Home Blog Page 446

Guinness Six Nations – Ireland v Italy – Andy Farrell’s reaction

Ireland’s Guinness Six Nations dream is still alive following their 50-17 win over Italy at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

Speaking after the game, Ireland Head Coach Andy Farrell was happy with the bonus-point win.

“We got out of it what we wanted to – the bonus-point win. It takes us into the final week and we’re still in the hunt.”

Though the concession of a late try was frustrating, overall Farrell said he thought “we defended so well. I thought we created out own energy. We had great energy, great line speed. We got some good turnovers on the back of it. We were a bit frustrated in the end, but I thought our defence was excellent today.”

Work ethic was good

The Englishman was impressed with the debutants and less experienced players’ performances, with Hugh Keenan, Will Connors and Dave Heffernan in particular shining.

“The work ethic is there for all to see. I’m delighted for all of the lads. They played exceptional all of them. I’m just gutted their parents could have been here to see the game. They’ve worked so hard taking them around the country. They deserved to be here, but anyway, it is what it is.”

Centre Garry Ringrose left the field during the game for a HIA after a knock to the jaw. Farrell explained however that he passed the HIA but looked to have fractured his jaw.

“It looks like he’s had some back luck. He had a bang to the jaw. It doesn’t look too great. It looks as though he could have some type of fracture. He looks like he could be out for 4, 5, 6 weeks.”

It was later confirmed that Ringrose had in fact sustained a broken jaw.

Paris next weekend

Looking ahead to next weekend, the Irish management team is well aware of the task facing Ireland. If they achieve a bonus point win in Paris, they could be crowned 2020 Guinness Six Nations Champions.

Farrell is aware of the difficulty of winning in Paris:

“Next week, it’s a tall order to go to Paris and win over there. We know that if we got a bonus point, we could win the Trophy. That’s a tall order, isn’t it? We’ve got to make sure we analyse this performance and assess where we’re at and try and get better next week.”

He knows well it’s one thing beating Italy in Dublin, but beating the French in Paris will require a much improved overall performance from his side.

“We’re going to have to be better in all aspects of our game,” Farrell admitted. “They’re a formidable side, especially over there in Paris. We need to be better across the board. A little more composure on the ball at times would help. We’re in the hunt though. We should be looking forward to it as well.”

Irish trainers win Group 1 races at Doncaster and Saint-Cloud

Irish trainers Jim Bolger and Aidan O’Brien both won Group 1 races abroad on Saturday. Bolger trained MacSwiney to win the Vertem Trophy and Doncaster, while Aidan O’Brien was successful with Van Gogh at Saint-Cloud.

MacSwiney, who won a Group 2 on soft ground at The Curragh in August displayed his stamina and tenacity in the final British Group 1 of the season to win by three-quarters of a length.

The winner (12/1) was last to challenge under Kevin Manning as he overhauled eventual third Baradar (9/1) and held of the 6/4f One Ruler.

It was a first British Group 1 for Manning since Pléascach took the 2015 Yorkshire Oaks.

The winning rider said of MacSwiney:

“He’s got a great attitude and didn’t fight me through the race, but at the business end he’s there when you want him.”

Named after Terence MacSwiney

The colt is named after the Irish playwright and politician Terence MacSwiney, who died 100 years ago on 25 October 1920, in Brixton prison. The Cork man had been on hunger strike have been placed in Brixton charged with sedition.

“I must have known he was good back in January when I named him Mac Swiney” said winning trainer Jim Bolger. “It wouldn’t have been good for me or anyone around here to name a horse after a Cork man if he wasn’t very good”, he joked.

“He’s one of our outstanding patriots and I’m thrilled for his memory that this fellow was able to go back to England 100 years after his death and win like he did.”

Van Gogh wins French Group 1

Van Gogh produced an impressive burst of speed to win the Group One Criterium International for Aidan O’Brien at Saint-Cloud.

