Home Blog Page 431

David McGoldrick announces surprise retirement from Ireland international duty

The FAI confirmed the striker’s retirement in a statement earlier this evening

Ireland will be without David McGoldrick for the upcoming games against England, Wales and Bulgaria. This comes after the Sheffield United striker announced his shock international retirement this evening.

“The Sheffield United forward has decided to retire from international football to concentrate on his club career and family”, the FAI announced in a short statement earlier this evening.

McGoldrick had a brief Ireland career but he will be fondly remembered by Ireland fans. His performance against Georgia and his goal against Switzerland were the defining moments of his international career.

The striker won a total of 14 caps – despite being first called up in 2014 – for the Republic of Ireland. McGoldrick has only established himself as a starter within the past year or so. He was named Ireland senior player of the year in August after a fine series of games in the green shirt.

Although not a regular goalscorer for his country – or club for that matter – McGoldrick always gave 100% and his unselfish playstyle endeared himself to Irish fans. His last game for the country came against Slovakia in October. Despite not scoring, McGoldrick was arguably man of the match in that game. His tireless running and exquisite touch contributed to terrific performance.

Stephen Kenny is set to name his upcoming Ireland squad on Thursday. McGoldrick’s absence will come as a real blow to himself and Ireland fans alike.

SSE Airtricity Premier Division Final Week – What’s at Stake?

Heading into the final week of the SSE Airtricity Premier Division, there is still a lot on the line. A global pandemic has impacted the world of sport in 2020. Football as we know it has changed, for now, and the Airtricity League is no different.

The season was brought to a halt in March as restrictions across the country heightened. Fast forward to August and football was back in Ireland, this time without the fans. A decision was made to decrease the number of games by half. So here we are in November about to embark on the final week of the season. The decrease in fixtures has led to an increase in excitement for the neutrals.

Seven out of ten team have something to play for as they head towards the finish line. To put this into context, there is a five point gap between fourth and eighth place. As the season came to a climax last year, this gap was five times bigger, at twenty points.

So what’s at stake for each team?

Shamrock Rovers crowned Champions

Shamrock Rovers will lift the 2020 SSE Airtricity League title on Wednesday evening after their penultimate league game against St. Patrick’s Athletic. Rovers have been a dominant force this season, remaining unbeaten with impressive wins over Dundalk, Sligo Rovers and their arch rivals Bohemians since the league restarted. It has been a long time coming for the Hoops who have not lifted a league title since 2011.

Republic of Ireland international Jack Byrne has been pivotal in their success, with eight goals to his name this season. It will be manager Stephen Bradley’s priority to keep the midfielder in Tallaght for next season, with reports that Rovers have already made Byrne a ‘fantastic’ contract offer. That being said, after another impressive season, interest from abroad seems inevitable.

Ahead of Wednesday’s clash against St. Pat’s, Shamrock Rovers have appealed for fans not to gather outside Tallaght Stadium in accordance with current COVID-19 restrictions.

Relegation Battle

At the other end of the table, Cork City have been relegated to the First Division. The 2017 Champions have endured a fall from grace in recent seasons, and head into their final game seven points adrift at the bottom of the league.

Finn Harps’ survival hopes were dented by Shamrock Rovers as they lost 2-0 on Sunday. The Donegal side need a win against fourth placed Waterford on Sunday evening to give themselves any chance of staying up. They also need to rely on results elsewhere, namely Shelbourne and Derry City.

Derry City were looking comfortable after a convincing win against Shelbourne at the end of October took them up to fifth in the league. However since then things haven’t gone as planned. Following an outbreak of COVID-19 cases within their squad, the club entered a 14-day isolation period and therefore failed to play their scheduled clash against Shamrock Rovers. A forfeit and subsequent 3-0 loss could be on the cards for Derry, who will likely appeal any potential decision.

Similar to Derry, Shelbourne also find themselves at the wrong end of the table following a run of only three wins from thirteen matches since the restart. Shels take on Rovers on the final day. Despite the fact the league has been won, Rovers still have the added incentive of an unbeaten campaign to play for. Both Shels and Derry sit on 19 points, two points ahead of Finn Harps.

