Cork’s 11-time All Ireland winner Bríd Stack has been released from hospital after an incident in the Greater Western Sydney Giants’ practice match against the Crows at the weekend.
The former GAA star was playing her first AFL match when she was injured in a tackle late in the match at Norwood Oval.
Play was stopped and Stack was taken to hospital by paramedics, following spinal protocols.
Subsequent scans revealed the Irish recruit has a stable fracture of the C7 vertebra and no injury to the surrounding nerves. She does not require surgery but will wear a neck brace in the short term.
She will remain in Australia and a key part of the team as she rehabilitates from her injury.
Stack was released from hospital late on Sunday night to re-join the GIANTS’ AFLW squad who are based in Adelaide for at least the next two weeks.
Stack joined the GIANTS for the first time in 2021. The 34-year-old multiple All Ireland winner with Cork was named the 2016 Ladies Footballer of the Year.
She is in Australia with her husband and one-year old son.
GIANTS Head of Women’s Football, Bri Harvey said:
“This was an incredibly unfortunate accident and we’re thankful that Bríd has avoided serious injury.
“Bríd and her family have made incredible sacrifices to come to Australia to play in the AFL Women’s competition and we will be supporting them all the way through her recovery.
“We’d like to thank all those who provided Bríd with the best possible care both at the ground and in hospital across Sunday.”
Manchester United travelled to Anfield this evening to face old rivals Liverpool in what quite possibly the most important and anticipated fixture of the season so far.
Prior to the game, Manchester United led Liverpool by 3 points in the title race. Nothing but a win would do for Liverpool if they were to reclaim their place at the top of the league.
That would be no easy task, though. Ole Gunnar Solskjær had his side playing some of the best football they’d played in a long time. The Red Devils won 4 of their previous 5 league leaving them with presumably high confidence going into the fixture.
FIRST HALF
It was Liverpool, though, who got the better of the exchanges in the opening minutes of the game – without creating many good chances.
They controlled a majority of the possession while Manchester United largely sat back and tried to hit the opposition on the counter attack.
Many of the “big games” this season have lacked in entertainment value and this one was no different based on the opening 30 minutes. There really wasn’t much to talk about at all for large periods of the match.
Bruno Fernandes came closest in the half with a well struck free kick from the edge of the area. His shot went just wide of the post, though.
Liverpool managed to expose United’s high line just moments later as they hit on the counter attack. Eventually, the ball fell to Roberto Firmino’s feet just inside the box but he failed to get a proper connection on the ball and it sailed into the ‘keeper’s arms.
The uneventful first half ended 0-0. Manchester United probably would have been happy with the scoreline having been dominated in terms of possession. Liverpool, not so much.
SECOND HALF
The first half started in similar fashion to the first, not much going on.
Liverpool had a couple of half-chances around the 60-minute mark.
Firmino had the first opportunity as he connected with a Andrew Robertson cross but Harry Maguire produced a strong block which cannoned back off the Brazilian and out for a goal kick.
Salah was then played in by Firmino just moments later but he was swarmed by a number of United defenders and he dragged his shot wide.
Bruno Fernandes had a brilliant chance to break the deadlock in the 74th minute. Luke Shaw made a great overlapping run and crossed the ball low into Fernandes’ feet but the Portuguese international shot straight at Alisson.
Thiago shot from outside the area just moments after the Fernandes chance but he was stopped by his compatriot, David de Gea, who got a good hand to the ball.
Alisson was called into action again a few minutes later. This time Paul Pogba struck on the volley from inside the area but he was denied well by the Brazilian who demonstrated his elite reflexes in stopping the shot.
Manchester United – Liverpool fixtures are always billed as an exhilarating affair but this one certainly won’t go down in the history books.
The match finished 0-0 as neither team could get a decisive goal.
Manchester United remain 3 points ahead of Liverpool in the Premier League table.
Manchester United were able to sign the dazzling youngster of Serie A Amad Diallo this winter, but the people that have worked with the youngster previously have warned that he should quickly improve in some areas if he wishes to survive in the Premier League.
The Ivorian youngster’s value improved further following his impressive performances for the Italian club Atalanta.
The Red Devils had to fork out £37 million quickly in order to complete a deal for the Ivory international in the last summer transfer window, the deal came into fruition this winter.
The 18-year-old forward, who arrived at Old Trafford last week, was handed the No.19 jersey, which was previously worn by Marcus Rashford, as they are looking forward to his growth once he adapted to his new life in England.
