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Galway vs Mayo – League Football – Preview & Live Score Commentary

The Galway vs Mayo rivalry is set to continue as both sides aim to hit the ground running with the return of the Allianz National League. Last summer, Mayo finally overcame their rivals in the final qualifying round of the Championship. Previously, Galway had defeated the Green and Reds five times in a row.

Galway vs Mayo  Preview & Live Score Commentary

Last year, Mayo won the Allianz National League by beating Kerry in the final. However, they could not replicate their form in 2020. Currently, they sit seventh in the League and are fighting for survival. Their only victory to date was against bottom of the table Meath. A draw with Donegal was their only other source of points as losses to Dublin, Kerry, and Monaghan have left them under pressure. They need two good results against Galway and Tyrone in their remaining games to ensure Division 1 status for next year.

In contrast, Galway are in control of the League and will be looking to go on and win it. Currently, they have only lost to Kerry. Wins against Monaghan, Donegal, Tyrone, and Meath had them full of momentum. As a result, they would have been left frustrated by the suspension of inter-county action. But, without a League final this year, good results against Mayo and then Dublin could see them reigned Champions.

Reignited Rivalry

With that in mind, it is possible that Galway will line out with a full-strength squad for their restart. Padraig Joyce has impressed so far in his stint at the helm. For example, his side’s scintillating display against Tyrone in February was a masterclass in attacking football. Add that to a strong selection from impressive Club performers and Galway are the team to beat. With Corofin finally dethroned within the county, there are new stars for Joyce to choose from. If the League is to be decided in the final round against Dublin, Galway need to pick up from where they left off.

Yet, Mayo haven’t gone away despite their League position. Their win against Galway in the Championship last year would have been a big relief after a series of losses. Recent challenge wins over Donegal and Clare are a promising start for James Horan’s team. It will be interesting to see whether any of the newly-crowned Championship winners from Knockmore will receive a call-up. For instance, Darren McHale and Kieran King were particularly impressive as they defeated Breaffy to win the Moclair Cup.

Mayo face a hectic restart with their first Championship game coming on the 1st of November. They face Leitrim in the preliminary round of the Connacht Championship. On the other hand, Galway have an extra week to prepare before they face Sligo in the semi-final.

Team News

Galway are missing a host of players and look to be starting a second string team while Mayo look to be out for the points.

Ahead of this weekend’s inter-county resumption, here is the Galway panel news as Padraic Joyce seeks to bolster his squad. Currently, Galway sit on top of Division 1 and could be crowned Champions with two good performances. However, Mayo and Dublin are their respective opponents so the Tribesmen have no time to ease themselves back to action.

In the Club Championship, kingpins Corofin finally suffered defeat at the hands of Mountbellew/Moylough. Yet, it was another side, Moycullen, who went on to be crowned Champions. In an overall exciting competition, many players stood out and Joyce is taking advantage of this.

Firstly, Corofin’s Gary Sice rejoined the inter-county setup for the first time since 2017. Despite now being 36, the four-time Club All-Ireland Champion is a great offering to Joyce’s side. His form with Corofin more than justifies his inclusion. Furthermore, the experience he offers is an invaluable asset.

In addition to Sice, James Foley (Mountbellew/Moylough), John Maher (Salthill/Knocknacarra), and Paul Kelly (Moycullen) all received calls to joins to the county panel.

These additions are much needed and the players will need to hit the ground running at the higher level. This is due to several injuries already hampering the side.

Firstly, captain Shane Walsh looks unlikely to feature in the League this weekend. The Kilkerrin-Clonberne forward was arguably the in-form play in the country before the lockdown. But, an injury picked up while on club duty has Joyce sweating over his fitness. Even if available, Joyce may not risk his marquee player before the Championship.

Secondly, Corofin midfielder Ronan Steede will miss the Mayo game but Joyce is confident he is not far from a return. Steede picked up his own injury in the shock defeat to Mountbellew/Moylough.

Finally, County champions Moycullen have announced players involved in final or moreover the celebrations have contracted Covid 19.

