England Sees the Reopening of Golf to the Public with COVID Protocols in Place

It’s not just the pros who love all things golf in England; it’s the public who have been forced to stay off the links during the latest round of lockdowns. This is exactly why the re-opening of golf as of December 2nd in England is such a huge and welcome announcement. Of course, it’s not all back to normal, as there will still be COVID protocols in place to ensure the sport can be enjoyed in a safe manner. Regardless of what tier the region is in, golf will be permitted for play in fourballs.

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So, what do the COVID protocols look like, and what can players heading back to the links expect? There are a number of safety measures in place – most that likely won’t come as a surprise.

Fourballs Are Now Permitted in All Tiers

Many golfers will probably remember that back in the first lockdown that took place in England, golf was temporarily shut down, and when it returned, only two-balls were permitted. While many assumed that may be the case this time, the government has in fact given the green light to fourballs.

The Tier System Will Dictate Some Measures

Despite the fact that fourballs will be permitted in all tiers of the alert system, other restrictions will be put in place. In the case of a Tier 3 alert setting, the indoor hospitality services at the course will only be allowed to provide takeaway food. Also, all the clubhouses must be closed.

Another rule is that face coverings will need to be worn in all the indoor settings. This rule expands across all tiers, making it universal and easy to follow. This means that if the golfer is to walk into the clubhouse or a pro shop, they need to have a proper face covering on.

There is also the ‘rule of six’ which will also apply to any region that is in Tier 1 (medium alert). The ‘rule of six’ means that players cannot socialize outside a group of six people – both outdoors and indoors.

For the Tier 2 regions, the rules get much stricter. Golfers are not allowed to socialize with anyone outside their immediate household, or outside their support bubble in an indoor setting. As for outdoors, the limit is six people.

The government has also stated that golfers in high alert areas (Tier 2 and 3) must not travel to Tier 1 regions to play golf.

Turning to Other Means to Keep Up with the Sport

So, what have the professionals and amateurs alike been doing to keep up with the sport that they love so much? One of the biggest hits have been golf simulators, such as the Edina Golf Simulator. A golf simulator not only gives you the feeling of playing on the real thing, but it helps players to improve their game and prepare to get back on the actual links.

As restrictions start to ease up in England, most notably the fact that football fans will be able to return to some games after 266 days of being closed to fans, the reopening of golf comes as a welcome measure.

Double Swoop for Shamrock Rovers

Hoare and McCann sign for Rovers

Shamrock Rovers have further strengthened their squad ahead of the 2021 season. Sean Hoare has made the switch from Oriel Park to Tallaght Stadium, signing with Rovers on a permanent deal. The defender scored against the Hoops only last week in the FAI Cup Final victory. The moves marks the end of his successful career at Dundalk where he won two league titles and two FAI Cups.

Rovers manager Stephen Bradley expressed his delight with the signing: “He fits our type of profile for a defender and he’s very versatile. He’s a good age as well so he’s one we’ve liked for quite some time.”

Veteran midfielder Chris McCann also joins the league winners. McCann boasts an impressive C.V. having spent time at Burnley, Wigan Athletic and MLS side Atlanta United, where he won the MLS Cup.

Despite interest from England, McCann opted for Dublin and is an acquisition that “can improve us (Rovers) as a team and as a squad and make us better” according to Bradley.

Which Irish players need a move in January?

The transfer window reopens on January 1^st, 2021.

The transfer window allows out of favour/young players a chance to secure a move away from their clubs onto greener pastures, whether it be permanently or temporarily. Some Irish players have struggled for game time so far this season. The reopening of the transfer window in January may lead to first team opportunities for those players, dependant on the right move.

Players will have a month to secure a move with the window closing again at the end of the January.

In a window that is sure to see movement between clubs, here are some Irish players which may benefit:

JAYSON MOLUMBY – BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION

After his impressive loan spell at Millwall last season, many expected Jayson Molumby to take up a role as squad player at Brighton. So far, that’s not been the case.

