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Dan Martin wins stage 3 of La Vuelta 2020

Ireland’s Dan Martin won Thursday’s third stage of La Vuelta 2020. The Israel Start-Up Nation rider won atop the climb to La Laguna Negra-Vinuesa, with the result moving him to within five seconds of the race leader, Primos Roglic.

Martin, who already had two third-place finishes this week, was taking his first La Veulta stage win since 2011.

Thursday’s 166km stage from Lodosa to Vinuesa featured two categorised climbs, which ultimately decided the outcome of the stage.

The Irishman accelerated inside the last 200m of the stage, out-sprinting Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) and Richard Carapaz (Ineos Grenadiers). The summit finish win was Martin’s first stage win since the 2018 Tour de France.

Dan Martin claims his second stage win on the roads of La Vuelta, 9 years after his victory in Sierra de Béjar-La Covatilla.

“I’ve come so close to winning this year. I just really wanted to win a stage for this team because they’ve been so good to me,” the emotional Irishman said.

“Obviously with the (back) injury at the Tour (de France), I couldn’t win a stage. I was really determined to win today. The team were amazing, and every single one of them played their part in the victory.

“This win is partly for them and then partly for my wife, because this is the first time I’ve won a race since my kids were born and it’s really special.”

Stage three result

1. Daniel Martin (Israel Start-Up Nation)
2. Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma)
3. Richard Carapaz (Ineos Grenadiers)

General classification after stage three
1. Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) 12hrs 37mins 24secs
2. Daniel Martin (Israel Start-Up Nation) +5secs
3. Richard Carapaz (Ineos Grenadiers +13secs

Champions League team of the week – Fabinho, Aaron Wan-Bissaka & more

Our picks for the best Champions League XI of the week

Thirty-two teams competed in the first round of the Champions League group stages provided a considerable amount of drama and entertainment. This week’s round of fixtures were just the start of what will be a long – and hopefully enjoyable – Champions League campaign.

There was plenty of Premier League interest as no less than four teams from the English top flight competed. Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool fans will be content knowing that their teams managed to come out on top. Chelsea, on the other hand, failed to impress against Europa League winners Sevilla.

Here’s our Champions League team of the week based on the first round of fixtures:

GOALKEEPER

DAVID DE GEA – MANCHESTER UNITED

Although he hasn’t necessarily enjoyed the best couple of years for Manchester United, David De Gea proved on Wednesday night that he still has much to offer. Dean Henderson isn’t too far behind him in the pecking order, so it’s important that he continues to perform in order to retain the number one spot.

De Gea produced several fine saves to keep out PSG. There was nothing he could do about the PSG goal as Martial headed into his own net from a corner. He frustrated the PSG frontline with his agility and positioning throughout the night in what was on of his best performances for a while. Perhaps De Gea could be back to his best.

RIGHT BACK

AARON WAN-BISSAKA – MANCHESTER UNITED

Another Man United player to start off the XI, Wan-Bissaka produced a very good defensive performance against PSG.

Wan-Bissaka managed to keep Neymar and Mbappe quiet as they regularly operated down his side. There’s no doubting Wan-Bissaka’s defensive capabilities, especially in an era where full backs are often more adept in the final third. He displayed his defensive acumen several times throughout as he regularly dispossessed the PSG players with his gangly legs.

He failed to penetrate the PSG backline going forward but he more than made up for that with his performance in his own half.

CENTRE BACK

FABINHO – LIVERPOOL

Virgil Van Dijk’s absence meant that someone had to fill his position to partner Joe Gomez. The player chosen to do so was Fabinho. Although not a natural centre back, he has played in the position last season after previous injury issues within the team. You wouldn’t be able to tell he’s not a centre back based on Thursday performance.

In what was arguably one of the best performances of Fabinho’s Liverpool career to date, he consistently broke down PSG’s momentum with great anticipation, positional play and tackling. He made the most important play of the game from a Liverpool perspective as he cleared what would have been a certain goal off the line.