The @Galway_GAA team to play @MayoGAA in the Allianz League #GAA

1. C Gleeson
2. C Campbell
3. SA Ó Ceallaigh
4. J Heaney (c)
5. L Silke
6. J Duane
7. C McDaid
8. J Maher
9. C D’Arcy
10. E Brannigan
11. M Daly
12. J Leonard
13. R Finnerty
14. I Burke
15. P Conroy

Mayo return to inter-county action against rivals Galway on Sunday needing a win to stay in Division 1. Here is some Mayo squad news ahead of the fixture in Tuam.

Mayo manager James Horan has opted against any major additions following the Club Championship’s completion in Mayo. The only notable draftees are Mark Moran of Westport and Darren McHale of Knockmore coming in to bolster the attack.

Somewhat surprisingly, only one of the Championship-winning Knockmore side have joined Kevin McLoughlin on Horan’s roster. Darren Mchale kicked 1-4 in the final in a man of the match display. If he can continue such form he could force a way into the Mayo team.

On the other hand, Horan already deployed Mark Moran in a recent challenge game against Donegal. The young forward was impressive in Westport’s run to the Championship semi-final and caught the eye of the Mayo manager. He was previously a member of the U-20 squad that lost to Galway on penalties in February.

Likewise, other members of the U-20 squad could feature in Horan’s plans before the year is out. Firstly, Moran’s clubmate Rory Brickenden came off the bench in the Donegal game. Secondly, Kilmaine defender Oisin Mullen and Charlestown forward Paul Towey have made senior appearances already. Similarly, David McBrien of Ballaghaderreen appears to be a part of Horan’s plans.

Injuries

Horan may well have to utilise some of his young guns after injuries have ruled out some of his regulars. For example, Brendan Harrison has not played since the first round of the club Championship. Therefore, Mullen could make his Championship debut against Leitrim.

In attack, after returning from an ACL injury in July, Mayo stalwart Jason Doherty is looking at another spell on the sidelines after injuring his knee in training.

Also on Mayo’s injury list is Ballintubber native Diarmuid O’Connor. The 25-year-old limped off in his side’s quarter-final defeat in September. Having a fully fit O’Connor will be vital to Horan who is facing Mayo’s first Championship without Andy Moran since 2004.

On the plus side, defender Colm Boyle has returned from injury since lockdown.

 

Allianz National League: Galway vs Mayo, Sunday October 18, 2pm (TG4). 

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/club-championships-county-by-county/

https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1313789219576438786

Wichita on the mend after surgery in Australia

Aidan O’Brien’s Wichita, a son of Coolmore stallion No Nay Never, sustained a serious leg injury at the Werribee International Horse Centre in Australia yesterday morning.

The 3-year-old was doing some trackwork as part of his preparation for the Spring Racing Carnival when he suffered a fracture to his right hind leg. It was only detected after he had completed his work and returned to his box.

Racing Victoria and stable vets assessed the horse’s injury to determine an appropriate management plan.

Positive news came today, however, about the recent Doncaster bet365 Group 2 Park Stakes winner. The colt came through surgery on his fractured leg and is in good health.

Aidan O’Brien’s travelling foreman T J Comerford said:

“He’s grand out there this morning and it’s like it has never happened to him. They screwed his joint and he has come out of it well.”

It was initially thought Wichita would return to Ireland to take up stud duties next year. Today, however, Comerford said the colt’s racing career may not be over, stating:

“He’ll be fine again to race, so we’ll probably bring him back to Ireland in a few months’ time and probably leave him here (to recuperate) for the time being.”

Wichita’s primary target during the Spring Racing Carnival was the Group 1 Cantala Stakes on October 31.

Recent Irish Showjuming Wins on the Continent

Irish showjumping riders Denis Lynch, Jack Gateau Conlon Max Wachman and Jessica Burke all achieved international success on the showjumping circuit in the past fortnight.

Tipperary’s Lynch maintained his excellent recent form at the Hubside Tour in France, after he recorded an impressive victory in their two-star Grand Prix.

Riding the 14-year-old mare Spring Dark, Lynch came out on top after an 18-horse jump-off to take the top prize of €7,500.