Ridden by French jockey Pierre-Charles Boudot, Van Gogh was last of the six runners until entering the home straight. Boudot quickly moved the 2-year-old to the rail on the stand side before he ran on for a comfortable victory.

It was a first European Group 1 win for the colt’s sire, American Pharoah, as Van Gogh won by our lengths from long-time leader Normandy Bridge.

Though it was his seventh career start, it was Van Gogh first race on heavy ground, something he seemed to relish.

Winning jockey, Boudot, said of the winner:

“He is impressive. Aidan told me before the race that he needed cover, for a nice trip and be relaxed. He has a nice turn of foot. He is still green and tricky when he arrived in front, but he won in very good style.”

Watch: Controversy as Manchester United draw with Chelsea

What promised to be an exciting affair was anything but that as the match finished goalless

Solsjkaer took on Lampard today as the two managers aimed to gain valuable points in what has been a disappointing Premier League campaign for both clubs thus far.

Although we’re just a handful of games into the season, United have had a rollercoaster of a season so far. They’ve had low points and high points. For example, they suffered an embarrassing 6-1 loss to Spurs earlier in the season but have also defeated last seasons Champions League finalists PSG during the week.

Chelsea have also had a similarly disappointing season. Despite their big spending during the summer, they’ve failed to live up to expectations. They drew to Schalke midweek and gave up a three-goal lead last weekend as they drew with Southampton.

Both teams could have done with a win today but unfortunately that wasn’t the case. There was an air of excitement before the game, but the fixture certainly didn’t live up to expectations.

There really wasn’t many talking points in the game, but one moment that stood out was an incident between Harry Maguire and Cezar Azpilicueta in the United box. Maguire appeared to grab hold of Azpilicueta and obstruct him from getting a proper header on the ball. VAR apparently took a look although it wasn’t shown on screen. They deemed it wasn’t a penalty. It’s a difficult one because we have seen penalties given for similar incidents in the past. On another day it could have easily been a spot kick.

Arguably, the best opportunity of the match came in the 35th minute – in a match where there wasn’t many chances. Marcus Rashford was slipped in after a good through ball by Bruno Fernandes. He shot low and hard, but Mendy managed to stretch his legs just enough to turn it around the post.

There’s a case that Edouard Mendy could have been man of the match. Although he didn’t have an awful lot to come up against, he did he job well as he saved a handful of shots of varying difficulty. There was one shaky moment where a shaky pass from the keeper narrowly avoided going into his own net, but other than that he was very comfortable between the sticks.

Cavani came on for him Manchester United debut in the 57th minute along with Paul Pogba. It was Cavani’s first game of professional football in nearly a year. That didn’t stop him from getting straight into the action, however. Seconds after he came on, he very nearly scored with his first touch after instinctive movement inside the box. Unfortunately for him though, it was the wrong side of the net.

Cavani had one more opportunity towards the end of the match but his shot was blocked inside the box by his former teammate, Thiago Silva. The pair had spent 7 years together at PSG so they would have been very familiar with each other.

Other than that, there really wasn’t much more entertainment on show. Both teams failed to hold onto possession for long periods of time and they were generally sloppy.

After tonight’s result, Manchester United sit in 15th while Chelsea move up to 6th for the time being.

United take on Arsenal next Sunday in what is another tough fixture while Chelsea have an away trip to Turf Moor as they are set to face Burnley.

Keenan, Connors and Heffernan star as Ireland get win over Italy

Irish debutants Hugo Keenan, Will Connors and Dave Heffernan shined in their Test match debuts for the Ireland Rugby team this afternoon, as Andy Farrell’s side romped to victory against Italy. After eight months side-lined due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Guinness Six Nations tournament returned this weekend to the Aviva Stadium. 

BONUS POINT

After a moderately slow start, Farrell’s side took control of the tie once the 20-minute mark hit. CJ Stander opened the scoring for the boys in green in the 8th minute with his second try of the season. But it was the new boys who shone today in the capital, after breath-taking performances from Hugo Keenan and Will Connors. 