The final occupiers of ninth spot will face either Galway United or Longford Town in the relegation/promotion play-off.

European Qualification

A bitter-sweet moment for Bohemians who will finish the season in second place, their highest league position since 2010. Dundalk’s draw with St. Pat’s on Sunday wasn’t enough to claim their spot for European football next season. They need a point against Sligo Rovers on Sunday to secure third place.

That leaves Waterford, Sligo Rovers and St. Pat’s in a final battle for the potential last European spot. Waterford travel to Finn Harps. With a lot at stake for both team, it’s set to be an exciting game. After heartbreakingly missing out on Europa League football in 2019 due to a UEFA technicality, Waterford will be hoping for an upturn in their fortunes this time round.

Although St. Pat’s are four points behind Waterford, they have the added advantage of an extra game in hand. That being said it won’t be easy for the Dublin side as they face champions Rovers before playing runners up Bohs on the final day. Two losses and they might be heading for a relegation play-off if other scores don’t go their way. A prime example of how congested the table is.

Likewise, Sligo Rovers also finish with a tricky trip to Oriel Park to take on Dundalk. Now there’s the added caveat of the FAI Cup. With Shamrock Rovers, Bohs, and Dundalk still in the competition, they will form an orderly queue as strong favourites to lift the cup. However, if Sligo Rovers (albeit they get a bye into the quarter finals after Derry City failed to play the game), Finn Harps or Athlone Town manage to cause an upset, then fourth spot becomes irrelevant. The FAI Cup winners head for Europe.

If that was too much to digest, you can find the full league table ahead of this weeks’ fixtures here. It is set to be a thrilling end to an abnormal season.

Greenwatch: James McClean on the Scoresheet again

Premier League

Another quiet weekend for the Irish lads in the Premier League. Enda Stevens, John Egan, Kevin Long, Jeff Hendrick and Matt Doherty all started for their respective clubs. Ciaran Clark returned from injury to take a seat on Newcastle’s bench whilst Aaron Connolly didn’t make the cut for Brighton as Graham Potter left him out of the match day squad.

Championship

James McClean bagged his second goal in three games as Stoke City beat Rotherham United by one goal to nil. McClean raced through on goal and cleverly dinked the ball over the keeper to give his team the lead.  The Derryman is doing no harm to his chances of occupying the left wing spot in Stephen Kenny’s 4-3-3 formation. Especially with Aaron Connolly struggling for game time at Brighton in recent weeks.

Daryl Horgan started on the right wing as Wycombe Wanderers got their first win of the season, overcoming bottom of the table Sheffield Wednesday.

Millwall continue without Troy Parrott, and struggled for goals as they lost 3-0 to Huddersfield Town. After the defeat Millwall boss Gary Rowett provided an update on Parrott’s injury, stating “he’s not far off being back” whilst also expressing his reluctance with the idea of the young Irish striker heading away with the national team for November’s fixtures. Stephen Kenny is set to announce his squad this Thursday, November 5th.

League 1

Down in League 1, Ireland’s representatives are setting the division alight. Midfielder Jack Taylor made the EFL team of the week after he scored in Peterborough’s 5-1 hammering of Shrewsbury Town. Taylor won’t be a new name on Stephen Kenny’s radar. The former Chelsea academy player made his debut for Ireland U-21’s under Kenny in 2019 at the Toulon Tournament. Peterborough are joint top of the league with Ipswich Town and Lincoln City. Alan Judge set up the winning goal as Ipswich beat Crewe Alexandra.

Meanwhile, former Bohemians defender Warren O’Hora has impressed at MK Dons having made a loan move to the League 1 side from his parent club Brighton.

In Scotland, Shane Duffy started and played his part in keeping a clean sheet as Celtic progressed to the Scottish Cup final, defeating Aberdeen 2-0 in the semi-final.

Liverpool vs. Atalanta preview: Where to watch, time, venue, team news, predictions

All you need to know about tonight’s Champions League fixture

Liverpool play Atalanta tonight in what should be an enthralling contest. This is the first ever meeting between the two sides in any competition and it should not disappoint. Both teams play exhilarating, fast paced football so football fans should be in for a treat tonight.