If Fabinho can keep up those kind of performances at centre back, Liverpool will be in safe hands in the absence of Van Dijk.

CENTRE BACK

CRISTIAN ROMERO – ATALANTA (ON LOAN FROM JUVENTUS)

Romero made his Champions League debut this week against Midtjylland and he certainly impressed. The young Argentine centre back is on loan from Juventus and it might not be long before he breaks into the first team at the Old Lady if he keeps up these kind of performances, especially with many of their defenders aging.

Romero was solid defensively in an Atalanta backline which kept a clean sheet. Additionally, he appeared very comfortable on the ball and even managed to chip in with an assist.

The 22-year-old centre back certainly has a bright future in the game.

LEFT BACK

ANGELINO – RB LEIPZIG (ON LOAN FROM MANCHESTER CITY)

Although normally a left back, Angelino has played on the left wing for Leipzig so far this season to good effect. We’ve put him in our XI at left back due to other impressive performances at left wing, but we couldn’t leave him out of the team.

Not normally known for his goalscoring ability, he netted all of his sides’ goals in a 2-0 victory over Istanbul. His late running into the box caused serious problems for the Istanbul back four as he consistently found himself finding space.

Manchester City may come to regret sending Angelino out on loan as left back is arguably their weakest position.

RIGHT WING

TETE – SHAKHTAR DONETSK

In a shock result at the Santiago Bernabeu, Shakhtar came away with a 3-2 victory against Real Madrid. Madrid were strong favourites for the tie, especially considering that Shakhtar were missing no less than ten first team players due to positive covid-19 tests.

Tete played a massive role in gathering the win by scoring one and assisting one. His goal was a perfectly placed low shot into the bottom corner. Courtois failed to get a hand on the ball despite being at full stretch. His assist was also delightful as he backheeled the ball into the path of Manor Soloman who made no mistake with his finish.

Tete is a talented young player. After coming through the youth academy of Gremio, he moved to Shakhtar in 2019 and has made quite an impression since. We wouldn’t be surprised if he earned a move abroad within the next few years. The player himself has identified Manchester United as a dream destination, so maybe United fans could have something to look forward to in the next couple of years.

CENTRE MIDFIELD

JOSHUA KIMMICH – BAYERN MUNICH

In one of the more embarrassing results of the first week, Bayern comfortably dispatched of Atletico Madrid by 4-0.

Joshua Kimmich played a key role in the victory as he looked very comfortable on the ball, providing an assist in the process. The versatile midfielder is arguably one of the most underappreciated players in the world. An integral part of the Bayern squad which has been making serious noise within the last year or so, he rarely gets the plaudits he deserves.

CENTRE MIDFIELD

CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU – RB LEIPZIG

Like Angelino, Nkunku also played well in Leipzig’s comfortable win over Istanbul.

He played well as he looked very comfortable on the ball and even linked with Angelino as he provided an assist for the Spaniard. Nkunku has played well for Leipzig since transferring from a PSG team where he was nothing more than a rotation play. He has settled well in the Bundesliga and has certainly been a good acquisition for Leipzig.

LEFT WING

KINGSLEY COMAN – BAYERN MUNICH

Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry being ruled out meant Kingsley had the opportunity to start against Atletico. He made use of that opportunity as he was the best player on the pitch that night.

Coman scored two and also assisted one in a man of the match performance. Coman has had an illustrious career so far despite not being a regular starter anywhere he has gone. Perhaps after yesterday’s performance he can find a permanent place in the squad, although it will prove nearly impossible to displace Sane and Gnabry.

STRIKER

LIONEL MESSI – BARCELONA

After a slow start to the season by his standards, Lionel Messi was back to top form as he helped the Blaugrana overcame Ferencvaros.

Messi scored and assisted in what was a top performance. His all-around play was also impressive as he made four key passes and was a constant threat to the Ferencvaros defence. I don’t think there was any doubt that Messi would get back to his best as the season progressed, but this performance will certainly help him do so.

