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Leinster Rugby – Champions Cup 2020/21 Pool, Fixture Dates, and Kick-off times

Leinster Rugby Champions Cup 2020/21 Pool, Fixture Dates, and Kick-off times have been announced.

Reigning Guinness PRO14 champions, Leinster Rugby, will have Montpellier and Northampton Saints as their opponents in Pool A when the tournament kicks off again in December.

For the purposes of the draw, the 24 clubs which qualified from the Premiership, the PRO14 and the TOP 14 were classified into four tiers based on their performances in the knockout phases of their respective leagues, and/or on their qualifying positions in their respective league tables.

Each tier contained six clubs with Tier 1 made up of the number one and number two ranked clubs from each league, and Tier 2, the number three and number four ranked clubs from each league, and so on.

Starting with Tier 1, the clubs were either drawn or allocated into either Pool A or Pool B so that each pool contained 12 clubs with no clubs in the same tier from the same league in the same pool.

The key principles regarding the pool stage fixtures are that clubs will only play against opponents in the same pool, and clubs from the same league cannot play against one another.

The Tier 1 and Tier 4 clubs which were drawn in the same pool, but which are not from the same league, will play one another home and away over four rounds. The same principle applies to the Tier 2 and Tier 3 clubs which were drawn in the same pool, but which are not from the same league.

The exact dates of the Heineken Champions Cup pool stage fixtures and the Challenge Cup preliminary stage fixtures, including venues, kick-off times and TV coverage, will be announced as soon as possible following consultation with clubs and EPCR’s partner broadcasters.

The four highest-ranked clubs from each Heineken Champions Cup pool will qualify for the quarter-finals which will be played over two legs, and the clubs ranked from number five to number eight in each pool will qualify for the Round of 16 of the Challenge Cup.

Today’s draw, which mapped out the first steps on the journey to the 2021 Marseille finals weekend, was conducted by EPCR Chief Executive, Vincent Gaillard, and by EPCR Commercial and Brand Manager, Anya Alderslade. The event scrutineer was Lausanne-based solicitor, Jean-Guillaume Amiguet.

2020/21 HEINEKEN CHAMPIONS CUP

POOL A (with opponents in brackets)
Bordeaux-Bègles (Dragons, Northampton Saints)
Leinster Rugby (Montpellier, Northampton Saints)
Wasps (Dragons, Montpellier)
Bath Rugby (La Rochelle, Scarlets)
Edinburgh Rugby (La Rochelle, Sale Sharks)
RC Toulon (Sale Sharks, Scarlets)
La Rochelle (Bath Rugby, Edinburgh Rugby)
Sale Sharks (Edinburgh Rugby, RC Toulon)
Scarlets (Bath Rugby, RC Toulon)
Dragons (Bordeaux-Bègles, Wasps)
Montpellier (Leinster Rugby, Wasps)
Northampton Saints (Bordeaux-Bègles, Leinster Rugby)

POOL B (with opponents in brackets)
Exeter Chiefs (Glasgow Warriors, Toulouse)
Lyon (Glasgow Warriors, Gloucester Rugby)
Ulster Rugby (Gloucester Rugby, Toulouse)
Bristol Bears (ASM Clermont Auvergne, Connacht Rugby)
Munster Rugby (ASM Clermont Auvergne, Harlequins)
Racing 92 (Connacht Rugby, Harlequins)
ASM Clermont Auvergne (Bristol Bears, Munster Rugby)
Connacht Rugby (Bristol Bears, Racing 92)
Harlequins (Munster Rugby, Racing 92)
Glasgow Warriors (Exeter Chiefs, Lyon)
Gloucester Rugby (Lyon, Ulster)
Toulouse (Exeter Chiefs, Ulster Rugby)

2020/21 season weekends
Round 1 – 11/12/13 December 2020
Round 2 – 18/19/20 December 2020
Round 3 – 15/16/17 January 2021
Round 4 – 22/23/24 January 2021
Heineken Champions Cup quarter-finals, 1st leg – 2/3/4 April 2021
Challenge Cup Round of 16 – 2/3/4 April 2021
Heineken Champions Cup quarter-finals, 2nd leg – 9/10/11 April 2021
Challenge Cup quarter-finals – 9/10/11 April 2021
Semi-finals – 30 April – 1/2 May 2021

2021 finals – Stade Vélodrome, Marseille
Challenge Cup final – Friday 21 May
Heineken Champions Cup final – Saturday 22 May

Champions Cup 2020/21 Pool, Fixture Dates, and Kick-off times for Connacht Rugby

2020/21 Champions Cup rugby draw has been made and we have the Pool, Fixture Dates, and Kick-off times for Connacht Rugby.