While it might take some time before he finally gains his feet with the new team, he will still need to fight his way up into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer team to ensure a starting spot.
The Premier League is strangely different from the Italian Serie A and it will prove to be Diallo’s most difficult test with Denis Cerlini, who worked with the Ivorian youngster in the amateur team for Boca Barco, said that the Red Devils latest signing’s ability on air is not all that good.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Cerlini said: “Physically, Amad wasn’t the strongest at Boca Barco, and his heading abilities aren’t good.”
There is also former Italian international star Giovanni Galli, who stated almost the same thing after taking note of the Ivorian’s talent.
Galli said: “He must add a few kilograms of weight in order to survive in the Premier League.”
According to them, a player with the physicality of Diallo can easily be fouled when he is displaying his playmaking abilities or running with the ball. A continuous foul can only result in the player becoming more frustrated and could fail to make an impact in a game. Regardless, he is still considered as a special talent among players of his age, with BoyleSports online betting willing to place some interesting odds on his upcoming matches in United’s jersey.
Cerlini talked about Diallo, who he worked with when he was 12, he said: “We didn’t discover Amad, but rather he just came to us. It was a great stroke of luck.
“From the very first moment, it was evident the kid was special. He was very bold and quick, possessed great technique and a strong shot, and executed everything at great speed.
“Amad was popular in the dressing room. He made a lot of friends, learned Italian, and seemed to be a very determined guy who knew exactly what he wanted.”
Galli, who the former goalkeeper of Fiorentina and AC Milan, also added his bits about the young Ivorian forward: “A friend asked me to take a look at two guys – Amad and his older brother Hamed Junior Traore, who plays for Sassuolo nowadays.
“I worked at Lucchese in the third division at the time and invited them for a trial with our youngsters.
“I quickly saw they were simply too good for us. Amad played with bigger boys and drove them insane with his dribbling. Therefore, I made a few calls to Serie A clubs in order to tell them about the guys.
“At Atalanta, I spoke to the sporting director Gabriele Zamagna, and they duly signed Amad.”
Amad Diallo joined Atalanta in 2015 and has only been able to register five senior team appearances for the club before he was transferred to England to join up Manchester United.
We will be looking forward to the plans United boss Solskjaer has for the young Ivorian in the coming days.
Cricket has been played by the Irish since the 1730s. The sport enjoyed exponential prevalence following their victory in the Cricket World Cup of 2007. Ireland has both women’s and men’s teams governed under the ICU (Irish Cricket Union).
However, after their year in the spotlight, Ireland’s cricket began declining. Performance dropped due to various factors like unavailability of key players committed to other ventures and delayed payment leading to loss of motivation.
Currently, the popularity of cricket sees a boom, especially in the domestic sphere. More than 50,000 cricketers are playing in private teams, social clubs, schools, and universities. Not to say we have no participation in international games. You can view all fixtures for 2021 on Ireland Cricket’s web pages. Since the year began, the men’s team has met with Full Member’s UAE, who won for the first time against Ireland by six wickets.
However, the unprecedented outbreak and spread of the COVID pandemic disrupted the sports industry in more ways than one. Cricket leagues and series were forced to unscramble predetermined dates and events. And as one of the cricketing nations in the world, Ireland was not exempt.
How COVID Is Affecting Cricket In Ireland
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted all sports around the world to varying degrees. Social distancing protocols have brought about new adaptations that affect both players and fans alike. Unlike punters who can still access casino free spin games online, cricket aficionados crave the green fields in summer.
The Cricket Ireland Board has undertaken stringent measures to keep teams and fans safe in accordance with governments, leagues, and respective administrators. We have seen:
Curtailing of games beginning with the postponed Bangladesh summer tour to Ireland in March 2020, we were to participate in four T20I matches and 3 ODIs. The ICC (International Cricket
Withdrawal of competing nations from series games destabilizing the flow of events. For instance, the Ireland women’s cricket team also had to concede when Scotland withdrew from the planned tour late last year scheduled to take place at the La Manga Club in Spain.
Matches played in empty stadiums. In an aim to minimize social interaction, supporters are requested to watch cricket matches on devices.
