Home Blog Page 428

Mayo vs Tipperary: Preview, TV Channel, Betting, Prediction

Quite remarkably, this year’s four All-Ireland semi-finalists is a repeat of the 1920 Championship’s. In the same way, that year Mayo and Tipperary played in the semi-final. The Munster men won 1-5 to 1-0 on that day before beating Dublin in the final. Now, Mayo vs Tipperary will again determine who gets a shot at All-Ireland glory a century on.

In the last decade, Mayo competed in four All-Ireland finals and lost all four. Furthermore, they lost another four semi-finals. As a result, this Mayo team have become one of the best teams to never win an All-Ireland.

Are Mayo Finally ‘Back’?

This year, James Horan has found a blend of youthful injection to bolster the experience of his tried and tested. Youngsters Oisin Mullin, Eoghan McLoughlin, Tommy Conroy, Mark Moran, Bryan Walsh and Ryan O’Donoghue have all played their part in winning Nestor Cup against Galway three weeks ago.

These additions have brought out the best in the veterans also. David Clarke, Lee Keegan, Chris Barrett, Kevin McLoughlin, Aidan O’Shea and Cillian O’Connor are all in inspired form. Meanhile the likes of Colm Boyle, Tom Parsons and Keith Higgins still wait in the wings. Elsewhere, Stephen Coen, Paddy Durcan, Matthew Ruane, Conor Loftus and Diarmuid O’Connor are coming of age to bridge the gap nicely.

All of this has resulted in a successful equation for Horan. Wins over Leitrim, Roscommon and Galway propelled them to the top of Connacht for the first time in five years.

Mayo had just a point to spare after an attritional Connacht final against Galway. They could have made it more comfortable for themselves however if they had been more efficient in front of goal in the opening half. They converted just 8 out of 17 chances, a statistic that Horan will be aiming to rectify sooner rather than later.

On the other hand, he will take pleasure in the composure his team showed when the game was in the melting pot. For example, Bryan Walsh came off the bench to score two vital points. Equally as important, Eoghan McLoughlin took a clever black card when Sean Kelly was charging towards goal in the dying moments.

Mayo will be delighted about Kerry’s failure to progress out of Munster. However, Horan would be wise not to underestimate Tipperary. If they navigate this game correctly, they’ll have another chance at ending the Mayo curse.

 Tipp-ing the Scales

When Tipperary beat Cork in the Munster Final a fortnight ago, the Munster Cup crossed Tipperary borders for the first time since 1935.

To make it even sweeter, the Premier men had to earn the cup. Firstly, they had just a goal to spare over Clare. Then, they were on the brink of elimination against Limerick. To illustrate, Tipperary were a point down in the Gaelic Grounds with the clock in the red. Then, Conor Sweeney produced a moment of magic to send it to extra-time. Sweeney nonchalantly equalised from a dead-ball on the sideline with the outside of his left foot. For added measure, the ball went over off the post. Extra-time was a low-scoring affair. In the end, a Brian Fox point separated the teams.

Somewhat surprisingly, Tipperary’s largest win in Munster was in the final. They had a three-point margin over Cork at the end of the final to finish a super performance. Taking inspiration from their commemorative Bloody Sunday jerseys, Tipp scored three in the first three minutes.

Conor Sweeney and Michael Quinlivan led from the front with all of their attributes on display. But, Steven O’Brien, Liam Casey, and Colin O’Riordan were the unheralded heroes in the middle of the field as they went toe-to-toe with Cork. Tipperary had a deserving four-point lead at the halfway stage.

The second-half had its tentative and nervy moments but the Premier held firm. The closest the Rebels came to catching Tipperary was within a point but the ever-reliable Philip Austin soon quenched that possibility.

Semi-Final Take 2

Now, Tipperary face Mayo in a repeat of the 2016 Semi-Final. Many of the Tipperary players who take to the field on Sunday were members of the famous 2011 minor campaign. Similarly, nine of the players who started against Mayo four years ago will be in the squad come Sunday. Hence, these Tipperary players are no strangers to a big occasion and the timely addition of Colin O’Riordan is an added boost.