The midfielder has received limited first team minutes for his club this season. His appearances have mainly come in cup competitions, with just one appearance off the bench in the Premier League.

At international level, things have been more positive for Molumby. He made his debut in September and has since gone on to earn 5 caps. It will, however, be difficult for him to solidify himself as a starter for Ireland without first team minutes under his belt.

A loan move would be perfect for Molumby at this stage of his development. Another move to the Championship may be beneficial for the Waterford man.

Millwall were rumoured to be interested in taking him for a second loan spell at the beginning of the season however nothing materialized. Perhaps a move to the Lions in January is on the horizon?

RYAN MANNING – SWANSEA

Although Manning only moved to Swansea in October, he may well be vying for a move in January. The left back has only made 3 appearances since joining the Swans having left QPR – where he was a regular starter – over an apparent dispute over wages.

Manning had arguably his best season yet during 2019-20, playing a part in 41 Championship games and registering a number of goal contributions. He was linked with a number of Premier League clubs, but Swansea captured his signature in the end. A move which Manning is likely regretting.

He looks unlikely to displace current starting left back Jake Bidwell as it stands, meaning a move away from the club may be needed.

Swansea are unlikely to let Manning go for less than they paid for him – £2.16 million – meaning suitors may be limited. A loan move could be a possibility; however Swansea may want to keep him at the club as a backup option.

Either way, it’s clear that Manning needs improved playing time.

MICHAEL OBAFEMI – SOUTHAMPTON

Michael Obafemi’s omission from recent Ireland squads have upset certain sections of the Irish support, particularly given the limited striking options.

The Southampton academy graduate had his best season to date last term, netting against both Manchester United and Chelsea. However, this season he’s struggled for playing time in the first team. In fact, he has played just 13 minutes of Premier League football this season.

His minutes aren’t likely to change anytime soon, either. Southampton are in exceedingly good form, meaning Obafemi is unlikely to displace their current starting strikers.

His lack of playing time at club level will do him no favours in terms of making his way into future international squads.

A loan move to a Championship or lower Premier League club may be just what Obafemi needs at this stage. Southampton obviously see a future for the striker so a permanent transfer away seems unlikely.

SHANE LONG – SOUTHAMPTON

Shane Long is another Southampton striker in need of first team opportunities. Once one of Ireland’s best players, Long’s status has dropped over the years due to his decreased playtime.

At 33 years of age, Long is in/approaching the twilight of his career. He has been a great servant to Southampton over the years, but it may be time for a move.

Long hasn’t been included in an Ireland squad since October despite being one of the most experienced players available.

A transfer would be ideal for the Tipperary man. A host of Championship or lower Premier Division clubs should be lining up for the services of long.

Long played for West Brom for 3 years at the start of the decade and there’s every chance they could make a move for the striker in January. His Premier League experience could be just what the club need to avoid relegation.

Top Irish Horse Racing Events

Ireland is the proud home of the Blarney Stone, Leprechauns and Guinness, but can also lay claim to some of the best horse racing in the world. The Irish are staunch supporters of the sport. Nowhere is this clearer than at online bookmakers, where horseracing is the most popular betting sport by far.

Gambling on the horses goes back a long way in Ireland, and you can click here for more information about the current situation and laws. What is clear though, is that these days betting is done as much with online sportsbooks as at the bookies.

With a racing season that lasts for most of the year and includes over 350 races, Ireland is a horse racing enthusiast’s dream. We can’t give you information about every race, but here are the top horse racing events in Ireland.

Punchestown Irish National Hunt Festival

The Punchestown Festival takes place annually in April. The races start on a Tuesday, and run for five consecutive days. It’s often likened to the Cheltenham Festival in England, as both events have a similar structure.