Some fans may expect a straightforward victory for Liverpool tonight, but that almost certainly won’t be the case. Atalanta are one of the fastest rising teams in European football. Over the past couple of years, they’ve established themselves as one of the best teams in Italy. They currently sit 4th in the Serie A and 2nd in their Champions League behind the Reds, respectively. They may not be the most decorated side in the competition, but they’re no pushovers, either.

After a slow start, Liverpool appear to have gotten their season up and running. They currently sit 1st in their Champions League group and will be looking to cement that position with a victory over Atalanta. They also sit 1st in the Premier League, despite their injury woes and less than impressive performances – which included a 7-2 loss at the hands of Aston Villa.

Here’s all you need to know about tonight’s game:

TEAM NEWS

LIVERPOOL

Liverpool are missing a handful of important first team players – namely Virgil Van Dijk, Fabinho and Thiago. In more positive news, Joel Matip and Naby Keita have returned to training following their injuries. However, Klopp is unlikely to start the pair due to fitness concerns.

Nat Phillips made his Premier League debut for Liverpool on the weekend. It has been an incredible few weeks for Phillip, but he won’t be making his Champions League debut tonight. Phillips looked exceptionally assured against West Ham United during the weekend in a performance which earned him man of the match. He is not registered for the Champions League, though, meaning he won’t play a part. It’s harsh, but that’s football sometimes.

Nat Phillps’ absence means Rhys Williams will likely make his third Champions League appearance tonight. Williams replaced Fabinho last week after the Brazilian picked up a knock and looks likely to make his first Champions League start tonight. Joe Gomez will likely partner Williams – or otherwise – as he looks a nailed-on starter.

The likely absence of Keita and Thiago in midfield means another fringe player will likely get an opportunity. Curtis Jones or James Milner are likely to fill the position. Curtis Jones started against West Ham at the weekend, but Klopp may opt for the experience and reliability of James Milner.

Klopp will also have a selection headache up top. The front three of Mane, Firmino and Salah has been a consistent fixture in recent years, but the recent arrival and form of Diogo Jota is hard to ignore. Firmino’s form has been called into question recently, so the Brazilian may have to make way for the in-form Jota.

ATALANTA

Like Liverpool, Atalanta are also not without their absences. Also like Liverpool, manty of their absences come from within their defensive unit.

Regular starters Mattia Caldara, Marten de Roon and Robin Gosens will all miss tonight’s game due to injury. Recently loaned Cristiano Piccini is also unlikely to feature due to injury.

There is no such problems on the attacking front, however. Liverpool fans should be concerned about Papu Gomez and Duvan Zapata in particular. After stellar campaigns last term, the forwards have started this season in the same fashion. Both have 5 goals so far this season, with a host of assists between them, also. Luis Muriel is another dangerous option up front, having also scored 5 goals in 8 appearances this season.

Josip Ilicic is another man for Liverpool to worry about. The second striker has failed to get going so far this season, but he most definitely displayed his quality last season. The veteran scored 21 goals in all competitions last season in what was a stellar campaign.

Atalanta could cause serious problems for Liverpool if they turn up on the day.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Atalanta

WHAT TIME IS KICK OFF?

The match will kick off at 20:00 Irish standard time.

MATCH VENUE?

The match is being played in Italy, meaning Liverpool will be the away side on the night. The Gewiss stadium will host the fixture.

WHERE TO WATCH?

RTE 2 will cover the fixture from 19:30 onwards for Irish viewers. Viewers can also catch up on highlights from the game – and the nights other fixtures – from 22:15 on Virgin Media 2.

BT Sport 2 will also be broadcasting the game for viewers with a BT Sport subscription. Viewers in America can also avail of the match through CBS All Access.

A combined 15 of Gaelic footballers with only one player per county

With the return of inter-county Gaelic football finally arriving this weekend, the big question is can any team stop the Dubs doing the six in a row.

Below we have selected an all-star fifteen we believe could win the All Ireland. The only rule with this alternative all-star fifteen. Only one player from any county can be named in the team.