A clear jump-off round in 40.82 seconds saw Lynch finish 0.16 of a second ahead of French runner-up Marc Dilasser and Corona Z. Another French rider, Alexis Deroubaix, was a further second and a half back in third with Carmen du Plessis.

The strength of Irish showjumping is evident in the success at Youth level. In France, Jack Gateau Conlon took victory with Samba Van De Groenheuvel in the 1m20 Pony class at Le Mans in France. He produced the only clear round of the competition to take the win while he also took third place aboard Sienna Dusky Sky.

Tipperary’s Max Wachman, another promising young Irish showjumping rider, recorded a hugely impressive result, when he took victory in Saturday’s feature class at Vejer De La Frontera. Up against a top class field of some of the world’s most experienced riders, Wachman riding Brooklyn De Hus finished with over a second to spare over Brazilian runner-up Pedro Veniss with Ballad Of Colors.

Jessica Burke and The Irish Sport Horse Express Trend took victory recently in this two-star Grand Prix at Sentower Park in Belgium.

A large field of 57 starters went to post, with Gort-based Burke coming out on top after a 13-horse jump-off with Express Trend (ISH).

Britain’s Harry Charles finished second with Valkiry de Zance, just ahead of Morocco’s Abdelkebir Ouaddar and Istanbull V.H Ooievaarshof in third.

Energia Women’s Community Series Round-Up

Games were played in the Leinster and Munster conferences of the Energia Women’s Community Shield at the weekend. Here is a round-up of the action.

Leinster Conference

Alannah O’Carroll and Ciara O’Dwyer both made their mark in Old Belvedere colours with two tries each in Saturday’s 48-3 Energia Women’s Community Series win over Wicklow.

In Johnny Garth’s first competitive game in charge, the debut duo impressed at Ollie Campbell Park. There was also a try double for Ireland Sevens international Deirbhile Nic a’ Bhaird, a real workhorse in a dominant ‘Belvo scrum.

Blackrock College made it two wins from tow to go five points clear at the top of the Leinster Conference. Another all-action display from two-try captain Maeve Óg O’Leary inspired ‘Rock’s 43-0 bonus point victory over Suttonians, with Ireland Sevens starlet Megan Burns also bagging a brace.

Munster Conference
The two clashes in Munster’s top Conference resulted in bonus point wins for UL Bohemians and Ballincollig. Louise Galvin, who retired recently as a Sevens international, but she is going the right way about earning a recall to the Ireland 15s set-up.

Lining out against her native Kerry in Listowel, Galvin grabbed an early brace of tries in UL Bohs’ 31-0 defeat of the Kingdom. The centre also set up fellow Kerry woman Laura O’Mahony for their fifth and final try.

Ballincollig bounced back to winning ways, taking down a young Shannon/LIT outfit 36-3 at Coonagh. Centre Christine O’Sullivan starred with a 14-point haul, including two tries. Pacy winger Heather Kennedy helped herself to a hat-trick, while full-back Niamh Quilligan kicked the hosts’ penalty.

ENERGIA WOMEN’S COMMUNITY SERIES – SECOND ROUND RESULTS:

LEINSTER CONFERENCE:

Blackrock College 43 Suttonians 0
Old Belvedere 48 Wicklow 3
Railway Union – Bye

MUNSTER CONFERENCE 1:

Kerry 0 UL Bohemians 31, Town Park
Shannon/LIT 3 Ballincollig 36

ULSTER CONFERENCE:

Cavan v Queen’s University (Match cancelled – 0-0. Both teams awarded two points)
City of Derry v Malone (Match cancelled – 0-0. Both teams awarded two points)
Cooke – Bye

REPORT | Finland 1-0 Republic of Ireland

Republic of Ireland went down to a 1-0 defeat to Finland in Helsinki in their fourth UEFA Nations League group game.

A second-half strike by Fredrik Jenson was the difference between the two teams in a game where Stephen Kenny’s men were denied numerous times by the home side’s goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky.

The Ireland manager made four changes to the starting XI that drew with Wales on Sunday afternoon with West Bromwich Albion’s Dara O’Shea making his senior Ireland debut. Sean Maguire, Daryl Horgan and the returning Aaron Connolly also started the game.