Punchestown features ten championship races including Champion Hurdle, World Series Hurdle and Punchestown Gold Cup. The festival is the pinnacle of the Irish national hunt season and is consistently well-attended. This collaboration of spectacular racing, high fashion, and engaging entertainment for the whole family is a fitting end to the season.

Galway Summer Festival

The Ballybrit racecourse in Galway is home to the annual Galway Summer Festival that takes place at the end of July. It’s one of the longest racing festivals in Ireland, and attracts entrants and spectators from all over the world.

If you’re looking for some glamour, don’t miss Ladies Day that takes place on Thursday of festival week. This day is by far the most stylish, with the ladies competing for the coveted Best Dressed Lady, and Most Elegant Hat awards.

The racing highlights of the Galway Festival are the Galway Plate, a national hunt chase, and the Galway Hurdle which is a national hunt hurdle race. The popularity of these races contributes to the reasons why the Galway Festival consistently attracts a 100,000 people each year.

Irish Grand National

The Irish Grand National has produced some memorable moments over the years. This national hunt steeplechase race is one of the headline races at the Fairyhouse Easter Festival. Spectators are on the edge of their seats as the field of 30 horses race around a track dotted with 24 hedges. The whole field rarely finishes the race. In fact, in 1928, only two riders crossed the finish line.

The most successful horse at the Irish Grand National was Brown Lad. He’s the only horse to have won the race three times: 1975, 1976 and 1978. The race is traditionally run on Easter Monday, with thousands attending on the day, and hundreds of thousands more tuning in on televisions and mobile devices to watch it live.

Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival

The Irish Derby Festival is a three-day event taking place at the end of June at the Curragh. This racecourse is in County Kildare, a popular area for horse breeding, and training.

The Irish Derby is an integral part of this event, and with a purse of close to €700,000, it attracts some of the top three-year-old racehorses in the world. The festival appeals to horse lovers, but the blend of fashion, and entertainment draws spectators from all corners of the world.

FinalThoughts

The Irish embrace horse racing, and its history in the region goes back centuries. For a small country, it packs a big punch on the international stage. Whether you’re planning a trip to the races or placing a bet at an online casino, you might have the luck of the Irish at one of these top Irish horse racing events.

Ireland in Pool B with South Africa & Scotland for RWC 2023

Ireland have drawn reigning Rugby World Cup holders South Africa and Guinness Six Nations rivals Scotland in Pool B for Rugby World Cup 2023 in France.

It will be first meeting between Ireland and the Springboks in a Pool game of the Rugby World Cup.

In the most recent meeting between Ireland and South Africa, the home side had a 38-3 at the Aviva Stadium in 2017.

Ireland beat Scotland at RWC in Japan and played them in both the Six Nations and Autumn Nations Cup this year.

At today’s draw in Paris, Asia/Pacific 1 and Europe 2 were also drawn in Pool B.

If Andy Farrell’s side progresses beyond Pool B, they will play a team from Pool A. This pool contains three-time Rugby World Cup winners New Zealand and hosts France.

Rugby World Cup 2023

Pool A: New Zealand, France, Italy, America 1, Africa 1

Pool B: South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, Asia Pacific, Europe 1

Pool C: Wales, Australia, Fiji, Europe 1. Final Qualifier Winner

Pool D: England, Japan, Argentina, Oceania 1, Americas 2

Quarter Final 1: Winner Pool C v Runner-up Pool D

Quarter Final 2: Winner Pool B v Runner-up Pool A

Quarter Final 3: Winner Pool D v Runner-up Pool C

Quarter Final 4: Winner Pool A v Runner-up Pool B

Semi-Final 1: Winner QF1 v QF3

Semi-Final 2: Winner QF2 v QF4

Roundup of Sunday’s Premier League action

How we’ve missed this. 🥺#FULLIV pic.twitter.com/IomWaQWUbH
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) December 13, 2020

Viewers were treated to a handful of surprise results.

We’re now nearly a ⅓ of the way through the Premier League season, meaning many of those near the top of the table will be looking to establish themselves as title contenders going into January.