Former Connacht Coach and now Bristol Bears’ Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, will make a return to Galway when the Challenge Cup winners face off against Connacht and Clermont in Pool B.

For the purposes of the draw, the 24 clubs which qualified from the Premiership, the PRO14 and the TOP 14 were classified into four tiers based on their performances in the knockout phases of their respective leagues, and/or on their qualifying positions in their respective league tables.

Each tier contained six clubs with Tier 1 made up of the number one and number two ranked clubs from each league, and Tier 2, the number three and number four ranked clubs from each league, and so on.

Starting with Tier 1, the clubs were either drawn or allocated into either Pool A or Pool B so that each pool contained 12 clubs with no clubs in the same tier from the same league in the same pool.

The key principles regarding the pool stage fixtures are that clubs will only play against opponents in the same pool, and clubs from the same league cannot play against one another.

The Tier 1 and Tier 4 clubs which were drawn in the same pool, but which are not from the same league, will play one another home and away over four rounds. The same principle applies to the Tier 2 and Tier 3 clubs which were drawn in the same pool, but which are not from the same league.

The exact dates of the Heineken Champions Cup pool stage fixtures and the Challenge Cup preliminary stage fixtures, including venues, kick-off times and TV coverage, will be announced as soon as possible following consultation with clubs and EPCR’s partner broadcasters.

The four highest-ranked clubs from each Heineken Champions Cup pool will qualify for the quarter-finals which will be played over two legs, and the clubs ranked from number five to number eight in each pool will qualify for the Round of 16 of the Challenge Cup.

Today’s draw, which mapped out the first steps on the journey to the 2021 Marseille finals weekend, was conducted by EPCR Chief Executive, Vincent Gaillard, and by EPCR Commercial and Brand Manager, Anya Alderslade. The event scrutineer was Lausanne-based solicitor, Jean-Guillaume Amiguet.

2020/21 HEINEKEN CHAMPIONS CUP

POOL A (with opponents in brackets)
Bordeaux-Bègles (Dragons, Northampton Saints)
Leinster Rugby (Montpellier, Northampton Saints)
Wasps (Dragons, Montpellier)
Bath Rugby (La Rochelle, Scarlets)
Edinburgh Rugby (La Rochelle, Sale Sharks)
RC Toulon (Sale Sharks, Scarlets)
La Rochelle (Bath Rugby, Edinburgh Rugby)
Sale Sharks (Edinburgh Rugby, RC Toulon)
Scarlets (Bath Rugby, RC Toulon)
Dragons (Bordeaux-Bègles, Wasps)
Montpellier (Leinster Rugby, Wasps)
Northampton Saints (Bordeaux-Bègles, Leinster Rugby)

POOL B (with opponents in brackets)
Exeter Chiefs (Glasgow Warriors, Toulouse)
Lyon (Glasgow Warriors, Gloucester Rugby)
Ulster Rugby (Gloucester Rugby, Toulouse)
Bristol Bears (ASM Clermont Auvergne, Connacht Rugby)
Munster Rugby (ASM Clermont Auvergne, Harlequins)
Racing 92 (Connacht Rugby, Harlequins)
ASM Clermont Auvergne (Bristol Bears, Munster Rugby)
Connacht Rugby (Bristol Bears, Racing 92)
Harlequins (Munster Rugby, Racing 92)
Glasgow Warriors (Exeter Chiefs, Lyon)
Gloucester Rugby (Lyon, Ulster)
Toulouse (Exeter Chiefs, Ulster Rugby)