The first clear chance of the match fell for Ireland in the 12th minute. Maguire got down the left and found Horgan in the centre of the box, he laid it off to Jeff Hendrick whose goal-bound effort was blocked.

Connolly, who was a continued threat throughout the game, looked to test Hradecky’s goal with two long-range efforts but neither troubled the Finland stopper.

The home side had two big chances just before half-time. Teemu Pukki flashed an effort across Darren Randolph’s goal on 36 minutes then the Norwich City forward went close again, this time his effort hitting the side netting.

Ireland started the second half the brighter team. Jayson Molumby managed to break down the right and he crossed for Horgan however the Wycombe Wanderers winger couldn’t get a flick to turn it goalwards. Minutes later Ireland counter attacked through Connolly who drove at the Finnish backline and fired off an effort that was well stopped by Hradecky.

Still Ireland pushed forward and they struck the crossbar in the 63rd minute. Enda Stevens found himself in space in the Finnish area and his flicked effort beat the goalkeeper but not the crossbar. A minute later it was the turn of Ireland’s other full-back to go close, this time Doherty running onto a pass and drilling a ball just wide.

But it was Finland who took the lead in the 66th minute through Jensen. Pukki reacted quickest to Randolph’s goal kick when he stole the ball, squared it across goal and Jensen was able to turn the ball over the line to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

Connolly had another chance on the Finland goal. He was left in space and was able to turn and get a shot away but again was thwarted by Hradecky.

With five minutes remaining Derby County’s Jason Knight was introduced for Molumby and made his first Ireland senior appearance.

As Ireland pushed for an equaliser they were denied twice by Hradecky late on. First he produced a finger-tip save to flick over a Doherty header, then in the final moments he somehow managed to get down to his right to palm away a Ronan Curtis header that looked to be heading for the bottom corner.

Speaking after the game Ireland manager Stephen Kenny said: “It’s disappointing to lose the game. Matt Doherty had a header over the bar and he shot wide, Aaron Connolly had two efforts, Enda Stevens hit the bar and Ronan Curtis came close, and that was only in the last half-an-hour.

“Overall the players showed their undoubted commitment by pushing right to the end and continuously pushing for that equaliser and showed a fair bit of quality. Maybe our finishing let us down but the goalkeeper Hradecky played really well.

“The young players who have come in have shown a good mentality and I’d be optimistic they’ll go on and be important players for Ireland.”

Finland: Hradecky (GK); Granlund, Uronen, Arajuuri, Toivio; Kamara (Schüller, 75), Sparv (C) Taylo, Soiri (Niskanen, 46); Jensen, Pukki.

Unused substitutes: Joronen (GK), Mäenpää (GK), Ojala, Karjalainen, Väisänen, Pirinen, Alho, Kauko, Pohjanpalo, Raitala.

Republic of Ireland: Randolph (GK), Doherty, Stevens, Duffy (C), O’Shea; Hourihane, Hendrick (Idah, 75), Molumby (Knight, 84); Horgan (Curtis, 75), Maguire (Brady ,53), Connolly.

Unused substitutes: Travers (GK), Kelleher (GK), K. Long, S. Long, Cullen, Manning, Christie.

Referee: Lionel Tschudi (SUI)

Potential Delay for 2021 Six Nations

The implications of COVID-19 on the world of sport have been stark. Many organizations are struggling financially without the attendance of fans to games. The latest competition under threat is the 2021 Six Nations, which is due to commence at the beginning of February.

The IRFU, along with fellow Unions from the Six Nations, have voiced their concerns over the impact of no fans, or a limited number of fans, may have on next year’s tournament. The English Rugby Football Union (RFU) have estimated a total loss of €65m if spectators are unable to attend their home matches due to COVID restrictions.

Compare this season to the 2018/19 campaign, when the IRFU reported their highest annual income of €87.5m. It is a bleak sign of the times and highlights the importance of the Six Nations to Irish Rugby along with the rest of the nations.

In recent weeks there were plans for a limited numbers of fans to be in attendance at sporting fixtures here in Ireland, as well as in the UK. But the number of current COVID cases has risen leading to a further delay in said plans for the incorporation of fans on match day.