Keenan, who had a try disallowed in the first half, came away from the game with two separate tries to his name. 

While Leinster flanker Will Connors finished the game with a Man of the Match performance. Connors shone this afternoon after 9 carries and a debut Test match try. In addition, Connaught’s Dave Heffernan also saw himself on the scoresheet with a third debut try for the squad. 

All three debutants played vital roles in a game which saw Ireland gain a bonus point in their fight to win their fifth Six Nations Championship. Ireland currently now sit top of the table with 14 points, a point ahead of England and France.

PARIS INCOMING

Ireland now travel to Paris to face rivals France in what will turn out to be a decisive moment both of their seasons. All eyes will be on the fixture as both teams hope for England to slip-up against Italy and fail to gain the bonus point. 

Ireland will be hopeful to keep up their performances after a good opening to the restart of the tournament. Captain Johnny Sexton helped the team to victory, converting five conversions from six attempts and bagging himself a try in the 65th minute. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIlhqvFOwk8 

Centre Bundee Aki also got on the scoresheet just three minutes after Sexton’s try, while Ross Byrne managed to convert in the 80th minute from Heffernan’s debut try. 

While it was a comfortable afternoon for Farrell’s side, Irish fans will be anxiously awaiting the result from England’s closing fixture. After a lapse in concentration from the Irish defence late in the game, another debutant got on the scoresheet. Italy’s Paolo Garbisi converted from his own try score deep into the game. 

While the bonus point stay in Dublin, fans can only hope that lapse of judgement doesn’t come back to haunt the team next Saturday.

GAA League Division two – Roscommon are champions with Cavan relegated

GAA Football Division 2 round-up – Roscommon are champions, Kildare also promoted with Cavan and Fermanagh relegated

 

Cavan vs Roscommon 

Roscommon eased to victory in Cavan and have been crowned Division 2 football champions. The game finished on a score line of 0-12 to 1-12, with Enda Smith’s second half goal proving decisive. For Cavan, they have remarkably been relegated to Division 3 following a late comeback by Laois against Fermanagh. Clare had beaten Cavan earlier in the year, and so survive the drop on the head-to-head. Roscommon led all the way and the score line was somewhat flattering to Cavan in the end. 

 

Clare vs Armagh

Armagh have also been promoted along with Roscommon following a 1-18 to 1-13 win over Clare in Ennis. This game was closer than the score suggests however as it was 0-9 to 1-7 in favour of Armagh at half-time as Callum Comiskey scored an early goal. The game was also level in the final 10 minutes at 1-13 apiece. From here, Oisin O’ Neill scored two points in a row as Armagh scored the final 5 points of the game. As previously mentioned, Clare avoid relegation on head-to-head.

 

Fermanagh vs Laois

Laois claim the points and save their division 2 status in Enniskillen following a dramatic late comeback finishing 3-12 to 1-11. Fermanagh looked home and hosed with less than 15 minutes to play following a Tomas Corrigan goal which left the score as 1-10 to 0-7. From here Kieran Lillis saw red for Laois and relegation looked a certainty for the O’Moore county. However, a dramatic late comeback saw Laois score 3 late goals to preserve their Division 2 status and relegate Cavan in doing so. Fermanagh had already been relegated prior to today’s fixtures.

Kildare vs Westmeath 

Kildare have pulled off an impressive 0-16 to 0-11 win over Westmeath in Newbridge. However, this was not enough to secure promotion. Kildare led by 8 points to 5 at the break and continued their advantage until the end. Had Armagh slipped up against Clare, which looked possible at one point, Kildare would have been promoted. Jack O’ Connor will be happy with his sides last two wins to finish the league following a shaky start. Kildare look to be in decent shape ahead of the championship.

 

Elsewhere in Division 4, Wicklow have been promoted along with Wexford Following a 0-13 to 0-10 win over the Slaney-siders.