2020/21 season weekends
Round 1 – 11/12/13 December 2020
Round 2 – 18/19/20 December 2020
Round 3 – 15/16/17 January 2021
Round 4 – 22/23/24 January 2021
Heineken Champions Cup quarter-finals, 1st leg – 2/3/4 April 2021
Challenge Cup Round of 16 – 2/3/4 April 2021
Heineken Champions Cup quarter-finals, 2nd leg – 9/10/11 April 2021
Challenge Cup quarter-finals – 9/10/11 April 2021
Semi-finals – 30 April – 1/2 May 2021

2021 finals – Stade Vélodrome, Marseille
Challenge Cup final – Friday 21 May
Heineken Champions Cup final – Saturday 22 May

 

Champions Cup 2020/21 Pool, Fixture Dates, and Kick-off times for Munster Rugby

The draw has taken place for the 2020/21 Champions Cup rugby and we have the Pool, Fixture Dates, and Kick-off times for Munster Rugby.

Munster Rugby will renew their European rivalry with ASM Clermont Auvergne and Harlequins in Pool B.

For the purposes of the draw, the 24 clubs which qualified from the Premiership, the PRO14 and the TOP 14 were classified into four tiers based on their performances in the knockout phases of their respective leagues, and/or on their qualifying positions in their respective league tables.

Each tier contained six clubs with Tier 1 made up of the number one and number two ranked clubs from each league, and Tier 2, the number three and number four ranked clubs from each league, and so on.

Starting with Tier 1, the clubs were either drawn or allocated into either Pool A or Pool B so that each pool contained 12 clubs with no clubs in the same tier from the same league in the same pool.

The key principles regarding the pool stage fixtures are that clubs will only play against opponents in the same pool, and clubs from the same league cannot play against one another.

The Tier 1 and Tier 4 clubs which were drawn in the same pool, but which are not from the same league, will play one another home and away over four rounds. The same principle applies to the Tier 2 and Tier 3 clubs which were drawn in the same pool, but which are not from the same league.

The exact dates of the Heineken Champions Cup pool stage fixtures and the Challenge Cup preliminary stage fixtures, including venues, kick-off times and TV coverage, will be announced as soon as possible following consultation with clubs and EPCR’s partner broadcasters.

The four highest-ranked clubs from each Heineken Champions Cup pool will qualify for the quarter-finals which will be played over two legs, and the clubs ranked from number five to number eight in each pool will qualify for the Round of 16 of the Challenge Cup.

Today’s draw, which mapped out the first steps on the journey to the 2021 Marseille finals weekend, was conducted by EPCR Chief Executive, Vincent Gaillard, and by EPCR Commercial and Brand Manager, Anya Alderslade. The event scrutineer was Lausanne-based solicitor, Jean-Guillaume Amiguet.

2020/21 HEINEKEN CHAMPIONS CUP

POOL A (with opponents in brackets)
Bordeaux-Bègles (Dragons, Northampton Saints)
Leinster Rugby (Montpellier, Northampton Saints)
Wasps (Dragons, Montpellier)
Bath Rugby (La Rochelle, Scarlets)
Edinburgh Rugby (La Rochelle, Sale Sharks)
RC Toulon (Sale Sharks, Scarlets)
La Rochelle (Bath Rugby, Edinburgh Rugby)
Sale Sharks (Edinburgh Rugby, RC Toulon)
Scarlets (Bath Rugby, RC Toulon)
Dragons (Bordeaux-Bègles, Wasps)
Montpellier (Leinster Rugby, Wasps)
Northampton Saints (Bordeaux-Bègles, Leinster Rugby)

POOL B (with opponents in brackets)
Exeter Chiefs (Glasgow Warriors, Toulouse)
Lyon (Glasgow Warriors, Gloucester Rugby)
Ulster Rugby (Gloucester Rugby, Toulouse)
Bristol Bears (ASM Clermont Auvergne, Connacht Rugby)
Munster Rugby (ASM Clermont Auvergne, Harlequins)
Racing 92 (Connacht Rugby, Harlequins)
ASM Clermont Auvergne (Bristol Bears, Munster Rugby)
Connacht Rugby (Bristol Bears, Racing 92)
Harlequins (Munster Rugby, Racing 92)
Glasgow Warriors (Exeter Chiefs, Lyon)
Gloucester Rugby (Lyon, Ulster)
Toulouse (Exeter Chiefs, Ulster Rugby)