On the back of these reported discussions, Ben Morel, the Six Nations chief executive, reiterated that “we need fans back. We are not about to announce that we are doing this [a delay], but it is one of the options that is there.”

A final decision has yet to be made. In these uncertain times, it is difficult to pinpoint when fans will be back in attendance. However, there is no question that the resultant financial constraints are weighing heavier and heavier on sporting organizations across the globe.

Casement Park redevelopment gets green light

Casement Park redevelopment gets green light

Northern Ireland Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced she is recommending planning approval be granted for the redevelopment of Casement Park.

Image

More than ten years have passed since the Casement Park project was first announced but setbacks have delayed the plan to bring a major new stadium to Ulster time and time again.

Planning approval for a 38,000 capacity stadium was granted in 2013, but those plans were thrown into disarray when a year later a legal challenge brought by some residents quashed the planned development.

A fresh planning application was submitted in February 2017 with a reduced capacity of just over 34,000

It is more than seven years since Casement Park last hosted a GAA mach, with Infrastructure Minister Mallon announcing that she had “carefully considered” all of the representations at stake and that it had been a “complex application”.

“I have carefully considered all of the representations and I believe this will be a landmark stadium, it will be transformative for gaelic games, it will be transformative in terms of the economy of west Belfast and Belfast more generally and I believe it will be truly transformational in sporting terms, in social terms, in economic terms for the whole of Ulster.”

 

 

Airtricity League – Wexford Football Club forced to Forfeit 4 Matches

SSE Airtricity League Division 1 side Wexford FC have been forced to forfeit four games after breaching Clause 14.14 of Schedule 1 of the Participation Agreement. The Football Association of Ireland Appeal Committee investigated the case and they found the club guilty of fielding an ineligible player in their fixtures against Athlone Town, Cabinteely FC, Shamrock Rovers II and Cobh Ramblers.

The controversy surrounds summer acquisition Ola Adeyemo’s involvement. Adeyemo made the move from English No-League side Lewes. He featured in all four games since the league restarted despite questions over his eligibility. Wexford took four points from an available twelve over the course of the four matches. As a result of this breach, each of the matches will go down as a 3-0 win for the opposition team.

Cabinteely have gained the most from the changes as they leapfrog UCD to take fourth spot in the league. The two teams go head-to-head on Friday evening at UCD. Athlone Town have also widened the gap between them and bottom two clubs Shamrock Rovers II and Wexford FC.

Wexford FC travel to Drogheda for their next match on Friday. However with only two games remaining, they will finish the season in last place capping off a disappointing campaign.

Dublin vs Meath – National League Preview & Live Scores Commentary

The All-Ireland Champions return to inter-county action on October 17th. Dublin vs Meath will be the only all Leinster tie in Division 1 and is a chance for both teams to get some well-needed match practice before the Championship. 

Dublin vs Meath Live Scores Commentary

Somewhat surprisingly, Dublin are in the middle of Division 1 thus far. However, they have only been beaten once. This was against Tyrone back in February. Two draws against Kerry and Monaghan have left Dessie Farrell’s team two points shy of top spot. 

On the other hand, Meath look destined for relegation. So far, their five games have yielded zero points. In fact, they are probably one team who were grateful for the postponement of the League so they could regroup. 

After coming up from Division 2 last year, the Royal County seem to be heading for the return journey. With Dublin and Monaghan as their remaining two League fixtures, manager Andy McEntee may decide the best option is to just focus on the coming Championship.

Meath face the winners of Wicklow and Wexford on the 8th of November in the Leinster quarter-final. Since McEntee’s side could potentially face Dublin in a Leinster final, he may opt against showing his strongest hand in the League. Instead, this could be an opportunity for new faces to earn a jersey. McEntee will have had a close eye on all the drama that occurred in the Club Championship and has plenty of options available to him.