1 – Graham Brody (Laois)

The Portlaoise man made our list of the country’s top 5 goalkeepers and is selected in this starting fifteen. His forays up the field are well known at this stage but just as importantly the Laois No 1 is a tremendous shot stopper when needed.

2 – Brian Malone (Wexford)

Classy Malone thinking only about the team and not this weekend’s personal milestone | Official Wexford GAA” />

A legend of Wexford football, the Shelmeliers club-man has been a thorn in the side of many a top quality forward for the past 15 seasons. A versatile player who can play all over the defence, he is worthy of his place for longevity alone.

3 – Ronan Mcnamee (Tyrone)

 

Mr Dependable at full back, the 28 year old has become arguably the standout full back in the game with his consistent displays in the Tyrone defence. The Aghyaran club-man was  a well deserved All Star recipient in 2019.

4 – Aidan Forker (Armagh)

The 28 year old has become Kieran Mcgeeney’s go to man for snuffing out the threat of the opposition’s best forward recently. An attacking player by nature, the Maghery man has now had to curb that somewhat but the benefits to his team from the switch have been evident over the last year or so.

5 – Lee Keegan (Mayo)

The 30 year old former footballer of the year is without doubt one of the players of his generation.

A brilliant attacking half back, the Westport man has also developed into a top quality man marker over the years and is often tasked with curbing the influence of some of the best forwards in the country these days.

6 – Donal Keogan (Meath)

The Meath man is selected to run the ship from centre back in this select fifteen.

The 29 year old’s attacking play from the half back line grabs plenty of headlines, but the Rathkenny man is equally as good at the defensive side of the game.

7 – Niall Daly (Roscommon)

An All Star nominee in 2019 the Padraig Pearses man is another great attacking outlet, capable of picking off important scores from the half back line.

8 – Brian Fenton (Dublin)

The finest midfielder in the land. The Raheny man is Dublin’s representative on this team and for good reason.

The 27 year old has won an All Ireland every year of his senior inter-county career to date, and few would bet against him collecting another one if the Championship is concluded in 2020.

9 – Kevin Feely (Kildare)

Without doubt one of the finest midfielders in Gaelic football today.

Influential in leading Kildare’s attacks from midfield, the former soccer player with Newport County is also a brilliant fielder of the ball and will be instrumental to Jack O’ Connor’s Kildare side when action resumes.

10 – Ruairi Deane (Cork)

A classy player, the Bantry man is an ever increasing influence on Ronan McCarthy’s Cork side as they bid to reclaim their county’s position as a force in Gaelic football. A brilliant fetcher of the ball out around the middle, the 29 year old is also a brilliant runner with the ball making him very hard to stop for any opposing defence.

11 – Michael Murphy (Donegal)

The Donegal legend could have been placed in numerous positions on this team with his ability in midfield and at the edge of the square matched by only a select few in the game.

It is at centre forward where he will do his best work for this team though, where he can drift inside and out the field to have an even larger influence over the team.

12 – Shane Walsh (Galway)

The 27 year old had been starring at full forward for Padraig Joyce’s Galway team before football was halted in the Spring, but he is named at No 12 in this selection.

This will not stifle him in any way however, as his natural ability on the ball and guile around the pitch mean he can act as a launchpad for attacks from out the field.

13 – David Clifford (Kerry)


Already a superstar in Gaelic games and still only 21, Clifford is the most talked about Gaelic footballer in many years.

From his minor days with the all conquering Kerry side to now, he has established himself as a generational talent and is on his way to becoming a legend.

14 – Michael Quinlivan (Tipperary)

The Clonmel Commercials star had originally opted out of the 2020 campaign, but the delayed season due to the coronavirus pandemic means that the 27-year-old will now be available for selection.

The return of the 2016 All-Star is a huge boost to Tipperary boss David Power as he looks to guide the team to Division 3 safety in the League, while building momentum for their Munster Championship quarter final against Clare on November 1.

15 – Conor McManus (Monaghan)

No player has contributed more to Monaghan’s development over the course of the past decade than their superstar forward Conor McManus.

The Clontibret star has positioned himself as one of the best forwards to ever play the game through his incredible skill and score taking ability and is a fitting final inclusion to this select fifteen.