2020/21 season weekends
Round 1 – 11/12/13 December 2020
Round 2 – 18/19/20 December 2020
Round 3 – 15/16/17 January 2021
Round 4 – 22/23/24 January 2021
Heineken Champions Cup quarter-finals, 1st leg – 2/3/4 April 2021
Challenge Cup Round of 16 – 2/3/4 April 2021
Heineken Champions Cup quarter-finals, 2nd leg – 9/10/11 April 2021
Challenge Cup quarter-finals – 9/10/11 April 2021
Semi-finals – 30 April – 1/2 May 2021

2021 finals – Stade Vélodrome, Marseille
Challenge Cup final – Friday 21 May
Heineken Champions Cup final – Saturday 22 May

“Dúshláin eile i mbliana” dar le Kieran Kingston Chorcaí

Rachaidh Corcaigh agus Port Láirge chun páirce i nDurlas i gcluiche leathcheannais iomána na Mumhan Dé Sathairn.

Is deacair a chreidiúint nár bhuaigh Corcaigh, ceann de na foirne is rathúla sa spórt, Craobh na hÉireann ó 2005. Sin tréimhse an-fhada don chontae seo gan Corn Mhic Cárthaigh a bhuachan.

Beidh Kieran Kingston ag cur tús lena dara tréimhe mar bhainisteoir ar fhoireann cois Laoi gan Eoin Cadogan, Darragh Fitzgibbon ná Robbie O’Flynn ar fáil dó.

Rinneadh obráid ar dhroim Cadogan le déanaí, agus cé go bhfuil feabhas tagtha air, ní bheidh sé réidh do chluiche an deiridh seachtaine seo.

D’imir fear na Dúglaise, ceithre bliana is tríocha, mar lántosaí i gcluiche ceathrú ceannais iomána na hÉireann anuraidh. Chaill na Reibiliúnaigh an cluiche úd i gcoinne Chill Chainnigh.

Ní bheidh Darragh Fitzgibbon, fear óg trí bliana is fiche d’aois, ag imirt in aghaidh Phort Láirge ach an oiread. Rug sé ar ghradam Sárimreoirí Iománaíochta na Bliana 2018, ach tá fadhb aige le teannán ioscaide faoi láthair.

Caillfidh an tosaí Robbie O’Flynn amach Dé Sathairn toisc é bheith ar fionraí.

Tugadh cárta dearg dó sa chluiche sraithe Allianz in aghaidh na Gaillimhe i mí an Mhárta seo caite.

D’admhaigh Kieran Kingston go bhfuil an cosantóir Colm Spillane ar ais i mbun traenála agus go bhfuil seans ann go nglacfaidh sé páirt éigin sa chluiche tráthnóna Dé Sathairn.

Glaodh fir na Carraige Duibhe Daniel Meaney, Tadhg Deasy agus Alan Connolly isteach i scuad Chorcaí tar éis a n-éachtaí i gcraobh Chorcaí le déanaí.

Craobh difriúil i mbliana

Agus é ag caint leis na meáin ag tús na seachtaine, dúirt Kingston go mbeidh dúshláin eile rompu an séasúr seo.

“Is é an rud is tábhachtaí ná na himreoirí a choimeád aclaí agus an coróinvíreas a sheachaint” dar le Kingston. “Caithfimid iad a choimeád lena chéile mar phainéal chomh fada agus is féidir linn.”

Tá bainisteoir Chorcaí ag súil go mór le dul go Durlas ag an deireadh seachtaine.

Dar leis an gcléireach bainc:

“Ní raibh mise ná na himreoirí i nDurlas riamh nuair nach raibh an pháirc cosúil le faiche ghailf. Feicfimid an rud céanna Dé Sathairn.”

Chuir Kieran Kingston deireadh lena chéad tréimhse mar bhainisteoir Chorcaí nuair a chaill a fhoireann i gcoinne na Déise i 2017.