In the same way, Farrell will likely be more concerned with the rapidly approaching Championship. After taking over from Jim Gavin, he is in the process of moulding his own team and the League is an opportunity for him to implement the changes. Farrell is well aware of the capabilities of Dublin’s major five-in-a-row contributors. Therefore, we may see the likes of Ballymun’s Paddy Small given a chance to break into the fifteen. Furthermore, youngsters such as Conor McHugh, Aaron Byrne and Sean Bugler are continuing to impress.  

Allianz National League Division 1: Dublin vs Meath, Saturday October 17th, 7pm (Parnell Park).

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/club-championships-county-by-county/

https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1313789219576438786

Cluichí CLG Beo ar Sky Sports Mix

D’fhógair Sky Sports le déanaí go mbeidh a gcluichí CLG Beo ar Sky Sports Mix do Chraobh na hÉireann 2020.

Ceithre chluiche dhéag ar fad a chraolfar beo ar an mbealach teilifíse satailíte.

Toisc go mbeidh na cluichí peile agus iománaíochta ar Sky Sports Mix (uimhir 416 ar bhosca Sky agus 409 ar Virgin), beidh deis ag daoine le gnáthshíntiús Sky féachaint ar na cluichí go léir.

Déanfaidh Kieran Donaghy Chiarraí agus Peter Canavan ó Thír Eoghain anailís ar na cluichí peile. Ceithre bhonn Uile Éireann atá buaite ag Donaghy agus rug Canavan ceithre ghradam Sárimreoirí Peile na Bliana leis nuair a bhí sé ag imirt.

Iománaí an Chláir Jamesie O’Connor, JJ Delaney, a bhain naoi mbonn Uile Éireann amach le Cill Chainnigh agus Ollie Canning na Gaillimhe a dhéanfaidh anailís ar na cluichí iomána.

Tosóidh na cluichí ar Sky Sports Mix Dé Sathairn 24 Deireadh Fómhair le hÁth Cliath agus Laois ag imirt sa chéad bhabhta de Chraobh Iomána Laighean. Ba iad muintir Uí Mhórdha a chuir deireadh le séasúr Átha Cliath anuraidh.

Is iad Dave McIntyre agus Mike Finnerty a bheidh i mbun tráchtaireachta, le cabhair ó Nicky English agus Paul Earley.

Tiocfaidh an t-iriseoir Gaeilge Gráinne McElwain isteach in ionad Rachel Wyse don séasúr seo, agus beidh bean Mhuineacháin ag cur na gcluichí i láthair in éindí le hiar-imreoir rugbaí na Mumhan Brian Carney.

Chomh maith leis sin, cuirfidh an bheirt acu an clár CLG ‘Inside the Game’ i lathair i rith na seachtaine chomh maith.

Cluichí CLG Beo ar Sky Sports Mix

Dé Sathairn, 24 Deireadh Fómhair 2020
6:00pm Áth Cliath v Laois (iomáint)
Dé Sathairn, 31 Deireadh Fómhair 2020
1:15pm Muineachán v An Cabhán (peil)
3:30pm Corcaigh v Port Láirge (iomáint)
Dé Sathairn, 7 Samhain 2020
3:45pm Babhta Cáilithe Iomána
6:15pm Áth Cliath v An Iarmhí (peil)
Dé Sathairn, 14 Samhain 2020
1:15pm Dún na nGall/Tír Eoghain v Ard Mhaca/Doire (peil)
3:45pm Babhta Cáilithe Iomána
Dé Sathairn, 21 Samhain 2020
3:45pm Cluiche Ceathrú Ceannais Iomána na hÉireann
Dé Sathairn, 28 Samhain 2020
6:00pm Cluiche Leathcheannais Iomána na hÉireann
Dé Domhnaigh, 29 Samhain 2020
4:00pm Cluiche Leathcheannais Iomána na hÉireann
Dé Sathairn, 5 Nollaig 2020
5:30pm Cluiche Leathcheannais Peile na hÉireann
Dé Domhnaigh, 6 Nollaig 2020
3:30pm Cluiche Leathcheannais Peile na hÉireann
Dé Domhnaigh, 13 Nollaig 2020
3:30pm Cluiche Ceannais Iomána na hÉireann
Dé Sathairn, 19 Nollaig 2020
5:00pm Cluiche Ceannais Peile na hÉireann
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