester, the charming town of Cheltenham is known throughout the world for its horse racing and thus continues this long tradition. Whether you attend curious, a player or a professional, the prestigious horse races offer a unique experience. Mixing popular culture and high society events, the racetracks also present a real show in the stands where you never tire of observing the famous colorful hats or out-of-date costumes. It is a perfect illustration of English eccentricity, between tradition and extravagance. Thus, each year in March the Cheltenham festival is an event not to be missed.

Punchestown: The Birthplace of Irish Jumps Racing

Located in Ireland this time around, Punchestown is located in the parish of Eadestown, near Naas in County Kildare. It is known as the birthplace of Irish Jumps Racing. It’s a real event, several days of celebrations and very high-level classes. Combining fashion and tradition, this is the absolute must in horse racing for enthusiasts or curious people from all over the world. A unique experience! The racecourse itself is right-handed with an undulating track and a steeplechase. The obstacle course is a six-mile distance while the pursuit course is 2 miles. Punchestown Racecourse also offers Ireland’s only cross-country course. If you are looking at rivalries at the Cheltenham Festival, the Punchestown Festival is a strong opponent. The Punchestown Festival hosts some of the best jump racing of the year. The rivalry between trainers from Great Britain and Ireland, it has usually always been tight between the two countries.

Horse races: an opportunity to bet online

The Cheltenham Festival is the perfect opportunity for punters to bet for their horses in lines and one of the busiest times of the year for bookmakers. There are 28 courses on bet with free bet offers at Cheltenham. Bettors at the Festival and across the world who bet online are hopping early markets and last-minute bets. Horse racing is a sporting event which, unlike other gambling, is not just about chance. The result of these events is conditioned by multiple factors such as distance, type of terrain, time and of course the intrinsic strength of each of the participating horses. In the turf, bets are made between players and not against the operator or bookmaker.

Understand the Odds and the Jargon with our Greyhound Racing Betting Guide

When you start following a new sport, there is a lot to learn. New cricket fans wonder what a googly is and just where is silly mid-off? It’s the same with greyhound racing with lots of jargon to get to grips with. Then there are the odds that are available on each race. Just what do they all mean?

The All-Important Odds

When you go to a watch greyhound racing or watch the races in your local bookmakers, betting is an important consideration. Bookmakers will offer odds on each race, and it is important that you fully understand them.

There are several different kinds of odds, the main ones being fractional and decimal. An example of a fractional odd is 5/2. This means if you stake £2 on a greyhound to win, you will receive £5 in winnings, plus your stake back making a return of £7. In decimal odds, the equivalent is 3.5. That £2 bet will see you receive £7 (3.5 x 2).

Types of Bets

Bookmakers regularly offer odds on which trap will produce the most winners during a meeting. For a comprehensive greyhound betting guide, be inspired by this page on onlinesportsbettingsites.co.uk. 

There are several bets that you can make in greyhound racing. It’s not all about placing a bet on a greyhound to win its race. A straight forecast bet sees you having to correctly name the first and second finishers in the right order. For example, trap three to beat trap two. A reverse forecast allows you to get the first two home in any order but costs more to place.

It seems these days that there is an increasing number of bets that you can make.

What is a Trap?

Now we look at the jargon that is used in greyhound racing. ‘Trap’ has already been mentioned, but what exactly is that? Don’t worry it’s nothing that will put you in danger. 

Whereas in horse racing, they have starting stalls, in greyhound racing they have traps. This is where the greyhounds wait just before the race begins. There are usually six of them in a line, so the greyhound has a level start. Some wider courses have eight-dog races; smaller ones only have five dogs competing.

Traps at Irish greyhound racing tracks are among improvements hoped for in a €250,000 improvement programme announced by the Irish Greyhound Board. 

 

Hats off to the Grader

There are also handicap races, but these see the greyhounds having a staggered start. The grader (more about that in a moment), works out the distance start a greyhound can give to one that isn’t quite as talented. The supposedly best greyhound races off ‘scratch’ and will have to pass the inferior ones to win the race. 