Who is Dublin Football’s next breakout star?

In almost every one of Dublin’s five Championship winning seasons in a row, Jim Gavin graced the teamsheet with a new face. It started with Brian Fenton in 2015. Then, the likes of Con O’Callaghan, Niall Scully, and Brian Howard came through the ranks. This sort of talent pool is what makes Dublin so good. No matter how secure a player seems to be in the side, there is always someone younger, and often hungrier, chomping at the bit. Ahead of the 2020 Championship, the candidates for Dublin’s new breakout star have been auditioning.

Those who set the Standard

Brian Fenton was the one who started this trend all the way back in 2015. Fenton started in midfield in a National League against Monaghan. Then, an early goal put his name on the map and he has never looked back.

Next, in 2016 Davy Byrne appeared among the full-back line and couldn’t be displaced.

After that, Dublin’s third All-Ireland on the trot announced Con O’Callaghan’s arrival to the big stage. While O’Callaghan took the headlines, another fresh face was waiting in the wings in Niall Scully.

In 2018, Niall Scully got his chance and hasn’t left the term since. Likewise, Brian Howard came to the fore in 2018. All of a sudden, two wing-forwards had come out of the blue to replace Paul Flynn and Diarmuid Connolly. Like clockwork, the conveyor belt threw out whatever Jim Gavin needed.

2019 was perhaps the first year that Dublin’s primary 15 was entirely made up of household names. However, Eoin Murchan still emerged as a breakout star. But, he had also graduated to the senior team in 2018. Dublin’s ‘baby-faced assassin’ remained largely out of the spotlight until his goal in the 2019 replay against Kerry.

Meanwhile, plenty of players have made names for themselves without ever becoming a staple of the first 15. For example, Cormac Costello, Darren Daly, and Evan Comerford would be guaranteed starters in most counties.

Now, youngsters like Ciaran Archer, Conor McHugh, Aaron Byrne and Sean Bugler do not lack talent. But, they are still to displace any of the forwards currently in place.

Ahead of the 2020 Championship, we are left to wonder ‘who is Dublin’s next breakout star?’

Who’s Next?

Sean Bugler appears to be the most likely of the youngsters to be deployed by Dessie Farrell. Bugler can play anywhere in the front six. However, this is what goes against him as the forward line is undoubtedly the hardest place to break into right now.

Similarly, Aaron Byrne and Ciaran Archer were standouts in their respective U21/U20 campaigns. Dessie Farrell will be well aware of these players. The new Dublin manager was the coach of the 2017 All-Ireland winning U21 team.

This year, Dubin are without Jack McCaffrey for the Championship. Therefore, a spot is up for grabs. Since the restart of the National League, Ballyboden St. Enda’s player Robbie McDaid has been given a chance here. He could be given the chance to make himself a household name come the Championship.

Further back, Cian Murphy is putting in performances in the full-back line. The likes of Philly McMahon and Johnny Cooper have been around for a long time. As he starts his reign, Dessie Farrell may see it as a chance to put his own stamp on the time.

In midfield, Emmet Ó Conghaile has started alongside Fenton against Meath and Galway. He has been around for a few years but 2020 could be the year he breaks into the team.

Bugler, McHugh, Archer, and Byrne could be put even further down the pecking order thanks to Paddy Small’s emergence. Furthermore, Eric Lowndes has turned himself into a candidate among the half-forward line.

To summarise, Dublin’s conveyor belt of talent continues to produce. Yet, past seasons suggest that only a select few will be given a chance when Championship comes around.

Perhaps Farrell will put his own spin on proceedings. The current crop of players around the starting team emphasise how strong they are. But Farrell has his own knowledge of these players. Whoever he chooses to be Dublin’s next breakout star is all but guaranteed to be a success.

Dublin start their Championship on November 7th at home to Westmeath.

https://3.249.64.60/feature/kerry-cruise-to-victory-and-win-division-one-league-title-2020/

https://3.249.64.60/feature/kerry-cruise-to-victory-and-win-division-one-league-title-2020/

https://twitter.com/DubGAAOfficial/status/1320468003960606720

Leicester City shine as Leeds United are pushed aside

Tonight’s win moves the Foxes up to 2nd in the table

Leeds have been one of the surprise packages of the Premier League so far this season. They have played some incredible football thus far which has yielded some impressive results. Tonight, though, they came undone by an equally exciting Leicester side.