 

Kerry cruise to victory and win Division One league title 2020

Kerry are Division 1 champions for the 21st following a 2-19 to 0-10 win over Donegal.

In truth, this game was never really in doubt after Sean O’Shea and Gavin White netted first half- goals for Kerry. This left the score line as 2-9 to 1-8 at half-time. From here Kerry never looked back as Tony Brosnan, Dave Clifford and Sean O’ Shea lead the way for the Kingdom. 

Donegal will be forgiven for having one eye on next week’s Ulster Championship clash with Tyrone, however, they would have hoped for a better performance to take into that one with a strong team out.

This result leaves the Galway vs Dublin game tomorrow as a dead rubber. Had all games been played at the same time, we may have been in for a more exciting finish at the top of Division 1.

Division 4 National League Preview

There are only three games going ahead in the Division 4 National League this weekend due to London’s continued unavailability. All games have an important say in who will be promoted though. Firstly, the winner of Wexford vs Wicklow will secure themselves a Division 3 place. Next, Limerick will join them if they overcome Sligo. However, if the Connacht side win, they have an outside chance of squeezing into the top two. Likewise, Antrim are in the hunt for promotion but need to beat Waterford.

Last weekend, Wicklow were emphatic against Antrim. Their seven-goals was enough to win a game in itself. As a result, they are tied top of Division 4 and need one of the favourites for promotion.

But, Wexford returned to action with a win of their own. Despite going to Limerick with a depleted squad, they ran out three-point winners. That was a much-needed confidence boost for a team that has been shrouded with uncertainty. Paul Galvin stepped away as manager just a month before the restart. Then, four positive Covid-19 tests ruled out a host of players for Galvin’s replacement Shane Roche. With this in mind, Wexford’s win last weekend is even more impressive. If they can carry that momentum into round 7, they will see themselves in Division 3 next season.

Prediction: Wicklow.

Limerick could have sealed promotion with a result over Wexford. Instead, they need to defeat Sligo to go up to Division 3. They hit just three first-half points against Wexford. In fact, it took a triple substitution at the midpoint to give the Munster men a boost. Billy Lee will be keen to ensure his team start quicker this time around.

Sligo will relish the battle with Limerick. In their own restart, they lost to Carlow at the death. As a result, their promotion hopes have thinned. Yet, a win over Limerick would give make it possible. Paul Taylor’s side face Galway in the Championship two weeks later. A promotion would provide his team with much-welcome encouragement heading into this one. They have nothing to gain from a draw. So, expect them to play off the cuff.

Prediction: Limerick.

On Thursday morning, Waterford issued a lengthy statement announcing their concession of the round 7 game against Antrim. The statement cited players’ concerns over needing to isolate after travelling north of the border as the reason. However, Antrim have since offered to sacrifice their home game in order to fulfil the fixture.

As a result, the game will now take place in Dundalk. Antrim could have taken the two points from Waterford without even playing. But, they instead stated their desire to win the game in a deserving manner:  “We believe that the integrity of the league needs to be upheld. If we are good enough to collect two points we will do it in a fair and manly manner on the field of play.”

This game is effectively a dead-rubber for Waterford. Still, it is an opportunity to get some match practice ahead of the Championship. They play Limerick the following week in the Munster quarter-final.

A victory for Antrim will put them in the promotion mix. It’s a big ask though as other results also need to go their way. Last week, their thrashing at the hands of Wicklow left much to be desired.

Prediction: Antrim.

Division 4 National League: (All games throw-in at 2pm on Saturday, October 24th) 

Wexford vs Wicklow (Chadwick’s Wexford Park).

Sligo vs Limerick (Markievicz Park).

Antrim vs Waterford (Dundalk).