Mayo will no doubt be the toughest test Tipperary face yet. But, they have the tools to challenge the Connacht men and David Power will be focusing on how to free up his key men.

The game is live on Sunday on RTÉ and Sky Sports Mix.

Mayo are the favourites with Paddy Power at 2/7. Meanwhile, Tipperary are 4/1 and a draw is 9/1.

Prediction: Mayo. But Tipperary will make them earn it. The Connacht side have always proved competitive when they reach Croke Park and the vast pitch will only benefit their pacey players. Furthermore, Mayo took the long route through Connacht and in recent years more games have made them stronger.

SFC Semi-Final: Mayo vs Tipperary, Sunday, December 6th, 15:30 (Croke Park). 

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/2019-provisional-allianz-football-league-fixtures/

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/2019-provisional-allianz-football-league-fixtures/

https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1334145295039557632

Cavan vs Dublin: Preview, TV Channel, Betting, Prediction

Last weekend, the hurling semi-finals provided us with our GAA fix and didn’t disappoint. Now, the Gaelic semi-finals take centre stage, and on paper, they may not be as well matched. But as has been the way throughout the Championship, major upsets are never too far away. First up is Cavan vs Dublin on Saturday evening.

Among all the outsiders to record big wins in this year’s championship, no team has caused more upset than Cavan. The Ulster men would not have been backed by many to advance from the most competitive of the provincial Championships. Yet, they find themselves in an All-Ireland semi-final after winning their first Anglo-Celt Cup since 1997.

Firstly, Cavan provided an opening round shock by coming from seven points down to beat Monaghan in extra time. On that occasion, goalkeeper Raymond Galligan was the hero with a last-minute 55-metre free to send the Breffni men through.

Next, a run-of-the-mill win over Antrim was less of a headline. But, that was followed by another big turnaround. Micky Graham’s men beat Down in the semi-final despite being down by eight at the interval.

Most recently, they came up against Donegal in the final. Before the game, many were already matching up Donegal and Dublin with the belief that the O’Donnell men possessed the last chance to dethrone the Dubs. However, Cavan continued to rewrite the script.

At half-time, there was just two between the teams in Donegal’s favour. Cavan continued to plug away though and soon edged ahead. Then, in the closing moments Gearoid McKiernan floated a long ball into the Donegal square that Shaun Patton failed to deal with. As a result, Conor Madden put the ball in the net to ensure the game was beyond Donegal’s reach.

Despite the mass murmurings suggesting Cavan would have preferred to play Dublin outside of Croke Park, the Breffni men will be relishing the challenge. A chance to play in GAA headquarters has always been a just reward for the Provincial winners. Furthermore, Graham’s side have already proved they can put it up to the best.

Deadly Dublin

Unlike their semi-final opponents, Dublin progressed to this stage in a more typical manner. The five-in-a-row winners haven’t taken their foot off the gas and have seamlessly adjusted to life after Jim Gavin. The new man Dessie Farrell hasn’t been afraid to juggle the team that brought so much success. The emergence of Sean Bugler and Robbie McDaid is a prime example of the embarrassment of riches at Farrell’s disposal. Likewise, Paddy Small has kept Paul Mannion in reserve thus far.

They won their three Leinster Championship games against Westmeath, Laois and Meath by a combined 54 points. Perhaps even more impressively, they seem to have only been operating in third gear.

With the absence of Donegal and Kerry from the All-Ireland series of the Championship, all the money will be on Dublin to complete an unprecedented six-in-a-row. The only real unknown for many is who Farrell will select. Will he continue with his blend of old and new? Or will the likes of Brian Howard, Paul Mannion and Kevin McManamon force their way into the fifteen? Similarly, Cormac Costello continues to impress with every display. Costello successfully appealed against his red card against Meath making him available this weekend.