Má chliseann orthu an deireadh seachtaine seo, tá seans ann go mbeidh ar na Corcaígh aghaidh a thabhairt ar Luimneach, ar Thiobraid Árann nó ar An Clár, ceann de na foirne ar an taobh eile den tarraingt sa chúige. Nó b’fhéidir go mbeidh siad ag dul chun coimhlinte i gcoinne na Gaillimhe nó Loch Garman.

Is cuma cé acu fhoireann a bheidh os a gcomhair amach beidh dúshlán ollmhór roimh Chorcaigh corn a bhuachan i mbliana. Tá muintir Chorcaí ag súil le fada le Craobh Iomána na hÉireann eile a thabhairt leo. Feicfimid conas mar atá cúrsaí ag an bhfoireann Dé Sathairn. Seans go mbeidh tuairim níos fearr againn ansin faoi fhéidearthachtaí na foirne seo.

Beidh Corcaigh agus Port Láirge beo ar Sky Sports Mix, leis an gcluiche at tosú ag 3.30.

Galway vs Wexford: Leinster Hurling Preview & Starting Team News

RTÉ Sport are televising Galway vs Wexford this weekend. The westerners are looking to put a poor 2019 in their rearview mirror. Meanwhile, Wexford’s Leinster win last year is something Davy Fitzgerald is hoping to emulate.

The lockdown came at a bad time for Shane O’Neill whose Galway team had just begun putting a string of results together. The 2017 winners had not been themselves after 2018’s final defeat. Now, the lockdown and break from action has been a chance for the squad to reset themselves and mount a new challenge.

2019 was a year of disappointment for the Galwegians. They failed to make it out of Leinster and had a short season as a consequence. But, now a competitive Club Chamionship leaves reason for optimism among Galway supporters. St. Thomas’ won their third title in a row. One of the standouts for St. Thomas’ was Fintan Burke’s performances at full-back. This could make Dáithí Burke free to play further out the field.

However, it is a tough opener for Galway as Wexford proved themselves as the team to beat in Leinster last year. The long break means Davy Fitzgerald enters the Championship with a full squad at his disposal that is perhaps even stronger than last year’s contingent.

But, it remains to be seen how Wexford adapt to Winter Hurling. Likewise, the absence of crowds will not work in Wexford’s favour. Fitzgerald will be hoping they can pick up from where they left off in the League.

Galway are the favourites for this semi-final. Paddy Power price the westerners at 8/11. In contrast, are 11/8 and a draw is 8/1.

RTÉ Sport are broadcasting the game live.

Prediction: Draw.

Leinster Hurling Championship Semi-Final: Galway vs Wexford, Saturday, October 31st, 18:15 (Croke Park). 

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

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

https://twitter.com/OfficialWexGAA/status/1321074366654853120

Dublin vs Kilkenny – Leinster Hurling – Preview & Starting Team News

Dublin kicked off the 2020 Hurling Championship with a win against Laois last weekend. After such a long absence from inter-county action, the hurling calendar is suddenly very hectic. Now, it’s Dublin vs Kilkenny in the Leinster semi-final.

Click for Team News & Live Score Commentary

Against Laois, Dublin scored an impressive 2-31. In addition, they kept the goals out at the other end, conceding 0-23. This solidity in their own defence will be important when coming up against last year’s runners-up.

Donal Burke was the Dubs’ top scorer with a personal tally of 1-16. Furthermore, Eamon Dillon hit 1-1 off the bench. In total, the Sky Blues had ten different scorers, something Mattie Kenny will be very pleased about.

Kenny made a couple of interesting calls for this game. Firstly, Chris Cummey was handed a new role. Last year’s captain is best known for being a half-back. However, on this occasion he found himself in the half-forward line and justified the selection with two points.

Secondly, Kenny left ex-All-Star Liam Rushe on the bench alongside experienced performers like Dillon, Shane Barrett and Mark Shutte. All of these came on to make their mark. It will be interesting to see if Kenny decides to stick or twist for the Kilkenny game.

Last year, Dublin suffered a shock to Laois. This time around, such an upset never looked on the cards. But, with the absence of a group stage, Dublin need to hit take the game to their Leinster counterparts.