A photo finish can produce plenty of tension in greyhound racing. This is when the finish is so close, and it’s impossible to declare the winner immediately. The judge will look at a photo of the finish to determine the winner. If that is not possible, a dead heat will be called. If this happens in a handicap race, the commentator will usually declare ‘Hats off to the Grader.’

So, what is a grader? Greyhound racing splits into several different grades, ensuring that the race runs between dogs of a similar ability. The grader will judge the individual performances and determine which grade a dog will run in. If it is putting in good performances, it can go up to a higher grade, if in bad form, it can drop a grade.

Bankers

When you are looking to make a profit from betting on greyhound racing, an important term is ‘Banker.’ There are lots of experts who publish racing tips, and the one they think has the best chance of winning is called a banker. It can also be called ‘the nap’ with their second-best tip entitled the ‘Next Best (NB).

Bar Prices

A popular part of going to a greyhound meeting is the food and drink available. However, bar prices have nothing to do with how much gin and tonic costs. Bookmakers will issue odds for a race or a competition such as the English Greyhound Derby, where Irish greyhounds regularly do well.

They may only mention a certain number of runners, those most likely to win. If they put ‘50/1 Bar,’ that means all the other unnamed competitors have a price of at least 50/1.

As you can see, there is a lot to learn about the odds and jargon used in this sport. It won’t take long to get used to them, and you will enjoy the sport even more.

Cheltenham 2021: Al Boum Photo Beneficiary of Gold Cup Rivals’ Disarray

With Cheltenham around the corner, the buzz around Al Boum Photo’s attempt at a Gold Cup hat-trick should start building to a fever pitch.

After all, we are talking real history here: the chance to venerate Al Boum Photo alongside legends like Arkle, Golden Miller Best Mate and Kauto Star. But while most pundits tip Al Boum Photo to take his third successive Gold Cup crown, we can perhaps detect a reluctance to give this the sense of occasion it deserves. 

Given another set of circumstances, Al Boum Photo would be the only story to talk about in the lead up to Cheltenham. But there is a more subdued feeling than you would expect around the race. It’s nothing to do with Al Boum Photo; the horse simply wins when he appears before Willie Mullins wraps him up in cotton wool and puts him away again. And while you might think the low-key build-up is linked to the fact there will be no fans at Cheltenham Racecourse this year, we can make an argument that it’s because the Gold Cup features a bunch of runners in shocking form. 

Last year, around two lengths separated the first four horses home in the Gold Cup, with Al Boum Photo beating Santini by a neck. Both Santini and third-placed Lostintranslation were immediately installed among the favourites for this year’s renewal. But neither has won a race since, and they have since dropped back down the betting markets. The same goes for the horses who were 4th, 5th and 6th home. 

Things could change by 19th March 

As ever, things might change as the festival gets into its groove. And when you check betting tips on the Cheltenham Day 4 races closer to the time, you might find that some tipsters have picked out a couple of candidates to beat Al Boum Photo. But the majority of the field is in disarray. We aren’t saying that taints Al Boum Photo’s attempt at a historic hat-trick – far from it – but it impacts the framing of a narrative for the big race: the story-telling, if you will. There is no sense of Arkle versus Mill House, or Kauto Star versus Denman, here. 

Al Boum Photo is currently around 3/1 in the betting markets. You can look at that two ways: first, it’s a relatively short price in terms of ante-post for a Gold Cup winner. Money will likely come in on the day to shorten those odds further. Secondly, though, a price of 3/1 doesn’t suggest bookmakers believe this to be a sure thing. Winning a Gold Cup isn’t easy, and there’s a lot that can happen over those 3 miles that can make your selection look foolish. 