Those who are already lining up a Dublin vs Mayo Final for the third time in five years run the risk of speaking prematurely. This year’s Championship has been the most unpredictable in recent memory. However, for all of Cavan’s achievements in Ulster, Dublin are a different animal, especially in Croke Park.

The game is live on RTÉ and Sky Sports Mix.

Dublin are 1/50 favourites. On the other hand, Cavan are 16/1 and a draw is 33/1.

Prediction: Dublin.

 

SFC Semi-Final: Cavan vs Dublin, Saturday, December 5th, 17:30 (Croke Park).  

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/list-of-51-gaa-live-matches-scheduled-to-be-shown-on-tv-by-rte-sky-sports/

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/list-of-51-gaa-live-matches-scheduled-to-be-shown-on-tv-by-rte-sky-sports/

https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1334459868275728384

Ireland team to play Scotland on Saturday

Ireland Head Coach Andy Farrell has named his matchday squad for the Autumn Nations Cup game against Scotland at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 2.15pm).

Johnny Sexton and Conor Murray are reunited as the half-back pairing. Robbie Henshaw returns to partner his old provincial partner Bundee Aki in the centre.

The back three is unchanged from the win over Georgia, with Jacob Stockdale at fullback and Keith Earls and Hugo Keenan on the wings.

In the front row, Cian Healy is named alongside Rob Herring and Andrew Porter. James Ryan and Iain Henderson remain in the second row, while Peter O’Mahony, CJ Stander and Caelan Doris are chosen in the back row.

Ulster prop Eric O’Sullivan is named among the replacements bench following his recent call-up to the training squad. Ronan Kelleher, John Ryan, Quinn Roux and Josh van Der Flier are also on the bench. Jamison Gibson Park, Ross Byrne and Chris Farrell will provide the back line cover.

Kick-off at the Aviva Stadium is at 2.15pm and the game is live on RTÉ.

Ireland Team:

15. Jacob Stockdale, 14. Hugo Keenan, 13. Robbie Henshaw, 12. Bundee Aki, 11. Keith Earls, 10. Jonathan Sexton (captain), 9. Conor Murray.

1. Cian Healy, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Andrew Porter, 4. Iain Henderson, 5. James Ryan, 6. CJ Stander, 7. Peter O’Mahony, 8. Caelan Doris.

Ireland Replacements:

16. Ronan Kelleher, 17. Eric O’Sullivan, 18. John Ryan, 19. Quinn Roux, 20. Josh van der Flier, 21. Jamison Gibson Park, 22. Ross Byrne, 23. Chris Farrell.

Cavan Equestrian hosts Winter Championship Show this weekend

National Showjumping recommences on Friday with Cavan Equestrian playing host to their three-day Winter Championship Show from the 4th to 6th December. The show will run under strict HSE Guidelines and will host a range of classes from 80cm up to Grand Prix level.

On Saturday, the 1.35m Gain Equine Nutrition Grand Prix, which includes a round of the SJI Autumn Grand Prix, should prove popular with riders who have kept their horses in training for the conclusion of the SJI Autumn Grand Prix League. This round boasts a prize fund of €2,000 and it is expected their will be a good turn out for the league.

Prior to lockdown, nine rounds had taken place and it was John McEntee (Hip Girl) and Philp Gaw (Ardnacshel Coovella) who shared top position on the leaderboard on 38 points.

Mc Entee had clocked up points in four rounds, while Gaw had collected points in five rounds. Following closely behind on 25 points is Brendan Murphy and Immun Ocean Ogara, ahead of Kenneth Graham and Bir Bua on 18 points.

The league will conclude in Cavan Equestrian on the weekend of the 19th and 20th of December. The winning combination will take home €2,500, while the runner-up will receive €1,750 and third place, €750.

On Sunday, a second Grand Prix will take place, again at 1.35m height and this time. The class is sponsored by Calor Gasa and carries a prize fund of €2,000.

Along with the two Grand Prix, a five-year-old HSI Autumn Development series with a prize fund of €3,000 and a six-year-old HSI Autumn Development Series with a prize fund of €3,000 has been included on the schedule.