There were a number of captivating matches played today which sprung some surprise results.

Here’s how today’s Premier League games played out:

SOUTHAMPTON vs. SHEFFIELD UNITED

The 12 o’clock kick off featured a jubilant Southampton against a lowly Sheffield United side.

Southampton have started the season very well. Prior to kick off, they collected 20 points from just 11 matches. Sheffield United, on the other hand, could hardly have started the season any worse. They only picked up 1 point in 11 games which is in complete contrast to the start they had last season.

Thing didn’t get much better for The Blades today as they were easily beaten 3-0.

Che Adams opened the scoring in the 34^th minute after latching on to a deflection of his teammate Jan Bednarek.

Stuart Armstrong was fortunate to get the 2^nd goal of the game as his shot from outside the box trickled into the net from a deflection.

Nathan Redmond completed the rout in the 83^rd minute with a placed shot into the bottom corner.

Southampton now sit 4^th in the Premier League table after tonight’s result. Sheffield United remain bottom. Although the season is only early yet, Sheffield United will need a miracle to stay up based on their form thus far. They were never prolific goalscorers last season but their defensive structure ensured the team a comfortable survival. This season, they have neither of the above.

CRYSTAL PALACE vs. TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Tottenham faced a difficult trip to Selhurst Park today as they looked to solidify their place as the top of the table.

Both teams have started the season well – particularly Tottenham – and would have been confident going into the match. Crystal Palace had the added boost of fans being on their side for the first time this season.

It was Tottenham who opened the scoring in the 23^rd minute, though. Harry Kane struck from range and his shot was completely misjudged by Crystal Palace keeper Vicente Guaita before hitting the back of the net. Guaita had produced a number of good saves prior to the goal so for him to concede in that fashion was unfortunate.

Crystal Palace weren’t going to lie down and accept defeat, though. They had a couple of chances to equalize until they got their goal in the 81^st minute, and through an unlikely source. Jeffrey Schlupp equalised after confusion in the box from a free kick to score his first goal of the season.

As mentioned before, Vicente Guaita made a succession of good saves before his mistake led to the opening goal. He more than made up for his mistake with a handful of outstanding saves in the dying embers of the game. He made one particular save from a Harry Kane free kick which could be a contender for save of the season. The Spaniard looked beaten as Kane’s free kick was heading to the corner but he showed supreme agility and reflexes to tip the ball over the bar.

The match finished 1-1 to Spurs. They were still top of the table, but Liverpool were to play later and if they collected all 3 points that position would change hands.

FULHAM vs. LIVERPOOL

Fulham have looked good at times this season, but have struggled to pick up points despite their impressive performances.

Both teams needed a win today but for different reasons, Liverpool had the chance of going top of the league while Fulham could have moved comfortably out of the relegation zone.

The match wasn’t as straightforward as Liverpool would have liked, with Fulham creating most of the good, early chances. Fulham had a number of shots but failed to find the back of the net. That is until the 25^th minute. Bobby Decordova-Reid was played through on goal and he smashed his shot into the corner, leaving the returning Alisson with no chance.

Fulham could have easily gone 2-0 up not too long afterwards after uncharacteristically poor defending from Andy Robertson afforded Ivan Cavaleiro a chance from close range. His shot, though, was too close to the keeper and Alisson dealt with the chance routinely.

Liverpool had a handful of chances to equalize, but their goal didn’t come until the 79^th minute. They had their share of the luck as they were awarded a penalty after a handball in the box. Mohamed Salah then stepped up to take and *just* slotted past the Fulham keeper.

Liverpool now sit on level points with Tottenham having failed to take their opportunity to go top. Fulham currently sit 18^th, just inside the relegation zone.

ARSENAL vs. BURNLEY

Both teams have had unremarkable seasons thus far this season. Arsenal, in particular, have been poor and are performing well below expectations.