STRIKER

ALVARO MORATA – JUVENTUS (ON LOAN FROM ATLETICO MADRID)

Morata is an often-maligned figure in world football, particularly after his unsuccessful spell at Chelsea. On his day though, Morata is a world class striker and he proved so on Tuesday with a fine poaching display.

Morata scored Juventus’s two goals as they ran out as winners against Dynamo Kiev. His off the ball movement, positioning and anticipation were too much for the Kiev defence to handle as he put in a quality striking display.

2023 SOLHEIM CUP Dates confirmed

The Ladies European Tour announced today The 2023 Solheim Cup at Finca Cortesin, in the heart of Spain’s Costa del Sol, will take place from September 18 – 24.

Recently confirmed as the host nation, Spain is set to stage the prestigious international women’s professional golf team event for the first time in the tournament’s history but the dates mark another significant milestone – becoming the first European hosted Solheim Cup to be played in such close proximity to The Ryder Cup, which heads to Italy the following week.

Usually scheduled in alternate years, global sports fans will now be treated to a two-week festival of match play golf between Europe and the United States as a result of the recent 2020 Ryder Cup postponement.

Spain follows Scotland as the most recent destination to host the memorable team competition on European soil in 2019 with the 2023 edition including three days of build-up play from Tuesday September 19 – Thursday September 21 as well as the 12th PING Junior Solheim Cup, which sees stars of the future go head-to-head over two days of competition.

Speaking about the news, Ladies European Tour CEO, Alexandra Armas, said: “We are extremely pleased to announce the dates for the upcoming 2023 Solheim Cup and we are excited to have the opportunity to be part of a two-week festival of golf. The Solheim Cup is truly one of the most dramatic and interesting golf events on the global sporting calendar and it has the ability to transcend golf to new audiences and, if the 2023 edition is anything like 2019, fans will be left wanting more and they will be lucky enough go straight onto The Ryder Cup in Italy where the men’s version of Team Europe and Team USA will go head-to-head.”

Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the European Tour, said: “Match play golf between Europe and the USA brings a totally unique perspective and atmosphere to our sport and it is tremendous for fans in Europe that our continent will play host to The Solheim Cup and The Ryder Cup in consecutive weeks in 2023.

“The fact it is also a first for both hosting nations – Spain and Italy – simply adds to the anticipation and if we can recreate the excitement generated at Le Golf National in 2018 and at Gleneagles in 2019, the whole world of golf will be in for a truly fabulous fortnight.”

Spanish golfers have played an integral part of the tournament since the inaugural event was held in 1990, with as many as seven players representing Team Europe over the years – with only Sweden and England contributing more players to previous Solheim Cups.

More recently, home favourite Carlota Ciganda has participated in the last four consecutive contests while Costa del Sol star Azahara Munoz also has four appearances to her name since making her debut in 2011.

Carlota Ciganda, who is Spain’s highest ranked player on the Rolex Rankings at No. 13, said: “I can’t believe I might finally have a chance to play The Solheim Cup in Spain in front of my home fans. It is no secret that the event is one of my favourites and I love the energy that I get from the crowd when I am competing in it. it is huge news that it will be the week before The Ryder Cup as I love watching it on TV, and it will be even more special supporting Team Europe if I know that we’ve just brought the trophy home the week before.”

Major winner and two-time Solheim Cup player, Georgia Hall, added: “I love The Solheim Cup and last year’s event was one of my career highlights so it is nice to get the dates in your diary to look forward to but there’s still a lot of golf to be played between now and then so I don’t want to get ahead of myself and think that I will definitely make the team. I have grown up watching the excitement of The Ryder Cup and I think the chance for our event to be played so close to it will give us an opportunity to show everyone how similar they are and hopefully attract a few new fans.”

The upcoming 2021 Solheim Cup will be staged in Toledo, Ohio, 4th-6th September, with Team USA aiming to reclaim the trophy from Team Europe, who captured the 2019 edition with a spectacular putt on the last green in the final match of the singles.