A Plus Tard is now second favourite 

And that probably gets to the heart of things. Al Boum Photo has proven that he can win Gold Cups, looking imperious even in his runs away from Cheltenham. His main rivals – A Plus Tard, Champ, Royal Pagaille, Santini – could be Gold Cup winners, but they have not had the chance to prove it. If you the example of Royal Pagaille, the 4th favourite and a general 8/1 chance. Not only has the Venetia Williams trained horse never won a Grade 1 race before – it has never contested a Grade 1 race before. 

Willie Mullins

 

Perhaps Royal Pagaille and others will make that step up on the day, but the betting markets have been characterised by chopping and changing all winter as big hopes were raised and then dashed in racecourses across the UK and Ireland. The only constant was Al Boum Photo, cool-as-a-cucumber watching his rivals flounder. A worthy favourite for his third Gold Cup, but one who is the beneficiary of rivals who can’t seem to build any momentum. 

Jockey apologies for sitting on dead horse

Another video involving a dead horse has been released on social media, according to the Daily Mail featuring jockey Rob James who has ridden for Gordon Elliott.

James, who rode Milan Native to win at Cheltenham last year for Elliott has appeared in a shocking video where he appears to try and sit on a dead horse. He is told by a person in the video “Get up on her there” and immediately James jumps on the dead horse.

James who has ridden over 200 point to point winners, mainly for Colin Bowe was due to ride in the 5:20 at Gowran Park, but his horse Gentle Jolie is now a non-runner.

James told The Irish Field: “I have become aware of a video circulating of me on social media. I would just like of apologise for my actions which were wholly inappropriate and disrespectful to a lovely five-year-old mare, who unfortunately suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while at exercise earlier that morning, April 30th, 2016.

“I sincerely apologise to the owners of the mare, the staff who cared for her, the horseracing industry and all followers of horse racing for my actions.

“To try defending my stupidity at the time would add further insult and hurt to the many loyal people that have supported me during my career. I have caused embarrassment to my employers, my family and most importantly the sport I love.

“I am heartbroken by the damage I have caused and will do my best to try and make amends to those hurt by my conduct.”

The IHRB released a statement on Twitter on Tuesday morning which read: “The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board is aware of further social media content circulating and the matter is under investigation.”

This will only add fuel to the fire, but this all comes on the day Irish Minister of Sports Jack Chambers has come out strongly against the actions of Gordon Elliott and would feel uncomfortable that he would have runners at Cheltenham.

BE WARNED THERE ARE DISTRESSING SCENES IN TWITTER VIDEO

Talking on Newstalks breakfast show the minister said “he needs to be held fully accountable with any and every sanction should be on the table”.

When asked about Cheltenham Chambers replied “he wouldn’t be comfortable seeing Gordon Elliott at Cheltenham.”

This all follows the BHA announcement on Monday that Gordon Elliott would not be allowed to have runners in Cheltenham while still under investigation in Ireland.

A statement said: “The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) will not allow the Irish trainer Gordon Elliott to racehorses in Britain whilst the Irish authorities investigate an image that appeared on social media over the weekend.

“The trainer admitted the photo was genuine and apologised for his actions.

“The BHA, which regulates racing in Britain, will use powers under its own rules to refuse to allow horses trained by Mr Elliott to race in Britain pending consideration of the outcome of the Irish investigation

“The decision to refuse to allow horses trained by Mr. Elliott to run in Britain is, therefore, an interim decision which the BHA regards as proportionate in these circumstances.

“In an earlier statement, the BHA said it was appalled by the image which undermined its values of respecting and caring for horses.”

Cheltenham runners for Gordon Elliott in doubt after Sports Ministers comments

Irish Minister of Sports Jack Chambers has come out strongly against the actions of Gordon Elliott and would feel uncomfortable that he would have runners at Cheltenham.

Talking on Newstalks breakfast show the minister said “he needs to be held fully accountable with any and every sanction should be on the table”.

When asked about Cheltenham Chambers replied “he wouldn’t be comfortable seeing Gordon Elliott at Cheltenham.”

This all follows the BHA announcement on Monday that Gordon Elliott would not be allowed to have runners in Cheltenham while still under investigation in Ireland.