Leicester had several first team absentees going into the game. They fielded a weakened team because of this. The Leicester team included a mixture of experience and youth. 4 Premier League winners started for Leicester – Albrighton, Schmeichel, Vardy & Fuchs – while young players such as Luke Thomas also got their opportunity to impress. Their lack of regular starters clearly didn’t affect them all that much as they came away with a spectacular win.

The last time the two sides met in the Premier League was in the 2003/4 season. Leeds won 3-2 on that day in an exciting affair. The match tonight promised to be just as – if not more – enthralling as both teams have played some eye-catching football this season.

It didn’t take long for Leicester to hit the front as they struck in the 2nd minute as Harvey Barnes produced the finish. The goal came as a result of a Leicester counter attack after Leeds squandered an opportunity just moments beforehand. Patrick Bamford had the glorious opportunity after an excellent Leeds move. The ball fell to Bamford after a cushioned pass from the left-hand side, but his header was weak and straight at the keeper. Jamie Vardy capitalized on a poor Leeds back pass from the resulting counter attack and put the ball on a plate for Barnes to score.

Leicester went up 2-0 not long afterwards. It was that man Jamie Vardy causing problems for the Leeds defence again. Although he didn’t score, he played a big role leading up to the goal. It was his instinctive movement inside the box that allowed him to attempt a diving header which was saved by Meslier. Youri Tielemans was alert and ready as he anticipated the rebound and easily finished.

Leicester continued to dominate for much of the first half after the 2 goals. Their high intensity pressing, quick movement and counter attacking play rattled the opposition. Leeds were unusually sloppy as they consistently gave away possession under Leicester pressure.

Leeds started the second half a lot better than they had ended the first. In rather bizarre circumstances, a Stuart Dallas cross evaded everyone in the box before creeping into the net. Schmeichel arguably could have done better but to be fair, his defenders didn’t cover themselves in glory either.

Leeds very nearly got the equalizer with 54 minutes played. Pablo Hernandez demonstrated an exceptional touch before placing the ball towards goal, but his effort hit the bar. Had his effort gone in, it would have been an outstanding goal. Leeds were looking much better now than they did in the first half. They were much tidier in possession and effective in the final third.

Leeds’ second half effort wasn’t to be rewarded, though. Leicester wrapped up the game in the 75th minute with a goal by who else but Jamie Vardy. It was a brilliant touch and pass by the sub James Maddison that created the chance. His through ball fell to the feet of another sub, Cengiz Ünder, who unselfishly passed to Vardy instead of going for goal himself. It’s the second time in a week that the two have combined for a goal. Ünder’s cross to Vardy last weekend proved to be the winner against Arsenal.

Leeds’ woes were compounded in the 89th minute after a VAR review awarded Leicester with a penalty. There was no Jamie Vardy on the pitch to take but that wasn’t to be a concern. Youri Tielemans stepped up to the spot and coolly dispatched his penalty to get his 2nd of the night.

The match finished 4-1 to Leicester as the goals dried up. Leicester move up to 2nd in the table while Leeds remain in 12th.

Top 10 Christmas Presents for Him

This year, Christmas may not bring about the traditions so many of us enjoy. However, this perhaps gives us even more reason to mark the holidays with the perfect gifts. Here are 10 of the top Christmas presents for him in 2020.

Dingle Distillery Whiskey.

This is a Christmas where we are being urged to shop locally more than ever before. However, this does not mean we are limited in any way at all. In the field of whiskey, gin, and vodka, the Dingle Distillery’s artisan approach ensures we need not look too far for the perfect Christmas drink.

Furthermore, Dingle is also releasing its Fourth Single Pot Still Release whiskey, which will be available from November 5. Perfect timing for Christmas. With no confirmation of having pubs open this Christmas, make sure you have the right stock at home.

https://dingledistillery.ie/

Sports Crests Prints.