The Solheim Cup was first staged in Florida in 1990 and named after club manufacturer Karsten Solheim, who was the driving force behind its inception. The Solheim Cup is contested between two teams of 12 players over three days. It follows the same format as The Ryder Cup, with 28 matches – eight foursomes and eight fourballs over the first two days and 12 singles on the final day.

Leinster Rugby team to play Zebre – Debuts for Liam Turner and Dan Sheehan

The Leinster Rugby team to play Zebre – Debuts for Liam Turner and Dan Sheehan who start with Ciaran Parker and David Hawkshaw on the bench (Kick Off: 7.35pm – live on TG4 and Eir Sport).

The match will be played at the RDS Arena but with Level 5 restrictions in place the game will again be played behind closed doors with only a limited number of media in attendance.

Cullen has named a total of four uncapped players in his match day 23, with two players from the Academy included in the quartet. There is also a welcome return from injury for a number of players.

The back three selected are all making their first starts of the campaign. Both Jimmy O’Brien and Tommy O’Brien impressed off the bench last weekend away to Benetton Rugby while Dave Kearney is just back from a hamstring injury to win his 150th cap for Leinster.

In the centre Ciarán Frawley is joined for his first cap by former Blackrock College captain Liam Turner. The 21-year-old centre has ten Ireland U20s caps and was part of the 2019 U20s Grand Slam winning side. He is currently studying BESS in Trinity College.

In the half backs Luke McGrath is joined by Harry Byrne for his first start of the season.

In the pack Peter Dooley makes a welcome return to the team for the first time since February. In addition to Covid-19 disruptions, Dooley had been out injured with a shoulder injury.

Michael Bent starts at tighthead prop with Dan Sheehan making his debut between Dooley and Bent at hooker.

Sheehan, 22, was promoted to a senior contract during the summer but has been unavailable for the last while with a cheekbone injury. The Dublin University FC player, who previously attended Clongowes Wood College, has five caps with the Ireland U20s.

In the second row Ross Molony and Devin Toner bring plenty of experience with nearly 350 Leinster caps between them. Toner will win his 250th cap at the RDS Arena tomorrow evening, while Molony is getting close to his century of caps.

The back row isn’t lacking in experience either with Josh Murphy, Scott Penny and captain Rhys Ruddock completing the starting XV for Leinster.

On the bench, Ciarán Parker is in line to make his Leinster debut should he be introduced. The 25-year-old signed for Leinster last month on loan from Jersey Reds having previously played with Sale Sharks and Munster Rugby.

David Hawkshaw is the final player in line to make his debut for Leinster as the former Coolmine RFC and Belvedere College player looks to make an impact off the bench. The 21-year-old was the captain of the 2019 Ireland U20s Grand Slam winning side until a knee ligament injury put an end to his campaign. The DCU student (studying Humanities) only recently returned to action coming off the bench for Leinster ‘A’ against Ulster ‘A’ but this will be his first competitive game since the injury.

Finally, Dan Leavy is in line to make his comeback. The Leinster and Ireland backrow has been out since March 2019 when he injured his knee in the Champions Cup Quarter-Final against Ulster at the Aviva Stadium.

Leinster Rugby (caps in brackets):

15. Jimmy O’Brien (19),
14. Tommy O’Brien (4),
13. Liam Turner (0),
12. Ciarán Frawley (27),
11. Dave Kearney (149),
10. Harry Byrne (11),
9. Luke McGrath (129),
1. Peter Dooley (76),
2. Dan Sheehan (0),
3. Michael Bent (142),
4. Devin Toner (249),
5. Ross Molony (97),
6. Josh Murphy (33),
7. Scott Penny (14),
8. Rhys Ruddock (175) CAPTAIN,

16. James Tracy (111),
17. Michael Milne (9),
18. Ciaran Parker (0),
19. Jack Dunne (7),
20. Scott Fardy (62),
21. Hugh O’Sullivan (20),
22. David Hawkshaw (0),
23. Dan Leavy (63)

Date set for Rugby World Cup 2021 Draw

The date for Rugby World Cup 2021 Draw will take place in Auckland on Friday, 20 November 2020.