Cats Primed to Pounce

Kilkenny made it all the way to the All-Ireland final last year despite losing the Leinster finale to Wexford. In fact, they knocked out holders Limerick on the way to doing so.

Earlier in the year, Kilkenny had qualified for the League quarter-final but had been less than convincing in doing so. However, the return of the Ballyhale Shamrocks contingent is a major boost to Brian Cody’s squad. Likewise, Adrian Mullen’s return from injury makes him a solid offering.

The winter Championship has proved fruitful for Kilkenny before. In 1909, they won the All-Ireland Final on the 12th December. Currently, this year’s final is scheduled for the 13th of December. Hence, Kilkenny fans will be hoping history repeats itself.

Paddy Power aren’t expecting an upset for this one. Kilkenny are 3/10 as opposed to Dublin’s 3/1. A draw is 10/1.

The game is live on GAA GO.

Prediction: Kilkenny.

Leinster Hurling Championship Semi-Final: Dublin vs Kilkenny, Saturday, October 31st, 15:45 (Croke Park).

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

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

https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1320075970070667272

Waterford vs Limerick: Munster Football – Preview & Starting Teams News

After all the doubt and all the rumours surrounding this year’s football Championship, it is back. To add to the excitement, the Winter setting is sure to throw up a few left-field results. In Munster, Waterford vs Limerick kicks off the action.

These teams met all the way back in January in Division 4 of the National League. On that day, Limerick claimed a three-point win that set the trend for the rest of both counties’ League campaigns.

Limerick eventually topped the Division. Before the lockdown, Billy Lee’s side were in pole position for promotion. But, a defeat to Wexford in the first game back threatened to spoil the party. A win in Sligo in the final round ensured they got the finish they deserved.

Last season, Limerick’s Championship campaign left a lot to be desired. An opening win over Tipperary was a promising sign. But, they never came close to Cork in the Munster semi-final. Next, Westmeath eliminated them from the qualifiers in round 2.

Lee will be hoping that his side can take some of the confidence of their League win into their Championship. With no qualifiers this year, there is no time for settling in.

Meanwhile, Waterford lost to Antrim in their final League game. But, there was positives for the Munster side. Previously, they sat out round 6 because of London’s unavailability. Then, the Antrim fixture was on the verge of being called off. The Waterford players voiced concerns over having to isolate after traveling to Northern Ireland. Thankfully, Antrim agreed to meet them halfway. As a result, they got a much-needed match under their belt. Yet, they will still wish they had more time to prepare for this one.

Waterford have not beaten Limerick in the Championship since 1981. Without the guarantee of a second game this year, they need to be ready to go toe-to-toe with teams.

Limerick are favourites are 1/3. On the other hand, Waterford are 3/1 and a draw is 8/1 with Paddy Power. The game is live on GAA GO.

Prediction: Limerick.

Munster Football Championship Quarter-FInal: Waterford vs Limerick, Saturday, October 31st, 7pm (Fraher Field).

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/could-mayos-relegation-be-a-blessing-in-disguise/

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/could-mayos-relegation-be-a-blessing-in-disguise/

https://www.gaa.ie/fixtures-results/

Drogheda United clinch Irish First Division title after last day drama

They will now play in the Irish Premier Division for the 2021 season

All ten teams kicked off at the same time tonight to draw the 2020 First Division season to a close. There was no lack of drama as there was plenty at stake, particularly for clubs at the top half of the division.

Drogheda vs. Cabinteely

Drogheda took on Cabinteely at Stradbrook Road in one of tonight’s most decisive fixtures. There was far-reaching implications for both teams based on the result. Drogheda ran out winners which ultimately meant they claimed the league title and automatic promotion to the Premier Division. Goals from James Brown and Luke Heeney ensured their victory. On the other side of things, Cabinteely missed out on a promotion play-off place as a result of their defeat at the hands of Drogheda and fixtures elsewhere. Both teams met last season in the promotion/relegation play-off semi-final. Like tonight, Drogheda came out on top as they ran away with a 6-2 aggregate win before they lost to Finn Harps in the final. Losing a play-off final can be demoralising for any team but Drogheda showed their heart and determination throughout the season. They battled for promotion until the penultimate day of the season where they made their dreams a reality.