The first half was predictably uneventful, with chances hard to come by for both teams. The second half, though, produced a series of talking points.

The first of which came in the 58^th minute as Granit Xhaka was sent off for a second yellow after unnecessarily handling his opponent by the throat. His dismissal made it even more difficult for Arsenal to get a result, having played with little conviction even beforehand.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ended his goal drought in the 73^rd minute. He would have, however, preferred it to go into the other net. The Gabon international scored an own goal as he headed past Bernd Leno from a Burnley corner.

Robbie Brady cleared off the line in the dying embers of injury time to ensure a Burnley victory.

Burnley’s win moves them out of the relegation zone while Arsenal loom dangerously over it. Making matters worse, Arsenal have an unenviable schedule going into the Christmas period including a succession of games against Southampton, Everton, Chelsea and Liverpool.

LEICESTER vs. BRIGHTON

Leicester have started this season on a high and, although it’s a long shot, could be potential title contenders with consistency in their performances. Contrastingly, Brighton haven’t made the best start to the season, despite playing good football at times.

Leicester hit the front in the 27^th minute through a James Maddison deflected strike. The midfielder was left out of the latest England squad, so he’ll be hoping his performance can impress enough to warrant his inclusion in the next one.

Jamie Vardy scored his 12^th goal of the season in the 41^st minute to double Leicester’s advantage.

James Maddison completed his brace and the scoring on the night in the 44^th minute. What a goal it was as well. He made some space for himself just inside the box using his trickery before curling his shot into the top corner leaving no chance for the keeper.

Leicester’s win tonight leaves them 3^rd in the Premier League table, just 1 point behind Spurs and Liverpool. Brighton remain just above the relegation zone with 10 points from 12 games.

Mogul wins Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin

Mogul continued Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore’s successful connection with the Longines Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin on Sunday.

The son of Galileo claimed an impressive victory in the HK$20 million race over 2400m.

It was a third success in the race for the Ballydoyle handler who previously won with Highland Reel in both 2015 and 2017.

In a race where he always looked comfortable, Mogul defeated Hong Kong champion and five-time Group 1 winner Exultant with another local runner, Columbus County, in third.

Reaction to Mogul’s win

“He’s a horse that we always expected a lot from,” winning jockey Ryan Moore said.

“He was a good two-year-old, he won his Group 2 Champions Juvenile Stakes at Leopardstown. I don’t know, maybe just the way the season unfolded, he took a while to really pull himself together,” Moore added.

Owned by the Coolmore partners

Owned by Coolmore, Mogul is set to stay in training and will be primed for an international campaign as a four-year-old.

Representing Aidan O’Brien at Sha Tin, Ballydoyle’s John Manton praised Mogul’s display.

“He was brilliant there today and he travelled well,” he said. “All week, he’s been doing everything we’ve asked him to do and today worked out just perfectly. He picked up well and ran well out to the line. He was very good.”

2020 All Ireland Hurling Champions – Limerick easily beat Waterford in final

Limerick easily beat Waterford in 2020 All Ireland Hurling final, they were always in control and scored 24pts from play.

Gearoid Hegarty was immense and is a deserving winner of the 2020 All-Ireland final man of the match.