Artist Vincent Devine has created a collection of re-imagined crests using his own unique interpretation and style. The four Irish provinces’ rugby crests feature in this collection and are all beautifully finished.

The prints are available in three sizes: 12 x 12 inch, 20 x 20 inch or 30 x 30 inch. Each print is printed on fine art archival paper.

https://sportscrests.com/shop/

Books.

An obvious option for a present for rugby fans have good options this year.

Firstly, Rory Best’s autobiography was released earlier in the year. The former Ireland captain recounts lessons and experience from his 14-year international career.

Secondly, Rob Kearney has just released his own story entitled ‘No Hiding: My Autobiography’. The Leinster man is Ireland’s most decorated player and his illustrious career extended through the ups and downs of Irish Rugby.

Both of these books are available on Kennys.ie.

https://www.kennys.ie/shop/no-hiding-my-autobiography

Lions Tickets vs Japan. 

In truth, this one is a challenge but would have you in the good books for a lifetime. As part of next year’s British and Irish Lions Tour, the Lions will first play Japan in Murrayfield on the 26th of June.

While it may be many rugby fans’ dream to follow the Lions on one of their southern-hemisphere tours, this will only be the third time the Lions have ever competed on home soil. Hence, anyone present would be a part of rugby history. Even for non-rugby fans, the novelty of getting to a live event is too good to turn down.

Tickets for the historic fixture go on pre-sale on Tuesday 3 November, with supporters able to register their interest at lionsrugby.com/Vodafone-1888-Cup. Vodafone customers will be able to benefit from access to tickets and giveaways via the VeryMe loyalty programme.

https://www.scottishrugby.org/news/british-and-irish-lions-to-play-japan-at-bt-murrayfield#:~:text=BT%20Murrayfield%20will%20host%20the,the%20Vodafone%20Lions%201888%20Cup.

Scratch Posters.

The idea of scratch maps where you scratch off a new country every time you visit one has become very popular in recent years.

Now, these posters can be found for almost anything. With people spending more and more time at home, why not get Him a scratch poster for 100 movies to watch?

Likewise, you can find one for any type of interest. For example, craft beers to taste, albums to listen to, or activities to try.

SmartWatch.

The age of the fancy leather-strapped or big-faced watches has passed. Instead, it’s all about how much you information you can fit on your wrist in the smallest amount of space. SmartWatches have become even more popular during the Covid-19 pandemic because of their built-in GPS systems.

Fitness fanatics can track every detail of their lifestyle. FitBit are the leading provider for this particular sector but Apple have come to rival them.

FitBit’s newest offering, the Versa 3, features heart-rate tracking, blood-oxygen sensors, sleep tracking, menstrual-cycle tracking, and built-in GPS. It’s also waterproof and has its own wireless payments system. On the other hand, those with iPhones want to go with the Series 6 which has all the same offerings but isn’t compatible with Android phones.

If the top of the market is beyond your reach, both FitBit and Apple also have mid-range alternatives that more than suffice and come with a selection of coloured straps.

Wireless Earphones/Headphones.

This one is in the same bracket as SmartWatches. This is a present that would just add so much convenience to someone’s life. Instead of fiddling with wires all of the time, he could be able to move freely.

If fitness is his thing, he can listen to music while he exercises without a wire bouncing off him or pulling the earphones out of his ear.

In fact, anyone can benefit from these as they could be used on a commute, a trip to the shops, or even for work. If people are working from laptops all day, they would surely be thankful for the freedom to be able to get up and move while still being connected to a call or video.

If someone is working from home, go one better and get them noise-cancelling headphones so they can block out the hustle and bustle of a house full of people.

Polaroid Cameras.

It would be very easy to fill this list with the latest savvy tech kit. But, everyone is getting more conscious of the time they are spending plugged into devices and so it may be an idea to offer people fun alternatives.

One example is with photographs. Now, everyone edits their photos on their phones or social media. Instead, people could find enjoyment in seeing physical photographs again.

Fujifilm’s Instax Instant Camera prints photos immediately. Give Christmas a physical feeling again and capture the festive moments in all their authenticity.

Personalised Glass.