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/wicklowgaa/status/1318087918687223808

Dublin vs Laois: Hurling Championship Preview Starting Team, Live scores

Last year, Dublin vs Laois saw the Dubs knocked out of the Championship at the preliminary quarter-final stage. After great performances that saw them qualify from their group ahead of Galway, they were stunned by Laois. The two-point win put Laois on the map as a hurling county. With that in mind, there is sure to be some added spice to this year’s tie.

CLICK HERE FOR DUBLIN V LAOIS LIVE SCORES

Dublin captain Chris Cumney is personally looking forward to the resumption of GAA Championships: “You realise how lucky we are and how massive an opportunity it is to play championship in the winter months. We’re very grateful for the GAA and public health authorities giving it the go-ahead.”

Cumney underwent surgery in February and was on tight schedule to return for the initial Championship dates. Now, he has had a chance to do is rehab and is looking forward to the knock-out format.

On the other hand, Laois have proven they can win this fixture and will be excited to try and replicate the feat. The defeated side enter the qualifiers. Therefore, any team has the chance to play off the cuff and teams like Laois will undoubtedly do so.

Both these counties’ U20 sides won in midweek. But, the remainder of that Championship has been postponed. Therefore, either management squad may make use of their youngsters.

The winner plays a week later in the Leinster semi-final against Kilkenny.

Team News

Dublin (Laois) Alan Nolan, Paddy Smith, Eoghan O’Donnell, James Madden, Conor Burke, Daire Gray, Cian O’Callaghan, Sean Moran, Rian McBride, Cian Boland, Chris Crummey, Danny Sutcliff, Donal Burke, David Keogh and Ronan Hayes

Laois (Dublin): Enda Rowland; Lee Cleere, Sean Downey, Donnchadh Hartnett; Ronan Broderick, Padraig Delaney, Ryan Mullaney; Fiachra C Fennell, Patrick Purcell; Aaron Dunphy, Willie Dunphy, James Ryan; James Keyes, Ross King, Stephen Maher.

Sky Sports are showing the game live.

Predition: Dublin. Last year’s defeat will be in the back of their mind and will be an extra incentive. However, Laois know defeat would mean a short season and they would love a crack at Kilkenny. It will be every bit as close as last year but we expect Dublin to qualify.

Dublin vs Laois: Leinster Hurling Championship. Saturday, October 24th, 6pm (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/1318822849294094343

Sir Dragonet defeats Armory in the 100th Ladbrokes Cox Plate

Sir Dragonet beat his former stablemate Armory to land the 100th Ladbrokes Cox Plate at Moonee Valley this morning. The favourite Russian Camelot finished in third.

The winning four-year-son of Camelot was second to Magical in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at The Curragh in June. Sir Dragonet is now trained jointly by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace and was previously handled by Aidan O’Brien at Ballydoyle. Ozzie Kerr bought the colt from the Coolmore partners Ozzie Kerr last August.

This morning’s victory was a first Ladbrokes Cox Plate for former jump jockey Ciaron Maher, who has previously won four Grand Annual Steeplechases.

Even though he hadn’t won since the 2019 Chester Vase, Sir Dragonet was sent off at 13-2 for the 10-furlong weight-for-age Group 1.

Sir Dragonet broke slowly

Though Sir Dragonet broke slowly from stall 6, Boss found himself towards the rear of midfield for much of the AUD$5 million 14-runner contest.

Grandslam led until just before the home bend with Russian Camelot (5/2f) moving into contention. The favourite briefly led two furlongs out, with Irish challenger Armory (13/2) looking comfortable.

Glen Boss moved Sir Dragonet off the rail as they entered the home straight and the former Ballydoyle inmate powered clear to win by a comfortable length-and-a-half. Aidan O’Brien’s Armory outstaying the Irish-bred Russian Camelot for the runner-up spot.

Hugh Bowman was the intended rider for Sir Dragonet. When he got suspended Glen Boss was called in to replace him.

Boss said after winning his fourth Cox Plate:

“This is unbelievable. I couldn’t have scripted the run any better. He was up for the task.”