75′

Waterford 0-19 0-30 Limerick, Result
69′

Diarmaid Byrnes point
67′

Pat Ryan point
65′

Gearoid Hegarty puts Limerick 8pts up
65′

Austin Gleeson point, 7pts in it
63′

Bennett free
62′

Kyle Hayes
Quaid makes two good saves, Waterford going for Goals
55′

Austin Gleeson point
55′

Gillane point, Limerick will be the 2020 hurling champions
52′

Limerick lead by 9pts at the waterbreak
52′

Bennett from play
51′

Gillane with another free
50′

Gearoid Hegarty point, thats six points
49′

Gillanes 7pt point gives Limerick a seven point lead
48′

Calum Lyons point, six in it
45′

Tom Morrissey point
45′

Dessie Hutchinson point
44′

Gearoid Hegarty point
42′

Gearoid Hegarty point
42′

Bennett free
41′

Seamus Flanagan point
39′

First three points of second half for Limerick.
39′

Gearoid Hegarty point
37′

Flanagan first point of the second half
35′

Waterford 0-11 0-14 Limerick, Half time in Croke Park
35′

An amazing point from Gillane,
35′

Bennett free for Waterford, back to 4pts
35′

Bennett free for Waterford
34′

Gearoid Hegarty point, Limerick lead by 6pts
33′

Aaron Gillane with a beautiful point
33′

Bennett free for Waterford
31′

Gillane point from play
30′

Tom Morrissey point from play, thats his 3rd. Four point lead for Limerick
30′

Stephen Bennett point from a free
28′

Stephen Bennett point from play
27′

Gleeson hits over a lovely sideline cut
26′

Kyle Hayes point, its now 6pt lead
26′

Long range free from Bennett goes wide
24′

Gearoid Hegarty puts Limerick 5pts up
22′

Austin Gleeson returns but Waterford lose Tadhg De Burca to an injury
19′

Its doubles scores at the waterbreak, 8pts to 4pts
19′

Its doubles scores at the waterbreak, 8pts to 4pts
17′

Austin Gleeson looks badly injured, Declan Hannon scores a point afterwards
16′

Stephen Bennett point from a free, three in it
15′

William O’Donoghue responds with a point
15′

Stunning point from Austin Gleeson
14′

Great save by Waterford keeper, Gillane gets a free
11′

Gillane point
10′

Aaron Gillane with a beautiful point from the sideline
9′

Second score from Tom Morrissey, lovely point
7′

Stephen Bennett point from a free
5′

Stephen Bennett hits over a free from half way
3′

Seamus Flanagan doubles the Limerick lead
2′

Goal chance for Waterford goes wide
1′

Tom Morrisey opens the scoring
Limerick (All-Ireland SHC final v Waterford): Nicky Quaid; Sean Finn, Dan Morrissey, Barry Nash; Diarmaid Byrnes, Declan Hannon, Kyle Hayes; Darragh O’Donovan, William O’Donoghue; Gearoid Hegarty, Cian Lynch, Tom Morrissey; Aaron Gillane, Seamus Flanagan, Graeme Mulcahy. Subs: Barry Hennessy, Conor Boylan, Adrian Breen, Peter Casey, Ronan Connolly, Aaron Costello, Richie English, Robbie Hanley, Paddy O’Loughlin, David Reidy, Pat Ryan.
Waterford : Stephen O’Keeffe; Ian Kenny, Conor Prunty, Shane McNulty; Calum Lyons, Tadhg De Burca, Kevin Moran; Jamie Barron, Kieran Bennett; Jack Fagan, Neil Montgomery, Stephen Bennett; Dessie Hutchinson, Austin Gleeson, Jack Prendergast. Subs: Billy Nolan, Peter Hogan, Mark O’Brien, Mikey Kearney, Patrick Curran, Colin Dunford, Conor Gleeson, Darragh Lyons, Jake Dillon, Iarlaith Daly, Shane Fives.

Miami Dolphins v Kansas City Chiefs – Preview, Fantasy Advice & Prediction

It’s the 6pm game live on Sky Sports NFL, Miami Dolphins v Kansas City Chiefs – We have a Preview, Fantasy Advice & Prediction.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Miami Dolphins

The early game this Sunday sees the Kansas City Chiefs try to continue their march towards successfully defending their SuperBowl crown. The next stop on that journey is South Beach and a date with the emerging Miami Dolphins. You will be hard pushed to find a team that has improved as much as the Dolphins since the beginning of last season, and they have gone from a team who were widely viewed to be clearly tanking to one of the most promising teams in the NFL under the leadership of Brian Flores. This game should give us a good idea of just how far along in the process the Fins are and the Chiefs can expect a lively encounter.