Irish teenager Shane Flynn makes Leicester bench for Europa League clash

This marks the first involvement of the player in any senior Leicester squad.

Irishman Shane Flynn could make his senior competitive debut for Leicester this evening. The 19-year-old has impressed for Leicester’s youth sides over the past couple of years, leading to his inclusion in the Foxes’ Europa League matchday squad to take on Zorya.

Bray Wanderers fans may be familiar with Flynn. He was academy product of the Wicklow club, making a handful of first team appearances before his move abroad.

Flynn can take inspiration from his compatriot Caoimhin Kelleher making his European debut for Liverpool yesterday. He produced a man of the match performance in the absence of regular first-choice goalkeeper, Alisson.

Leicester have already qualified for the knockout stages, meaning they may be willing to give some of their younger players a run out. There’s a good chance Flynn might feature tonight given 5 substitutions are permitted during this Europa League campaign.

For further information, we profiled Flynn as an Irish teenager to watch earlier this year.

Pay back for PSG as they take all 3 points at Old Trafford

Neymar and Marquinhos scored for the French Champions.

Manchester United hosted PSG tonight in their penultimate Champions League group stage match. Last time the two teams faced, Manchester United produced a shock result as they beat the French champions 2-1. This time, there would be no such upset as the attacking quality of PSG shone through.

Tonight’s result means there are now 3 teams on 9 points all fighting for a knockout round spot. All will be decided next week as the teams play each other for the last time in the group stage.

The most interesting fixture is undoubtedly Manchester United vs. Leipzig, both teams being on 9 points. Manchester United came out on top the last time they met as they hammered 5 past the German side. Leipzig have shown they are certainly no pushovers since though. An impressive win over PSG and two over İstanbul Başakşehir have propelled Leipzig up the table.

PSG also face İstanbul Başakşehir in their final fixture. Realistically, they should win and claim a knockout spot but nothing is concrete in football.

It was the French side who drew first blood tonight and they wasted no time in doing so. Who else but Neymar scored in the 5th minute to give his side the lead. The goal came after Kylian Mbappe easily beat Scott McTominay on his way to goal before his shot was deflected into the path of Neymar. He wasn’t going to miss as he tapped in from close range.

There was a contentious decision made around the 20-minute mark after Fred pushed his head towards Leandro Parades. VAR had a look at the incident and called referee Daniele Orsato over to have a look. In a surprising twist, the referee only branded a yellow card. Surprising given that Nicolas Pépé was sent off for a similar offence just weeks ago in the Premier League.

Manchester United got their equalizer not long after the controversial decision. Marcus Rashford scored against PSG in the initial meeting between the two sides and he done the same again tonight with a goal in the 32nd minute. His shot from the edge of the box deflected off Danilo Pereira and into the net. Tonight marked Rashford’s 6th goal in just 5 Champions League game so far this season.

The first half ended 1-1 with the tie firmly in the balance.

Manchester United had a golden opportunity to take the lead just minutes after the first half. There was some fantastic link-up play from Edinson Cavani and Marcus Rashford before the latter slipped the ball into Anthony Martial. The Frenchman then blasted over the bar from close range, however.

Edinson Cavani contributed to 3 goals during the weekend and he very nearly put United in the lad with 56 minutes gone. The Uruguayan was through on goal after being slipped in but with defenders closing in on him, he opted to chip from outside the box. He was almost rewarded for his innovation as the ball went over the keeper but clipped the bar. Bruno Fernandes collected the rebound before passing to Martial who had his shot blocked by a PSG defender.

Manchester United were firmly in control for much of the opening period of the second half but Marquinhos should have opened the scoreline for PSG in the 63rd minute. The defender was left unmarked at the far post after a good passage of play but his header only managed to find the crossbar before going out for a goal kick. He really should have hit the target, at least.