Bray Wanderers vs. Athlone Town

Bray Wanderers managed to pick up a victory against Athlone, but they’ll be disappointed after Drogheda picked up a result. Before the match, one point separated 2nd placed Bray from Drogheda. That remains the same after tonight as both teams managed to win. If Drogheda had lost – or even drew – against Cabinteely, Bray would be celebrating promotion to the Premier Division tonight. Unfortunately for them, that was not the case. Their season is far from over yet, though. Finishing 2nd means they await a play-off semi-final against the winners of the play-off quarter finals. If they can come out of the semi-final with a win, they’ll then face the 2nd team from last in the Premier Division to determine if they go up or stay down.

Elsewhere in the division, there were no less than five teams battling for a promotion play-off place. The teams in question were; UCD, Longford Town, Cabinteely, Galway United and Cobh Ramblers. As mentioned previously, Cabinteely missed out on a spot due to their result against Drogheda.

Longford Town vs. Wexford FC

Longford Town were in the most enviable position prior to kick off as they took on league strugglers Wexford FC. Wexford picked up just 5 points all season before tonight. However, in a shock result Wexford managed to defeat Longford by 2-1. Goals from Karl Fitzsimmons and former Longford man Jack Doherty secured a win for Wexford. Despite their loss, Longford still managed to secure a play-off spot due to UCD’s draw against Galway. This is the second year in a row that Longford have reached the play-offs after tonight. Last season they were cruelly knocked out on penalties at the hands of Cabinteely. They’ll be anticipating they can get further than the quarter finals this time. Although, they’re going to have to put in a better performance than they did tonight if they wish to do so.

UCD vs. Galway United

UCD could only manage a draw at Eamonn Deacy Park against fellow play-off chasers Galway United, but it would be enough for them to clinch a play-off spot. UCD were 3 points ahead of Galway and Cobh Ramblers pre match, meaning a draw would be sufficient as long as either Longford or Cabinteely drew or lost. They just about managed a draw in the end as Galway were leading until the 81st minute when UCD pulled one back. They would score a further goal in the 89th minute before Galway drew level again in the 93rd minute from a 30-yard Shane Duggan screamer. Galway will be cursing their luck as they had a play-off spot secured until the 81st minute, but they needed to win the game in order to have any chance of getting a play-off spot. UCD will now face Longford Town in the play-off quarter finals in their next fixture. They were relegated from the Premier Division last season so they’ll be hoping they can right their wrongs and gain promotion back to the division at the first time of asking.

Cobh Ramblers vs. Shamrock Rovers II

Cobh Ramblers played Shamrock Rovers II in what was the least dramatic match of the night. Cobh Ramblers still had a *slim* chance of promotion before the match but they failed to capitalize as they played out a 0-0 draw. Good result for Shamrock Rovers II as they fielded several young players including Kevin Zefi (15) and Sam Curtis (14).

Drogheda United can look forward to playing in the Premier Division next season. Longford, UCD and Bray, on the other hand, will be planning for their upcoming play-off games.

Longford and UCD will play each other first and the winner of that game will play Bray in the play-off semi-final. The victor of the semi-final will be involved in a relegation/promotion play-off final against the 2nd last team in the Premier Division – which is yet to be decided.

How teams are treating the advanced mark

The introduction of the advanced mark to Gaelic football at the start of 2020 was a polarising one. Purists argued that it would make the game too defensive and that teams would condense their own ’45 to stop forwards catching the ball cleanly. The opposing view argued that it would re-introduce the kick-pass to a game where running the ball had become the popular option.

Obviously, there were pros and cons to the rule. For example, teams with taller players were at an obvious aerial advantage. But, to counter the argument that teams were going to adopt defensive set-ups, kick-passing often moves the ball too quickly for teams to get enough bodies back into their ’45.

Old Habits Die Hard

However, since its introduction, the advanced mark has been used less frequently than one may have expected. Instead, the running game that has been drilled into many teams is proving hard to shake. Even when the ball does get kicked, forwards often elect to run it rather than take on the mark.