Add a personal touch with an inscription on a pint glass or wine glass. Gifts.ie allow you to inscribe any message on a glass and even offer designs to add to it. For example, if he is a golfer, they offer a glass with a golfer engraved alongside a message.

Maybe even couple this present with a local beer. Black Donkey Brewing from Ballinlough, Co. Roscommon are making a name for themselves.

https://blackdonkeybeer.com/

Local GAA Gear

Make sure you’re ready to support your local GAA Club with some gear in the club colours.

O’Neills now cover almost every club in the country on their website and you can easily find the perfect Christmas presents for him. The options extend beyond training jerseys and playing shorts for players. Jackets, hoodies, raincoats are just some of the options fans have to keep themselves covered at local games.

Furthermore, there has been a rise of local companies outfitting GAA teams. It would be worthwhile if your club already has a company offering local gear.

https://www.oneills.com/clubs?sport=136

https://3.249.64.60/rugby/8-nations-rugby-championship-fixtures-and-pools/

https://3.249.64.60/rugby/8-nations-rugby-championship-fixtures-and-pools/

https://twitter.com/dougleddin/status/1322946056120926210

Hurling qualifier round 1 fixtures confirmed.

Next Saturday’s round 1 hurling qualifiers have been confirmed by the GAA this lunchtime. The round 1 draw took place on RTE radio 1 earlier today. All Ireland Champions Tipperary and Leinster Champions Wexford were both given a bye into round 2.

First up on Saturday at 1:15pm is the meeting of Laois and Clare at UPMC Nowlan Park, Kilkenny. This game will be broadcast on the GAA Go platform.

The second qualifier between Dublin and Cork will take place at Semple Stadium, Thurles at 3:45pm and will be shown on Sky Sports Mix.

Live updates on both these games can be found here.

Gareth Bale is Back in Business

Gareth Bale scores winner against Brighton

A goal that was scored in North London, but made in Madrid. Fellow summer recruit Sergio Reguilón cut in on his weaker foot and delivered an inviting cross which Gareth Bale converted. A difficult finish made to look easy. Both players arrived from Real Madrid and while Bale has had to wait patiently to make his impact, Reguilón has caught the eye on several occasions thus far.

Bale’s winning goal was his first in a Spurs’ shirt for seven and half years. Yet the Welshman celebrated like it was his first for the club, brimming with joy as he embraced his teammates. All that was missing was a ‘genuine’ roar from the fans, but for now the piped-in noise will suffice.

Although seven years have elapsed since his last game for the club, the spark still remains and Spurs’ fans can’t help but express their excitement at the prospect of Son, Kane and Bale leading the line.

Bale will feel he still has a lot to prove, especially to Real Madrid fans. Even his new boss Jose Mourinho was intrigued to see how Madrid would react to their former player’s first goal of the season: “When I have five minutes I’m going to Safari to look at Madrid websites to see what they say”. A cheeky swipe at his old club from Mourinho, who continued by reiterating that “he (Bale) knows we care about him”.

Tottenham Hotspurs 2-1 Brighton Hove Albion

The game itself was a relatively tight affair. Spurs left it late against Burnley on Monday evening and this game had a similar feel to it. Harry Kane netted Spurs’ first from the penalty spot. Kane was bundled over on the edge of Brighton’s box by Adam Lallana. The former Liverpool man was adjudged to have fouled Kane, however from the replay it appeared that the striker went looking for the foul.

Brighton came back into the game after conceding, and got their equaliser early in the second half thanks to a well-placed finish from full-back Tariq Lamptey. Again controversy surrounded this goal. Despite a VAR review of Solly March’s badly-timed tackle on Pierre Højbjerg in the build-up, the goal stood.

The tide turned again. Erik Lamela and Harry Kane were both denied by the woodwork. With twenty minutes left on the clock, Gareth Bale arrived onto the pitch and grabbed the winner. Inspired by the number nine on his back, Bale created some space in Brighton’s box and headed home Reguilón’s cross.

The win takes Spurs up to second place in the league, two points behind leaders Liverpool. A strong start to the season for Mourinho’s men.

1...430431432...588Page 431 of 588

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