PSG were starting to get back into the game after a period of Manchester United domination. Mitchell Bakker had a chance to put PSG ahead after being put through by Neymar but his shot was spectacularly saved by David De Gea. The resulting corner, however, did result in a PSG goal. Marquinhos put his side ahead and after some deliberation from VAR the goal stood.

Things went from bad to worse from United just moments after as Fred was sent to the changing room. His frustration showed as he went lunging in with a slide tackle and although he won the ball, the referee deemed the challenge reckless. He was sent off after collecting his second yellow.

The sending off didn’t seem to affect United all that much as they had a series of half chances after the fact. They did, however, fail to turn those chances into goals. Neymar ended any chance of a Manchester United come back as he tapped in from a Rafinha pull back with just minutes remaining.

The match finished 2-1 to PSG on a disappointing night for Manchester United.

Dundalk fined €50,000 by UEFA

UEFA dish out fine for Dundalk

UEFA have fined Dundalk €50,000 ahead of their penultimate group stage game against Molde on Thursday. The Lilywhites’ struggle during the Europa League campaign is signified by their position in the group. Currently sitting bottom of the pile with zero points in the lead up to the Molde clash.

And things have gone from bad to worse this week for the Irish side after UEFA issued a fine for “shadow coaching”. Head coach Filippo Giovanogli is prohibited from managing his side from the sideline as he does not have the required coaching qualifications. Despite this rule, Giovanogli’s presence on the touchline has been evident and last week UEFA acted upon the ruling by sending the Italian to the stands for the game against Rapid Vienna.

Dundalk’s opposition analyst, Shane Keegan, will continue to fill in as manager for the remaining European fixtures.

Molde vs Dundalk

Dundalk travel to Norway to take on Molde on Thursday evening. The Norwegian side sit in second place behind Arsenal, with six points. Hopes of qualification to the knockout stages are all but gone for Giovanogli’s men. Although mathematically there is still a possibility for progression, Dundalk’s goal difference leaves them with a mountain to climb. Arsenal, with four wins from four, travel to the Aviva Stadium in the final group game next week.

You can watch Molde vs Dundalk on Virgin Media Sport on Thursday, with coverage starting from 7.30pm.

Ireland’s Women set for decisive game against group leaders Germany

What’s at stake?

Germany travel to Dublin to take on Ireland this evening at Tallaght Stadium. Ireland currently sit in second place in the group, one point ahead of Ukraine. Unlike Ireland, Ukraine face the easier task of playing Montenegro who have failed to pick up a point so far, conceding 26 goals along the way.

Meanwhile, Ireland host group leaders Germany, who have yet to concede a goal. The game finished 3-0 to the Germans the last time the teams met in September.

Therefore the Girls in Green need results to go their way this evening in order to secure a qualification play-off spot for the upcoming 2022 UEFA Women’s European Championships.

Team News

All players and members of staff have tested negative for COVID-19 heading into Tuesday’s tie. Manchester City defender Megan Campbell and West Ham United’s Leanne Kirnan will both miss the match. Hayley Nolan, Megan Connolly, Kyra Carusa and Alli Murphy are also unavailable.

Vera Pauw’s team were unbeaten until the defeat to Germany in September, and the Ireland manager will be hoping her side can find that form again as they head into this decisive game against Germany.

Where to watch the match?

Ireland v Germany kicks off at 5pm on Tuesday 1st, with build up to the game starting at 4.30pm on RTE2. Alternatively, you can catch the game on RTE Player and the RTE News app.

Irish goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher keeps clean sheet on Champions League debut

He was the first Irishman to play in the Champions League since Eoghan O’Connell in 2016.

Ringmahon man Caoimhin Kelleher was named as Liverpool’s starting keeper for their Champions League group stage fixture against Ajax tonight. Tonight marked the young goalkeeper’s Champions League debut, having previously played a handful of domestic cup competitions.

Liverpool’s first choice keeper, Alisson, was ruled out with a tight leg muscle thus giving the youngster an opportunity. Nevertheless, Klopp shown remarkable trust in Kelleher. Regular backup keeper, Adrian, only sat on the bench for tonight’s encounter.