SkyCity Theatre in the heart of Auckland’s central business district will be the location for the draw which will be streamed live for rugby fans worldwide via World Rugby’s digital channels.

Hosted in the Southern Hemisphere for the first time, the ninth edition of the showcase tournament will take place from 18 September-16 October 2021 across three match venues. It will be contested by 12 teams, of which nine are already confirmed.

Seven teams qualified directly for RWC 2021 courtesy of a top-seven finish at the last tournament in Ireland in 2017, defending champions New Zealand, runners-up England, bronze medallists France, USA, Canada, Australia and Wales.

Fiji and South Africa confirmed their places through the regional qualification process back in 2019, via the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup and Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship.

The remaining three places will be filled by a qualifier from Asia and Europe together with the winner of the Final Qualification Tournament, a first for a women’s Rugby World Cup, offering a second opportunity for teams to qualify.

Click here to see the RWC 2021 qualification process

For the first time, the World Rugby Women’s Rankings will be used to determine the draw seedings and bands for the seven direct qualifiers in bands one to three, with the five teams to emerge from the qualification process to be placed into band three and four.

The recent Rugby World Cup Board decision for the World Rugby Women’s Rankings from 1 January, 2020 to be applied represents the fairest approach. It was the last time all teams were able to play before the emergence of the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic.

The bands are:

Band 1 – New Zealand, England, Canada
Band 2 – France, Australia, USA
Band 3 – Wales, Europe 1, South Africa
Band 4 – Asia 1, Fiji, Final Qualifier winner

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “The Rugby World Cup 2021 Draw marks an important milestone for teams and fans alike as momentum truly starts to build towards the most important international rugby tournament of 2021.

“We are in unusual and unique times with the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic. However, working in full partnership with New Zealand Rugby and local and national authorities, we are committed to a spectacular Rugby World Cup 2021.

“We look forward to welcoming the world’s top women’s 15s players to New Zealand and fans around the world as we raise the bar for women’s rugby and women in rugby in line with our important and impactful 2017-25 Women in Rugby plan.”

Rugby World Cup 2021 Tournament Director Michelle Hooper said with the tournament now less than a year away, plans were ramping up.

“The official draw is another step on the journey towards kick-off, and the buzz is building. We can’t wait to welcome all 12 teams to Aotearoa New Zealand and showcase our manaakitanga to the world. The draw will determine who will play in the first matches at Eden Park and Northland Events Centre, which is an exciting prospect.”

Full timings and broadcast details will be confirmed at a later stage.

Best Current Combined Irish XI in the Premier League

The Premier League is arguably one of the most attractive leagues in world football and, as a result, is home to players of many different nationalities. Over the years, there have been a considerable number of Irish footballers who have plied their trade in the English top-flight, especially former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane, who was arguably one of the best players in world football during his prime years.

 

At first, it was seen as a gamble to take a chance on an Irish footballer, however, Keane changed all that, and ever since there have been many who have followed in his footsteps. Namesake Robbie Keane who had much success at Leeds United and Tottenham as well as a spell with Liverpool was always the subject of a wager from gamblers who would often bet on him to finish as top-scorer. While he is no longer playing, it is still possible to make similar bets or enjoy any other kind of gambling activity as well.

 

It seems that there has always been a steady flow of Irish players in the Premier League since though, and it is easy to overlook this, compared to players from nations such as Spain, Italy, Germany, and France, not to mention nations in South America. As a result, Irish players often go ‘under the radar’.

 

However, right now, the Premier League still has a firm presence of Irish footballers, which got us thinking. What is the best Irish XI currently playing in the English top-flight? Continue reading to find out below!