PP Betting:

Money line: Chiefs2/7Dolphins27/10
Points Spread: Chiefs -7
Over/Under:50.5

It’s strange, I’m looking at these odds and somehow I end up feeling that the Dolphins are being undervalued and overvalued at the same time. The defense definitely has the capability to make it difficult for the Chiefs to tee off on them and the offense has more than enough playmakers to keep them in it. But if one, or both, aren’t quite up to it, we all know how quickly things can get manky ugly against the Chiefs.

If you are feeling brave, the Miami Defense/Special Teams are 30/1 to get the first TD.

Fantasy Football Outlook:

Kansas City Chiefs:
If you aren’t aware of just how explosive and deadly this Chiefs offense is by now, I’d like to welcome you to Planet Earth. They have amassed one of, if not, the most talented group of playmakers the NFL has seen in many a year. As I said for their game last week, every single one of their starters have the capability to tear a team to shreds on any given day. The only potential pitfall here is that the Dolphins have quietly assembled a legit defense which boasts the NFL’s interception leader in 2020, Xavien Howard. The Chiefs didn’t look like their usual merciless selves last week in a narrow win over the Broncos so they will be out to make a statement this week. As per usual, the leading candidates for big fantasy output are Tyreek Hil, Travis Kelce and, of course, Patrick Mahomes.

Miami Dolphins:

Normally my fantasy advice for the Dolphins would start with the Defense. However, that same defense have the unenviable task of trying to slow down the Kansas offensive juggernaught. That’s no easy feat and starting this defense is very high risk this week, but if anyone matches up well with the Chiefs offense, it may be this defense. They don’t give up a lot of splash plays and inside the Red Zone they are down right ruthless. And coincidentally, the Red Zone is where the Chiefs offense has shown signs of frailty lately.

Offensively, the Dolphins are hard to predict. They have been playing it understandably cautious with rookie Tua Tagovailoasince handing him the job from vet Ryan Fitpatrick, and the likes of Mike Gesicki and DeVante Parker have both taken a hit in fantasy value after opening the season in blistering form. But they may not be able to play it as safe this week if they want to keep themselves in this game. This might be the game where they have to loosen the reigns on the former Alabama man especially with the problems they are having at running back. Miles Gaskin, Matt Breida and Salvon Ahmed are all out for this game leaving Patrick Laird and DeAndre Washington to hold the run game down with Elijah McGuire who was only picked up mid-week and elevated off the practise squad yesterday.

My Prediction:

There is no doubt that the Chiefs are at least 1 or 2 levels above the Miami Dolphins as we stand. And my philosophy in any sport is that if the team who is a level above plays even close to their potential, there is pretty much nothing the opposition can do to avoid getting beaten. I hate to predict my own team to lose (although in an strange way, I also hate predicting them to win too) but all logic points to a Chiefs win

Chiefs by 4

Kilkenny are 2020 Camogie champions after beating Galway

Kilkenny come back from trailing at half time to be crowned the 2020 All Ireland camogie champions.

A 57^th minute penalty goal by Denise Gaule sealed a deserved victory for Kilkenny to lay the ghosts of previous Liberty Insurance All-Ireland Final defeats firmly in the past.

The Cats had lost the last three deciders in succession since getting their hands on the O’Duffy Cup in 2016 and were in no mood to fall short in this most unique of Championship seasons.

Gaule finished with 1-6 but Brian Dowling had heroines all over the pitch.

Grace Walsh has been immersed in Covid-19 as a nurse and she served up an all-action display that told of someone revelling in having the opportunity to express herself in that context. It was a performance that will live long in the memory.

There were six changes to the team that were defeated in last year’s Final by Galway for a variety of reasons but so many of the newcomers stood tall on the most important day of all.