For example, in the return of the National League Donegal played Tyrone. In the first-half, Donegal talisman Michael Murphy collected a kick-pass on the ’21 on the right-hand side of the pitch. Instead of claiming the mark and taking a free (note that Murphy is Donegal’s primary free-taker), he carried on and shook off his marker to kick a lovely left-footed score. But, had he missed that chance his decision not to take the mark would have been criticised.

Over time it may become a case that the mark is the go-to for forwards. Meanwhile, it seems like old habits die hard. In the final round of the National League last weekend, only five scores were kicked from marks in the four Division 1 games. Tyrone’s win over Mayo was a game that yielded no scores as a result of marked balls.

In addition to this, Tyrone’s second goal in that game is evidence of how the new rule is not affecting the game negatively. Just before half-time, Tyrone’s Conor McKenna picked up the ball around halfway. Then, he kicked a Connelly-esque ball inside to Dara Canavan. Mayo’s Oisin Mullin was the defender responsible for Canavan and to his credit Mullin did nothing wrong. He was marking in front and to the wingside of his man. But, such was the accuracy of the ball that it landed on Canavan’s chest. As a result, the Tyrone forward was goalside of his man. Using his pace, Canavan opted to run the ball and ended up finding the net.

Of course, he could have graced the pass with a mark. But, some kick passes deserve more than a point.

Will the Mark alter tactics?

As a result, the advanced mark is having the desired effect of encouraging more kick-passes. Thus far, forwards are only giving it a second-thought after first looking to play on.

This could bridge the gap between weaker and stronger teams. If weaker teams can use the rule effectively, they can pick off points against stronger opposition when forwards may be isolated inside.

On the other hand, we could see the use of sweepers re-introduced. Otherwise, teams will have to pressurise their opposition much higher up the pitch. This type of game would make the middle-third a much more competitive battleground.

A faster game as a result of increased kick-passing would be an improvement in many eyes. This could come with its own downsides though. For example, if a ball moves the length of the pitch in two passes will the referee be close enough to the action to make accurate decisions? This could result in the GAA mimicking the AFL and using multiple referees.

The rule is still in its infancy. Therefore, the teething problems are following it (Aidan O’Shea’s misunderstanding of the rule last weekend is one example). With the Championship about the commence though, we will see the rule have its true effect.

Championship football differs from League in that teams will do what it takes to win. Hence, exploitation of the advanced mark could be incoming. But, for now the evidence has been promising. In the coming weeks, it will be of great interest to see how teams utilise the prompt to kick the ball.

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Greenwatch: A Brace for Alan Browne

Premier League

Firstly to Anfield where John Egan and co failed, despite their best efforts, to hang onto the draw as Sheffield United narrowly lost to champions Liverpool. Egan and fellow international Enda Stevens had a front four of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah to contest with. After taking an early lead, the Blades went home with nothing to show for in spite of Egan’s best efforts.

At the Amex Stadium on Monday night, West Bromwich Albion grabbed a late equaliser against Brighton Hove Albion. Callum Robinson came off the bench to set up Karlan Grant for his first goal for the Baggies. Dara O’Shea missed the game with a suspected ankle injury.

Championship

Both James McClean and Alan Browne made the Whoscored.com ‘Team of the Week’. Michael O’Neill’s Stoke City team gained all three points after an impressive performance against Brentford. James McClean put in a man of the match display with a goal and assist as his team won 3-2. At the back, Nathan Collins continued his run in the team. He will have one eye on the Irish senior squad as we head towards the World Cup qualifiers next year.

Preston North End also enjoyed a successful Saturday afternoon thanks to an Alan Browne brace. Browne’s performance against Slovakia in Ireland’s play-off game drew some criticism after he missed a couple of crucial chances. Two goals for the Irishman was the perfect way to respond to the critics. His first goal was a well-placed finish into the corner of the net, his second a cheeky dink over the keeper with his back to goal.

Elsewhere in the Championship, Adam Idah saw red in Norwich City’s 2-1 win over Wycombe Wanderers. Blackburn Rovers thrashed Coventry City 4-0 as Irish pair Darragh Lenihan and Derrick Williams claimed a clean sheet. Williams in particular has impressed his manager Tony Mowbray so far this season.

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