 

Goalkeeper: Darren Randolph

 

Presently enjoying his second spell with West Ham United, Randolph has always been a reliable pair of hands in goal and has represented Republic of Ireland on 47 occasions. The 33-year-old really made his name at English second tier side Birmingham City where he featured on 91 occasions. An obvious choice really.

Right back: Seamus Coleman

 

Once ranked as one of the best in his position in world football, Coleman burst onto the scene at Everton and was a mainstay for many years. While injuries have plagued him over the last couple of seasons, the 32-year-old is still seen as an important player at the club and has 56 caps for his country.

 

Left back: Robbie Brady

 

While he can also play further forward, the 28-year-old has been used at full back on multiple occasions by his current club Burnley and has proven to be a reliable member of manager Sean Dyche’s team. Beginning his career at Manchester United, he has been capped on 51 occasions for The Boys in Green.

Centre back: Shane Duffy

 

The Brighton centre half has gone from strength to strength for the Seagulls in the Premier League and is regarded as one of the most capable defenders in the top flight. Arguably the lynchpin in his country’s defence, he has been capped 38 times. He is currently on loan with Celtic but he still counts.

Centre back: Ciaran Clark

 

Highly versatile, capable of filling in at left back or central midfield, Clark has become a reliable figure club Newcastle United and at 31 has a wealth of experience, which has translated into 34 international caps, along with two goals.

Centre back: John Egan

 

Had a very successful first season in the Premier League for Sheffield United and helped to form an almost formidable rearguard for the Blades. The 27-year-old has 11 caps for his country and will no doubt build on that.

Central midfield: James McCarthy

 

A tenacious midfielder who is a key cog in the Crystal Palace team, McCarthy also had a successful spell with Everton. The 29-year-old has starred on 42 occasions for Republic of Ireland, and we really could not leave him out.

Central medfield: Jeff Hendrick

 

Known mostly for his time spent with Burnely, the 28-year-old completed a free transfer to Newcastle United for the 2020/21 season and is a reliable addition to any team, as highlighted by his 58 international appearances. 

Central midfield: Conor Hourihane

 

Arguably the more creative cog in our midfield, the Aston Villa midfielder who made his name at Norwich City has had some impressive performances for his current club. Heavily relied on by his national team and has 21 caps to his name.

Striker: Shane Long

 

The evergreen Southampton forward always has a goal in his locker and despite being 33, he has been capped 85 times and has netted 17 times for his country.

Striker: David McGoldrick

 

The second Blades player in our team and while he has struggled for goals in the Premier League, there is no doubt that the 32-year-old does know where the net is as demonstrated by his 15 strikes for his club on their way into the English top tier. He has been capped on 14 occasions.

 

Ireland women’s soccer team star Fahey links up with Jigsaw

Niamh Fahey knows all about overcoming obstacles in her career and that is why she is delighted to speak to young people about the support needed to overcome the challenges we face in our lives.

The Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team player sat down for a video call with Jigsaw Youth Advisory Panel member Ciara McNamara as part of a link-up with Jigsaw, who support young people with their mental health.

Fahey, who has earned 91 senior caps to date, has enjoyed a fantastic career to date that has seen her win every trophy available with Arsenal, while also lining out for Chelsea, Bordeaux and Liverpool. But she has had to work hard to achieve so much.

The Galway native spoke honestly with Ciara McNamara, a former Ireland Women’s Under-19 international who plays for Cork City in the Women’s National League & a current member of the Youth Advisory Panel with Jigsaw in Cork, and offered advice on how she has worked hard to succeed.

Fahey, who is currently in camp with the Ireland WNT preparing for Friday’s UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 away to Ukraine, said: “There is a lot of pressure placed on young people and they need to feel that it’s okay to talk to someone, no matter what they are going through.

“Jigsaw are doing terrific work in helping young people around mental health and it is through people like Ciara that they can make a positive impact on people’s lives.”

Justin McDermott, Fundraising Manager with Jigsaw, said: “We are so delighted to be linking in with the FAI and the Republic of Ireland Women’s Senior Team ahead of their crunch tie on Friday against the Ukraine.