As the medical sphere grasps a better understanding of the COVID virus, the world too is adapting to the new way of life. As new waves of the pandemic threaten, relevant authorities governing the cricket game are coming up with strategic approaches to the current situation. Therefore, if you are an avid supporter of Ireland’s cricket teams or a punter seeking to place wagers on an Irish sportsbook, check Cricket Ireland’s and international administrators’ official website pages for upcoming fixtures.
Global major tournaments have not been spared either. The most notable is the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League. Ireland and England were the first teams to open the games in July and August 2020 before the governing body decided to reschedule matches later.
Although this range of actions aims to curb the spread of COVID, they have much decimated the sporting schedule of cricket games in Ireland and beyond.
As the tide changes around the sport of cricket in the island nation, we continue to see an upsurge of Irish talent adorning the green uniform. Here are the top three cricketers worth keeping an eye on in 2021.
Top 3 Players To Watch Out For In 2021
Kevin O’Brien
A dynamic all-rounder; he is incredible with a bat making him an all-time favorite. Kevin O’Brien is Ireland’s leading wicket-taker. This right-handed batsman holds the record for scoring the fastest century against rivals England in 2011. And the stats he has amassed since then are mind-blowing.
Paul Stirling
A top-ranked run-scorer, Paul Stirling is a force to reckon with. An aggressive batsman, he is ranked among the top ten best scorers in T20I matches. Paul also has excellent bowling and fielding stats and is one of the finest young talents in the international circuit.
Laura Delany
The list would be incomplete without the 28-year-old women’s national team captain who is anxious to play an international game to qualify for the World Cup. She is an all-rounder: a prolific medium pace bowler and right-handed batsman. A few months ago, she was awarded a contract by Cricket Ireland indicating her ability to lead her squad towards a championship.
Final Word
Cricket is making a steady comeback in Ireland. It is even being introduced to schools and summer camps to renew interest in the sport. Current plans are underway to ensure Ireland joins the ranks of global cricketing giants like India, Pakistan, South Africa, England, and Australia. There is potential in the sport spearheaded by social and sporting ventures even as the cloud of uncertainty about the COVID pandemic looms.
The former England international has been confirmed as the new Derby County manager.
Wayne Rooney retired from professional football today after an illustrious playing career spanning nearly 20 years.
He played for 4 clubs during his playing career; Everton, Manchester United, D.C. United and Derby County.
He is most fondly remembered by fans of Manchester United and Everton.
Rooney started his career with Everton and made his debut at age 16 against Tottenham Hotspur. He would go on to make 108 league appearances over two spells at the club.
Rooney joined Manchester United from Everton in 2004 and would stay at the club for 13 years, solidifying himself as a club legend in the process.
He is Manchester United’s current top goalscorer having scored 253 goals in all competitions for the club. Arguably, his best goal came against Manchester City in 2011 as he acrobatically directed his shot towards the net.
Not to mention, he also attained several titles during his time in Manchester including; 5 Premier Leagues, The Champions League and The Europa League among others.
His decision to retire comes as a result of being named the new manager of Derby County, having coached – and played – at the club for a year.
The backroom staff has not seen many changes upon Rooney taking over, but some roles have been altered.
Shay Given, for example, has taken up the position of first-team coach after previously working as a first-team goalkeeping coach. Jason Pearcey has been promoted to first-team goalkeeping coach from academy goalkeeping coach as a replacement.
Justin Walker will also retain his position as first-team development coach.
Liam Rosenior has been appointed assistant manager having been part of Rooney’s coaching team – as well as Given and Walker – when he interim manager.
“My future is in management. I’ve had a great career with a few ups and a few downs, but I wouldn’t change anything. But now, I’d like to write some history in my managerial career.”
Wayne Rooney has already completed his first press conference as Derby County manager in which he was asked several burning questions.
“I know which players I want to keep here, and who I would like to bring in to this football club. I’m trying to build a team that I feel can challenge in this league. I’ve seen the reports on the younger players leaving. The ones who I want to keep, will stay”, Rooney commented.
This may suggest that Irish international Jason Knight is set to remain at the club, having been linked with a move away in recent weeks.
Rooney also released a statement upon being named manager: “When I first arrived back in the United Kingdom I was completely blown away by the potential of Derby County Football Club. The Stadium, Training Ground, the quality of the playing staff and the young players coming through and of course the fan base that has remained loyal and supportive.
“Despite other offers I knew instinctively Derby County was the place for me.