Aoife Doyle was the game’s leading scorer from play with four points and two of those might well have been goals, while Katie Nolan thundered into the fray in the second half, as a supplier and scorer, and Mary O’Connell was noticeable too in an industrious Kilkenny attack that forced countless turnovers, a number of which led to scores.

The first significant news of the evening was the starting berth for Kilkenny’s Kelly Ann Doyle, who tore her cruciate ligament for a second time on March 8^th against Cork in the National League and whose first bit of action since then, was the 12-minute cameo against the same opposition in the Semi-Final a fortnight ago.

To last an hour in such an affair was a testament to the Piltown flier’s dedication to her rehab.

Among the more interesting match-ups, Davina Tobin was delegated to attend to Orlaith McGrath, with Niamh Kilkenny and Aoife Donohue facing off against Anna Farrell and Walsh respectively.

Elsewhere, Caitriona Cormican was given the task of attempting to repeat her marking heroics on Anne Dalton 12 months ago.

As the game settled, both teams left two forwards inside, the result of which was a clogged middle and one spare player invariably in defence.

It started quickly, Siobhán McGrath marking her late call-up with a score in under 50 seconds, but Aoife Doyle replied with a stupendous point over her left shoulder running away from the posts.

As space become more and more of a premium, the teams were reliant on the place-strikers and both Carrie Dolan and Gaule answered the call as they went into the first water break on 0-3 apiece.

There was a suspicion beforehand, that the Galway attack carried the superior goal threat but it was Kilkenny who carved out the better opportunities in that regard, while the Kilkenny defence was outstanding.

That said, Orlaith McGrath took a pass from her sister Siobhán to raise the game’s first green flag and that sent Cathal Murray’s charges in at the break leading by 1-5 to 0-6, though perhaps it was significant that Aoife Doyle pointed in response, and it should have been a goal after Walsh went on a careering run before putting her in a one-on-one position.

It was more of the same after the resumption but Kilkenny gradually exerted dominance around the breaking ball. Nolan and Walsh were outstanding and when Gaule hit her only score from play after being found by Claire Phelan in the 40^th minute, Kilkenny were in front for the first time.

Dolan levelled quickly but Galway wouldn’t score for another 14 minutes. Doyle and Walsh put two between them but Brian Dowling must have been feeling nervous when Niamh Kilkenny and Dolan, from a free, restored parity.

Then came the definitive moment, as Phelan emerged from a ruck with the sliotar and fed Anna Farrell, who found Gaule with a hand-pass of glorious vision. She tumbled under a challenge from Shauna Healy and Sarah Dervan and the penalty was awarded.

The Windgap ace picked herself up off the deck to drill an unstoppable low shot past Sarah Healy, following up with a pointed free for the vital breathing space, and though Dolan brought it back to the goal from a placed ball, Galway could not create the opportunity for a spectacular escape.

This was Kilkenny’s day.

SCORERS FOR KILKENNY: D Gaule 1-6(0-4fs, 1-0 pen, 0-1 45); A Doyle 0-4; A Dalton, M O’Connell, K Nolan, G Walsh 0-1 each

SCORERS FOR GALWAY: C Dolan 0-6(5fs); O McGrath 1-0; S McGrath 0-2; A O’Reilly, N Kilkenny, A Donohue 0-1 each

KILKENNY: A Norris, M Teehan, C Dormer, D Tobin, C Phelan, M Farrell, K A Doyle, G Walsh, A Farrell, A Dalton, M Walsh, D Gaule, M O’Connell, A Doyle, K Nolan. Subs: L Murphy for O’Connell (54), N Deely for K A Doyle (60)

GALWAY: Sarah Healy, T Kenny, S Dervan, H Cooney, E Helebert, Shauna Healy, C Cormican, A Donohue, N Kilkenny, N Hanniffy, A O’Reilly, S Gardiner, O McGrath, C Dolan, S McGrath. Subs: S Spellman for Helebert (51), R Hennelly for Donohue (60+2)