“We are especially excited with the opportunity for Ciara McNamara from our Youth Advisory Panel with Jigsaw in Cork to speak to Niamh Fahey about her career and how she has dealt with the challenges she has faced in her life.”

About Jigsaw
At Jigsaw we understand how mental health can affect a young person’s life. We offer a listening ear, and give expert advice and support to young people aged 12 – 25 years old.

We give families, teachers, and those who support young people’s mental health ways to cope and the skills to be there for young people. Find out more about how we can help you at www.jigsaw.ie

Kildare vs Westmeath: Division 2 Preview, team news and live scores

The winner of Kildare vs Westmeath could well find themselves in Division1 next season if Armagh fail to win against Clare. Both these teams had impressive outings last weekend after the long break. If that is any suggestion of what is to come in round, this game will be a high-scoring thriller.

Firstly, Kildare racked up 1-21 against Cavan. 2018 U20 Player of the Year Jimmy Hyland had 0-9 of his own. Fergal Conway’s 52nd minute goal was the only major of the game. It came in the third quarter that saw Kildare outscore Cavan 1-5 vs 0-2. However, Kildare took their foot off the gas then. Cavan were unlucky to not find the net in injury time when there was just three points in it. Jack O’Connor will be looking for a strong 70 minutes from his side in round 7.

Secondly, Westmeath outshone Laois in Mullingar. Johnny Heslin was the standout performer with 8 points. Leading 0-12 vs 0-5 at the midway point, Westmeath demonstrated great game management. They kept the scoreboard ticking over as the game went on. As a result, Jamie Gonoud’s goal in the 63rd minute effectively killed the game.

If Sunday’s game is as close as to be expected, Kildare cannot afford to pull up early again. If they do, Westmeath have shown they can punish them by finishing strongly.

Team News

Darragh Kirwan made a very impressive debut that saw him kick 0-4 from full-forward. In the absence of Niall Kelly, Daniel Flynn, and Jack Robinson, Jack O’Connor’s new-look forward line more than sufficed.

Kirwan, Hyland, and Ben McCormack hit 0-15 of Kildare’s 1-21. Therefore, you can expect O’Connor to capitalise on this momentum and use the same formula against Westmeath.

Elsewhere, O’Connor has a full squad to choose from.

Westmeath face Dublin in the Leinster Championship. Thus, Jack Cooney could decide to throw all his cards on the table for round 7 of the league and go for promotion. Dublin may be a team in transition. But, in a knock-out Championship they could have a short season unless they play the game of their lives.

With that in mind, it would be understandable to see Cooney use his strongest selection at every opportunity.

Prediction: Draw. Remarkably, no game finished all-square last weekend. But, with the cobwebs now dusted off, teams have expectations going into games. Kildare are impressive up top. Yet, Westmeath are going to go all-out for this one. So, a stalemate in Newbridge is highly possible.

Kildare vs Westmeath: Division 1, Saturday, October 24th, 2pm (Newbridge). 

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Cavan vs Roscommon: Division 2 Preview, team news & live scores

Cavan vs Roscommon can effect both ends of the Division 2 table. Before the lockdown, the division was chaotic and condensed. Last weekend, little changed. Roscommon need just a point to be crowned champions. But, a loss could see them drop out of the top two altogether. Meanwhile, Cavan need a win to guarantee safety from relegation.

Roscommon returned to action against Armagh in a top-of-the-table clash on Saturday. However, they were the slower to start and were wasteful in front of the posts. Whereas, Armagh were accurate and took their chances. It took an Enda Smith penalty in the 34th penalty to give the Connacht side a lifeline.

Then on 43 minutes, Smith scored another penalty. Two minutes later, Conor Daly netted after a super Conor Cox run.

Then, Roscommon finished strongly. But, Anthony Cunningham will be keen to improve across the pitch before the Championship commences.

Roscommon need just a point to guarantee their return to Division 1 as table-toppers. If they have to continue to rely on goals though, Cavan could spoil their party. They have had a player contract covid-19 and some of the squad will not travel so team news will be vital.