Joseph O’Brien’s Buckhurst, who only got into the race yesterday on the withdrawal of Magic Wand, finished 10th.

Sir Dragonet’s Ladbrokes Cox Plate now guarantees him a place in the Melbourne Cup on 2 November.

This morning’s result was a victory for Coolmore as the first three horses are by the Tippperary stud’s stallions. The winner and third are by Camelot, while Armory, the runner-up is by Galileo.

Kerry vs Donegal: Division 1 – Preview, starting teams & live scores

Last weekend’s results saw some major changes in the Division 1 table. Kerry’s win on the road against Monaghan sees them in the driving seat. Now, they are just a point in the lead but they have the home advantage in round 7. Meanwhile, Donegal distanced themselves from relegation with a win over Tyrone. In fact, they could even find themselves in the top two if results go their way. Kerry vs Donegal has a 2pm throw-in on Saturday.

CLICK HERE FOR LIVE SCORES

Kerry’s efficiency in front of goal saw them cruise to victory in Monaghan. David Clifford returned to regularly scheduled shooting with 0-6. Likewise, Tony Brosnan contributed 0-3 to put his hand up for selection.

In addition, defenders Jason Foley, Gavin White and Paul Murphy all found the target to add some threat from deep. When they play Donegal, these driving runs will be needed to penetrate the ’45.

However, Donegal have plenty of attacking options in their own right. Jamie Brennan and Niall O’Donnell scored 1-4 between them from the half-forward line. In addition to this, Ryan McHugh reminded everyone why he’s among the best with 0-3 from wing-back.

If Kerry’s half-backs match up with Donegal’s half-forwards as they should on paper, this game will be free-flowing. Donegal have nothing to lose. As a result, we may see them take the game to Kerry and make the Kingdom earn the title.

Team News

Kerry travelled without Jack Barry, Paul Geaney, Stephen O’Brien and James O’Donoghue. These are four of the first fifteen who will need minutes before the Championship. Therefore, Peter Keane could introduce these familiar faces against Donegal if available.

But, the likes of Paudie Clifford, Killian Spillane, Tony Brosnan, and Dara Moynihan are offering an exciting dimension to the attack. Keane could opt to experiment with his forwards. It also remains to be seen where Tommy Walsh will be primarily deployed.

Donegal were without Patrick McBrearty, who limped out of a recent challenge game against Roscommon. Michael Langan and Odhrán McFadden-Ferry were also absent. Declan Bonner may opt against risking these players even if available next weekend. Donegal face Tyrone in the first round of the Championship. As a result, Bonner will be torn between saving such players and giving them some much needed match practice.

Kerry (Donegal): Shane Ryan; Jason Foley, Tadhg Morley, Tom O’Sullivan; Paul Murphy, Peter Crowley, Gavin White; David Moran, Diarmuid O’Connor; Micheal Burns, Sean O’Shea, Ronan Buckley; Tony Brosnan, David Clifford, Dara Moynihan.

Donegal (Kerry) Stephen Ryan, Gordon Kelly, Cillian Brennan, Eoghan Collins, Pearse Lillias, Aaron Fitzgerald, Alan Sweeney, Cathal O’Connor, Ciaran Russell, Emmet McMahon, Eoin Cleary, Jamie Malone, Kerman Sexton, Joe McGann, Cian O’Dea

Prediction: 

Kerry. The Kingdom’s firepower up front is arguably the best around. Even if Keane opts for some rotation, the new faces will be keen to show their worth. On the other hand, Donegal have no reason to take major risks so Bonner will likely disperse some game-time among the squad.

Kerry vs Donegal: Division 1, Saturday, October 24th, 2pm (Tralee). 

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/1317872693522333696

1...445446447...598Page 446 of 598

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

ABOUT US

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

Contact us: Email: info@sportsnewsireland.com

FOLLOW US

Design by SportsMediaIreland.ie