“To be given the opportunity to follow the likes of Brian Clough, Jim Smith, Frank Lampard and Phillip Cocu is such an honour and I can promise everyone involved in the club and all our fans, my staff and I will leave no stone unturned in achieving the potential I have witnessed over the last 12 months of this historic football club.”
His first game as permanent Derby County manager will be against Rotherham at 15:00 tomorrow afternoon.
Rotherham are just one place below Derby in the table (22nd and 23rd respectively) so the outcome of the match could have a damning effect on either club’s season.
In one of the strangest things, you will ever see on a rugby pitch, Josaia Raisuqe, who plays for French ProD2 lifted the ref about his head during a game.
Referee Laurent Millotte blew the final whistle and in a moment of madness, Raisuqe lifted him over his head to celebrate the win.
Raisuqe said: “The day after the game when I woke up, it was all over the internet. I was completely overwhelmed by the event. On Instagram and Facebook, I had hundreds of posts. My phone kept ringing. It was unbearable. I was scared. I was afraid the leaders of Nevers would be angry. I was afraid of losing my job.”
He added: “I would have liked to tell him that I was sorry, that there was no aggressiveness in my gesture… I would have liked to tell him that at home, rugby is just a game and that we appreciate it differently, that’s all. I know that I should not have behaved this way.
“A few hours later all my friends in Fiji knew about it. It all got over me. My father called me. He was p***ed off and I don’t like it when he’s like that. After that, I had a really hard time sleeping. Not only because I felt guilty but also because the phone would not stop ringing.
It looks like the Fijian knows what coming as he will surely face a long-term ban for his actions.
“I’m afraid of being heavily punished. The disciplinary committee, that’s all I think about. I hope they will understand though that my gesture was not aggressive.
“I regret it so much… I don’t know why I did this.”
The Sheffield United striker announced his international retirement in November.
Ireland’s World Cup qualification begins in March with fans cautiously awaiting the commencement of the campaign.
It’s been a rough few months for the national side. Controversy surrounding a pre-match motivational video, no wins throughout 2020, the retirement of David McGoldrick in addition to Damien Duff and Alan Kelly stepping down from their roles in recent days have all contributed to a miserable period of time for Ireland.
The absence of David McGoldrick in particular could have a damaging effect on the team’s on-field performance.
Despite not being a natural goalscorer – or even an experienced international – McGoldrick proved himself as a key member of the squad over the past couple of years. His showing against Slovakia in October as well as his performances against Switzerland and Denmark in 2019 more than demonstrated his worth to the national team.
As luck would have it, McGoldrick is enjoying his best spell of form at club level for a long time since his international retirement. The striker has been the shining light in a torrid season for Sheffield United thus far.
He has 5 goal contributions in 16 games including a brace against Manchester United and a stunning backheel goal against Chelsea. Even more impressive, though, has been his all-around play. Just yesterday he was named man of the match against Newcastle after a string-pulling performance.
REPLACEMENTS?
McGoldrick’s retirement from international duty is further compounded by the lack of striking options available to Ireland at the minute.
Many Irish strikers playing at a high level are either inexperienced, out of form or lacking first team minutes.
Shane Long was Ireland’s go-to striker for years but his playing time at both club and international level has gradually decreased over the past couple of years. He still, of course, has plenty to offer but if he’s not getting first-team minutes Stephen Kenny may be reluctant to start the Tipp man in March given the magnitude of the games.
There are also plenty of young strikers coming through, some of which already have experience in the national side.
Adam Idah and Troy Parrott are the two most likely candidates to start up front in March. Both have had their injury problems this season but they’ve been given game time in the Championship when available which is more than can be said about a lot of Ireland’s other options.
Idah started the season strongly by scoring on the opening day but has been out injured since November. To add to his injury, Idah has also contracted COVID-19 over the past week or so. He’s due back in February so hopefully he can get some game time under his belt before the international break.
Parrott, on the other hand, has been starting for Millwall recently after a 2020 marred with injury/health issues. He is yet to find his scoring touch that he’s displayed previously at underage level, though. Saying that, he has been playing at an acceptable level. His first goal for the club could be just the thing needed for the Spurs loanee to get his season on track.
Michael Obafemi is another one which has been touted as a star of the future for a couple of years now. Despite an impressive 2019/20 campaign, he has only played 16 minutes of Premier League football this season. Obafemi was reportedly due to complete a loan move to Swansea this month but to his misfortune he suffered a muscle injury in training which resulted in the Welsh club ending their interest. Realistically, he may not even get selected for the senior squad. Stephen Kenny always preferred Idah and Parrott in the u21s and hasn’t called Obafemi up to any senior squad so far.