The game itself was a crucial tie. A Liverpool loss would have meant a drop to 2nd in the group, at least.

In the end, Liverpool came out of Anfield with a 1-0 win – with thanks to a solid Caoimhin Kelleher performance. The Irishman kept Ajax out on a number of occasions, including a instinctive reflex save towards the end of the match. He commanded his area like a seasoned pro and looked very comfortable with the ball at his feet.

Once the final whistle blew, an elated Jurgen Klopp ran straight towards Caoimhin Kelleher as he and a number of the first team heaped praise on the young keeper.

Liverpool have now qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League, finishing top of their group. Atalanta and Ajax will now battle it out next week for a place in the Champions League last 16.

Liverpool face a tough challenge at the weekend against Wolves and with Alisson ruled out for that game, there’s a chance Caoimhin Kelleher could be in for his Premier League debut. His performance tonight will be hard for Klopp to ignore in terms of his selection. He will, however, face stiff competition from Adrian.

Johann van Graan makes changes for tonight’s visit of Zebre

Munster Rugby will hope to maintain their unbeaten start to the season when they host Zebre tonight at Thomond Park, (kick off 8.15pm).

Head Coach Johann van Graan has included five Greencore Munster Rugby Academy players in his match day 23 for the Guinness PRO14 Round 8 game.

Prop Josh Wycherley will make his second start of the campaign while Thomas Ahern, Jack Daly, Ben Healy and Seán French are all named among the replacements.

Van Graan makes eight changes

In total, van Graan makes eight changes to the side that claimed an away bonus point win against Glasgow a week ago.

Chris Cloete returns to the starting line-up following a neck injury and will make his second start of the season. The South African along with Waterford’s Jack O’Donoghue and last weekend’s Player of the Match, Gavin Coombes, make up the back row. The young Number 8 makes his fifth start in a row after some highly impressive performances this season.

Fineen Wycherley makes the positional change to the second row alongside captain Billy Holland while younger brother Josh and hooker Rhys Marshall join Stephen Archer in the front row.

The half back pairing changes this week with Nick McCarthy making his first start of the season alongside JJ Hanrahan, who returns to the number ten jersey.

Munster Rugby’s centre pairing tonight with be Dan Goggin and Damian de Allende.

Darren Sweetnam is chosen on the left wing with Calvin Nash on the opposite side, while
Matt Gallagher moves to full back.

Prop Liam O’Connor returns from a calf injury to take his place on the bench for his first inclusion since December 2019.

Both Jack Daly and Seán French will likely make their Guinness PRO14 debuts off the bench tonight.

Munster Rugby Team:

15. Matt Gallagher, 14. Calvin Nash, 13. Dan Goggin, 12. Damian de Allende, 11. Darren Sweetnam, 10. JJ Hanrahan, 9. Nick McCarthy.

1. Josh Wycherley, 2. Rhys Marshall, 3. Stephen Archer, 4. Fineen Wycherley, 5. Billy Holland (captain), 6. Jack O’Donoghue, 7. Chris Cloete, 8. Gavin Coombes.

Munster Rugby Replacements:

16. Diarmuid Barron, 17. Liam O’Connor, 18. Keynan Knox, 19. Thomas Ahern, 20. Jack Daly, 21. Craig Casey, 22. Ben Healy, 23. Seán French.

Tonight’s Round 8 Guinness PRO14 game against Zebre at Thomond Park is live on eir Sport, with an 8.15pm kick-off.

1...427428429...598Page 428 of 598

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

ABOUT US

SportsNewsIreland is an Irish website launched in 2009 to offer sports fans in Ireland an alternative and independent source to keep them up to date with all the news from around the country. Every week we bring you live score updates from all levels of GAA, rugby, soccer, racing and athletics. Contact

Contact us: Email: info@sportsnewsireland.com

FOLLOW US

Design by SportsMediaIreland.ie