The Ulster side will be left wondering how they could score 0-20 and lose a game by four points. In truth, they were unlucky to not a goal of their own when Martin Reilly’s effort was saved. Mickey Graham will be encouraged by the strength with which his team finished.

By injury time, they were within three points of Kildare. If they can show the same fight for 70 minutes against Roscommon they could take the points.

If Cavan win, Armagh lose, and Westmeath draw with Kildare, Graham’s team could squeeze into the top 2. In what has already been an unpredictable Division, anything is possible.

Team News

What adds to the excitement for this one is that neither management team has any apparent absentees for it.

However, Cavan play just a week later in the Ulster Championship. They play Monaghan and defeat would immediately end their season. Therefore, Graham has to decide whether to risk injuring his first fifteen or saving them and giving others some game time.

Meanwhile, Roscommon aren’t out in the Championship until November 8th. As a result, Anthony Cunningham may not be afraid to use his big guns to secure the title.

Prediction: Roscommon. After winning Connacht in 2019, the Rossies will be ambitious and want to get back to Division 1. Their eye for goal has won them games and could do so again. But, Cavan will push them for the 70 minutes and Anthony Cunningham will need to plan accordingly.

Cavan vs Roscommon: Division 2, Saturday, October 24th, 2pm (Kingspan Breffni Park).

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/weekend-gaa-fixtures-results-25th-26th-27th-july-2020/

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/weekend-gaa-fixtures-results-25th-26th-27th-july-2020/

https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1318509012535644160

Fermanagh vs Laois: Division 2 Preview, team news and live scores

Laois cannot afford to slip up again after their failure to get going against Westmeath. Now, they are in the relegation zone. Even a win over Fermanagh may not be enough to save them if Clare get a result against Armagh. Meanwhile, the Ulster men are beyond saving in Division 2. But, after an admirable showing in Clare following uncertainty over squad availability, they will be hopeful of getting a result at home. Fermanagh vs Laois is at 2pm on Saturday.

Fermanagh finished strongly last weekend to make their performance in Clare an encouraging one. In truth, their late goal was more of a consolation than a comeback starter. But, in the first-half they were unlucky to find the net at a stage when they were still in the game.

Ryan McMenamin’s side did not have any collective training session prior to the match due to seventeen squad members being isolated due to Covid-19 protocols. They requested for the game to be postponed but the CCCC refused.

Captain Eoin Donnelly wasn’t shy to voice the frustration he and his squad felt: “Our medical staff were 100%, they checked in with the boys all the time which is probably more than could be said for the GAA themselves. I don’t think we got a lot of support for ourselves.”

Meanwhile, Laois will be hoping their lackluster performance against Westmeath was a result of the seven-month absence. In Mullingar, they never really got started. Ten of their thirteen points came from frees. If they are to secure Division 2 status this year, Laois need to find scores elsewhere in round 7.

Team News

If some Fermanagh players were still feeling the after-effects of Covid-19 last weekend, McMenamin may offer them a week off here. Otherwise, he may deploy his strongest team again to gain some match fitness that would make up for their inability to train recently.

Either way, he will be glad of the week off Fermanagh have before playing Down in the Championship on November 8th.

Likewise, Laois have a week to recover after this fixture. They open their Championship against the winners of Louth and Longford.

Mike Quirke will be ambitious about his side’s Championship chances. However, he won’t pull any punches this weekend with relegation on the mind. Expect a full-strength Laois side to be on show.

Prediction. Laois. They need this one more than Fermanagh do. Furthermore, the Fermanagh lads will still be sluggish after the toll that the Covid outbreak took on their squad.

Fermanagh vs Laois: Division 2, Saturday, October 24th, 2pm (Brewster Park). 

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/weekend-gaa-fixtures-results-25th-26th-27th-july-2020/

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/weekend-gaa-fixtures-results-25th-26th-27th-july-2020/

https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1318509012535644160

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