A statement said: “The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) will not allow the Irish trainer Gordon Elliott to racehorses in Britain whilst the Irish authorities investigate an image that appeared on social media over the weekend.

“The trainer admitted the photo was genuine and apologised for his actions.

“The BHA, which regulates racing in Britain, will use powers under its own rules to refuse to allow horses trained by Mr Elliott to race in Britain pending consideration of the outcome of the Irish investigation

“The decision to refuse to allow horses trained by Mr. Elliott to run in Britain is, therefore, an interim decision which the BHA regards as proportionate in these circumstances.

“In an earlier statement, the BHA said it was appalled by the image which undermined its values of respecting and caring for horses.”

Republic of Ireland to launch World Cup 2030 bid

They would co-host with Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England.

Ireland, along with the UK, are set to launch a bid for hosting privileges of the 2030 World Cup.

The FAI released a joint statement with the four other committees earlier, stating: “The football associations and government partners of the UK and Ireland are delighted that the UK government has committed to support a prospective five association bid for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. We will continue to undertake feasibility work to assess the viability of a bid before FIFA formally open the process in 2022. Staging a FIFA World Cup would provide an incredible opportunity to deliver tangible benefits for our nations. If a decision is made to bid for the event, we look forward to presenting our hosting proposals to FIFA and the wider global football community.”

If the bid is successful, it would signal the first time Ireland host a major senior international football event.

Ireland – along with a host of other European countries – were expected to co-host Euro 2020, however due to COVID that plan is no longer feasible. Now, England are expected to undertake sole hosting duties of the tournament.

League of Ireland players to watch in 2021

There will be several players looking to impress in the coming season.

The League of Ireland Premier and First Divisions are set to resume shortly with the 2021 season rapidly approaching. With that, there will be several players looking to establish themselves as key players for their respective teams.

Players from a number of different avenues will be keen to impress including those promoted from their team’s youth system, fringe players and arrivals from other leagues.

Here are some players who we feel could impress in the Premier and First Division in the coming season.

PREMIER DIVISION

JOE HODGE – DERRY CITY – MIDFIELDER

Highly-rated Manchester City midfielder Joe Hodge joined Derry City on loan last month to the surprise of many League of Ireland fans.

The 18-year-old midfielder has an ever-growing reputation and has been touted as a potential star of the future.

Some of his achievements to date include winning Manchester City Scholar of the Year, Republic of Ireland u17 Player of the Year and helping his Manchester City side to the FA Youth Cup last year.

Hodge is a technical, diminutive midfielder with a combative edge. Some Ireland fans will be aware of his quality from watching him in various underage tournaments.

Unfortunately Hodge sustained an injury recently which may keep him from playing the opening weeks of the season. However, if he can keep fit, he could become one of Derry City’s standout players.

BASTIEN HERY – BOHEMIANS – MIDFIELDER

Most League of Ireland fans will be familiar with Bastien Hery from his time at Limerick and Waterford. He played a handful of seasons for both clubs before heading up north to sign for Linfield.

After just over one year in Northern Ireland, Hery returned to the Republic for the upcoming season as he signed with Dublin club Bohemians.

A highly-technical and exciting midfielder, Hery should have what it takes to establish himself as a key member in the Bohemians starting XI.

His performances in the 2018 League of Ireland season seen him named in the Team of the Year. Bohemians fans will be hoping he can produce similar displays this time around.

DANNY MANDROIU – SHAMROCK ROVERS – MIDFIELDER

Once considered a key player – if not the key player – in the Bohemians side, Mandroiu’s gametime dramatically decreased towards the backend of last season, suggesting there could be internal problems between the player and club.

In light of his lack of playing time, most expected Mandroiu would leave Bohemians at the end of last season. However, few would have anticipated where he’d end up.

In what could be construed as a slap in the face to Bohemians and their supporters, he decided to join fierce rivals Shamrock Rovers for the 2021 season.

The former Ireland u21 midfielder is an immense talent and undoubtedly one of the best footballers in the league. He could be just what Rovers need to fill the void left by the departure of Jack Byrne.