Kenny has an enormous task at hand in the upcoming campaign and his fortunes are only made worse by the lack of strikers available to him.
Is there anyone that can step up and fill the void left by David McGoldrick?
David McGoldrick announces his retirement from international football
The Football Association of Ireland would like to thank David for his fantastic service and wish him all the best for the future
Sligo Rovers and Everton announced a “Strategic Partnership” between the two sides yesterday. The new agreement will see the two clubs partner on several initiatives. There will be information sharing between academy coaches and pre-season training link-ups. According to the formal statement“The clubs will exchange knowledge across both coaching and business operations.”
The best known link between the Merseyside club and the Bit O’Red was the 2009 signing of the then 20-year-old Seamus Coleman. The Killybegs native has went on to make over 300 first team appearances for the Premier League side. He has also captained both club and country during this time.
However, it is far from the first link between the two side. In 1939 Everton’s record goalscorer William Ralph “Dixie” Dean signed for Sligo Rovers. In his brief cameo at the club he scored ten goals in seven games. His five goals in a 7-1 win over Waterford is a club record that still remains to this day. He also picked up an FAI cup runners-up medal. Rovers losing out to Shelbourne 1-0 after a replay in that years cup final.
This formal partnership between Everton and a League of Ireland club is not a first by any means. In 1995 Home Farm agreed a deal wereby they were sponsored by the Merseyside giants. In return Home Farm Everton, as they were know for four seasons, gave Everton first refusal on their academy players. Future Irish international Richard Dunne was signed by the club as a result of this deal.
This partnership may pave the way for similar tie-ups between League of Ireland clubs and top flight English teams. New employment regulations resulting from Brexit preclude English sides from signing u-18 players. Ireland may act as a base for Premier league sides to train young talent. One would hope this would have a beneficial effect on opportunities for young Irish players and in the long run the national side.
The Football Association of Ireland has confirmed that Alan Kelly is leaving his goalkeeping coach role with the Republic of Ireland team.
Manager Stephen Kenny has accepted Kelly’ to step away from his role due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“Alan called to inform me of his decision and I have accepted it,” Stephen said. “I want to thank him for his time as goalkeeper coach with me and for his overall contribution to Irish football.”
Reflecting on his decision, Alan said: “With COVID-19 still viciously circulating in our communities, it is with a heavy heart that I have decided the time is right to step down from my role with the Republic of Ireland senior international team and pass on a fantastic group of goalkeepers to a new goalkeeping coach for the upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign.
“It has been an absolute honour and a privilege to represent the Republic of Ireland as a player and coach for the last 28 years. A special thank you goes out to all the Irish International goalkeepers I have played alongside and had the good fortune to coach.
“I would like to thank the FAI and wish Stephen, the staff and all the players the very best of luck in the World Cup qualifiers beginning in March and for the future.”
Twenty five horses have been entered for the €75,000 Dan & Joan Moore Memorial Handicap Chase at Fairyhouse on Saturday.
The Michael Winters-trained Chatham Street Lad, winner of the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Cheltenham a month ago, heads the entries. The Emmet Mullins’ Unibet Greatwood Handicap Hurdle winner The Shunter is also aiming for the race.
Joseph O’Brien has Front View, successful in a beginners’ chase at Fairyhouse last month, among the current field. The Jessica Harrington-trained Impact Factor is also among the entries and will be bidding for a third Fairyhouse win.
Gordon Elliott has six horses still in the race, including Chosen Mate, winner of the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Willie Mullins has both Fan Des Blues and Pont Aven.
Quilixios among 17 entries in Hurdle
Saturday’s card will also feature the ITM Virtual Stallion Trail Hurdle for which Gordon Elliott has entered Quilixios. He was an impressive winner at both Punchestown and Down Royal and heads a list of 17 entries.
Peter Roe, General Manager of Fairyhouse Racecourse, said:
“We are delighted to have another very exciting Dan & Joan Moore Memorial Handicap Chase on a great day’s racing at Fairyhouse on Saturday. Impact Factor was an impressive course and distance winner in the Easyfix Handicap Chase in November. Chatham Street Lad will be bidding to follow up on his Cheltenham win for the popular Cork trainer Mick Winters.”
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