RYAN O’KANE – DUNDALK – WINGER

Dundalk have signed a myriad of international talent over the transfer window. However, local teenager Ryan O’Kane might be the most exciting of the lot.

O’Kane signed a three-year professional contract with the Lilywhites ahead of the 2021 season and he could play a pivotal role this year, despite his young age.

The 17-year-old made his unofficial debut for Dundalk last Friday in a friendly against Bohemians with many viewers claiming he was man of the match.

Before signing for Dundalk, O’Kane played in the Northern Irish top-flight for Warrenpoint Town and Cliftonville, making his debut at the age of 15 for the former.

It’s unlikely that O’Kane will become a key player for Dundalk this season given his age and lack of experience. Nevertheless, there’s every chance he could become a useful rotation option.

Honourable mentions: Conor Kane (Drogheda United), Aaron Bolger (Longford Town), Liam Burt (Bohemians).

FIRST DIVISION

BRANDON KAVANAGH – BRAY WANDERERS – MIDFIELDER

Most League of Ireland fans will already be aware of Brandon Kavanagh. The 20-year-old midfielder has been in and around the Shamrock Rovers first team for years but has yet failed to establish himself as a regular.

Kavanagh spent last season playing in the First Division with Shamrock Rovers II. He impressed so much with his performances that he was included in the PFAI First Division Team of the Year.

He even managed to garner interest from Crystal Palace with his impressive performances. However, he remains a Shamrock Rovers player for the time being.

Although many thought Kavanagh was poised to establish himself as a key member of the Rover’s first team this season, he will instead ply his trade in the First Division again, this time on loan at Bray Wanderers.

A highly technical and creative midfielder, Brandon Kavanagh could be just what Bray Wanderers need in establishing a title challenge.

YOYO MAHDY – SHELBOURNE – STRIKER

Shelbourne suffered the heartbreak of losing the promotion/relegation play-off final to Longford Town last season meaning they were relegated to the First Division.

They have, however, recruited well for the upcoming season.

Yoyo Mahdy is just one of those recruits looking to make an impact.

Mahdy played for UCD in the First Division last season and finished as the league’s top scorer with 15 goals, just ahead of his teammate Colm Whelan who scored 14.

Clearly Mahdy knows where the back of the net is. He should score numerous goals this season given he’s provided adequate service.

RICARDO DINANGA – CORK CITY – WINGER

From league champions to relegation in a matter of 3 years. Cork City had a horrific 2020 season, finishing bottom of the table with just 11 points in 18 games.

Although relegation is obviously a negative thing, it may provide an opportunity for some younger players to break into the first team.

Of all their prospects, Dinanga might just be the one with the most potential.

The 19-year-old featured sporadically in the first team last season, scoring a couple of goals in the process.

Perhaps his most memorable moment last season came after scoring a brilliant extra time winner against Longford Town in the FAI Cup. He cut inside from the right-wing after latching onto a long ball, beat his man and finished with his left foot into the top corner.

If there’s any player that could break into the Cork starting XI this season, it’s Dinanga.

RONAN MANNING – GALWAY UNITED – MIDFIELDER

Despite finishing bottom of the First Division last season, Athlone Town showed glimpses of promise under manager Adrian Carberry.

Their best player was Ronan Manning. He now finds himself at Galway United for the upcoming season.

Manning scored 8 goals in 18 league appearances last term and will be hoping for a similar turn for Galway United.

Manning is a Galway native and has played for the club before between 2017 and 2018. He then took a break from football in 2019 before signing for Athlone in 2020, a decision which proved to be fruitful.

Galway are one of the promotion favourites this season having ended the 2020 season strongly under the guidance of John Caulfield.

Manning could prove a vital player if Galway are to find themselves at the top end of the First Division table.

Honourable mentions: Dylan McGlade (Cork City), Joel Coustrain (Treaty United), Killian Cantwell (Athlone Town).

 

 

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